Why the Christian Church in America is Declining (P1) – The Lost Sense of Urgency

The statistics are alarming. (You can google them for yourself.)  The Christian church in America is in a decline in terms of growth, both Protestant and Catholic.  In that sense, satan is winning the battle. The good news is we know he already lost the war. But what about the war for the hearts, minds, and more importantly, the souls of our people—our children, family, friends, co-workers, even our enemies because Jesus said to love them too!

Many leaders in the church knew this was going on and that it continues. They have seen it for years now. Many in the church suspect this is the case, while many others have no idea. How can you not know? Is your church growing—churning out excited born-again Christians ready to share their testimonies by talk and walk?

Most of the “cause” people feel more of a sense of urgency than the Christian church—the Green people, the social justice groups, those who support heinous sins that spit in the face of God and deny the truths in His Word.

Complacency has set in too many. Is the problem apathy, ignorance of the issue, or, worse, ignorance of the consequences? I want to believe the best about Christians, but what is that these days? It is clear that restoring biblical values into our political and educational arenas does not matter based on recent outcomes. Satan will not give up strongholds without a fight.  He is winning that fight.

What do I mean by “sense” when I use this phrase?  I am going to define that in terms of human senses with a spiritual pulse based on our nation today. Then we are going to listen in and hear what Jesus and other men of God had to say under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Our Senses tell us this is a crisis and there is no urgency to fight.

• We see it every day, everywhere in our world on digital and social media.
• We hear it in every from media to talk around the office etc
• We smell it. In the air the stench of the world – the rottenness of debauchery and sin.
• We feel it in our hearts. 
• We taste it in the Word of God—what He has to say about it.

Christians must develop or regain our sense of urgency for three reasons:

1)   The Imminent Return of Jesus Christ

In His Words

“But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah…At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.  But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Matthew 24: 36

I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Rev 3: 11

“He who testifies to these things (Jesus) says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.””  Rev 22: 20

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.  You are all children of the light and children of the day…”  from 1 Thessalonians 5

2) We must have a greater sense of urgency for the lost…

Jesus’ Mission should be ours!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19: 10

The time for coming to Christ will come to an end.

Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked abandon his way, And the unrighteous person his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55: 6-7

 (Jesus said) “We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”  John 9: 4

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Romans 13: 11-14

3)  A greater sense of urgency to be working His plan instead of our own

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28: 19-20

(Jesus’ last words) “So, when they had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”  But He said to them, “It is not for you to know the periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority;  but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1: 6-8

Closing warning to those who fail to listen to the wisdom of God from His messengers.

 “…Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but will not find me, Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD. “They did not accept my advice, They disdainfully rejected every rebuke from me. “So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes. “For the faithlessness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them. “But whoever listens to me will live securely, And will be at ease from the dread of evil.”  Proverbs 1: 28-33

If you are one of so many who continue to reject my teachings and those of many others who are tryinig to share God’s Word with you to save your soul, please pause and consider what “Wisdom” has been saying to you for so long.  Do not reject Him again.  Repent and confess your sins and receive Christ as your Savior while it is still called today.

For Christ’s sake,