5 responses to the storm threatening the church

Rob Streetman Nov. 12, 2020

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The church today is suffering in many of the same ways it has suffered over the past 2000-plus years. Division, apathy and worldliness have always plagued it, however there are least two things that are different for the church during this season.

First, there is a growing urgency. Whether from the sense that a storm is coming, or that there is a slow but growing decline of the church's influence in society, many in the church believe the current chaos will only intensify.

Secondly, Christians have an opportunity to boldly build their houses on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). Those that will shore up this foundation by hearing and doing the sayings of Jesus will become houses of refuge in the coming storm.

Hopefully, we will not be like the people who lived below a dam, meeting regularly to discuss the cracks, but continuing to live as if the dam would never fail. The foolish man knows what is right, but doesn't take action. The wise man stops investing in what is passing away. We must lay up treasures in heaven. We must buy the truth. May we be found dressed in readiness with our lamps lit (Luke 12:35).

Storms from God are good

A significant step in our spiritual preparation is our willingness to embrace the storm as an opportunity for the church, something that will somehow be good for us. Storms throughout history have purified and sanctified the church. In the same way, the coming storm will not be wasted.

The storm we speak of is not only the continued rise of social ills (e.g., homosexuality, abortion, greed). The one that's threatening the church is God's judgment on our weakness and compromise. The storm is a loving Father's chastening, rebuke, and scourging, that His children might:

1. Confess and repent
2. Lay aside every weight and sin
3. Become radically holy
4. Serve God reverently
5. Allow the storm to purify

Storms like this shake individuals, church fellowships, and denominations (Hebrews 12:27). There may be a falling away. Many will be tested and strengthen their abiding in Christ, His word, and His love.

Storms and fires bring life to forests that have been poorly attended. We need to recognize the benefits of storms. Now is the time to begin removing what does not belong.

Ask God to help you apply the five steps listed above to your personal life and the lives of those God has placed in your spheres of influence. The Holy Spirit will guide you as you seek to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ. The result will be glory, victory, and a closer relationship with the Lord.

God bless you with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that you might experience the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe.

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Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More »

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