p. 16 | Need of Power

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 25, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 33.

Need of Power.

An earnest Louisville pastor says: “Where do we hear of conversions?—A few here and there. There are a few conversions out on the outskirts, but we have but few reported here in the city.” Again: “A member told me the other day that there was a member of a church who thought nothing of swearing at any time. Is it possible that God can pour out a spiritual blessing when there are swearing members in the church? Can He give us a great outpouring of blessing unless these things can be corrected?—Of course we can not expect a blessing. The point is, Is not one of the great causes of the lack of spiritual power to-day because we are not depending upon God? There has been great progress in everything—in machinery, the machinery of the churches, I mean. We have everything, it does seem, except power. The great engine is there, but there is no steam in it.”

This is the cry of many hearts; and the answer is as this man gives it, “We must depend on God.” Yea, we must yield all to God, every sin, every power of our being, and ask His Spirit. It is “the last days,” when He has promised to pour it out. It awaits the demand and reception of God’s people. “Ask, and it shall be given you.”