Good morning. There are places in our world today where Christianity is experiencing tremendous and exciting growth. Often, these places are where the Good News is being preached for the first time. For instance, people in rural China long to hear Good News, and eagerly receive it when it is shared. This could be said of many places where missionary work is underway. Those who do not know Christ and have never heard of the grace of God are often very excited when they learn the truth.
There are also places where revival is underway when Christianity has been traditionally at the heart of a culture but has recently been pushed aside. This is true around the world, and it is true in cities and communities here in the U.S.A.
In Scotland there has recently been dynamic revival of Christianity in several cities and communities. It began when a group of Presbyterian pastors gathered to discuss how they might better combat the cultural decline of Christian faith, especially within their own churches. They called in an aged preacher to speak to them named Will Mc Lough, who listened carefully to their concerns and then shared insight into what would be the remedy they sought: “Revival will occur when the good brothers and sisters of your congregations begin to take Jesus Christ seriously.” They argued with him for a while, but before long they came to the conclusion that he was correct, the reason for their decline was that their own members, perhaps even they themselves, were no longer taking Jesus Christ seriously.
Such a thought is a harsh criticism, but perhaps it is one that we could all think about. Do we take Jesus seriously enough to become confident in our “handling of the Word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15? Or are we easily lost and defeated because our knowledge of the Word is insufficient? Do we take for granted the incredible promise of God of our redemption through the blood of Jesus? In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7 Do we live as people who are truly free, released from the bonds of sin, never to be entangled by them again? Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 Do we trust Jesus enough to allow Him to share our life intimately, even our burdens of doubt and fear? “Come to Me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Do we take Jesus seriously enough to allow Him to stand guard over our hearts and minds to ensure our peace? And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
There are so many ways that Jesus makes a powerful difference in our lives, and the world is paying attention. Do our lives reflect his fullness and glory? Do our words, deeds, comforts, and joys reveal that we take everything about our Savior seriously? There is great joy waiting for all who are ready to say, ”yes”.
Vern