The Church Awakening
(An Urgent Call for
Renewal)
By Charles R.
Swindoll
Reviewed by Pat Beaty
“I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not
overpower it.” Matthew 16:18. Jesus
said this in such an emphatic way that every Christian knows He means
business. However, are we turning
our churches into businesses in this post-modern era, the author of this book
asks?
This has happened or is happening, he feels. He states that “Jesus was the
originator of the church. It was
His idea. He protects it. He leads it. He alone is its head.”
“The church is a body of people called out from among the
world for the distinct and unique purpose of glorifying their Savior and Lord
Jesus Christ.” The author feels that this purpose is being eroded but this
erosion does not have to occur. He feels we must “wake up and devote ourselves
to doing God’s work God’s way. He
feels we must devote ourselves to the four essentials of a church: “the
apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”
(Acts 2:42).
The author does not mince words as he strongly emphasizes
that we, as a church, must think “spiritually”, “stay Biblical,” and “be
flexible.” He believes that these three principles must be foremost in our
minds as we seek to counteract any sign of erosion in our church (each
individual church). He explains these principles with very good examples, as
well as references to the Bible.
In his comparison of today’s church with the first church he
points out that we, today, don’t face persecution; we haven’t’ been asked to
die for our faith…yet. This writer concentrates his remarks on Paul and Peter
at one point in his discussion and gives a very fascinating description of
their activities, feelings, and accomplishments. He discusses the way the “adversary” assaulted the early
church on a number of fronts. The reader will find this enlightening. “The adversary will stop at nothing to
disrupt and, if possible, destroy the church.” “Always remember that.” If you read nothing else in this
excellent work, you must read the section: “Distinctives of a Contagious
Church.”
There is so much in this treatise that I cannot possibly
describe all the illustrations, examples, and other things. Trust me, this book is a must-read for
everyone; it is written in a clear understandable fashion and is a joy to
read. You will enjoy reading “Scaffolding,”
an excerpt by Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham, in the conclusion.
This book is a timely and well thought-out essay on some
very serious issues regarding every church. Hopefully, and I agree with author of this, it will inspire
the reader to discuss these matters with his minister, his Sunday School class,
and leaders of his church. I don’t
feel it would be a bad idea to discuss with the entire congregation.
