Matthew 16:24: Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. |
Many of our American Churches lay sleeping. While millions in this nation are lost, empty, desperate and hurting, the Churches go on preaching to the members within their own walls. They keep on having their services, meetings, potlucks and outings, seemingly oblivious to the lost humanity that surrounds them in their own communities. They shine their light only for other Christians while many in the world around them have no clue as to the meaning of their lives. If you had a cure for cancer, would you keep it a secret? Yet Christians everywhere try to remain “politically correct” by keeping the Good News to themselves. Meanwhile, many of their friends, relatives, co-workers, and neighbors march toward a Christless eternity. Their blood is on our hands. There is much confusion as to what a “Christian” really is. The Church services widely broadcast on TV seem to be one of two types. They are either the “everything goes, feel good Christianity” type, so as not to offend anyone. Or else they are the traditional, Bible based Churches who actually do offend many because of their loud outcry and public condemnation against all types of sins. We have totally forgotten that the Good News of Christ is for everyone. God loves us just as we are, but the change in our lives comes after we are filled with the Holy Spirit and desire to change to become more like Christ. The one way to solve the many problems in America lies with changing the hearts of men and women everywhere. We need to hit the streets, show “we are Christians by our love”, spread the Gospel, and change lives one at a time. Chrisitans need to start praying for a revival in the Churches and a move of God to shake this nation. Christians need to start developing a deep and desperate passion for reaching the lost. Only then can we say that we have “taken up our cross to follow Jesus.” |
| Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence— continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 |
