Many people are questioning the future of the church. They want to know what–if any–future the church has in America.

Yesterday I preached about this very subject.

Just so you know, I believe the church has a glorious future.

The future of the church is based on the hand of God, not the hand of government. The church will not be determined by the whim of politicians or government or by the movement of culture.

God has set the course for the church, and His course will not be denied.

One way to summarize the Revelation of Jesus Christ is to remember that all earthly kingdoms will perish, but God’s kingdom will reign for eternity.

Though the future of the church is in the hands of God alone, He allows us to serve with Him in promoting the church’s glorious future.

What can we do to work with God?

Here are areas where God wants us to serve Him and bless the church.

First, God wants His people to be a people of believing prayer. The church cannot function on human ingenuity. It must function under the leadership of God.

Christ is the head of the church, and we must access His power.

Second, God wants us to live holy lives. We must shun those parts of the culture that displease Him, and we must only do those things that please Him. God wants and expects holiness in His people.

Third, God wants us to love people who are without hope and without God in the world.

This may be the most surprising thing about the church to the lost world. While rejecting the world’s behavior, we accept hurting and disobedient people. Our churches must be hospitals for the hurting. In this way we will be seen for who God is and for what God can do.

Fourth, we must be Spirit led and Spirit dependent. While pastors and religious leaders must give direction and vision, that vision must come from God above. God spoke to Zerubbabel about rebuilding the Temple: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6).

Fifth, we must be obedient to the heavenly vision. Above all else, God desires the obedience of His people. As we obey Him, He will bless His church.

Can I help you get your day started well? Each morning, I send out an email devotional about Christian Living and Pastoral Leadership. You can subscribe for free by going to waylonbailey.com.