The Church’s Greatest Challenge: Seeking God’s Power Over Our Own

Is the Church in America vulnerable to misinterpretations of scripture and division? This is a crucial question for the church in America. If we are vulnerable to misinterpretation and division, we may succumb to fear and shame in living out our calling.

Today, the United States has more churches than many other parts of the world, yet the gospel is scarcely proclaimed, and a majority of believers are biblically illiterate. The number of doctrines, denominations, and megachurches has grown, but many believers remain unequipped to live as disciples of Christ.

There are countless Christian resources—YouTube channels, blogs, colleges, Bible teachers—but a lack of believers truly filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Appearance of Strength, the Reality of Weakness

What does it mean to have numbers and influence but lack transformation and boldness? Some point to revivals, worship songs, or worship bands leading at secular events as evidence of progress. Yet, Jesus warned us about judging by appearances alone:

"By their fruits you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16).

Many of these efforts lack the spiritual fruit needed to affirm their effectiveness in advancing God’s kingdom.

Doing God’s Work Without God

The truth is sobering: much of what we do today is in the flesh, not the Spirit. Paul warned against this when he wrote, “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3).

We chase after self-help sermons, step-by-step guides, and shallow encouragement—messages that fail to transform. Instead of relying on the Holy Spirit, many churches have turned to human intellect and methods, seeking to perfect God’s work through human effort.

A Spiritually Starved Church

It is alarming how little we rely on the Holy Spirit today. Jesus said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). Yet, the Spirit’s role is often replaced by professors or pastors with formulaic preaching.

This may be due to the commercialization of church institutions, where events and programs are designed to meet consumer expectations rather than spiritual needs.

What frightens me most is that today’s church is unprepared for persecution. Jesus warned us, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Yet, many believers are unprepared to face trouble because they live in complacency, avoiding “big sins” but failing to examine their hearts.

The gospel is rarely proclaimed boldly in urban cities or before public officials. Paul’s exhortation applies here: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

A Call to Awakening

The Lord is calling His people to seek Him with all their hearts: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). He is urging us to sacrifice our comfort for the salvation of others, as Paul did:

"I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).

If you are like I once was—relying on intellect and peer reviews rather than the Holy Spirit—this is a call to repentance. Jesus reminded us that apart from Him, we can do nothing: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Recognizing the Truth

Many fail to recognize the truth of their condition because they are not honest with themselves. Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Without self-examination and honesty, we remain blind to our shortcomings.

Persecution has not come to America, not merely because of our laws but because the gospel is rarely proclaimed with boldness. Scripture reminds us: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

The Way Forward

The American church must return to the Holy Spirit’s leading. This means:

1. Relying on the Holy Spirit: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

2. Proclaiming the Gospel Boldly: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

3. Preparing for Persecution: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).

4. Living Sacrificially: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).

5. Pursuing Unity: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

   
   

The church has an opportunity to realign with its calling—not through human effort but through humble dependence on God. May we heed this call and live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.