RECHARGE YOUR SPIRITUAL BATTERY
(At Pastors Fellowship)
By
Bill Neece, Evangelist, Sumter, South Carolina
I am greatly concerned about the future
of Christianity in America! Every informed
Christian knows the Christian faith is under heavy, direct, sustained satanic attack. A growing wave of godless secularism
is sweeping America’s culture and
schools. An entire generation is being raised to accept a materialistic, immoral lifestyle. Biblical morality is ridiculed
and ignored in many of our public schools and through the mass media, while moral relativism continues to make deep inroads
into our culture—even among many church-goers who claim to be Christians. This is nothing but rabid paganism. Add to
this the rising specters of atheism, humanism, pluralism, and eastern mysticism.
Basic bedrock Christian beliefs are under heavy fire!
Equally troubling is the widespread rapid drop in Biblical knowledge. When all of this is taken together it presents what
may be the most serious threat ever facing our nation! Americans simply do not know the Word of God—even many who attends
church services every Sunday! And the consequences could be devastating.
Imagine if Biblical Christianity actually died out in America,
and that it disappeared in one generation, as it has in many European countries that have abandoned God altogether. Impossible?
Consider this:
- Researcher George Barna found that 88 percent of Americans believe
they are “accepted by God,” while only five percent believe what
God’s Word says about morality and salvation.
- Throughout our history as a nation the Bible has served as our moral
compass. After touring our infant nation Alexis De Toqueville, renowned historian of France, stated, “America is great because America is good; if America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
And it’s happening! Corruption, scandal, and decadence now characterize the political, business, entertainment, educational,
and media worlds. Nor has the spiritual world escaped.
But there is hope—if we will determine to equip our young men and women who will
carry the banner of Biblical Christianity forward in the next generation! I do not believe God’s true church is going
to fail. Jesus declared, “the gates
of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 15:18). Thank God
for godly parents, pastors, evangelists, teachers, Bible schools and colleges
who are holding firm to the fundamentals of “the faith once and for all delivered
to the saints” (Jude 3).
One of our most trust worthy ministries today is the Church
of God Pastors' Fellowship which meets each May in Winchester, Kentucky. Here is why I say that:
1st,
It’s A Proven Ministry. This annual meeting is now 35 years old, and presents one of the best preaching
programs in the Church of God.
It is a smooth blend of older and younger ministers, all proclaiming God’s Word and honoring the Lord Jesus Christ.
2nd,
It’s A Purposeful Ministry. Its focus is the preaching and re-preaching of the historic, Bible message
of the Church of God
reformation movement. This means opposing error, and preaching the Bible truths of Salvation by Grace, Entire Sanctification
by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, Victorious Holy Living, Divine Healing through Faith in God, Spiritual Church Membership,
Unity and Equality of all Believers, the present Reign (Kingdom) of God in the heart and life of committed Christians, the
Second Coming of Christ to terminate the affairs of this time world, bring all men to Final Judgment, and receive His Redeemed
Church unto Himself. And of course, the Bible message about Heaven and Hell.
3rd,
It’s A Positive Ministry. You don’t need to worry about where it’s headed. We say up front,
and out loud exactly who we are and what we are about. We seek to honor Christ, and to be a strong support to all who love
His Word. We are not “rabble rousers,” or a “splinter group” out to divide God’s people. We love the Church of God and seek to strengthen her ministry.
4th,
It’s A Preaching Ministry. Year after year there is a strong line-up of good, godly preachers. You can
expect to hear solid Biblical preaching and thrilling, heart-warming, Christ-honoring music. You won’t hear any “uncertain sounds” in this meeting.
5th,
It’s A Practical Ministry. The “how to” of ministry
is important. Learn from pastors and other leaders God has used or is using to reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ, disciple
new believers, and shepherd the local congregation. Get it wrong and you mess up everything. Get it right and go forward with
it for God!
6th,
It’s A Productive Ministry. The aim is to provide
seasoned, sensible, spiritual help that each person can identify with. There is a large selection of printed and recorded
materials available in the book room. You will be challenged and motivated to return home with a renewed love for God and
His Word, a new burden for the lost, a fresh fire in your soul for the Lord’s
work, and a burning passion to do God’s will! We all need it!
7th,
It’s A Pleasant Ministry. King David said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psa 133:1). Our
Lord declared, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have
love one to another” (John 13:35). Pastors’ Fellowship
seeks to live out the world of the song as Brother Warner wrote years ago:
Oh, praise the Lord for love divine That binds us all together;
A thousand chords our hearts entwine, Forever and forever
“God over all and in us all,” And thro’ each
holy brother;
No pow’r of earth or hell, withal, Can rend us from each
other.
O brethren, how this perfect love Unites us all in Jesus!
One heart, and soul, and mind we prove The union heaven gave
us.
Hope to see you in Winchester
in May of 2009.
Special Note:
Many pastors and friends have sent notes and letters expressing their
sorrow at the sudden passing of my precious wife Leta. She served with me all over the United States for some 62 years and
was such a blessing to so many through her music ministry. Today she rejoices with the redeemed of the ages around the Throne
of God in Heaven. In God’s own time we will join her there. What glorious victory awaits! Heartfelt thanks to all the
pastors and friends who have called or written. We love you all.
Bill Neece and family.
