As we approach the anniversary of our nation it always stimulates reflection and prayer concerning the state of our great country. In our nation today we see a growing dichotomy that pervaids politics, religion, and even our beloved Christianity.
In politics we see a sharp divide between the agendas of right and left wing. The right side (correctly named) stands for life, family, Creation, and values. The left side grows further entrenched in issues such as abortion, gay rights, evolution, and many other stances that are directly opposed to the Bible, not Republicans, the Bible.
In religion we see the dissemination of Islam, a religion that is destroying Europe and holding parts of Africa and Asia hostage with its militant spirit. Oh, that we would look at what is happening in London right now as a warning of the direction we are headed in the rapid spread of Islam here in America. Just look at Detroit, a city that is now completely saturated with Muslims and is a hotbed of militant Islam. Detroit, yea the cradle of automotive development, that Detroit.
The most serious divide, though, is to be found in the very church itself. Not mentioning all the heretical teachings and doctrines of devils, the fundamental church is growing further and further apart. The 2 central issues dividing the church are the shameless preaching of the Cross and salvation, as well as, the release and attention given to the person of the Holy Spirit. Many have quit having altar calls and even more have stopped the move of the Holy Spirit. Boy have we come a long way since Finney would make those desiring Jesus come back at 5 in the morning to pray the prayer of faith. Man have we “progressed” from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Azusa and the great healing revivals of the 50′s. In a day where our culture invites “comfortable church” and convictionless preaching I believe we must wake up and realize that we are called to be salt and light! Jesus said if salt loses its flavor than it is worthless and if we the church have lost our distinction as those set apart by the blood and baptized in the precious Spirit then we have become nothing more than a social gathering of people with like interest. Oh, that the spirit of the early believers would manifest itself in our hearts and the willingness to not only be persecuted but die would come again to this complacent and divided church.
The bottom line is that God is calling His church back to prayer. This Sat. in Nashville tens of thousands of young people will be gathering in Titan Stadium to pray. This is the heart of God breaking forth through a new generation that is hungry for something to die for. In a recent prayer meeting the Lord said to me over and over again, I hear the Lord say, I’m calling you to pray! This is the word for right now. Prayer will birth true evangelism (with real converts) and true converts will become real disciples. When real disciples began to arise it will shake the core of our nation as John the Baptist shook Israel in the moments before Jesus.
Lk. 1:16,17- And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for His arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.