Spiritual Warfare

Confessions: Why Did the Church Decline?

Ken

Why has church attendance dropped so dramatically in America, if the Bible is the most read book in the world? Faith comes from the Word of God. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17 KJV). Hearing or reading the Word of God is essential for faith. But, unless loving obedience is required for one to wear the name of Christian, then Christianity will become a hollow shell of itself and the churches will become abandoned. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). The solution to the desertion of the churches is to bring back the practice of Christianity that requires the Holy Spirit to be obeyed, in order to claim you have faith. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). 

Christianity has been so rapidly absorbed by the secular community that no longer does the world become more like the Church, but the Church has become more like the world. The youth of the Church will not notice this transformation, but the older members can remember the difference. Unfortunately, we, the older members, were responsible for the Church losing ground. “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19). 

(The following is a longer read, but hopefully, not too long. Scan ahead to preview.)

What Happened for the Church to Decline? 

First, may God forgive us for the shipwreck of the Church. It would be dishonest to blame anyone other than self. Claiming not to know what happened is like the captain blaming the crew or passengers for a shipwreck. Just as you dare not take your hands off the steering wheel of your car and expect it to drive itself home (2024), we must assume responsibility for the Church’s catastrophe. “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chronicles 7:14). 

Second, we extinguished the collective influence of the Holy Spirit by dissipating Him, like momentum lost when a rolling object comes to a halt. “Quench not the Spirit” (1Thessalonians 5:19). We underestimated how crucial obedience to the smallest Spirit led action is for the progress of the Church, so we look back longingly to yesterday, when we saw “great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3). 

Third, we abandoned our First Love, which is Jesus. If we love Jesus first and foremost, then we would rightly love our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22:37-39). We would not have allowed ourselves so easily to dissipate our energy and resources supporting actions, where Jesus is not the central focus. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4-5). 

Fourth, we allowed ourselves to be drawn into unequal unions or illicit relationships with the world, because our fleshly desires were stronger than our attraction to the Lord Jesus. This was Balaam’s advice to Balak to corrupt Israel by encouraging Moabite women to attract Israelite men. He deviously understood, Israel’s set apartness to Jehovah is the secret of their success. Moabites had no such limitations. “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods” (Numbers 25:1-2). Balaam rightly concluded, The best way to defeat Israel is to use Jehovah’s faithfulness in blessing friends and cursing enemies, by promoting Moabite women to attract Israelite men, thereby causing Israel to become the LORD’s enemy. “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:14). 

Fifth, we quit looking for Jesus to return at any moment. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Failed estimates and predictions of His appearing have made us practical skeptics about His imminent return. “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door” (James 5:9). “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). 

Sixth, we delayed His speedy return by not promoting it. “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2Peter 3:12 KJV). Converting the world, discipling all nations, teaching them to observe everything He commanded us, would be fulfilled, if we prayed, and He answered the prayer to come quickly. “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). 

Seventh, we practiced lukewarmness by devoting ourselves to the Lord, only to turn around and lose all our ground to coldness, legalism, or worldliness (Revelation 3:16). Back and forth in a lukewarm dance. We did not rightly handle our spirituality with the affairs of the world, riches, and prosperity. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). We did not continually consult the Spirit’s guidance in the smallest things. 

In conclusion, we have a door opened to us, Repent or Else! “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:19-20). Accept accountability for aiding the decline of the Church. Embrace the solution that everything is our responsibility, so Spirit filled action can be the only solution. Expect to be overwhelmed by the LORD with His response. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). 

No Fear of Death

Ken

Having no fear of death is not simply doctrinal certainty making us children of God, but the Good Shepherd’s presence leading us. If He is truly leading us now, then He can be trusted to safely lead us in the end. The 23rd Psalm teaches us how to walk Home with God, beginning with a declaration of His possession and caring for us: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want [literally, suffer need]” (Psalm 23:1 KJV). Both compelling and guiding, He determines the best place for us: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters” (23:2). Our strength is renewed, both for us and His reputation: “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (23:3). In dangerous and life ending circumstances, He comforts us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (23:4). As a token of His favor in front of the enemy: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (23:5). The LORD watches our back and provides us forever a dwelling place with Him: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (23:6). LORD, You are the Good Shepherd. We have no one but You to conduct us through life. May our certainty about You now lead us into Your joyful presence then, when You call us Home. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen. 

Natural, Supernatural, Miraculous

Ken

The difference is emphasis. Natural law is normal, which is expected. Supernatural is beyond normal. Miraculous is also beyond normal with an emphasis upon unexpected. Natural law is supported by the scientific method of reproducibility, which both secular and sacred admit. Supernatural is beyond the scope of science, at least until the discovery of consistent, reproducible natural law explanations. Miraculous is beyond the scope of physics with an emphasis upon unexpected. Creation can only be miraculous, since a supernatural Creator speaks the world into existence. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3 KJV). Natural laws are the rules to which nature must comply; however, supernatural interaction with the natural world can modify outcomes, when applied. Miracles are directed from the supernatural often unexpectedly with unexpected outcomes. Humanity irrespective of religious or philosophical persuasion is subject to natural law. Supernatural beings both of the Creator and against the Creator may interact with the natural world, but subject to the Creator and conforming to the necessities of their being. Miracles also may interact with the natural realm, but especially are subject to the will of the Creator. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11p-12). 

Return Quickly, Lord Jesus

Ken

The godly can receive no better answer to all their prayers than the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus instructed us to continually pray, “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10 KJV), as well as, His last promise to us was, “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20). We have much to do in building His Kingdom in the meantime, because we know how important accomplishing all things He commanded us — “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13) —  prepares for His soon return. Both our growth in grace, as well as the increase of those brought into His Kingdom, justifies our God’s purpose in seeking His soon return, for the “LORD hath made all things for Himself” (Proverbs 16:4), which is always the wisest, most glorifying motivation for doing anything. LORD, grant us the wisdom of knowing how to keep ourselves occupied for good and for You in this world, while keeping our hearts and eyes wide open for Your imminent coming. Even so, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Firstfruits of All Thine Increase

Ken

The Law of Firstfruits is directed from the Unseen Realm of God upon all who honor the LORD with their substance and the beginning of their increase. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10 KJV). Our “substance” (3:9) is whatever we already possess. The “firstfruits of all thine increase” (3:9) is the beginning of our income flow or material enlargement, but not all our future profit or increase. God seeks to promote our prosperity, not consume it. He seeks to take away the sickness of heart that is afraid to trust Him because of repeated past disappointments. “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). The LORD desires a mindset and heart attitude excited and expectant of blessing to rest upon our home and offspring, because we understand and trust Him, when we give the firstfruits offering. “And the first of all the firstfruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest’s: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough [for bread baking], that He may cause the blessing to rest in thine house” (Ezekiel 44:30). We do not give to the Kingdom of God from OT legalism or to manipulate God, but He desires us to have a holy expectation of material blessing with His signature approval. Father, teach us the joy of giving the firstfruits of our increase that Your blessing may rest upon our house. May we walk as Your blessed ones prospering in whatever we do. May our preservation and blessing testify of Your goodness to the Church, the world, and all the Unseen Realm. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen. 

Tithe Belongs to the LORD

Ken

The tithe was in existence before the OT Mosaic Law, since Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD” (Leviticus 27:30 KJV). A “tithe” (27:32) represents a “tenth [1/10]” (27:32). All our income belongs to God, since we belong to God. But, the tithe is especially set apart for the service of the LORD or dedicated for the LORD’s purposes, since it represents our covenant of trust with Him. What we are saying when we tithe is, ‘I take care of Your business, LORD, and You look after my business.’ As Jacob said, “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee” (Genesis 28:22). Though tithing became part of OT Law, under the New Covenant, we still have an understanding of trust with the God of Abram. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat [food] in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). LORD, we take great delight in being called ‘one who tithes.’ We trust our tithe to You is not income lost, since we give from love and not necessity. Prosper Your servants, who tithe. Flourish the work of Your hands far beyond anything humans can accomplish. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Blindness of the Church (Part 2)

Ken

The most profound but simple truths are like Christ’s Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount, while the more complicated truths are like Paul’s explanation for Israel’s blindness. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25 KJV). God is not finished with Israel, but His primary focus is presently on the Church, until the Church has been raptured. Doctrinal blindness separates the Church, such as the “doctrine of baptisms” (Hebrews 6:2). Some Church of Christ identify the necessity of water baptism for salvation in a First Principles studies in preparation for discipleship. “1 Therefore leaving the principles [literally, first principles] of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God: 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (6:1-2). 

My opinion, the doctrinal chasm between mainline evangelicals and the Church of Christ lies in the social significance of baptism as His appointed means: (1) for the Body of Christ to identify those who claim loyalty to Christ, i.e., “no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” (1Corinthians 12:3), (2) for the new disciple to publicly claim his loyalty to Christ, i.e., “because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NET), and (3) for God’s supernatural-but-not-omniscient enemies to become informed, this disciple has switched loyalties to Christ, so ‘Keep your hands off,’ i.e., “Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm” (1Chronicles 16:22; Psalm 105:15 KJV). The Father already knows who believes, but He requires us to be baptized before we can claim the Holy Spirit as our right of sonship, i.e., “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).

LORD, may the Body of Christ’s understanding allow us to get beyond the “doctrine of baptisms” (Hebrews 6:2) and “go on unto perfection” (6:2). Let us see our similarities in Jesus are more than our differences. Return quickly, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Little Bird Told Me

Ken

Speaking maliciously of a king or powerful rich person has repercussions. “Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter” (Ecclesiastes 10:20 KJV). Simply testifying of evil conduct is not so much implied, as speaking maliciously with intent to harm, and certainly not “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). “A little bird told me” would more be like gossip, for obvious political purposes, when speaking of a person of power. Moses wrote, “Thou shalt not revile the gods [Hebrew, elohim, as in lesser gods of the Divine Council, Psalm 82:1 ESV ], nor curse the ruler of thy people” (Exodus 22:28). Even the archangel Michael refused to speak boastfully against the devil from the Unseen Realm, but carefully watched his heart and directed his speech. “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 1:9). Paul vilified Ananias the high priest for ordering him to be struck, contrary to the law, for simply speaking the truth. When informed his words were directed against a high priest, Paul respectfully replied, “I wist [knew] not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people” (Acts 23:5). He quoted again Moses, closing the circle of the argument, especially dealing with the powerful but lesser gods of the Unseen Realm, we need to be like Michael the archangel, by humbly resisting the devil “and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). LORD, we know You have already won the game, so we know how we play the game is the only thing of importance. Help us to remember to watch always our heart, that none can ever tattle on us, ‘A little bird told me.’ May our hearts stay pure in the midst of the political posturing and wrangling, of others. In Jesus’ name, we pray, for “Thou God seest me” (Genesis 16:13). Amen. 

Come Out From Among Them

Ken

Where does God draw the line for you? When you make a decision to move away from a circumstance, which would cause you to compromise truth you have received, then the LORD will receive you. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2Corinthians 6:17 KJV). Holiness unto the LORD is our set apartness unto God. The Holy Spirit gives us our guidance. How close can we get to God? The question is never how close to the world can you get and still be a Christian? Unless God has your whole heart, you are none of His. “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26). Remember the warning to the Professed Christians at Laodicea. “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). Profession is not possession, unless there is heart obedience. LORD, make us to be holy for You are holy. Cause us to see how close we can draw to You, and not the world. Return quickly, and deliver us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Awakening the Church

Ken

The Holy Spirit has always been the Church’s greatest secret, but especially for the fragmented Church, its greatest mystery. Our most valuable connections are not man’s devices, such as the internet or social media — which have their place — but the Holy Spirit. We are accustomed to other means because of their obvious utility. What has the Church always had as both its Source and resource, but the Holy Spirit? How did the Early Church achieve such incomprehensible results without our modern devices, but through the Holy Spirit?  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). Disconnected from man’s devices, God is able to replicate and communicate His intentions and movement through the Holy Spirit. His Word is used to communicate to us by His Spirit. And, prayer is used to communicate with Him — and, to the rest of the Body of Christ. When His Spirit is moving upon us, then we can believe and pray He is similarly moving upon others. Use the assembling of the local church and the fellowship of disciples and believers, where possible and available, but do not neglect the Holy Spirit and prayer. Naturally, the enemy does not want us to fully appreciate our advantage. We neglect prayer because we do not well understand nor control it. “Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies” (Psalm 60:12). LORD, inspire us to pray like we believe prayer is more effective and valuable than man’s devices. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen.