By Evangelist John BJ Hall
1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NASB) “So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober."
The greatest tragedy in the Kingdom of God is seen in Romans 11:8 (NASB) “ just as it is written, " GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT, DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY." The people of Israel chose to turn away from God and “God gave them a spirit of stupor (sleep)”
In the church today that same spirit of stupor reigns through apathy, disinterest, and laziness in the areas of prayer and witnessing.
The truth is that our churches are not reaching the lost as we once did. We are not bringing the hope of salvation to a lost and dyeing world. Our youth are being drawn away from the church and close relationship with the Lord because we have failed to teach them the first principles, the essentials of the faith.
Romans 13:11 (NASB) tells us, “And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.” Remember the inner circle of the apostles fell asleep when they should have been praying in the Garden with our Lord.
There will not be true revival until the church stirs from its slumber.
Awake, Dear Church, Awake
Awake, dear Church, awake. You’ve slumbered far too long.
Now stir yourself and rise, For sleeping is so wrong
While millions walk in sin, A wrestles dying throng.
Awake, dear Church, awake. I bring you this report.
You must rouse to the work, If death you are to thwart.
The sun is setting in the west, And working time is short.
Awake, dear Church, awake. Humble your heart today.
Confess your sins, repent. On bended knee now pray,
With fearful, contrite heart. Wake now, do not delay.
Awake, dear Church, awake. There’s nothing now to fear.
And shout with joy the hope, “The groom is coming near.”
For that the word of life, That millions need to hear.
Awake, dear Church, awake. Stir now, renew, revive.
Awake, dear Church, awake, Let the world know you’re alive.
Awake, dear Church, awake. For God’s own Son now strive.
© Copyright 1985 Passages Ministries, All rights reserved. Message below for permission to use this poem.