This is a remarkable quote by the late General William Booth (1829-1912), founder of the Salvation Army, which should send shivers down our spines. Almost 100 years ago Booth said this amazing thing which today looks more like prophecy then coincidence:
"In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell."
How accurate and true this is speaking to us today! Many Christians do not realize the change Christianity has undergone in the last century because they do not know their history nor care to know. So often the Bible tells us to remember the ancient ways and to pass down knowledge from generation to generation. Paul's second letter to Timothy alone is overflowing with exhortation to hold fast to what has been passed down and not to forget the foundational traditions of the faith. Sadly, modern Christianity has failed to remember.
Yes, brothers and sisters, our religion looks eerily different than that of William Booth's. Our pulpiteers deliver frightening doctrines foreign to the congregations of years gone by. Our prayers do not reflect the same supplications as that of our fathers. Our hearts do not throb with unction from on high, the Holy Spirit not being our breath by which we live. The General's predictions are staggeringly true! I am discouraged to know that many readers will not even be effected by this.
I've heard it so many times from so many different preachers that everything is alright and Christianity is doing better than ever today... that we are an "army", on fire and on course, excelling in the mission of our 21st century. These are nothing but lies, do not be fooled. Why not pick up a book and read about how the Lord REALLY was moving mightly by His Spirit in days long forgotten, when men and women used to serve the Lord in holiness and power, and sinners were converted in miraculous revivals by the thousands?
"And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." (Judges 2:10)
Dear people, let's not fall into this same fault as did the children of Israel! Heed the words of William Booth; learn the history of the mighty revivals of old; invest your time in seeking the Lord anew for a revival in our day! Our world lies in darkness... when will we take the candle out from under the bushel of deception?
Before you do something else, why not read the quote one more time.
6 comments:
Prophetic is right... the Church is there, in that place of disempowered Christianity. Thank God for men like Todd Bentley, Paul Keith Davis, and others who are calling out for revival in North America.
What is happening in other countries where people are walking in the power of the Spirit? Not only a few people, but whole cities and villages are being saved, healed, and set free from captivity. Nations and continents are being changed by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, come in power to this province, to this nation. Raise up the men and women to call out for revival. Raise up men and women to hit the streets to deliver the Gospel and to see people set free!
Good word, Eli! Keep on preaching God's word to our nation. We love you brother and you are in our prayers.
You're right about the quote being prophetic. It perfectly summarizes what has become of modern Christianity: The Holy Ghost is absent from our pulpits, and the true Jesus of the Bible is outside the church, knocking on the doors to come back in (but not on the door of the sinner's heart as the sloppy modern gospel claims). The truth is that Jesus is on the outside of the church, knocking to come in, according to Rev. 3, but the sinner is outside of the Kingdom and must "come to his senses", repent and return home; If you want forgiveness today, all you do is come forward for an altar call, bow your head and ask for it! Merely feel sorry. No repentance is necessary - that is, no Biblical repentance - where turning from and completely forsaking sin with a radical and transformed lifestyle of holiness unto God is evident; Salvation without regenaration is the bane of evangelism today! People think they're "saved" because they've had an emotional experience and wept at a youth meeting once, or had their heart awakened in the presence of God...but today they're still unregenerate, proud, worldly and carnal-driven. Their Christianity is only in confession, and on paper as empty theology. General Booth couldn't have been more exact!
Unbelievable! That is a perfect summary of everything that I have been learning and dealing with lately, and 100 years ago!! Thank you for that quote Eli, it is certainly the challenge of our generation. I hope that this quote does not fall on deaf ears. Lord help us to be none of the things listed in this quote!!! Micah
Hey Eli,
Its jedd here again. I've noticed that you criticize the contemporary church in several of your blog entries (especially in this one). I'm just wondering what you are actually doing about this. How exactly are you helping to get the church 'back on track'? What are you doing about this in your own local church (assuming you go to one)?
Take care,
jedd
This is very encouraging to us all. Thank you for bringing up this topic. The fact that we have left many of the teachings in the past made me think that there are so many things that the Holy Spirit can equip us with, so many wonders that we could do in the name of our Lord, for His glory, for His kingdom- if we just believe - yet we have let the world convince us that it is a thing of the past.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" John 14:12
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