Hammer on Anvil '

First Letter to the Americans

A work of fiction (see Chapter 1: Wealth)

Chapter 2: Relevancy

Brothers and sisters, it is true that God’s Holy Spirit is moving in big ways through the American Church.  You have an influence that could scarcely be hoped for in the early days of the Church.  Christ’s hands are healing, His Word is speaking, and His people are going.  This Church is a blessing to the nations.

What I find troubling, however, is how rarely this is happening.  Too many among you study God’s Word and preach God’s Word but are not practicing God’s Word.  My friends, Christ’s grace is free, but it is not cheap!  The beginning of your spiritual journey is not the destination!

Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  But when you do so, use God’s Holy Word as your guide and lean not on your own understanding.  Do not be fooled into thinking that belief is the end of faith.  You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that – and shudder.  Never forget Christ’s words that we are His friends if we do what He commands.

Do you wonder why so many are leaving the Church when the need is so great?  The Church without works has lost its relevancy.  Since you are now so like the world, what could a non-believer hope to gain by becoming like you?  Your place of worship has lights and sound that can rival many entertainment venues, but where are your hands healing?  You can play softball with free childcare, but where are your arms reaching?  You are blessing yourselves at the expense of the orphan who goes hungry because your ignorance will not sustain him.

Why should this be salt to the world?  What is there to desire in this that cannot be found elsewhere?

You are called to a far greater destiny!  Rise out of complacency and embrace it!  A Church that worships while it serves the widows and orphans and preaches through its actions of helping the helpless – this is a Church worth coming to!  A Church that draws from the heart and not from the surface is a Church that is relevant.  It is time for you to be that Church.

(See also Chapter 3: Priorities and Chapter 4: Love)