This post is a plea to those who sincerely profess the Christian faith to wake up, put on the full armor of God and take your place on the battle field.
The enemy of God has made tremendous inroads in America. Look at the condition of the lives of those who profess to be Christian. Are they any different from non-believers? Look at the numbers of people who are falling away from the truth.
I have been writing and speaking about the decline of Christianity in America with a pressing sense of urgency. First because Jesus instructed His followers, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age.” As ambassadors for Christ, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians have the truth and the power to change the world; to usher in God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, (Matthew 6:9-13). Combine these scriptures with the message of 1 Peter 4:17 that judgment begins with the Church, and we must wake up, we must be busy about our Father’s business.
Did you know that according to Barna Research Group of all the professing Christians in America only 7-9% are actually born-again evangelicals whose faith determines their daily life decisions; 39% are born-again but profess their faith does not influence their decision; 40% merely claim the Christian title. Worse, the number of “Nones” – those who have no religious preference neither are they looking for religion, believing it to be corrupt, money hungry and power grabbing, rose to 20% since 2009. This 20% represents 30% of all 18-30 year olds according to Pew Forum Research on Religion and Public Life.
If we are going to influence people with life-giving truth we have to get intentionally focused about it. In our post-modern culture I understand that the Billy Graham approach is not as effective. He could say “the Bible says…” and people would take note. Today we must substantiate the Bible before we can refer to it. My heart breaks about this reality which is why my mission is evangelism.
We’ve been preaching to the choir while people are being attracted by all manor of winds and doctrine. This is why I am making myself available to speak and teach and help churches, organizations and groups, as never before. This is why I’m working to equip the saints to demonstrate the love and victory power of faith in Christ! If Christians knew and lived in the fullness of what Christ died to secure for us, there would be no need to make this plea! The lost and dying world of people with little to know hope left, would be wildly attracted to Jesus because of the vitality, joy, hope and victory Christians display.
No, we need evangelism two ways. First, the Church needs to be awakened, equipped and empowered. Then we, from our deep, eternal gratitude for what Christ as done, must help others discover and live in the same life-giving truth we’ve discovered.
Who’s with me?
P.S. The Church will never be damned, we have Christ’s promises on that. All who believe in and receive Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord are preserved from the final judgment. We will however face a day of reward, where all we’ve done for the kingdom will be evaluated. God will hold Believers accountable for what we’ve done with all He’s given us. What He’s given us is everything we need to do and be everything He died to make possible. So with this said, again I ask, who is with me? Your responses are more than welcome on this and all my blog topics.
Pamela Christian has over twenty years in ministry. Her passion, especially at this time, is to be a missionary to the Church. Her book series, “Faith to Live By” is being developed and published as quickly as possible with the sense of urgency she expresses here. If your church or organization would like help in organizing and conducting community-wide outreach events, please contact us. We have many different program models, no and low cost, to help the Church reach the lost.
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