We have this misguided idea of what “church” is supposed to be like, especially those comprising the youngest generations, those who were not around when institutional Christianity at least tried to be more Biblical—tried, not was. But it was still far better back then than the collection of seeker-friendly, profit-hustling, worldly churches dotting the landscape today like a bad rash on a face. Of course, there are no perfect churches; there never have been. The Spirit-filled, lively, world-changing Church of apostolic and early Church history, though, is largely missing and has been for a very long time.
The church of today is as fearful of disease and other things as the world is. No discernment, either. A surprising number of Christians still believe a lot of what the corrupt news media says about the issues of today. Christians sang of being overcomers and talked about storming the gates of hell—until COVID-19 struck. Where did all their bravado go? Mind you, I understand that there are folks who have health issues who need to be more cautious, and going to the doctor and taking medicine are not sins. What I am driving at is that faith in the power of God. Where is it? Why are so many believers bound up in so many addictions? Why is there so much divorce in the Church? On and on it goes. The modern church looks more like a collection of country clubs, social justice warriors, and basket cases than it does an army of Christian soldiers.
It would take too much time to discuss how this state of affairs came to be, especially since it did not happen overnight or even in the collective lifetimes of our relatives several centuries back. It began even before the rise of the state Church (think Roman Catholic) in the early 300’s AD, and even after the development of other branches of Christianity as well as the Protestant Reformation it has not gotten any better. For the most part, the Church is lukewarm. Look at what Jesus had to say to the Laodicean church in the book of Revelation:
Revelation 3:14-16: “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth…” ’ ”
Revelation 3:20- “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Wow. Strong words from our Lord and Savior. Revelation 3:14-16 is a warning that the body of Christ needs to take seriously. Notice also what Jesus said in verse 20. Many preachers have taught that this is a picture of Christ knocking on a lost person’s heart, and that is not necessarily a bad picture. In context, though, Jesus is talking to the Laodicean church. He is talking to Christians here, and by extension, to all complacent, lax believers in the Church. So many churches, in elevating their agendas to the level of doctrine, have pushed Jesus Christ out of their services. This exclusion goes all the way down to the level of individuals. A revival of epic proportions is needed for today. Thankfully, though, there is a remnant of believers who are on fire for God. There always has been all throughout history.
If this blog describes you, I beg you, repent right now and rededicate your life to Jesus Christ. Do not be surprised or discouraged if not that many people join you. Sadly, many will remain complacent and misled. You will have to separate yourself from their company and move on. Pray for those who do not care, but go on and walk closely with God. Do great things for Him. Pray for God to lead you to other likeminded Christians. Your witness as a fired-up believer is a tool God can use to snap others out of their complacency and to bear witness of Himself to those who are lost.
Matthew 5:13a, 14a: “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…”
James Burch
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