Dear friends:

Everywhere we see evidence of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden and its aftermath: corruption, immorality, abortions, homosexuality, violence, unfaithfulness, lies, wars, and other rampant evil.  In addition, America is now even faced with possible annihilation from a worldwide network of Islamic terrorists who are trying to figure out how get weapons of mass destruction into our cities, which would cause the death of millions.

What is the real cause of America's current crisis?

The late Dr. Bill Bright addressed this before he went to be with the Lord.  He described the problem this way:

In previous messages, I cited several forces, or movements, such as Marxism, atheism and humanism, aided by anti-biblical court decisions, which have contributed to the problem.  But it may surprise you to learn that the real problem has not been any of these things.

In the words of Pogo, the comic strip character, "We have met the enemy, and it is us."  The real problem has been the church!

Lukewarmness and impotence in the church of Jesus Christ for the most part has been the real culprit.  This has resulted in a loss of spiritual power, the power of the Holy Spirit, who is willing and eager to fill us and manifest Himself through us to a lost and hurting world, if we would just surrender and totally commit ourselves to our Lord.  An on-fire church would have prevented most of the problems our culture faces today.

With this, there has been a lack of emphasis of personal holiness in the church.  In survey after survey, researchers find that the lifestyles of those who claim to be born-again Christians are virtually indistinguishable from those of nonbelievers. Faith in God in America, researcher Eric Johnson explains, can be defined as "extremely superficial and convenient rather than obedient and committed."

Too often our churches function like therapy groups, filled with individuals seeking remedies for their "felt needs." One group of parishioners told their minister, "Make us cry, or make us laugh, but please don't make us change."

In spite of the present dismal picture, I am convinced that a great spiritual renewal, revival and harvest are coming and, in fact, have already begun.  More about this in future messages.

I believe the church of the living God, filled with His Holy Spirit, will explode like it did in the book of Acts.  It is the same Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He is just waiting on us.

The comic strip character, Pogo, also said, "We are overwhelmed by insurmountable opportunity." That is the church today.

I wish I could be as optimistic as Dr. Bright, but that was his nature.  And for each of the last nine years of his life, he did a 40-day liquid fast for revival and fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Personally, I believe his prayers will be answered -- but AFTER the rapture (which may be soon) and the left behind, lukewarm pew-sitters and others realize what they missed, who will then at last get on fire for the Lord. 

Let us not be one of those.  Get on fire for Him now.

Jim