I recently reflected on a sermon given by a friend of mine about 2 months ago. It was a great message that refreshed my perspective on the world at large and the call we’ve been given to be salt and light to it.
His sermon was titled “Bread of Life,” and he started by reading a journal entry he had written a few years ago:
“I find that nowadays the question people ask isn’t so much whether or not there is a God, rather which one is the one true God. We live in a world of confusion where people don’t know what to believe… because we’ve come to depend more on ourselves than on God.”
So, I think about this, and I hear about what’s going on in our nation, and then look to the body of Christ to see our response. I’m appalled. We, who are supposed to be a people of faith, children of Abraham, aren’t doing very much to demonstrate it. You could call some of us Chicken Little, because we’re right in line crying, “The sky is falling!!” We of all people should walk in this season rejoicing! Not only is God pulling us away from the things of this world that compete for our hearts, God is clearing a path for the church to rise up and be what he has called us to be.
All around me I hear echoes of this truth. The universal finding is that in hard times people turn away from the “stuff” and seek a savior… they seek God. The New York Times recently posted an article verifying that throughout history a repeated occurrence has arisen in times of nationwide hardship – people seek the church for answers.
If this is true, why are we – the church – cowering in the site of such a golden opportunity? Why aren’t we taking advantage of this moment to live the faith that we proclaim, offer the joy that sustains and pour out the hope that doesn’t disappoint? People are asking, seeking, and knocking so now is certainly not the time to curl up into a “Holy Huddle” and try to ride out the storm. It’s in this moment that our outreach efforts should be greatest and our intentions most deliberate.
January 15th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I think you are right. The church isnt making themselves available for the needs of this world. Religion is now trying to make “You” feel good instead of helping”everyone else” inderstand the truth.
January 15th, 2009 at 11:22 am
If it ain’t true then my thoughts are a lie because I’ve been thinking the same thing. Jesus said that a follower must “Take his cross and follow Me.” I question many times in my life if I am doing enough to pull that sucker out of the comfortable ground that my cross has sunken into so that I can follow Him.
Fortunately, I see the light from the taller hills when I hear people like Ravi Zacharias, Rob Bell, Rick Warren and others who have followed the call to lead others. I can tell that the Church is starting to move in the right direction again and It’s great to be alive at the new birth of an era where the harvest is plentiful, giving us plenty of opportunities everyday to be the workers, used rightly by God. It’s a new day, Rodnesha. I think we’re starting to see the Church stand up again and follow Him.
January 15th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I think you that, unfortunately, you are right. Some Christians are finding themselves just as fearful and depressed as the world.
I encourage them to remeber Who is in control, and what He has planned for them. Paul learned to be content with little and with much. God promises us food and clothing, and He is our only security. How great is it that the Creator of all things, and the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills is on our side? He is working for our good even now. Don’t worry and frett. Tell Him what is on your heart, and allow His peace to come over you.
January 15th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
What can I say…you make a very valid point! We (the universal church aka “people of God”) have a great responsibility that lies ahead: to point people in the direction of not a new plan, or a different investment, but of a King! Not one who promises a basket full of goodies and days with unending joy, but one who brings truth and the deepest love imaginable. We have a chance to model security not in our bank accounts or stable careers, but in the creator of the universe. This is our time…
Enjoyed the blog, keep it up
January 15th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
OK I see you ROD! Very eloquently written/stated….hmmm well in times of trial and separation lets prepare ourselves to be a witness and testimony for how amazing God is in and out of tribulation. And “us” that make the church will have to not only stand for TRUTH but define it in our lives, that will create an unbreakable force and foundation for the days to come…. So let’s encourage and lift up those who need courage and hope and let them know they need not worry… they are or “love and sound mind”…
January 19th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
AMEN, WAY TO GO! The church is my passion and I would love to see her reclaim her position in society for the Kingdom of God. Rodnesha, I would love to collaborate with you to find solutions of how we can partner and equip the church to take back her position for the lost. Let’s be the change! (If interested, Eric Martin has my contact info.)
January 5th, 2010 at 10:50 am
May God continue giving you more revelation dear .
Thats tha truth,sam -kenya