Evans chooses another analogy of the spiritual condition of America that is sure to get attention and may be more accurate -- that of a person suffering from AIDS. He also likens the role of the church in our society to that of the immune system. When immunity is low, the body is vulnerable to the virus. When the church is weak, it is vulnerable to the same viruses of sin that are attacking our culture.
Evans lists several viruses that affect the church now -- selfishness, racism, a growing class structure -- and he says that God is behind the chaos. But if God is responsible, then God is the real solution if we will look to Him.
In the remainder of the book, Evans discusses more specific aspects of this general problem such as rediscovering the role of the church as Christ's body, being true disciples, fixing the world with prayer, moving beyond tradition, and identifying ourselves in love to others as people who serve Christ.
The content shows us what a gifted preacher Evans is. He has the ability to give a truly biblical message with contemporary application and language. For example, in describing the Urban Alternative's Project Turn-Around, Evans lists the "Biblical Principles" of that ministry's efforts to stop the destruction of our cities: Church and Leadership Development, Family Renewal, Housing Development, Health Revitalization, Educational Revitalization, Business and Economic Development, and Community Mobilization and Reconstruction.
Sounds like a political platform, doesn't it? Until you notice that under each topic, Evans also lists scripture references to emphasize and support these points. He is taking God's Word where the rubber meets the road, and he is calling on the church to be the body of Christ in today's culture -- all of it.
Evans points out the need for churches to be unified. In fact, he explicates Acts 17 to show that God resists unity outside the church while the Spirit establishes unity within the church -- regardless of race or culture. "The church is to show the world what it looks like when people from different cultures, races, genders, and backgrounds unite under the banner of Jesus Christ."
Evans has degrees from Carver Bible College, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Eastern College and serves as senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas. He is also president of The Urban Alternative which has goals that might be summarized in this book's subtitle -- How to restore a Decaying Culture. It's time for a root canal on America, but our nation can be restored and Christians must lead the way.
Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com