Barna Research Group reported that one out of three persons who self-identify as “Born Again Christians” believe that Jesus Christ actually sinned, that He was not actually resurrected, and that faith in Christ is not necessary to enter heaven.

It is difficult to imagine how we are going to change the world if we do not know who we are and what we believe.

Several years ago Jim Herrington presented some startling facts: 

• Between 3,500 and 4,000 churches close their doors each year;
• 62,000 churches are without pastors;and
• not one county in the entire U.S. has a higher percentage of churched people today than it did a decade ago.

The American Church is in full retreat.This is not a tactical retreat, or a regrouping—it is surrender. We recede; the enemy advances.  The collateral damage is incalculable, as millions of civilians—American citizens—are crushed by the weight of enemy oppression.

Why do we tolerate in the spirit what we would never tolerate in the flesh? Is it time for a counter-offensive?  How can we wait?

Imagine the state of the Evangelical Church today if Martin Luther did not post his Ninety-Five Theses on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany on October 31, 1517.  Luther sparked the Protestant Reformation by heroically refusing to recant his beliefs in the face of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles the Fifth.  Martin Luther was formally decreed to be an outlaw and a heretic.

CHESTER SMITH passed away on Friday.  To the world he is known as an old time Country and Western star. 

He also made millions buying UHF television licenses, including several stations that became Fox affiliates when the network started.  Everything he touched turned to gold.

Along with his successes in music and business, he was also a bright star in the Body of Christ, humblingly serving in music, healing, and deliverance ministries.  He was a fixture in the old Full Gospel Businessmen's meetings throughout the country, when Demos Shakarian led that ministry.  Later he continued to work with Ronny Svenhard in Business Men’s Fellowship USA.

In the early nineties, I had the privilege to serve with Chester as MC for his special meetings sponsored by the Christian television program—The Eleventh Hour—in Stockton and Sacramento, which continued for a year or two.  As a board member for those meeting, I can assure you that Chester never profited from his ministry—as if he needed the money.

Instead, he served his Savior following his calling, and demonstrated God’s power in a humble fashion and in small venues that is uncommon in the Church today.  I personally observed amazing miracles, which continue to impact my understanding of the unseen spiritual world.

Jesus must have been thinking of Chester when he imagined those unique few rich men who would thread the eye of the needle.