Once upon a time, the gospel thundered,
Not as suggestion but as command,
Not as comfort only,
But as fire upon the hearts of men.

Once upon a time, disciples would not bow,
Their voices rose where markets bustled,
Their courage clashed with crowns and swords,
Kings trembled, lions fed on saints—
Yet truth was not silenced.

Once upon a time, the church would not hide.
They prayed, they preached, they bled, they burned.
And the Spirit moved like wind and flame,
Shaking cities, toppling idols,
Calling nations to repent.

But now—
Have we grown timid, lulled to sleep?
Have we traded boldness for comfort,
The shout of truth for whispers in the dark?

What will it take?
Another martyr’s blood?
Another city in ruins?
Another call from heaven ignored?

Church, awake!
Lift your voice again.
Stand. Declare. Proclaim.
The time is not tomorrow—
The time is now.