The 1 Thing Missing From Many American Churches
The sad truth is that in much of the church world the culture of the kingdom of God has been lost to the culture of hype, greed, religious politics, a Hollywood Jesus and the professional business of the church to such an extent that many churches resemble a political machine or a corporation more than God’s culture.
God’s culture begins with hearts being set free by the love and power of God and impacting their family and home—making disciples through life relationships, reaching and caring for others with the power of the gospel and the love of God. And because of the effectual working of the power of God in their lives no one has to tell them to do it. The true outworking of God’s power in His followers is that they become fishers of men.
In conclusion, the true disciples of Jesus are losing the taste for the shallow and superficial, and are separating themselves from those entangled in the appearance of spirituality. Many people have become disenchanted with the church because of hurt, misuse and abuse, religious politics, theological fads, celebrity lionizing, denominational traditions and leadership caught up in the things of the flesh.
Frankly, many of them are tired of the status quo and predictable routine. People are looking for depth in the Word and in their relationships, a free flowing move of the Spirit, personal empowerment and leadership that does not play political games. We need to be less concerned about the external façades and staging of modern Christianity and focus more on the spiritual lives and condition of the people.
Is the effectual working of the power of God producing mightily in them? Are they being activated from within for works of service? Are they on fire and testifying of Jesus in their spheres of influence?
Bert M. Farias, revivalist and founder of Holy Fire Ministries, is the author of several books, including the newly released My Son, My Son, which he co-wrote with his son Daniel for the purpose of training up a holy generation. He is also co-host of the New England Holy Ghost Forum, a school of the Spirit. Follow him at Bert Farias on Facebook or at @Bertfarias1 on Twitter.
