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Reaching America in the 21st Century

by Charles E. Hackett

Our central goal is to see revival one more time in North America — revival that transforms the church and changes society.

In the Assemblies of God, our central goal as we await the start of a new millennium is to see revival one more time in North America—revival that transforms the church and changes society, not a blip of spiritual activity but a profound change in the character and actions of the people who make up the church. God has promised revival, for He says in Acts 2:17, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” It is happening around the world, and we thank God for that. But He said, “upon all flesh.” It is coming to North America.

Alexander De Tocqueville, a French historian who visited America during the 1830s to discover what made America a great nation, said, “I visited the churches and listened to the sermons about compassion and human understanding, and that is where I found the goodness of America. America is great because America is good. When America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” God is the only source of goodness, and we must focus on what God can do, not on what man can do. Too long we have looked to politicians, courts, and laws to bring goodness back to America. We hear the statement, “Let’s bring God back into our public schools.” What we really need is to bring God back into the church. We have wasted too much time trying to reform a godless society when we should be praying for revival in a backslidden church. Society will be impacted and changed by a church that is alive and well, not by government and laws. God is waiting to hear from the church, not from the courts.

Second Chronicles 7:14 is quoted frequently and is used repeatedly in emphasizing our need for revival. But it is still true, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

It does not take a theologian to understand that revival is the responsibility of the church; and until the church takes full responsibility and does what is necessary, there will be no revival.

Revival comes only when the church prays. Problems and persecution cause the church to pray. Historically, the church thrives during bad times and does poorly during good times. Peace and prosperity have not brought a spirit of prayer and revival to America. Only God knows what it will take to awaken the church in North America. My prayer is two-fold: “Lord, do whatever it takes in this nation of ours, just send revival.” And, “Let me be a part of this end-time revival.” I am determined I will not be a sideline critic, but rather a participant in what God is doing.

The spiritual awakening that we so desperately need in this nation must include the supernatural, not a fleshly display of carnal trickery. We need genuine signs, wonders, and miracles that will stand up under the most critical inspection. We must have conversions similar to Saul on the road to Damascus. Notable sinners must be converted and live exemplary Christian lives for all to see. We must have leaders who have vision, insight, and wisdom to lead us into areas where we have not been. Millions of dollars and much property will be needed. God owns it all, and He has property and money on hold for this end-time revival. We have already seen evidence of this. He is waiting for people of faith and vision to rise up, and He will release the assets needed to accomplish His plan.

Our second goal is to provide a clear presentation of the gospel to every person living in America. With Christian television and radio blanketing this nation, the potential is already in place. But people are hearing and not believing. There are scales over the eyes of people and deafness in their ears so that they hear and see, but cannot believe and accept. Only God can remove these scales and open their understanding as to what it means to be saved. There are many other challenges associated with presenting the gospel to every person. Every day more than 175 different languages are spoken in this country, and millions either do not speak English or have a poor understanding of it. There are gated communities, high-rise apartments, and wealthy suburbs that present a challenge that must be overcome. There are the millions who are trapped in the inner cities, mostly without hope, who must be reached with the gospel. We must not only present a clear gospel witness, but follow up with discipleship so that people understand what it means to live out their faith. Not everyone will be saved, but we must make sure that every person is given the opportunity to accept Christ.

Our third goal as we move into the next century is to plant a church in reach of every person. Not everyone will go to church, but we must provide them an opportunity to be a part of a local Spirit-filled church. There is no substitute for a local church where people can gather for the common purpose of glorifying God, being built up in the faith, and to reach the lost. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” We must adopt that as our mission statement and leave no area unreached by a local church. No one can live for God as a victorious Christian if he or she deliberately stays away from the church. Church planting is a top priority with us.

God is preparing His church for an unprecedented end-time harvest. He is raising up an army of committed people who are willing to go any place and pay any price to see the harvest competed. It is God’s time for America.

Charles E. Hackett is executive director of the Division of Home Missions, Springfield, Missouri.