Most churches today are in a defensive stance. We are trying to defend our turf. On all sides, we are being attacked by an attitude and agenda that is strongly oppossed to that of the early church. Whereas churches once enjoyed the priviledge of being the "place to be," many now struggle to keep their doors open as people find other places to invest their time, energy, and resources. Week after week, I hear pastors sadly lamenting the present condition of their churches, while reveling in the memories of the 'good old days.' Is all lost? Are we simply to accept this current condition of the church? Should we just break the huddle and take our defensives stances and hope to hold on as long as we can? I don't think so.
Last night was a wonderful evening here at First Baptist. Over 100 people gathered at the altar of the church and fell on their faces in humble prayer before God. We claimed our need and dependence and Him and spent the evening taking turns and praying for our church, nation, and each other. Several prayers for voiced for revival and reformation. The highlight of the evening was noticing both my young sons on their knees with their tearful faces buried in the floor as they prayed with their church family. I'll never forget that night.
I just read one of Jonathan Edward's letters to fellow pastor Joseph Bellamy concerning a new movement of prayer which led to revival in Scotland. This "concert of prayer" was asking of God "an abundant effusion of his Holy Spirit so as to revive true religion in all parts of Christendom, and to deliver all nations from their great and manifold spiritual calamities and miseries, and bless them with unspeakable benefits of the kingdom of our glorious Redeemer, and fill the whole earth with his glory." I echo that sentiment!!
It's time for the church to go on the offensive. Webster defines offensive as...
1 a: making attack : aggressive b: of, relating to, or designed for attack
How do we do this in the church today? How do we get aggressive? I believe the answer lies in corporate prayer. We need to pray more together. We need to join together and pray during our worship services for a great revival in our land. When Solomon is dedicating the temple, God says these often quoted words, "If my people, who are called by my name, will 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. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offeredin this place" 2 Chronicles 7:14-15. It is verse 15 that I find particularly interesting. God says that His eyes and ears will be particularly attentive to the prayers of His people offered in His house.
I do believe there is power in corporate prayer. Jesus says in Matthew 18, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
The church on the offensive is a church united in corporate prayer. We are dealing with things in the church today that are just outside our ability to take care of on our own. We desperately need the power of God. Will you unite with other believers in prayer on a regular basis, calling on God for revival and reformation? Will you take the time to pray with other believers? Will you become a offensive church?
