GOD Has Left the Building?

In 1956, the phrase, “Elvis has left the building!” was coined as a signal to the crowd that Elvis’ concert had come to an end; it was time to clear the building. The crowds would leave; the lights would soon go down and out; leaving the building quiet, dark and lifeless—similar to many churches across America today.

Certainly, there are people gathering there. The pastor is serving up a little sermonette. The entertainment isn’t bad; in fact, some of it is really good. The light shows can be phenomenal. The band and singers know just the right songs to sing to keep you coming back for more. They have great fellowships, good food and drink. But, something is seriously missing!

King Solomon had just completed what was, perhaps, the most beautiful building ever created by the hand of man. The gold and jewels that had gone into the structure were magnificent. The attire of the priests and musicians were fabulous; the musical instruments were the greatest the artisans of the time could create. It was a sight to behold that drew dignitaries from around the globe to come and behold its magnificence.

But, there was something missing! In all its own glory, it still remained lifeless! It needed something more—something man is incapable of providing in and of himself. The Bible says: “When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple” (2 Chronicles 7:1 NLT). GOD showed up! The fire of GOD flashed down from heaven and the presence of GOD filled the house!

The condition of many churches today seems to reveal that GOD has left the building! Something is desperately missing. The presence and power of GOD have been replaced by loud music, bright lights, and great entertainers! There is no power coming from the pulpit. There is no power coming from the leadership. The power of GOD has been shunned by the spirit of man that desires to be served rather than to serve.

CHURCH, we must wake-up to the reality of the situation. Little hope exists for America today because the church has dried up and become only a memorial to what once was. It is time for men of GOD with a message from the throne of GOD to step up to the plate and proclaim “This is what the LORD says…” while there is still an opportunity. It is time for GOD to show up in a flash of lightening in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, but that church must be pure, holy and separated unto the LORD!

Scripture Reading: “Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God-the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God-and My new name” (Revelation 3:10-12 HCSB).

Prayer: Father in heaven, cleanse my heart, cleanse my mind, cleanse my motives that I may be found pure and holy in Your sight. I pray that the power of Your Spirit would be turned loose upon me, upon my church, upon my pastor. May Your Spirit empower us for Your service in order that many others may come to know You and Your free gift of salvation. I praise You because of Who You are and all that You have done and continue to do…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!