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“Jesus, do you consider our church lukewarm?”
This is the urgent question that many believers are asking today. The answer, according to Arthur J. Besler, is found by looking at the seven churches in the book of Revelation.
The problem is clear: many churches have lost their fire and become lukewarm.
But there is a solution.
The solution is for the church to function as a body, with every member playing their part. The solution is standing strong together. We are not meant to live our faith alone. We are stronger as a group.
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
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The Problem of a Lukewarm Church
Jesus speaks strongly about a church that is neither hot nor cold. In Revelation 3:16, He says, “So then Because thou Art Lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
A lukewarm church is one that does not care deeply. It goes through the motions but has no real power or passion.
Why does a church become lukewarm?
Often, it is because it has stopped working as a united entity. The leaders may do all the work while the rest of the church just watches. Therefore, the Holy Spirit’s power is ignored, and the gifts that God gave to every believer are not used.
The church becomes a place for meetings instead of a living, powerful body.
Arthur Besler writes that Jesus is displeased with churches that have lost their zeal. He adds that many churches are only focusing on business and fancy sermons instead of reaching the lost–having forgotten their main job.
The Solution is Standing Strong Together
God’s plan for the church has always been a united front, where everyone works together with the same goal.
The early church in the book of Acts is our example.
They were a powerful force because they were united. Besler points to the “Five-Fold Ministries” from Ephesians 4:11-12: “And He (Jesus) Gave (the ‘Five-Fold’ Ministries, to Every Church Body of Saints; as of Believers, as of the Individual’s Gift Receiving) Some, Apostles; and Some, Prophets; and Some, Evangelists; and Some, Pastors and (Some) Teachers; (to Whatever the Need was) for the Perfecting of the Saints (in the Church Body of Saints,) for the Work of the Ministry, for the Edifying of the Body of Christ…”
These roles are not just for a few professional leaders, for they are gifts to the entire church to help every believer do God’s work. When the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers all work together, the church becomes strong and healthy.
This is how we build a united front. This is how we start standing strong together.
Unleashing the Collective Strength of Faith
Every single believer has a gift from God. The Bible talks about the “Nine Gifts of the Spirit” in 1 Corinthians 12: wisdom, healing, prophecy, speaking in tongues, etc.
These gifts are not for showing off. They are given “to Profit Withal”—for the benefit of everyone.
When only the pastor is allowed to minister, the church loses its collective strength, like a body where only the mouth is working, and the hands, feet, and eyes are not used. If this is the case, the body cannot function well.
Besler warns that when we silence the Holy Spirit and ignore these gifts, the church becomes useless.
“…Because of their Unbelief, About what the Scriptures has to Say…the Holy Spirit is Being Silenced.”
But when every member is encouraged to use their God-given gifts, the church’s power returns. Collective strength is found when everyone serves.
The Power of Solidarity in Unity
Solidarity in unity means we are one team. We support each other, we care for each other, and we pray for each other.
In a united church, no one is left behind.
Besler describes the early church: “And they Continued Stedfastly in the Apostles’ (which Including Paul’s) Doctrine and Fellowship, and in Breaking of Bread (Possibly the Communion, With Bread and Wine) and in Prayers…And All that Believed were Together, and had All Things Common…(Acts 2:42, 44).” They shared their lives and shared their belongings. They were a true family.
This kind of solidarity in unity can change lives, showing everyone in the world what God’s love looks like.
When a visitor walks into a church where people genuinely love and support one another, they can feel God’s presence.
They see a community standing strong together.
Building an Unwavering Alliance Through Mutual Support
An unwavering alliance is a bond that cannot be broken. One that is built on mutual support, where we help each other through good times and bad, bearing each other’s burdens.
This is the work of the church, and it is the job of every believer, not just the pastor.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).”
A church that practices mutual support is a safe place where people can find healing and restoration. Besler says that the pastor’s role is to be a true shepherd who knows every sheep by name and cares for its needs.
When the pastor and the congregation work in an unwavering alliance, everyone is cared for. No one is neglected.
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Our Call to Action to Fire Up the Church
The call is clear. The time for the church to wake up is close at hand. It is time to return to God’s original design, to fan the flame of the Holy Spirit and use the gifts He has given us. It is time to stand strong together and put our lives on the line for Christ.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).”
We must choose to no longer be a lukewarm church. We must choose to be a church on fire for God. A church that functions as one body, that reaches the lost and heals the broken, and is known for its love and power. This can only happen when we commit to standing strong together.
Answer the call to reignite your faith and your church. Get your copy of Arthur J. Besler’s Why? Why? Why? and discover the path to a powerful, united church.
