Is the American Church the "Frog in the Kettle"?...Continued from page 1

Further, I believe the American Church must seriously "hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). Just as Christ's words to the seven churches of Revelation brought a stern wake-up call and, in some cases, words of comfort - so we need to try to understand His heart for our present condition in our nation.

Recognition - As we reflect on the objective findings of these recent studies we should carefully consider our response. What is more, we should see the data as merely symptomatic of even deeper concerns about our spiritual substance in the American church. Many of us have observed over many years the growing conformity to the world's practices and a business-oriented approach to ministry. We've had concerns that we are depending more on methods, technology, and human skill than on the power of the Spirit and the Word of God. We've observed our prayer-deprived congregations, knowing that at some point it would catch up to us. The water of our apathy has slowly come to a boil and it is imperative that we recognize it and act in obedience to the Spirit.

Repentance - I often say that the problem in our nation is not the pervasiveness of the darkness but the failure of the light. If darkness is advancing it is because the light is failing. Speaking to the churches in Revelation, Jesus repeatedly gave the command, "Repent or else" (Revelation 2:5, 16, 21, 21; 3:3, 19). My prayer is that the current state of affairs will motivate us all to turn from our self-reliance and self-satisfaction. My prayer is that God will allow us to turn from everything that might encourage our faith to rest on the wisdom of man rather than the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5).

Resurgence - Jesus called the church at Ephesus that had left their first love to return to their first works (Revelation 2:5). He urged the church at Sardis to wake up from their dead state and to strengthen what remained (Revelation 3:3). He appealed to the lukewarm church at Laodicea to open the door of their lives to the presence of Christ and exchange their self-sufficiency for His best gifts (Revelation 3:17-20). At all costs, we too must sense His call to spiritual resurgence and genuine renewal during these crucial days. Of course, this is the mission and vision of Strategic Renewal.

Revival - Jesus challenged the churches in the book of Revelation to overcome, and offered them abundant promises if they did. I am mindful of John the Apostle's words in 1 John 5:4-5: "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Of course, at this Easter season we are especially mindful of the fact that Jesus the Son of God reigns in resurrection power and is desirous to manifest that power through a dependent people.