"In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell". - WILLIAM BOOTH (Founder of the Salvation Army, 1829-1916)

Sounds like he hit that prophecy "nail" right on the head!

When I was saved at age 18, all I knew was that I had run into something that totally rearranged my life and thinking in a split instant. I was changed, converted, transformed, and internally impacted to never be the same again. It was a "Damascus Road" experience, a two-nostril alert, and a never to be forgotten moment. That was my introduction to Jesus Christ and the power of His Kingdom. I realize that not all conversions are as dramatic. I laugh as I read the testimony of C.S. Lewis who said that he was converted on a motorcycle ride with a friend. He writes that when he got into the sidecar he did not believe in Jesus as the Savior, but when he arrived at his destination he did. C.S. Lewis became one of the most prolific Christian writers of the 20th century. He was most assuredly converted. (Although I have often wondered what kind of motorcycle ride he had that day.)

Our current church era reflects the concerns of William Booth doesn't it? For many churches there is no longer any need to emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit. You rarely hear Him mentioned any more in Sunday morning services. And let's not forget the Cross and the associated stigma that comes when we emphasize the power and the foolishness of God's choice of a Cross, yet it is the way to forgiveness and relationship with the Father. I am saddened that so many today preach what has become known as "easy-believeism". A short prayer, repeat after me, and sign a card; you are good to go. Really? We have substituted the concept of conversion with decision. We have lots of decisions for Christ, but are we really seeing conversions? Even Billy Graham, the patriarch of modern evangelism once said that only 3% of the people walking to the front of his meetings follow through on a true commitment to Jesus Christ. Oh, and let's not forget our politicians who have overseen the destructive trend of our courts slowly remove the place of God in our nation's discourse. And finally, when was the last time you heard a good old sermon on Hell? I know, I know...Hell messages are tough to market to a crowd who has "itching ears" and are searching for teachers who will tell them only pleasing things.

To be a true disciple has its challenges doesn't it? 

I guess the good news in all of this is that I know historically that the Church has thrived spiritually when it was planted in a challenging time. Times like these tend to help people get off the fence of passivity and lukewarmness and begin again to fan the flames of fervency in their faith. Times like these are when the Spirit of the Lord moves in unprecedented ways because "where sin abounds, grace does more abound." William Booth also prophesied of an unprecedented revival that would occur at the same time as the features that were mentioned above. That is my focus and hope.

Of this I am confident, Jesus will have the last Word. The church will not leave with it's tail between it's legs or in an impotent state. God will arise in the midst of His people and He will have His say. The glory of His latter house will be greater than the former. These days may have unique challenges, but they are not without His unique answers and solutions. Be encouraged this Resurrection season. God is in the resurrection business and He is planning another great comeback in His church. That's the place and the team I want to be a part of. You go God!!! The fields are ripe for harvest, pour out Your Spirit, O' Lord, and may we be empowerd by another Pentecostal outpouring that will shake our city and region!

Planting a Cross

Pastor