Just read this article and it reminded me of the sad result of a powerless, miracle-less gospel. We owe this world a better representation of Jesus.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Cor. 4:20
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. 1 Cor. 2:4
Hey Danny -
ReplyDeleteI actually saw the validity of this report debated on the O'Reilly Factor last night. I have questions about it in totality myself - however I think it does do two things if nothing else, and that is to reveal that more Americans are leaving church's of all stripes and less and less Americans call themselves 'Christians' (if they ever were).
My thoughts were not "if everyone would become Pentecostal - problem solved" because unfortunately many Pentecostal churches are so in name only. I'd especially say this about my own movement (A/G) - belief and practice have sadly become two different things and our movement, at least in North America, is in decline - particularly among white congregations.
When I say the cost of no power is high - I'm referring to all aspects of the Gospel (preaching the Word, repentance, holiness, sin, as well as healings, signs and wonders included). I don't see this as a demoninational problem - I see it as a lack of obedience problem. The church is supposed to be known for our passion for Jesus - but it would seem we're known (at large) for our passion for everything else but Him.
Far too many churches have re-presented a Christ who is weak and powerless - they've neglected the preaching of the Word as well as His gifts. The newspaper has supplanted the Word of God in many churches. The Bible, if used, has become more like a history book, or scriptures are cherry-picked out to hang peg sermons based on the preachers whims (usually an attempt to be relevant).
This is a huge problem because in Revelation 12 says that we 'overcome by the Blood of the Lamb AND the word of our testimony'. The Blood of the the Lamb is a done deal - thank God. But the second part of that statement is vastly neglected by the church today.
A testimony is a story of power with God as the subject - a story of something supernatural that God has done for us (salvation, healing, deliverance). Who has these stories today? Where are these powerful *testimonies? If God is real and who He says He is (which you and I know He is) He is going to be intersecting supernaturally with the lives of His people just like He always has throughout history, and just like He did in the Gospels. And therein lies the problem. People (in church and out of church) are beginning to wonder 'Where is the Lord God of Elijah?' No one can convince me otherwise that if every church and pastor were truly living out New Testament Christianity - every aspect of it - that we would be seeing different results.
This in sum total has led to the opinion of a number of former church folks to question God, the Church and whether it's all worth their time. Like one 20-something that Thom Rainer(sp?) quoted in a recent article, "Why do I want to be a part of something that means so little." When there's no power, purpose or message - there's nothing we can do to cover that up or replace it. It's simply time to go 'back to formula' and get on our faces and cry out to God to 'show up' again because the problem is not on His end - it's on ours.
*Most 'testimonies' you are likely to hear in church today are both superfluous and usually designed to make the teller look really good instead of God.
you did it again!
ReplyDeletegrace in your response. thank you brother!
and that Christ would receive all the glory and our boast be in the cross alone...i'm thankful that we agree!
do we agree on the following statement too?
The practice or pursuit of spiritual gifts will not necessarily lead to the faithful exposition of God's Word, but faithful exposition of God's Word should lead to the practice of all spiritual gifts (if that be in the text and be the Lord's will).
Correct?
And if so, this means the place we must start--Pentecostal or not--is in the faithful presentation of Jesus Christ by declaring God's work of redemption which is found on every page of the Bible.
Agree?
(thankful i can ask questions without having to cringe before reading your response.)
We must absolutely begin with the the faithful presentation of Jesus Christ. You mentioned earlier, I believe, about folks you've talked to that get more wrapped up in the signs than with the One the signs are pointing to. I think this is a common mistake. We must remember that signs/wonders only point to a greater reality (Christ) - they illuminate Him and that is their purpose and point. Just like an 'exit' sign - you wouldn't try to exit a room through the sign - you exit the room through the door - which is the greater reality that the sign is pointing to.
ReplyDeleteAs I often say to the folks - God is in your for your benefit - He's upon you for others' benefit. The cross is our starting point for what God wants to accomplish through us on this planet - unfortunately too many Christians think that's the ending point as well.
blessings!
Eric