What Does America Need Most?

Pastor’s Pen…

As America celebrates her 244th birthday this weekend, we have much to be thankful for, living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We still have the freedom to worship our God based on our convictions and understanding of His Word. We have many choices and opportunities when it comes to our lives.

 

But during these trying times we are facing many and serious threats. The Coronavirus continues another spike, and the number of hospitalizations and deaths has risen in many parts of our country. The economic impact of COVID 19 has left many people without jobs and many businesses failed or failing. In addition, peaceful protests have often turned into riots and anarchy, including the destruction of property. 

 

Yet during these challenging times, we still have much to be thankful for. Most of us have been spared the COVID 19 virus. I’m asking our Lord to continue providing health and safety for each of you who are a part of our First Christian Wylie family.  I know we are all looking forward to when we will all feel comfortable attending our ‘safety-oriented’ services. 

 

We continue to hold our Sunday services with all safety protocols and pre-service sanitizing in place. No Sunday school yet, and the nursery is not available.  We will continue following the protocols as outlined by GA-18 guidance.  Face masks, social distancing, no physical contact. We use bulletins printed untouched by human hands, with songs, etc. printed therein, and pre-packaged communion elements. Offering plates are located at the rear, or giving can be done online at www.fccwylie.org.

 

If you still feel uncomfortable attending, you can join the live-stream on Facebook (at 10:45 am) which includes communion and the worship hymns, or the website, where the message is posted each Sunday afternoon.  We are blessed to have the technology available that allow us to still worship, and those in our church family who have the expertise to post the service online.

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John Royal will be filling the pulpit for me on Sunday August 9. Beginning Sunday, August 16 and continuing through the fall, on messages will focus on the writings and life of King David, one of the greatest characters in Scripture. As Christ-followers we face a variety of challenges and issues, and God's Word has practical, workable answers for such things as overcoming obstacles, developing healthy relationships, handling worry and inner fears, and recovering from failure. I believe our studies on King David will better equip us for handling the challenges of life today.

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During these trying times in America, I'd like to pose the question, what does America need most? An online survey addressing this question would probably draw a variety of answers, some political, some economic, some ethical and moral.

 

I believe what America needs most can be summed up in one word; REVIVAL! You see, at the heart of all the problems we face is the issue of our relationship with God. And based on 2 Chronicles 7:14, it is God's people, (today that would be the church) who are called by His Name, who must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways in order to experience His blessing. 

 

The prophet Habakkuk ministered during some of the worst times in the southern kingdom of Judah. He predicted the impending invasion of Babylon, which would lead to 70 years of captivity. He articulated one of the great principles of Scripture: “The just shall live by his faith.’ (2:4) As we examine his prayer in Chapter 3, we observe several criteria for revival that I believe can be applied to the Church of Jesus Christ as a whole, and to our church as well. These are as follows:

 

I.               A praying church (v.1) “A prayer of Habakkuk….”

2 Chronicles 7: 14….1 John 1:9….James 5:16….Deuteronomy 28:1, 2

 

II.             A proclaiming church (v. 2) “Lord, I have heard your speech….”

Hebrews 4:12….Psalm 119:89….Jeremiah 15:16….2 Timothy 3:15-17

 

III.            A pure church (v. Ta) “”God came…the Holy One….”

Leviticus 19:2….1 Peter 1:15….1 John 2:15-17

 

IV.           A praising church (v. 3b) “The earth was full of His praise….”

Psalm 100:1-5….Psalm 150:6….Hebrews 13:15

 

V.             A persevering church (v. 5) “…[through] pestilence …and fever….”

Romans 5:3-5…Hebrews 12:5-11…2 Timothy 2:3

 

Applications: (Based on 2 Chronicles 7:14)

            Humble ourselves….Engage in faithful, consistent prayer

            Seek His face—a close, personal relationship….Turn from every sinful way

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RADIO THIS EVENING: The COVID 19 crisis and the resulting economic chaos has left our lives with significant uncertainty. This weekend on Encouragement Live, Christian life coach Brad Smithart of the Master Life Coach Training Institute joins me to discuss how to embrace the uncertainties of life today. Encouragement Live can be heard at 7:05 PM central time on American Family Radio (www.afr.net) and on theworshipchannel.org. 

May His peace encourage you during these challenging times.

Don Hawkins, D. Min.                                                                                                                     Interim Pastor