HOUSE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – HOUSE OF POWER
INTRODUCTION:
During the 1980’s and early 90’s there was a release of God’s power in signs and wonders through a large portion of the
Body of Christ. Because of this sovereign move of the Holy Spirit, Christian leaders found it necessary to develop methods
of managing the power being released.
As God’s power was manifest, many who were involved in these things fell victim to common human issues like greed,
competition, and immorality. Eventually the Lord withdrew His blessing, and the pervasive flow of His power waned. Today
we find ourselves faced with the reproach of hosting a Signs and Wonders Conference during a time when signs and
wonders are woefully lacking in our midst, and in the Church in America. There seems to be little sense in trying to manage
power that is not flowing in great supply.
What does the Lord say about this to us today, and how are we to respond to the drawing of the Holy Spirit?
I. THE DILEMMA OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE CHURCH
A. God’s Plan for the End-Time Church
1. Greater glory over the “Latter House”
“The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I
will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.” – Haggai 2:9
2. “Filled with all the fullness of God”
“. . . that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to
comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which
passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19
B. The Church in America is in a State of Reproach
1. Focused on the comfort zone
2. Filled with sin in the secret places
Then He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark,
every man in the room of his idols? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the
land.’ ” – Ezekiel 8:12
3. Little concern for righteousness (conformity to God’s character, His nature, and His behavior), which is the release
point for all blessings
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
– Matthew 6:33
II. STEPS TOWARD A SOLUTION
A. Admitting and Mourning our Present Condition
1. What are we willing to live with that is contrary to the nature and power of the Kingdom of God?
2. Poverty of spirit and mourning our condition are essential steps in moving toward righteousness and the release of
power
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they
shall be comforted. – Matthew 5:3-4
B. Night and Day Fasting and Prayer
1. The Lord is drawing His people to broken-hearted prayer
“I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, Who are among you, to whom its reproach is a
burden. – Zephaniah 3:18
THE ISSUE IS THIS: IS THE CURRENT STATE OF THINGS A REPROACH TO YOU, OR ARE YOU OK WITH THINGS AS
THEY ARE?
2. Total disruption of the status quo
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; Gather the people, sanctify the
congregation, assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; let the bridegroom go out from
his chamber, and the bride from her dressing room. Let the priests, who minister to the LORD, weep between
the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD, And do not give Your heritage to reproach,
that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” –
Joel 2:1-17
3. Wholehearted return to the Lord
“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with
mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and
merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn
and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him – a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?
– Joel 2:12-14
C. Seeing that the Presence of God is Our Only Solution
1. Whether we realize this or not, we are out of options. The pressures of the coming days will reveal this to us.
2. Only the invasion of the power of God will be enough for us in these days.
III. THE KING AND THE TEMPLE
A. The Lord, the Messenger of the Covenant is Coming – Malachi 3:1-5, Matthew 21:9-14
1. The people cry for the Lord’s presence – “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
2. He is a Refining Fire – the cleansing of the Temple
a. What influence is in your life that blocks the power of God from moving in His house?
b. Will you call upon the Lord and open the door for Him to cleanse the temple of your life?
3. The Sons of Levi will Worship in Righteousness – conformity to God’s perception of reality
4. The Lord will be pleased with the worship again
5. Power will be Released to the House
“Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the Temple, and He healed them.” – Matthew 9:14
Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven
out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame.” – Zephaniah 3:19