Confrontation and Cleansing
David Cannistraci pastor of GateWay City Church in San Jose, California, believes that the church must confront the glaring issues that are rotting the charismatic family tree.
“I love the charismatic church, but we have issues. Our sexual sins, self-promotion and self-indulgence need to be addressed. If we don’t get it together, we may lose our ability to influence the lost.
“Confrontation is uncomfortable, but it’s essential. We need the spirit of the 81 brave priests who confronted King Uzziah with his sin. They could have kept silent for fear of his authority, but their passion for God and His house required them to speak the truth and stop his madness (see 2 Chr. 26:16-18).
“God is exposing what we have failed to face up to, and unless we clean house, things won’t get easier. Any structure that celebrates charisma but is soft on truth and character is a house of cards. It’s time to challenge the root issues that are rotting the charismatic family tree. We can’t have the power of Pentecost unless we are immersed in holiness and cleansed by the fear of the Lord.
“Our hope lies in another son of David who stands ready to cleanse and restore us. Jesus loves the church and gave His life to have a glorious bride without spot or wrinkle (see Eph. 5:26-27). He’s ready to remove our shame and cleanse us in this season. If we’ll respond, the renewal we need will come: “‘A fountain will be opened to the house of David … to cleanse them from sin and impurity'” (Zech. 13:1, NIV).
“Many are prophesying that 2008 will be better than 2007, and I’m convinced they’re right-on—if we’ll get tough on sin and start telling one another the truth.”
(Source: Charisma online)
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