No more religion. This probably sounds rather odd that a pastor of a church for 29 years would make such a statement. First, let me give you Webster’s definition of religion: “A personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs and practices.”

We are living in a time when the religious world has a lot of competition and therefore has lost its attraction to the ordinary person. Recently, I read these statistics:

10 percent of members in the National Council of Church deny the existence of God.

36 percent deny the deity of Jesus.

62 percent deny the miracles of Jesus.

77 percent deny the existence of the Devil.

56 percent deny the Virgin birth.

71 percent do not believe in life after death.

54 percent do not believe that Jesus rose again.

98 percent do not believe in the second coming.

39 percent do not believe in a final judgment.

In order to attract people to the things of God, there must be m roe than an “institutionalized system.”

People are looking for more than a word about God, they are wanting and deserving an experience with God. I personally believe they will be attracted to a demonstration of God’s Spirit and Power.

The Bible informs us that signs and wonders will follow them that believe.

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name… They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” Mark 16: 17-18.

The Apostle Paul said, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and power. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” I Corinthians 3:45.

In conclusion, America is in need of a spiritual awakening, not more religion.

Clyde R. Carter is pastor of Chesapeake Pentecostal Church and an administrator of the Chesapeake Christian Academy.