We are usually so consumed with the affairs of daily living that we seldom consider the big picture. Nevertheless, most can realize there is something wrong… in the Church and in the world. Clearly, unrighteousness abounds throughout the land and it is getting worse. One can hardly turn without hearing of murderous violence, child molestation or seeing some indecent thing. And as far as the Church is concerned, we have grown lukewarm… trying to do the work of God without the power of His Spirit We have plans and programs for just about everything, but there is little fruit that remains. And the decisions made during this generation by some of the clergy to endorse abortion and divorce… and to ordain active homosexuals really puts it over the top. In addition, we love our toys, lusting after the bigger and more expensive. Surely the Church has become like the world, rather than influencing it for the better. And then there are the usual divisions and doctrinal things. God help us!

On a personal level, sometimes it seems as though you are simply going through the motions, doesn’t it? Your zeal has diminished, the fire has dwindled, complacency is setting in. Worldly activities are much more appealing than when you first started the race. Does any of this sound familiar? No one likes to quote these verses anymore but what did Jesus say to the Laodicean Church? "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:15-16). We had better pay attention!

Much of the Church has been satisfied with superficiality and when exhorted to go farther into the things of God, even into God Himself, we think it to be too much, too radical. Who wants to pay the price anyway? In fact, our form of Christianity has become so diluted that when hearing of death to self, complete abandonment or sacrificial giving, we consider it to pertain to the “deeper” Christian life. Dear child, these things are not deep; they are merely normal Christianity, thus the title: Returning to Normal. The Lord would have you understand that there is so much more to the Christian faith than what you are presently experiencing, much more than your doctrine and particular method of service.

Hopefully, this book will be a useful tool in your pursuit of a personal awakening and encourages you to diligently pray for Revival and transformation in your region and your nation …a challenge to you personally and to the Church collectively. Page by page, day by day, the Lord will lead you another step forward as He reveals your heart. These lingering questions are intricately woven throughout this simple offering: Are you willing to love God above all things? Will you humble yourself? Will you take the time to pray? I trust that you will see the dire need in this hour and receive this loving exhortation to be conformed to His image... and will be strengthened and encouraged to press on for the Magnificent Prize.

The insights expressed here are certainly not meant to be an indictment or an all-inclusive addendum to your catechism. Nor is it to be considered sectarian: denominational, evangelical or pentecostal. But hopefully you will be encouraged to live your life in the Spirit, void of legalism and other empty ways... and that you will be filled with fire, fresh zeal and Holy Spirit power with authority to do mighty exploits in His name. Remember, the whole earth groans, awaiting the revealing of the sons of God! One thing though, please hold your peripheral doctrines loosely. Clinging too tightly can prevent you from receiving new understanding.

For information:

The Capital Region Prayer and Healing Center
553 Clinton Avenue
Albany, New York  12206

(518) 441-4891
(518) 432-7100

peterwhitehouse@msn.com