In the Christian classic The Pilgrim’s Progress written by John Bunyan in 1678 is an allegory that influenced more writers than any other work except the Bible. In the “dream,” “Christian,” the main character, tries to find deliverance from the burden of his sin by traveling to the “Celestial City” (Heaven). In this allegory, Christian faces temptations, trials, and struggles, but he eventually makes it to the Celestial City.

Christians still face trials and temptations in this life. We too are tempted to take shortcuts in the Christian life, but to do so weakens the power of the Gospel in our lives and our testimony before others. Maybe the church needs to remember our roots and where we lost our way. In Revelations 2:4, Jesus was very clear: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first.”

In today’s warped culture, many become their own gods and decide what is right or wrong, good or bad. How’s that working out? Being a senior citizen, I have observed the rapid deterioration of our nation for over 70 years, 50 of those as a follower of Jesus Christ. Our nation’s moral compass is broken. And as a believer, I hold myself and the church in America responsible for much (not all) of the moral decline. If I’m not part of the solution, I’m part of the problem.

Jesus established His church over 2,000 years ago, commanding us to make disciples of all nations. He commanded us to be “salt and light.” Salt seasons and preserves; light shows the way. Much of the church today has retreated from the cultural battlefield, preferring the safety of their buildings (forts). Abandoning the cultural battlefield has brought about a lack of biblical values.

In a desire to be “relevant,” the church has allowed itself to be influenced by the culture rather than shaping it. The beliefs of the church differ little from the outside world. We are not called to be relevant but to repent! The church once held a position of influence, giving direction to the country. There are still many good churches that follow the Scriptures and want to influence the culture and win disciples. But they are vastly outnumbered.

Christian author Eric Metaxas wrote the book Letter to the American Church wherein he compared the church in America to the church in Germany when Adolph Hitler rose to power. Few churches had the courage to stand against the rising tide of Nazism. How many lives might have been saved if more German churches had the courage of men like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the few German pastors who spoke up? He became a martyr, refusing to deny his Savior.

A study by George Barna, director of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, revealed that 6% of Christians in America have a biblical worldview. That explains why so many lack the discernment to know truth from error. The study also revealed that for years we believed 40% of Americans claimed to be evangelical Christians. But when applying the theological criteria for what makes someone an “evangelical,” only 10% meet the standard.

We’re losing ground. Actually, no — we’re retreating more each year.

If America is to have any hope for the future, the church needs to humble itself and return to its “first love.” God will do the rest.

Something to pray about!
Semper Fidelis