A Journey of Faith from Darkness to Light
Faith comes into question when our circumstances make us feel like we've lurched (made an uncontrollable movement). We like to think we're always in control; the fact is, we're never totally in control. Recently, my life made a quick right turn, unseen and unexpected. After some serious soul-searching, I have the peace of God that neither sin nor a lack of faith on my part was the cause. Nevertheless, every day is a new day, and faith is always on Satan's chopping block. Therefore, vigilance can never be in too much supply.
More and more, I hear people refer to a need for revival. This past Saturday, my wife and I took our youngest grandson to see Kirk Cameron present his new book for children. I was deeply moved to hear him mention the need for prayer and revival.
Jesus Warns Against a Lack of Faith
In Luke 18:1-8, our Lord told the story about an unjust judge who neither feared God nor respected people. However, because of the persistence of a widow (probably desperate), he turned and gave her what she wanted. When Jesus compares God to an unruly sinner, we're now in the realm of infinite contrast. Therefore, when Jesus said, "...will God not bring about justice..." Can you hear the emphasis in His voice when speaking the name - God?
Amid this story and contrasts, Jesus raises the need for crying out day and night, which results according to God in the person of Jesus Christ, stating emphatically, "... He will bring about justice for them quickly." (Vs. 8). Wait for it - here comes the unnerving twist. "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Does the East Meet the West in Church?
As I view Christians worldwide, I see two distinct groups; those experiencing deadly persecution in the East and those unwilling to lose worldly things in the West. In the West, we have mega buildings housing massive crowds by which we determine God is at work. That the people in the building during a Sunday morning service are exhibiting a transformed life due to repentance and faith in Christ may be of little concern. Many pastors don't want to rock the boat or do anything that may appear as not showing grace.
The Great Awakening was a revival much like that of Pentecost. Yet during the Great Awakening, it was not uncommon for people to be given coins after being questioned by elders about the state of their soul if they accepted it as legitimate. If not, they would not be allowed to partake in the Lord's supper, hence, no coins. We can read of men like James, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, ripped into the religious leaders of his day with such passion for Christ that there was no recourse other than stone him to death. Such behavior today would mean James was uncharitable.
In the East, if a Church reaches a group larger than a hundred, as in China, it means disbanded by the government, maybe worse. In America, the Board rules, the wallet is a demi-god, and the court costs are the torture chamber. If the Church, with its numbers, just by mega-Churches, in the land of democracy, stood up with a loud cry and paid the court costs, a massive change could occur—nevertheless, fear rules.
There is a deafening outcry from the Church in our day in the West concerning free will. This post is not about free will; however, with our present consideration in mind, let us consider whether the Church is free from worldly lusts in America. "Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." (Hebrews 2:14, 15). Such slavery of the will resulted from the fear of death to hold tight to the lust of the eyes, the flesh, and the pride of life. How do you think the Western Church is doing now?
Fear or Faith?
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10). Faith outvalues possessions, and Eternal life outvalues life in this world.
If you want to see a good Christian movie, watch Play the Flute.
If you find in this post the truth, please pass it on.
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