Thursday, 23^rd October, 2025

Bible Reading: Psalm 9:17, 2 Chronicles 7:14

Memory Verse:  Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?  Psalm 85:6

The United Reformed Church (URC) in the UK was formed in 1972, merging Presbyterian and Congregational traditions. Over time, it has embraced increasingly liberal theology, including support for same-sex marriage (since 2016), and interfaith dialogues that often blur distinct Christian claims.

Homosexuality was criminalised in Britain until 1967, and aristocrats or public figures often faced exile, disgrace, or silent removal. For example, William Beckford (1760s – early 1800s), a wealthy English aristocrat and Member of Parliament (MP) who was caught in a homosexual scandal with a young man faced public disgrace and left England for exile in Portugal. But today, LGBTQ+ rights are publicly celebrated, especially during Pride Month in June, and even in the school curricula. Infact, members of the royal family now openly support LGBTQ+ rights. For example, Prince William has said he would support his children if they were gay.

In countries like the United Kingdom (UK), the Church of England, United Reformed Church, and other denominations have been steadily closing churches due to declining attendance, high maintenance costs, aging congregations, and shifting cultural values. Over 25,000 church buildings existed in the UK in the mid-20th century. As of the 2020s, hundreds of churches are being closed each year. A 2021 Church of England report predicted that up to 5,000 churches could be shut in the coming decades.

The United Reformed Church and Methodist Church have sold or abandoned many buildings already. Many buildings are either converted into homes, apartments, or private properties, restaurants, bars, shops, gyms, art galleries, or yoga studios. Again, others were purchased and converted into mosques or temples. Many others were preserved as historical sites but no longer used for worship. In the UK, there are entire websites and agencies dedicated to selling deconsecrated churches as real estate.

Brethren, these abandoned churches are more than just buildings. They’re symbols of spiritual decline in former Christian nations meaning Ichabod (the glory has departed” (1 Samuel 4:21) They represent: I. A loss of reverence for God. II. Generations no longer hearing biblical truth. III. A nation forgetting its spiritual roots. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first…” (Revelation 2:5). As churches become relics, God is calling the remnant to rise; and not just to reclaim buildings, but to rebuild altars of prayer, truth, and power.

Quote: Revival starts with you.

Prophetic Decree: In our days, the Lord shall revive His works in the midst of the years, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus 

Father, bring revival to our land. From Africa, to Asia, Antarctica, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. Let your fire burn once again in our hearts. Set our nation on fire for you and aflame for You. Awaken your Church. Break deception. Raise up holy voices. Restore hunger for Your Word. Pour out Your Spirit again. Let Your glory fill the land in Jesus’ name. Amen

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  John 7-8