The picture of the urn above represents the Liturgical Church. Its origin is of old — even before the time of the Apostle Peter — back to the time of Moses in the wilderness. The point is that God laid out a pattern and form for His Temple which ultimately became His Church. The form may have semed elaborate to some, but each part of the Temple had a specific and significant function. Overall, it was designed to contain God’s very presence. First it was his glory contained within the Holy of Holilies in the Ark of the Covenant. Then it was to be His glory poured out upon the Church — the Body of Christ. For when Jesus died on the cross, the curtain within the Temple, which separated God from His people, was torn from top to bottom.

What has happened to the Liturgical Church? Over the years the form became more elaborate and ornate. Extraneous decorations were added which were never meant to be there. These decorations and alterations began to overshadow what the urn or true church was supposed to contain. People began to worship the urn rather than the precious treasure contained within. Rather than reveal, the Liturgical Church was beginning to obscure, the treasure of God’s presence. This church held onto the sacrament of Holy Communion. It held onto the notion of spiritual growth. It held onto healing and miracles. But while holding onto these teachings and commandments of Jesus the Liturgical Church failed to understand that the urn was cracked. The very nature and lordship of Jesus was leaking out.

Perhaps what is needed is more than a revival. What is needed is a reformation. This time the baby should not be thrown out with the bath water. But where to start? How about letting people know that it is alright to read their Bibles? In fact, meditating on the Word of God is required. People are meditating on everything else, even within the Liturgical Church. The Holy Spirit will help people understand the scriptures. Pastors and priests, pray that your people receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Such an outpouring is not the exclusive right of preists and certain designated saints.

But two men had remained in the camp; the name of one was Eldad and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had not gone out to the tent), and they prophesied in the camp. So a young man ran and told Moses and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, “Moses, my lord, restrain them.”

But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!”  Numbers 11:26-29

See Revival in the Liturgical Church Part II