Storm Quotes

“If we desire the “hand of God” (i.e., his power) to return to our churches, we should focus less on the personalities and abilities of people, and more on Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“As Christians, we have had growing political involvement over the last forty years, but does anyone really believe that the Republicans, Democrats, White House, Supreme Court, or Congress will transform even one human heart? Are these civil servants supposed to be light and salt, or is that the task of the church of Jesus Christ? Unless there is a new heart, there won’t be a new person. Unless people are changed, we can’t have a transformed society, no matter who’s in charge.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“Mixing obedience to law as a way to merit God’s favor is the exact opposite of salvation by God’s free grace through faith in Jesus Christ. I myself grew up in a church that preached 80 percent law and 20 percent Jesus. The leaders believed there needed to be some law added to their message; otherwise, how would they frighten people into obedience and submission? But this legal foundation brings only condemnation and fear, because should you die unexpectedly, who knows if you had obeyed perfectly enough to go to heaven?”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“All changes — ​spiritual revivals, a turnaround in a church, a barren life now bearing fruit — ​begin when there is a discontentment that says, “I refuse to accept this.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“Isn’t it evident we need more God and fewer gimmicks?”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“When I am asked what my vision for the Brooklyn Tabernacle is, I always respond, “I don’t have one. Last time I read my Bible, it said it was Christ’s church, not mine.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“Show me someone who cares about God’s people, and I will show you someone who loves God. Show me someone who says they deeply love God but has little concern for his people, and I will show you someone spiritually delusional.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“We may have sound doctrine, but with little fellowship with the Lord, our hearts quickly grow cold.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“There will be more Christlikeness in us only when we humble ourselves and say, 'God, I can't live the life you meant for me on my own. I don't have the love, wisdom, or power. But come, Holy Spirit, and pour it into me. Teach me what it means to walk in the Spirit.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“when people know you love and care about them, you can speak difficult truth and they will receive it.”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“But how can we effectively represent Christ, who in sacrificial love gave his life for others, if we don’t deeply care about those he died for? And since “God is love” (1 John 4:8), doesn’t it follow that the one great distinguishing characteristic of Christians everywhere should be a self-sacrificing love for people? Doctrine, apologetics, spiritual gifts, and prophecy charts are all great, but God is love. Without love, everything becomes meaningless (1 Cor. 13).”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“WE CAN’T SAVE OURSELVES We need God. We all need to repent of trying to extend his kingdom in our own strength. We need him to change things. The great news is that he delights in helping us when we listen, trust, and obey him. Don’t we want to make a difference and see God turn around the decline in Christianity? Don’t we want to see our family members and friends find Jesus as Savior? Then let’s draw closer to God and talk with him. This is what sincere believers in Christ have done for hundreds of years. And when they have, miracles happened. Nowhere in the Bible did God ever promise that anything would “work,” except him. If you’re a Christian who is bewildered and disheartened by the things you see going on, or if you’re a pastor or church leader who is discouraged by a lukewarm church and lack of fruit, be sure of this promise: “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8).”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In

“If we look at society today, if we look at the challenge of a country becoming more godless by the week, if we look at laws being passed that mock any form of morality — ​instead of lamenting and protesting, wouldn’t it be better for us to plead with God to visit his people?”
― Jim Cymbala, Storm: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In