THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH IN AMERICA !?!

I just listened to a radio broadcast today...May 4, 2015...by the pastor of one of the largest Churches in our city...Apostle A.R. Williams/World Overcomers Outreach Ministries/Memphis, TN.  He gave a very clear picture of the direction of the Church in a very few years, if not sooner, because of the laws that are being passed and because of the increasing hatred for the Church.

I was just remembering how over the years his church membership increased exponentially, and how he had to continue to purchase larger and larger edifices to house his ministry. Of course, this process appeared to be the trend of our times, especially in the 21st century.  Large screens, orchestras, gyms,  daycare centers, parking lot attendants, numerous outreach ministries, huge fellowship halls, book stores and coffee shops became the norm of the day. So, why was Apostle Williams painting a picture of house churches and cell groups today?  

He is simply sharing a soon approaching reality of the decline of the Church's place of prominence in our nation.  While still fellowshipping with our sister Churches, many of us have been modeling this style of Faith Community for years now...in our homes, in coffee shops around town, in restaurant meeting rooms, in parks, in neighborhood community centers and in numerous other unassuming locations. The Church has to be redefined in this day in order to maximize it's effectiveness to society at-large.  We have to be more readily accessible and presently available at all times for the single seeker or for the masses. 

This pastor spoke of the possibility of the loss of the 501(c)(3) non-profit status for the Church as well as being forced to comply with laws contrary to biblical teachings in order to remain open. He said that the government could decide to confiscate your Church buildings for its own use.  Yes, religious liberty as we have been accustomed to is changing daily as news stories are becoming constant reminders of this threat.  He said that he is ready to lose everything if it comes to that.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?  ARE YOU READY FOR THESE IMPENDING CHANGES?

Many of this current generation might have left the Church building, but they have been representing the Church/Kingdom in very viable and tangible ways. Holy Spirit has been training and preparing them for the day that they will have to contend with.

Now, many of you who have been believers for years...have you ever had a Bible study or a prayer meeting at your home?  In fact, have you ever observed the Lord's Table or led anyone to the Lord at your home?  Have you ever shared your faith at the supermarket, in the park, with a neighbor?  

Well, if a REAL revival of repentance and renewal doesn't come to America soon, we won't be able to "have church" the way that you know it to be much longer. Apostle Williams said that many leaders won't even recognize this threat until it's too late because that has been the Church's MO.  Yes, as long as things "look" okay, most people are undiscerning until it comes to their front door.  It is time for the people of God to look beyond status symbols and to discern the times.

Would your Faith Community know how to survive underground if it comes to that?