The power of prayer is an incredible thing. At Philanthropy, we know that prayer is something important – but let us attempt to explain how much the Lord blesses us every day. About a year ago, Philanthropy started The Prayer Wall based on a story of a personal battle with cancer, and a mission set on our hearts from one of our customers. A random interaction turned into a very important day for all of us.
The following article, containing dozens of spiritual quotes by our United States Presidents, is taken from Ed Moore's book, Prayer Force One: Across America. It is presented here in order to preserve the foundations of our nation's spiritual heritage. You may order Ed Moore's book by clicking on the book at the right.
Each year, students gather around their school's flag pole for SYATP - the Global Day of Student Prayer. This year, SYATP is on September 25 and we want to show the power of prayer in the Nashville community.
Welcome to The Belonging! We are a Church that loves God and loves people. We are passionate about seeing people encounter God through worship, and experience the freedom that comes through knowing Jesus. Whoever you are, and wherever you come from, you are welcome!
A clarion call has been made to gather the saints for a grassroots effort across the state of Tennessee. We will serve those in authority from the Courthouse to the White House. We will serve through intercession for and interaction with governmental leaders in order to impact our cities, our state and nation. We will not only minister to those in the high place, but also those in the forgotten place. We will discern the heartbeat of cities and communities from mayors and city and county officials to determine how we can best serve those in authority. May we rise up rather than fall back in this hour and walk through the gates of government to serve with the heart and mind of Christ.My momma used to say, “I can’t stand a hypocrite.” Another word she had for this type of person was, two-faced.
And I get where she was going with that!
So just what is a hypocrite?
A hypocrite is a good actor. They say one thing and do another. They pretend to be something they are not.
When the scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating, Jesus replied,
“Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Mark 7:6 NIV
So, what else does the Bible say about a hypocrite?
When a hypocrite gives, they want people to know they’re giving Matthew 6:2
When a hypocrite prays, they want people to know they’re praying Matthew 6:5
When a hypocrite fasts, they want people to know they’re fasting Matthew 6:16
A hypocrite sees the faults in others, but they cannot see their own Matthew 7:5
A hypocrite can even hinder people from entering the kingdom of heaven Matthew 23:13
A hypocrite can look good on the outside, but be very bad on the inside Matthew 23:25
A hypocrite can destroy his neighbor by the things he says . . . Proverbs 11:9
A hypocrite's hope will perish Job 8:13
A hypocrite’s joy is but for a moment Job 20:5
A hypocrite makes a lousy ruler Job 34:30
So, why would we ever allow a hypocrite to stand between us and God? And why would we ever give a hypocrite more power over us than God?
I know people that have actually done this. They do not go to church because they say ‘the’ church or ‘a’ church is full of hypocrites.
But, shouldn’t we obey God rather than hypocrites?
You say, I don’t have to go to church to serve God!
So, what does the Bible say about going to church?
Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 Amplified
So, let’s think about that statement that we hear a lot, the church is full of hypocrites!
First of all, it is highly unlikely that ‘a’ church could consist solely of hypocrites, there has to be some honest, sincere people in that church as well.
Secondly, even if ‘a’ church is filled with only hypocrites, surely there are more churches around that have good, honest people in them. This is a great big world filled with churches. Surely we can find one to go to!
Thirdly, Jesus went to the temple and He did find hypocrites there, but that didn’t keep Him from going. He obeyed His Father in all things, as should we.
Being with other believers actually helps us to be obedient to God. How? They encourage us in Him. And you know who else encourages us in Him? The Holy Spirit encourages us in Him! Yes, God has been so very good to send us Help. His Holy Spirit is our Help! God baptizes us in his Holy Spirit. . . in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.
So, how does the Holy Spirit help us?
He is our Comforter or Paraklētos: summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid. . .a helper, succourer, aider, assistant (from Strong's Concordance)
He tells us the Truth
He teaches us all things
He reminds us of everything Jesus did and taught
He reveals to us the ministry of Jesus Christ, that
- not believing on Christ is sin
- that righteousness comes from God through Christ
- there is deliverance only in Christ
Read: John 14-16
Prayer
Dear Holy Spirit of God, I submit myself to, Your Christ leadings and teachings. Help me find a good church to attend so I can get encouragement from other believers as well. With Your Help and their help, I will find the strength to obey God in this life. Thank you for being there for me, living within me, and helping me in every area of my life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.