For many of us, peace sounds like a long way off. A good idea. A nice thought for the holidays. Something we long for. If this is where you find yourself today, let me encourage you that Jesus shows up when the storms of life threaten our peace and hope and joy. He is there with us when all seems lost and the way forward is totally unclear.
As Richard Stearns begins the last of the Chapters of his book, “The Hole in Our Gospel,” he writes the following: “So far, I have spent twenty-two chapters arguing the case that there is a hole in our gospel and that, as a result, we have embraced a view of our faith that is far too tame. We have, in fact, reduced the gospel to a mere transaction involving the right beliefs rather than seeing in it the power to change the world. I have painted a picture of a world aflame with violence, poverty, injustice, disease, corruption, and human suffering – a world in need of revolution. But I have also attempted to make clear from Scripture that the whole gospel – the very social revolution Jesus intended as His kingdom unfolded “in earth as it is in heaven” – has been entrusted to us, those who claim to follow Christ.”
As Richard Stearns begins the last of the Chapters of his book, “The Hole in Our Gospel,” he writes the following: “So far, I have spent twenty-two chapters arguing the case that there is a hole in our gospel and that, as a result, we have embraced a view of our faith that is far too tame. We have, in fact, reduced the gospel to a mere transaction involving the right beliefs rather than seeing in it the power to change the world. I have painted a picture of a world aflame with violence, poverty, injustice, disease, corruption, and human suffering—a world in need of revolution. But I have also attempted to make clear from Scripture that the whole gospel—the very social revolution Jesus intended as His kingdom unfolded “in earth as it is in heaven”—has been entrusted to us, those who claim to follow Christ.”
The person or the Church that uses what they have (be it much or little) to serve the Lord. Let us encourage you along with our Lord Jesus this morning because some of you need to hear this. You may not think you are much in the eyes of the world around you but be faithful to God with what you have. “You have kept my word.” Jesus says. You may feel small and maybe even despised by the culture of the day, but we can still be obedient to God and be faithful to Him and be an overcomer for Him. There are a lot of famous and flashy Christians who have not “kept my word.” I promise you that obeying the Word of God is a far greater achievement than being famous or flashy in Kingdom work.
The person or the Church that uses what they have (be it much or little) to serve the Lord. Let us encourage you along with our Lord Jesus this morning because some of you need to hear this. You may not think you are much in the eyes of the world around you but be faithful to God with what you have. “You have kept my word.” Jesus says. You may feel small and maybe even despised by the culture of the day, but we can still be obedient to God and be faithful to Him and be an overcomer for Him. There are a lot of famous and flashy Christians who have not “kept my word.” I promise you that obeying the Word of God is a far greater achievement than being famous or flashy in Kingdom work.
