I defend them because I believe in what they believe. I even believe in it more than they do.”
–Luke Short (Saddle By Starlight)
“Vindicate me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!”
–Psalm 43:1 (NKJV)
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I have always been thankful for my wonderful heritage in the Assemblies of God. I can remember back when I was a kid and someone would ask what church I went to and I would reply, “First Assembly of God”. They would then most often respond, “What’s that?” Of course, there would always be that one who would answer, “That’s those holy-rollers in the little white church on Mapleton.” It has grown from a church that once might be deemed “from the other side of the tracks” to one of the largest denominations/fellowships in the world due largely to its dedication to evangelism and missionary effort. With that in mind I came across an article published in the Pentecostal Evangel in 1973, written by Percy Brewster. It would be good for churches and individuals to heed its information.
Trends:
1) “Being too sensitive to public opinion.”
Don’t try to adapt to the world’s culture and accept worldly values.
2) “Some accept the heritage of the past without a corresponding personal dedication.”
This includes people who identify with Pentecostal tradition, “but whose spiritual life is far from where it should be. They have form of godliness, but not the substance.”
3) “Weakening in the area of evangelism.”
Evangelism is fulfilling the Great Commission. When the church fails to do this it is committing “spiritual suicide.” Yet this is now the popular opinion: don’t cause waves… to each his own…
4) “Spend money on extravagant churches.”
Be good stewards. Do not take money from evangelism and missions to build a magnificent edifice.
5) “Don’t get caught up in the busyness of church work and committees.”
Seek the lost, look to the needs of hungry souls.
6) “An unhealthy move to segregate the young and the old.”
Oh, this is so true and becoming more and more the norm. It is seen in all aspects of the church. I read recently where a church is going to close its doors in August and reopen them in October and that no one over the age of sixty should attend.
Brewster writes, “the older people need the zeal and energy of the young, and the young need the balance of the older people’s wisdom and maturity.”
7) “An overemphasis on demon power.”
Don’t blame all of the problems the church has and that you have upon demonic activity. Some of it is due to individual neglect or stupidity, don’t give undue recognition to the devil.
8) “The tendency to tolerate and excuse sin.”
The truth must be proclaimed, not compromised. Do not shift opinions to accommodate human weakness, speak the truth.
9) “Don’t think that education can be a substitute for the call of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.”
What has happened to the notion of a “calling”? A person doesn’t become a pastor because of the prestige or the fame or the money. He is called by God. I have heard so many young people say that they would not leave a certain area. But what if God’s calls them to?
Brewster finished his article with the thought “theology trumps sociology.” Housing developments, social welfare, education, etc. will never take the place of the truth as presented in the Bible. Do not get caught up in the trends of the culture (i.e., political correctness, toleration at all cost).