Wake up Church!: Let His Voice Be Heard in the Street Because the Bridegroom Cometh Soon.

By Roxanne Anderson-Graham PhD

We live in such perilous times, times that have produced devastating effects throughout society and the prevailing culture. It makes one question where is the church, why is the church missing in action? Many churches have lost their way and purpose, while other churches could care less about the culture or society’s ills. Yet other churches are earnestly trying to address society’s issues with the truth of God’s Word.

In Wake Up, Church!, author Dr. Roxanne Anderson-Graham discusses the ideologies of three church types and how they can have an overwhelming significant impact on society. She:

• identifies the three types of churches: the complacent church, the compromising church, and the committed church;
• uncovers the limitations hindering the complacent church from moving forward, upward, and outward in completing God’s work;
• highlights the flaws of the compromising church as it straddles the fence and acquiesces to cultural trends;
• emphasizes the faith and steadfastness of the committed church in its obedience to God’s command and promise; and
• focuses on the believers’ responsibility concerning their own personal salvation and growth within the kingdom.

Anderson-Graham admonishes the church (which is the Bride of Christ) to stop procrastinating and start proclaiming the Words of the Lord and be ready for His return.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664238558

Roxanne Anderson-Graham PhD

Roxanne Anderson-Graham PhD holds a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Biblical Theology and a PhD in Christian Education. She is an ordained minister, retired social worker and substitute teacher. She is the founder and facilitator of Bread of Life Bible Study within her community. Anderson-Graham is also a board member of Free and Restored Evangelistic Ministry, and an Inspirational conference speaker. A mother and grandmother, she resides in Kissimmee, Florida.

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Copyright © 2021 Roxanne Anderson-Graham, PhD.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

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except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982

by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3856-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3857-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-3855-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021913127

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/29/2021

This book is dedicated in memory of my beautiful daughter.

Regina Renee Banks

6/2/1968-3/23/2020

Who began the journey with me in the vision of this book!

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Complacent Church

Traditions and Doctrines

The Bubble Effect

Pharisaical Spirit

Neglecting the Harvest

Chapter 2: The Compromising Church

Is It Wants, Needs, or the Truth?

The Tiptoe Effect

Caught Up in The World’s Culture

Motivational Sermons Versus the Truth

Chapter 3: The Committed Church

Releasing the Truth/Feeding the Sheep

Knowing the Finished Work of Jesus

Amazing Grace

The Making of Disciples

Chapter 4: Believers’ Responsibility

Who You Are in Christ Jesus

Walking in Your Spiritual Authority

Being About God’s Business

Conquering the Fear Factor

Conclusion

Bibliography

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Scriptures taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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INTRODUCTION

That He might present her to himself a glorious church,

not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that

she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27

Is the twenty-first century church demonstrating the truth of God’s Word rightly? A question often contemplated in the minds of many believers and nonbelievers. With the perplexing behaviors and practices displayed by churches today, many believers and nonbelievers are pondering: Where is the church? What is the purpose of the church? What is their viewpoint on current issues? These valid questions need answers. If the church intends to impact a lost and broken society and bring relief to bewildered souls, it has some answering to do. The church must cease hiding behind closed doors or taking sides with a fallen, dark culture. It is time for the church to be the church, operating in the fullness of the gospel truth: Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28). This scripture emphasizes that Jesus, the Bridegroom, is soon to come. He is coming for His bride—the church. Will the church be ready to meet the Bridegroom? Although there may be doubt or doubters concerning His coming, rest assure, Jesus is returning. The wedding feast will take place with or without you. Matthew’s gospel states: for many are called, but few are chosen (Matt. 22:14). Will the Church or you be presence at the banquet … and seated at the wedding table?

Jesus is looking for a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. In other words, Jesus seeks a church that has kept the course, fought the good fight, kept the faith, obeyed God’s commands, and is pictured as the bride of Christ—a church that is living up to all that God has purposed and destined for them. Is your church ready to activate the kingdom building agenda and commit to making it happen? In the natural world, the bride prepares for her wedding day through steps of preparations, planning, and praying. This concept holds true in the spiritual realm for the church. The church should also prepare, plan, and pray with the leading of the Holy Spirit to have the church ready for the Bridegroom.

Where is the church? The church should be working in the vineyard reaping the harvest of souls and adding to the kingdom. The church is purposed to be the light and salt of the earth introducing the lost to Jesus. To answer the question on what the church stands for, it stands for righteousness, truth, obedience, holiness, faith, peace, and most importantly, love toward others. Unfortunately, the twenty-first century church is failing to live up to the standards and expectations established by the Word of God. The church has fallen away from God and appears to be in a dangerous predicament. When the church falls from grace, society fall along with it. Many churches have been guilty of questionable and unacceptable behavior bringing grief to the Holy Spirit. It would be tragic to imagine that the Bridegroom may not find a spotless church on His return. Even more compelling: if the church is not prepared to meet Him, like the five virgins with no oil for their lamps, will you be the church that is left behind?

Within the last two decades, there is evidence the church appears to be declining and/or dying out. Fewer people are attending church than ever before. It may be attributed to Christianity having acquired an unhealthy reputation because the culture has shifted the church toward a more pluralistic attitude in the sense of having many forms of beliefs, opinions, and needs. People have a propensity to live the life they elect and do their own thing whether right or wrong. The pluralistic culture thrives off self-gratification and their own moral code of behavior. Their motto is, If you feel it, go with it. There is no shame in their game! For them, it is all about self-gratification and a messenger who meets their needs. If what is preached today does not satisfy their desired need, it is rejected. This is most likely due to a stony heart and a stubborn will. You find people today (young and old), who have little knowledge of the Bible, let alone read it. They lack understanding of key Bible principles, are unfamiliar of kingdom authority, and fail to have a personal relationship with God. This is regrettable because through God’s gift of great grace they can have authority, power, and relationship with Him at no cost. All made possible through His son, Jesus Christ. Instead, we have a culture of people within our society searching for the truth while groping around in the dark for it. People will perish for lack of knowledge, truth, and direction.

There once was a time in our nation when people could freely speak about prayer, Jesus, or sin without criticism or debate. Nowadays a person is ostracized, despised, and persecuted for his or her convictions and beliefs. Society would have you believe being a Christian is degrading and unpopular. How and why did the church come to such a low point of disrespect in our society? Why did the church fail our youth? On the flip side, why did the youth lose interest in the church?

The often-cited adage the truth hurts or church hurts may be the reason why the church appears to be failing. When people hear the truth, they harden their hearts and turn a deaf ear to it. In a more perfect world, the truth should never hurt. Regrettably, the church dwells in a world infested with lies and deceit. The truth can be harmful and intimidating. Consequently, churches have reached the point they would rather just live what feels right to them. Proverbs clarifies: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Prov. 14:12). They fail to understand that the truth and nothing but the truth shall make and set them free. No more bondage, no more chains, no more spiritual hinderance. The church has the responsibility to stand up and address these issues. All too often society’s circumstances parallel what is taking place in the church—they often mirror each other. When the church falls short of its responsibility, it can produce a culture that is falling short of theirs. Sadly, what is lacking in the church is reflected in society. Hate mirrors hate and love mirrors love. The decision lies with and within us. The church is not what it used to be, and America is following suit. Missing are the days of respect and reverence toward God, the church, and our nation. Even if you did not attend church, respect was valued.

No one should be ignorant of the transformation that is taking shape in our society today. With all the advanced technology of TV/radio, media print, cell phones, social media, and the internet, there is no excuse for anyone not knowing what is happening in the community, the country, or the world. Without a doubt,