(CNSNews.com) - America is in need of a new “Great Awakening” – an awakening that some Christian leaders say can only come about if Christians get on their knees.
“America right now is facing great complexities. We have a financial struggle that we’re in, we’re facing health-care issues that have us scratching our heads. Our place in the world has shifted. We’re a nation that really needs help from beyond ourselves. We feel like God is the help,” The Rev. William (Billy) Wilson told CNSNews.com.
Wilson, executive director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal, is a member of the Awakening America Alliance, which is sponsoring “Cry Out America” on Friday, Sept. 11 -- an event calling for thousands of Christians to “gather at noon at county courthouses across the nation in repentance, to pray for the lost, to cry out for God to send another ‘Great Awakening.’”
It is an awakening that can only come about if Christians “wake up” and unite in prayer, Wilson said. “Part of what we’re doing is calling for the American Church to wake up – and then to pray for a pervading -- and pervasive -- awakening in the nation that really brings truth and transformation,” he added.
“Biblically, the Church has tended to go to sleep at precisely the wrong moment,” Wilson said. “The disciples on Gethsemane slept through the night while Jesus was in prayer, and in the morning they simply were not ready for the pressures that came. And in many ways, the American church has been in a state of slumber.”
America’s decline in morality has been obvious, Wilson said, but there are now clear signs that American Christians are in need of a wake-up call.
“Statistics tell us, as of last year, on any given Sunday in the United States, only 17 percent of Americans attend church. That number continues to decline each year in America,” he said.
“People would say that they are church-going, and a lot more than that would say that they attend church regularly, that’s true – but on any given Sunday, only 17 percent of our population is in a local church. Only 9 percent of that is evangelical,” the Protestant leader added.
Wilson said in the Christian community, divorce, abortion, teen sex, pregnancy outside marriage and addictions -- such as gambling or use of pornography -- all occur at rates that parallel national averages.
Statistics from pollster George Barna seem to bear that out. A 2004 Barna Research survey found that at a time when the national average for divorce was 33 percent – 26 percent of Evangelical Christians; 33 percent of non-Evangelical born-again Christians; 34 percent of mainline Protestants; 30 percent of atheists and 28 percent of Catholics had been divorced.
The prayer event is being held on 9/11 – but it is not designed solely to commemorate the tragic happenings of that day.
“When 9/11 happened we all were shaken in America -- there was a lot of prayer that went on that day and in subsequent weeks we were a nation that felt vulnerable at that point, we felt like we need help from beyond ourselves, so a lot of people prayed,” Wilson said.
“Yet the reality is that 8 years later, we are more in need spiritually as a nation than we were on 9/11/ It is true that we have not had a terrorist attack recently on our shores, not a major one, at least – so people may have relaxed at least in that regard. Yet underneath, there is a growing remnant of Christian believers who realize that America’s spiritual situation has become ever more desperate. So they are binding together, uniting together in prayer and there is a rising tide of prayer and intercession going on in the American church, which is a great sign for the possibilities of awakening.”
“So really this is all about a bigger issue than just 9/11 and a moment of prayer. It’s about the need for a new awakening in the United States.” In studying America’s spiritual history, Wilson said Christian leaders have discovered that America has known great spiritual awakenings --and times of spiritual decline.
“For the last 20 to 30 years, America has been in a spiritual decline. That has happened before in American history, so it’s not without hope spiritually,” Wilson added. The nation may already be under God’s judgment, Wilson admitted. “America has really pushed the edges of God’s righteous law by some of the judgments that we’ve made,” Wilson said. “The good news is that judgment sometimes precedes revival.”
“One of the common denominators in every great awakening in America has been what Jonathan Edwards, who was a preacher in colonial America in the first Great Awakening, called ‘united extraordinary prayer’ – out of the ordinary, not your normal prayer meeting at church. So on 9/11, we will have a moment of united extraordinary prayer to seek God for a new spiritual awakening in the nation,” Wilson told CNSNews.com.
Awakening is more than just “a good feeling,” he said. “It’s more than just a few more people going to church, it’s a deep transformation that says people have become aware of God in their daily lives and in their home life again – and God has invaded, pervaded society in a new way,” Wilson said. Wilson said the prayer event is not meant to compete with the annual National Day of Prayer observance in May or national prayer breakfasts.
Information about “Cry Out America” is available on the organization’s Web site.
Monday, September 7, 2009
General Assembly Reports
The reports to be presented at the International Assembly in July 2010 are now available for download and study.
I encourage our ministry and members to begin reviewing these documents so you may have an active role in the business decisions of our local church.
You may download the reports at the International Ministries website: www.cogop.org
I encourage our ministry and members to begin reviewing these documents so you may have an active role in the business decisions of our local church.
You may download the reports at the International Ministries website: www.cogop.org
Friday, August 14, 2009
Rwanda, Africa
Sunday morning, myself and 4 other individuals at JCC will be heading out to Africa for a week of ministry. Thursday - Sunday we will be ministering in their 2009 COGOP Rwanda National Convention. We will also be visiting our orphanage that we support.
We covet your prayers and we ask for God's protection and mercy as we reach out with God's love to the people in Rwanda.
We will be posting picture of our trips when we return on our church Facebook page.
God bless!
We covet your prayers and we ask for God's protection and mercy as we reach out with God's love to the people in Rwanda.
We will be posting picture of our trips when we return on our church Facebook page.
God bless!
International Assembly Document (Affirmation to be presented to the 96th Assembly)
Biblical Doctrine and Polity CommitteeStatement for Affirmation to the 96th International Assembly
THE PRESENCE AND MANIFESTATIONSOF THE HOLY SPIRIT
(for Affirmation, Not for Decision)
During the last three decades, the Holy Spirit has been poured out to such an extent that most believe we are living in the time of the fulfillment of Acts 2:15–18, when God said, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” Spirit-filled believers make up the largest and fastest-growing segment of reformation Christianity in the world. The academic world is interested; governments are interested; books are being written; and studies are being done about this worldwide movement.
At the same time, the Western world of Christianity seems to be slowed or drifting from Spirit-filled influence. During the last decade, there has been external influence by misconceptions portrayed in the media as well as internal influence from Christian leaders to distract, suppress, and, in some cases, outright oppose any visible ministry or manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Some have advocated that the spiritual gifts or corporate ministries of the Holy Spirit do not have place in public worship today.
This persuasion has resulted in not only the rapid decline of spiritual manifestations in the church, but it has also subsequently discouraged believers from actively seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is this urgent matter that recently led the Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches of North America to entertain a discussion with the Pentecostal Society of Scholars as to how bishops and pastors can best respond to this imminent challenge. The conclusion among scholars and ecclesiastical leaders gathered this past March was that Spirit-filled ministries must rise up with new inspiration to live and minister in the fullness of Pentecost, thereby demonstrating a more vibrant and effective approach to ministry than those who wouldwater down the activity of the Spirit, seeking approval from seekers and more liberal elements inChristianity today.
The Church of God of Prophecy wants to go on record as believing and practicingTHE PRESENCE AND MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
While there has always been a need among our leadership and pastors to maintain biblical order and decent behavior in the House of the Lord, such zeal for structure and fear of false manifestations of the Holy Spirit should never be practiced in a manner to “quench the Spirit” or “despise prophecies” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, 20). Scriptures are abundant throughout the New Testament in that such ministries are a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send to us “another comforter” (John 14:16, 17). Furthermore, the Bible undeniably declares, “. . . Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). A careful examination of the Greek verb translated “be filled” shows that it is a present tense, revealing that this blessing is one that we can experience now. The fact that the verb is used in the imperative mood does not leave the obedient disciple an option. Since the verb is also in the passive voice, it is not something we gain by human effort or achievement, but is done for him or her as they submit to God (Acts 2:38, 39).
Adding to this personal renewal in Jesus Christ, we must ask ourselves, “What happens when Holy Spirit- filled believers go to church?” Paul clearly contributes extensive space to this very question when he writes to the Corinthian church. He expressly details the various manifestations of the Holy Spirit we can expect at church (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). As he unfolds the blessing of these manifestations, he also gives anointed instructions about abuses and how to handle such anomalies (14:6–33). But nowhere in the text does the apostle command or insinuate that these manifestations of the Holy Spirit should ever be rooted out from the experience of corporate worship by the believers. Instead, the apostle, when speaking even to a church rife with abuses, encourages and gives imperative commands that these ministries areessential to edifying and empowering the church (12:28; 14:1–5, 39).
Throughout the Acts of the Apostles, speaking in tongues in the public arena was not seen as a detractor, but as a source of interest to unbelievers and as an enjoyment, even ministry, to believers. We see in multiple references both the attraction that speaking in tongues offered to those in the community and the encouragement for a bolder witness that it gave to the disciples (Acts 2:1–8; 4:31–33; 10:44–48; 19:1–6). In a world that has become increasingly attracted to the cults, the media, and techno gadgets, the Holy Spirit’s presence is one key ingredient in our churches that can attract and fill the needs of people hungry for something beyond their daily life of drudgery.
In the Church of God of Prophecy, our roots lie in the Holiness-Pentecostal historical tradition that was anchored to biblical truth. If there is no evidence in our church services today to give witness to this outward manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we will simply appear as imposters. On the other hand, when the Spirit is active among us, His anointing is obvious to unbelievers and will work powerfully in their hearts and lives. We encourage this ministry body to pray, entertain, and welcome genuine miracles, healings, speaking in tongues, and other manifestations such as described in 1 Corinthians 12. These must no longer be the rare exception or never practiced; rather, we commend to our pastors and leadership that these gifts, the very moving of the Holy Spirit, will draw men and women to come and see what is happening within your community of believers. We encourage our ministers and our people to freely use their anointed gifts to minister to others (1 Peter 4:10, 11).
In an age when another group in your city or village can offer a bigger building, better musicians, and more programs or activities, there is a spiritual thirst among people to experience God, and the Church of God of Prophecy must be prepared to offer them the Spirit that can quench this desire. In an age when the enemy can offer diversions, attractions, and lust-filled perversions, let the Church of God of Prophecy be Spirit-filled and ready to offer deliverance, inspired truth, and real-life victory. We are truly thankful that there are areas in the world where the flames of the Spirit are burning brightly, and we commend such fervency with an admonition to continue to allow the Holy Spirit to spread. Indeed, we must now commitourselves again to be churches filled with the spiritual outpourings that can refresh and change people’s lives.
Wallace Pratt, Chairman
Elías Rodríguez
Antonios Charalambou
Tim McCaleb
Tedroy Powell
H. E. Cardin
Enos Gardiner
Version: Original Draft, August 2009With questions or comments related to this Recommendation, please contact the Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee by e-mail at bdp@cogop.org.
THE PRESENCE AND MANIFESTATIONSOF THE HOLY SPIRIT
(for Affirmation, Not for Decision)
During the last three decades, the Holy Spirit has been poured out to such an extent that most believe we are living in the time of the fulfillment of Acts 2:15–18, when God said, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” Spirit-filled believers make up the largest and fastest-growing segment of reformation Christianity in the world. The academic world is interested; governments are interested; books are being written; and studies are being done about this worldwide movement.
At the same time, the Western world of Christianity seems to be slowed or drifting from Spirit-filled influence. During the last decade, there has been external influence by misconceptions portrayed in the media as well as internal influence from Christian leaders to distract, suppress, and, in some cases, outright oppose any visible ministry or manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Some have advocated that the spiritual gifts or corporate ministries of the Holy Spirit do not have place in public worship today.
This persuasion has resulted in not only the rapid decline of spiritual manifestations in the church, but it has also subsequently discouraged believers from actively seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is this urgent matter that recently led the Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches of North America to entertain a discussion with the Pentecostal Society of Scholars as to how bishops and pastors can best respond to this imminent challenge. The conclusion among scholars and ecclesiastical leaders gathered this past March was that Spirit-filled ministries must rise up with new inspiration to live and minister in the fullness of Pentecost, thereby demonstrating a more vibrant and effective approach to ministry than those who wouldwater down the activity of the Spirit, seeking approval from seekers and more liberal elements inChristianity today.
The Church of God of Prophecy wants to go on record as believing and practicingTHE PRESENCE AND MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
While there has always been a need among our leadership and pastors to maintain biblical order and decent behavior in the House of the Lord, such zeal for structure and fear of false manifestations of the Holy Spirit should never be practiced in a manner to “quench the Spirit” or “despise prophecies” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, 20). Scriptures are abundant throughout the New Testament in that such ministries are a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send to us “another comforter” (John 14:16, 17). Furthermore, the Bible undeniably declares, “. . . Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). A careful examination of the Greek verb translated “be filled” shows that it is a present tense, revealing that this blessing is one that we can experience now. The fact that the verb is used in the imperative mood does not leave the obedient disciple an option. Since the verb is also in the passive voice, it is not something we gain by human effort or achievement, but is done for him or her as they submit to God (Acts 2:38, 39).
Adding to this personal renewal in Jesus Christ, we must ask ourselves, “What happens when Holy Spirit- filled believers go to church?” Paul clearly contributes extensive space to this very question when he writes to the Corinthian church. He expressly details the various manifestations of the Holy Spirit we can expect at church (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). As he unfolds the blessing of these manifestations, he also gives anointed instructions about abuses and how to handle such anomalies (14:6–33). But nowhere in the text does the apostle command or insinuate that these manifestations of the Holy Spirit should ever be rooted out from the experience of corporate worship by the believers. Instead, the apostle, when speaking even to a church rife with abuses, encourages and gives imperative commands that these ministries areessential to edifying and empowering the church (12:28; 14:1–5, 39).
Throughout the Acts of the Apostles, speaking in tongues in the public arena was not seen as a detractor, but as a source of interest to unbelievers and as an enjoyment, even ministry, to believers. We see in multiple references both the attraction that speaking in tongues offered to those in the community and the encouragement for a bolder witness that it gave to the disciples (Acts 2:1–8; 4:31–33; 10:44–48; 19:1–6). In a world that has become increasingly attracted to the cults, the media, and techno gadgets, the Holy Spirit’s presence is one key ingredient in our churches that can attract and fill the needs of people hungry for something beyond their daily life of drudgery.
In the Church of God of Prophecy, our roots lie in the Holiness-Pentecostal historical tradition that was anchored to biblical truth. If there is no evidence in our church services today to give witness to this outward manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we will simply appear as imposters. On the other hand, when the Spirit is active among us, His anointing is obvious to unbelievers and will work powerfully in their hearts and lives. We encourage this ministry body to pray, entertain, and welcome genuine miracles, healings, speaking in tongues, and other manifestations such as described in 1 Corinthians 12. These must no longer be the rare exception or never practiced; rather, we commend to our pastors and leadership that these gifts, the very moving of the Holy Spirit, will draw men and women to come and see what is happening within your community of believers. We encourage our ministers and our people to freely use their anointed gifts to minister to others (1 Peter 4:10, 11).
In an age when another group in your city or village can offer a bigger building, better musicians, and more programs or activities, there is a spiritual thirst among people to experience God, and the Church of God of Prophecy must be prepared to offer them the Spirit that can quench this desire. In an age when the enemy can offer diversions, attractions, and lust-filled perversions, let the Church of God of Prophecy be Spirit-filled and ready to offer deliverance, inspired truth, and real-life victory. We are truly thankful that there are areas in the world where the flames of the Spirit are burning brightly, and we commend such fervency with an admonition to continue to allow the Holy Spirit to spread. Indeed, we must now commitourselves again to be churches filled with the spiritual outpourings that can refresh and change people’s lives.
Wallace Pratt, Chairman
Elías Rodríguez
Antonios Charalambou
Tim McCaleb
Tedroy Powell
H. E. Cardin
Enos Gardiner
Version: Original Draft, August 2009With questions or comments related to this Recommendation, please contact the Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee by e-mail at bdp@cogop.org.
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