WHY NO REVIVAL

I don’t blog often, but when I do it is something truly pressing upon my heart.  In this instance, the article below, which found its origin as an email to my Dear eSermon Friends, came out of a conversation with friends.  We were discussing the continued drifting of America from the God of the Bible, the lack of influence the church has upon our culture, and an overall distain for the things of God. The result of which is this blog. In fact, it was the basis for our prayer time this week at IMP (If My People).  

Revival!  Doesn't it seem strange that as a Nation we have more mega-churches than ever in America's history, and yet, in my observation, the Church at large has less influence than anytime in my lifetime.  In fact, the media portrays the Church as a joke, less than 8% of people 30 and under even go to church — of any kind, and the government looks at Church as a nuisance (we're in the way of their controlling socialistic agendas).  Furthermore, clergy are portrayed as weak effeminate men who have no true identity let alone a grip on what life is all about.  

Why?  Why is the church powerless to change our culture? Could it be that: 

1) Most churches are prayer-less.  (It is prayer that moves the arm of God.)  James 5:16

2) When we do pray we are not heard because we have compromised "holiness?"  ("Without holiness no man shall see the LORD.")  Hebrews 12:14

3) There is sin in our individual lives and our faith-community at large?  2 Chronicles 7:14 & 1 John 1:9  

(Personally, I know that over the past few months God has been dealing with me about things — some of which are good, but not best — to put away anything that stands in the way of becoming more like Him and accomplishing what it is He's called me to do.  (He doesn't do it all at once. LOL! And that's a good thing.)  

These things could be harmless: hobbies, sports, shopping, TV, a relationship, too busy in or out of Church, work … even family.  What stands in the way of YOU and GOD?  I have found that putting away good things but not beneficial things (in God's book) can often be quite painful. 

1 Cor 10:23

4) To satisfy a culture that continually speaks of tolerance (as long as you agree with it) and says God's Word (the Bible) and its "rules for life" are antiquated.  Why don't churches with 10K plus memberships and national exposure speak out on issues such as: abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, racial equality — on all fronts, unfair taxation, and the mistreatment of the poor?  

1 Corinthians 6; 1 Tim 1; Matt 11:5; Nu 25:10

Are we afraid of offending someone?  How about offending God?  By saying nothing about these grievous sins do we not then by omission commit sin ourselves.  As the late Chuck Colson said, "Who then speaks for God?"  Believe me, most in history that spoke for God were not all that popular and many lost their lives for doing so.   

Are we at that time in history when the true church will be forced underground?  Even give up their lives for what they believe?  As you know, I am "pre-wrath" and not "pre-trib" in my view of last days events.  What happens when the church is truly persecuted — even unto death — will people be able to give their lives up for Christ.  Why will the Western World not have to face what the "believer" — Old and New Testaments — had to face throughout history? Even the God Man was not exempt.

Indeed, we need a REVIVAL.  Well, enough of my ranting. Although, they are true and good rantings. :-)  

Blessings.  Keep looking up! 

PB

Pastor Bruce

Loyalty is a man's best friend. Josh 1:5Hello Pastor

THE DEATH OF THE SEQUOIA TREE VISION

A few months back I wrote and asked that we pray for the Sequoia tree just north east of the East Lobby entrance – it was not looking good.  I know that sounds weird, but follow me.  My desire was – since we could not put a steeple on the roof of the church (maximum height in Washington TWP is 65’), we would plant a Sequoia tree that would grow 150 to 200 feet.  We would then light the tree so that it could be seen from miles away.  A type of lighthouse if you please.  The facts have revealed that even if we are able to keep the tree alive (Longwood Gardens has four Sequoias), it will never reach more than 40’ – it’s the New Jersey climate.  There is a reason why Sequoia’s reach 250 feet in southern California.  LOL! 

So, as Bill Gothard so profoundly taught, there is life in the death of a vision.  e.g.: Abraham – no child at the age of 99 (God gives Abe and Sarah, Isaac), Joseph – sold into slavery and imprisoned (God makes Joseph prime minister of Egypt and he literally saves the known world), etc.  In other words, we have a vision and God lets it die so that He can bring it to pass in glorious fashion.  

Longwood’s suggestion: Plant a Red Oak: it’s native to NJ, our state tree, and can reach heights over 125’.  Now, my Yahoo search tells me a Red Oak is too wide to place where the Sequoia is now located.  Anyone have a suggestion for a tree that reaches to the sky that’s relatively narrow and VERY tall?  God we’re calling on You!  And, as in the past, You have more often than not worked through ‘man’.  (Oh, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Ray Groff for making every human effort possible to keep Mr Sequoia alive.)  Can't wait to see what God has in mind -- for He will bring His word to pass.