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Why? Why? Why? Jesus Do You Consider Our Church Lukewarm? is not only a powerful question, but it’s the title of Arthur J. Besler’s stunning book, pointing to a deep problem that’s been plaguing Christendom for years: Many churches today are like a sleeping giant.
They have power but are not using it. They are neither passionate nor cold in rejection, but stuck in the middle. This lukewarm state makes Jesus want to spit them out.
The Church has become a sleeping giant, full of untapped potential but not awake to use it.
Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine. —Psalm 78:65
A Lukewarm Church?
In the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks to seven churches. He warns one church, 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16).
This is a strong warning.
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This is a warning that should evoke fear in the Church, as it highlights the looming danger and destructive consequences of remaining lukewarm. A lukewarm church is comfortable and does not stir itself to do great things for God.
This state of spiritual apathy leaves the Church stagnant and unmotivated. It is a sleeping giant with dormant power, unaware of the mighty works it could be doing.
This is a Church that has forgotten its primary job: to spread the good news and help people towards their faith. This unrealized strength is a tragedy, and it is hard for churches to recognize their own lack of fire or the potential they are missing.
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. —1 Corinthians 11:30
The Church in the World
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. —Matthew 5:14
The Church stands as a beacon in a world often shrouded in darkness and despair, created to share the love and hope of God with every heart that is seeking. In every age, the Church is called to be focused—not just on its own comfort, but on the way it can unleash the hidden force of faith to bring about real change.
As believers, we are invited to turn our attention outward, to select new ways of reaching those who feel lost or alone, and to add our voices to the chorus of hope that the world so desperately needs.
At its core, the Church is not simply a building or a set of rituals, but a living, breathing community—an island of light in the night, where people from every area and background can find comfort, support, and a sense of belonging.
The Church embodies this idea by helping people discover the skills and blessings they were born with. Each person is written into the book of life with a unique story, and the Church is here to help every individual find their place in that story.
The Giant’s Hidden Force
The Church is meant to be a powerful force on earth. It has the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts to do amazing things.
But these gifts are often ignored.
What happens is spiritual complacency, where the church loses its passion and effectiveness. Besler talks about the “Nine Gifts” of the Spirit, like healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues. When these gifts are unused, the church becomes weak and stagnant.
For the Churches Today, Does and Will have a Governmental Structure… but yet, at the Time of the apostle Peter, that was not the Case.
This means we have built organizations but lost the power. The true hidden force of the church is the Holy Spirit, who is the very heart of the church’s power. Without Him, the church is just a social club. With Him, it is a sleeping giant that can shake the world.
Waking Up the Sleeping Giant
How do we wake a sleeping giant?
First, we must return to prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. The book stresses the need for prayer, especially praying in the Spirit.
[B]y Allowing the Holy Spirit to Move Freely… the Holy Spirit will Bring this Revival.
Revival should be based on prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must invite the Holy Spirit back into our services and our lives.
Second, we must focus on the lost. It is essential to identify specific areas of ministry that need revival, so we can direct our efforts where they are most needed.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. —Mark 16:15
You might feel small, but you have a part to play. You can pray. You can ask God to fill you with His Spirit. You can share your faith with others. Seek personal revival and allow God to renew your heart so that you can be a catalyst for change.
The slumbering colossus of the church needs every believer to do their part.
Fan the Fire that is there; for when I (Jesus) Bring you… the Flame: Originally it is so very Small, Just Barely Large Enough to be Seen. You… Need the Flame.
Even a small spark can start a big fire. Your prayers and actions can help wake a sleeping giant.
The Time to Act is Now
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. —Romans 13:11
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The world is getting darker. It needs the light of the church now more than ever. But the light must be bright. A lukewarm church gives no light. A church on fire for God can light up the whole world.
Jesus is calling His church to wake up. He is asking, “Do you care about the lost? Do you want my power?”
It is time to rise up and be the church He meant us to be. There is a spiritual urgency to respond and act now.
Answer the call. Discover the full message and learn how you can help awaken the church. Get your copy of Arthur Besler’s Why? Why? Why? Jesus Do You Consider Our Church Lukewarm?.
