The Future Of The Church In America

Andy Sanders

The American church will move from teaching the nations to being taught by other nations, in relationship to the Kingdom of Heaven. This shift has already begun. Second and Third world countries are growing so fast spiritually compared to us in America because they have nothing to gain or lose. Their dependency is based on Christ alone. This is what God honors.

Major shifts and rifts are going to hit this nation in the near horizon that will be shocking to the current economic and religious systems. Not just in religion, but those that are Christians. Once these shifts take place, intense rifts will flow out in many directions all across this nation. These strong and dangerous rifts WILL hit the church of America. It is one thing to be floating in water and get struck by a gigantic wave that you knew was on its way. It is another thing to be hit by several waves that have come in multiple directions at once. These rifts that are on their way will be the final authority to many man-made structures within the church that are not meant to be.

Psalm 12: 5,”Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise, says the Lord. I will protect them from those who malign them.” NIV

The end result of this shifting will ultimately produce in us a renewed love for the kingdom of heaven that will be much stronger than the love that we currently carry for monetary things and personal vendettas. Not only will there be a renewed love and awakening to understand the Kingdom of Heaven, but there will be a stronger desire to become a part of His kingdom more than any other affiliation known. These rifts that are coming will reproduce an amazing desire for “our first love.” That is, the rekindled love for Christ.

As time goes on, the things of the world, past hurts, church mishaps, and burn-out can move in, especially to those who do ministry for the body of Christ. Unfortunately, most first loves diminish due to time unspent with God. When this happens, a utopia of administration kicks in that causes our anointed ministers to be nothing more than professional businessmen who fill out their schedules with Americanized market planning, instead of the PRESENCE OF GOD! In my ten years of pastoring, that is what happened to me. I was a busy-body that was great at administrating much, but producing little to nothing in the Kingdom.

True Spiritual Accountability – a must!

Coverings and accountability are an absolute must! They must come from true God-given authority and not from the typical and traditional denominational hierarchy structure. God’s real intention for mentorship is just like the relationship of a father and son. Did you know that what you specifically teach to your son and daughter, they will normally never forget it and will excel in it. For example, those fathers who teach their kids sports first hand, will normally sit on the bleachers and watch first string starters as their children. I am not saying this is the case for all, but one fond memory I have with my father is when we used to throw the football short range. I happen to do extremely well at this very thing. I can hit most people right in the numbers every time at short range. Long range throwing and golfing on the other hand both have one thing in common with me: horrifying!

Concerning proper spiritual coverings, if the person that is supposed to be over your life is someone that you have never met in person, have no relationship with, or do not trust, then you are in a bad situation that will not produce in you what God desires. God is your Father and he wants to guild you through spiritual fathers and mothers. God places them over our lives for a reason. I thank God for those who have stepped into my life over the past few years that have become not only friends when needed, but have been true mentors and disciples. With that kind of relationship, you could have just met them a year ago and it will seem like you have known them all of your life. That is what God really intended! DO NOT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!

Zechariah 10: 1,”Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to the men, and plants of the field to everyone. “NIV

Indians

I saw a very vivid vision about Indians this past weekend. I will not go into full-detail detail with the specifics of the vision, however the theme and main point that I believe that God is attempting to get across to me and convey to you is that there is an up and coming movement within the native Indian culture that is going to produce seeds of reconciliation and restoration.

In the vision there were many Indian men in unity moving forward on a canoe. They were unshaken by the water’s waves. Regardless of what was in front of them, the Lord had so equipped them prior to this canoe journey that they were both mentally and spiritually prepared. They rowed with much tenacity and stability. Each stride was in sync with the others on the canoe.

God is rising up the native Indians to become the head and not the tail. On the horizon, God will send this group forward in both political and spiritual matters. Business favor will also be with them. Many who have been bound with alcohol through generational alcoholism will be free from this demonic bondage.

Each ethnic group carries distinct cultural traits with them. I am not sure the true reality of what has become of the genuine native Indians in the United States, however, most second hand stories I hear are not very positive. I have been told many times of Indian nation territory uprisings. In NY, where we have family, there has been more than one uprising in the Onondaga regions. I have also been told by several Indian reservation missionaries that alcohol is a major bondage on these reservations.

Of course, I have not studied these things intricately, but the information has come from consistently reliable ministers. So who is to blame? My understanding is that Americans (white men) took sections of their land by manipulation and control. In many cases, the Native American Indians have been restricted to half-hearted government reservations. No matter what the real story is, God has not forgotten the Native Indians of our land and His future plan will launch them forward.

Jeremiah 33: 6,”Never the less, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”