Five Ways to Revive a Dead Church in 2010

Recently Franklin Graham was quoted as saying,

Revival. We need revival. Our churches are dead. You have liberalism now that has crept into mainstream evangelicalism. That's scary.

I won't argue with him that our churches are dead. Perhaps we could argue about the reasons it's dead, but that is for another day. If you care about the church, like I do, here are a few ways you can help the church waken from it's slumber in 2010. Try them, what can it hurt?

• Attend it. The writer of the book of Hebrews says, "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). This means physically move your body from your home to another building or area where there are other believers. Pray, sing, listen and share some love. Groom yourselves please. This means listening to a sermon on your ipod or entering a chat room, aka Internet campus, does not count. Sorry.
• Discern it. Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. This will help you avoid becoming a member of a cult before it's too late. Ask yourself, is what I heard today true? Not only will you learn God's word it will keep your Pastor on his toes. It's a win-win.
• Help in it. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Ask your Pastor, "Is there anything I can do to help?" After he recovers from his shock, listen to what he says. Do it, and give your best.
• Defend it. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. This means when your at work or in line at the grocery store and someone says something nasty about Christians and or God your answer will be effective to make them think twice about going there again. We have the truth, it's a good side to be on. Somehow we just don't know how to use it right.
• Promote it. Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Preaching just doesn't take place in the form of a sermon behind a pulpit on Sunday morning. You can preach to your kids, spouse, Parents, classmates, friends. You can preach on a street corner like Ray Comfort. Then bring them to church. Preach and bring, an improved version of invest and invite.

Perhaps after we do these things God will look upon us and bless the Church with his gifts. I think the effort comes first. God help me do the things I listed here. Happy New Year!!