Battle for the Church

In most western societies his attack in on a different level with such destructive things in the church as:

1. Pettiness (remember the argument of the Jewish and Grecian widows--that contention has taken different forms but never stopped).
2. Division and strife (1 Corinthians 1:10).
3. Dead philosophic theology and traditionalism (Colossians 2:8).
4. Carnality and worldliness (1 Corinthians 5:1).

We can address such threats which are immediately discernable and visible to us with all of the above fitting into that category.

The enemy's most devious design comes on an entirely different level. Much of it has to do with what we perceive the church to be, what our relationship with it should be, and what its goals and methodology should be.

The greatest threat that I perceive to the church today is the fact that we have found other ways to accomplish that which should be done only by the Holy Spirit and yet attributing our success to Him. People are feverishly reading the latest books on church growth, on various ministry techniques, attending seminars, incorporating the latest fads, etc. all of which are fostered by that dream of building a great church.

Many churches are 'formula' churches. They use what they perceive to be successful churches as 'models' trying to achieve the same results based on the methodology involved in the development of those churches. Many use clichés, "hooks" and other techniques of human ingenuity to achieve growth. I could go on endlessly as could any of us.

I'm greatly concerned about the competitiveness, factionalism, suspicion and other negative values that I encounter among the churches in many communities to which I go in my ministry. The enemy loves to instigate and instill pride, arrogance and ambition. He cloaks these attitudes and values so cleverly that they seem right and normal. He insinuates them into our consciousness and value systems making them justifiable, important and essential.

All of this is a result of one very essential failure--lack of prayer. The most difficult work we attempt in the local church is that of prayer and yet it is the most necessary. The enemy will keep us involved in all kinds of ministry projects, Bible studies, worship activities, fitness and witness campaigns to keep us from the essential task of prayer. The primary work of the church of the first century was prayer. The results of great praying were trench level warfare, in-depth ministry and aggressive evangelism. Nowhere do we have any indications of a concern for the 'stats' of the church such as finances, numbers, etc. If these factors and others were reported at all they were reported only as results not as a focused endeavor. In the face of every conflict, challenge and considered advance they (the early church) went back to their knees in protracted and desperate prayer.

We may be impressed with our full calendars, hectic schedules and bustle of activities, but the enemy is not. He is afraid of in-depth, heartfelt prayer and fasting. God grant that we come back to the place of devil defeating, heart wrenching, community shaking and church anointing prayer. Even if you can't get anyone else interested, be a committee of one. Fast and pray for your church, pastor, leaders and for each other.

Set aside specific time for prayer. The more hectic your schedule the greater should be the time set aside for prayer. May God bless you on your knees.

Jeff