Dear Dreamers,

There is something wrong with the church in America.  If that comes as a surprise to you, then I strongly (but tenderly) suggest you get your head out of the sand.  The statistics are irrefutable:  Divorce and abortion rates the same in the church as in the world; 65 – 87% of college freshman, who were raised in Christian families, are leaving the church; the total dollars spent by the church in America divided by the number of baptisms – $1.55 million.  The question is no longer “Do we have a problem?”, but “What can be done about it?”

Personally, I have not given up hope in God’s grace and mercy for the church in American.  I believe that His eyes are still roaming, to and fro across this Earth (and our nation), looking for those in whom He can show Himself strong.  I just wonder how much more He will tolerate.  It is time for decisive action; action that will not come from the corporate church, but from each individual and family. 

The answer is radical, but simple.  So much so that I pray you will not think too much about it, but rather take it to the Lord and ask Him if it is true for you.  Only His revelation will give you the courage and resolve to follow it through to the end.  Are you ready?  Have you committed yourself to take this to the Lord – with your “Amen” in hand?  Okay.

I am convinced that every Christian must intentionally, and solemnly, return the American Dream – trade it back in – for the dream God has had for you since before time began.  As I’ve said before, the American Dream has cast a spell on the church in America.  We have drunk deeply of its potion, and have become drunk with its intoxication.  It is impossible to overestimate the damage our worldly drunkenness and stupor has brought down on our children, grandchildren…  Oh, Lord, when will it stop?

Let me be clear – the American Dream and God’s dream are not the same.  It is an insult to Him to even suggest such a thing.  The abundant life is not measured in square footage, retirement savings and legacies.  America is no longer a Christian nation.  America is more like the world (described as our enemy in the Bible) than most nations on this Earth.  And friendship with the world is enmity toward God.  When will we stop investing in, and depending on, the kingdoms of this world?  Are we not called to be fully committed to the kingdom of God?

Dear brethren, we are so far from God’s dream for us that it’s just too difficult to describe it in terms that are understandable in our current situation.  In fact, it would be better to challenge you with seeking that perspective from Him and His word.  Here are a few good starting points:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.  1 Peter 2:9-10

…that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…  Ephesians 1:18-19

Please, please, please, don’t stop with a mental assent to these verses.  Take this to the Lord and ask Him to show you how much greater His dream is for you and your family – not in the sweet-by-and-by, but in the abundance of His life right now. 

And ask for the grace to repent of such a tragic, foolish transaction.  Our children’s eternal lives depend on it.

Your fellow ambassador,

Rob