Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)
While the American Dream does have some positive aspects, such as the freedom of religion whereby we can worship God freely; much of it is based upon the things of the world. Even though the United States Constitution recognizes that we are all created equal by our Creator, many have lost sight of the Creator because of the things of the world found in 1John 2:16. Of course, much of what is being written may use the American church as an example; it really applies to those churches that have been encumbered with the things of world. Please understand that as you read this, I love this nation the Lord has place me in; however, I am a Christian first. Though I am a citizen of the United States, my citizenship is in heaven and my allegiance belongs to the King of kings, Jesus. Because I love my King, I will submit to the authorities placed over me.
What is the difference between the titles of “The American Church,” and “The Church at America?” One simple word: “identity.” “The American Church” identifies itself with America and its influences, whereas, “The Church at America” identifies itself with the Kingdom of God, and influences America instead. The Church as a whole is to be one Body that is concerned with the will of the Father. So obviously, this extends out beyond America.
One of the telltale signs of whom or what influences a congregation is the spirit of the congregation. If the Holy Spirit influences it, there will be oneness and a heart for the will of God. If it is influenced by the spirit of the world, there will be division and strife. Lets get real: if a church is divided over the color of the carpet or the walls, there is a problem. If a church is more concerned about the air conditioner working in the summer than lost souls, something is wrong. When a church is more concerned about the comfort of the flesh than real spiritual matters, it is a carnal congregation. How does this compare to James 3:13-18?
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace (KJV).
Another sign is the love of the Word of God. The true Church of God will hunger for the true Word of God. If pastors are preaching a watered-down version of the truth, they have a fear of man, and do not walk with the fear of God. A perverse generation will embrace a lie, and reject the truth. Those who use the Bible in order to line their pocket books are driven by lust and not the love of God or His Word. Those churches that teach and preach the true Word of God fear the Lord, and love Him. We are warned in 2Timothy 4:1-4,
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables “(KJV).
To walk as the true Church of God, we need to embrace His true doctrine, which is found in His Word as the Holy Spirit teaches. Look at 2Timothy 3:15-17,
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (KJV).
As the Church is one Body with many members, we as its members must make the decision as to Whom or what we will serve, individually. The choices we make in life will be predicated upon the decision we have made. Each of us individually will have to make up our own minds as to whether we are part of the American church, or the Church at America (or whatever nation one happens to be in). Going even further, we will either decide to be part of a church that loves God and His will, or one that loves the things of the world. One that will not compromise the Word of God, or one that compromises in order to fulfill its own lustful desires. We must decide if we are of those who have a form of godliness, but denies the power thereof, or of those who walk humbly with God in the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit. The decision is yours and mine alone to make.
