The Reality That Creates Clarity

A teen whose only knowledge of Jesus is a curse word, a man who believes God is dead,  a mom who believes the Bible except if it contradicts her lifestyle-this is the reality we live in. The values that Christians hold are no longer the prevailing view in society and Jesus is excluded from many arenas.  Recently, Louie Giglio a pastor from Passion City church in Atlanta, was initially asked to pray at the Presidential inauguration and was pounced on by progressive groups for a sermon on the Biblical view of homosexuality. Four years earlier, Rick Warren, who holds to the same Biblical view, conducted the prayer. His teachings on homosexuality were never called into question. In just a few short years,  Christians are expected to evolve their views with the majority and renounce any former stance stating otherwise. The majority does not establish morality, God does. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever." (Is. 40:8). God Himself declares, "I am the Lord, I change not." (Mal. 3:6)

 Is America a post-Christian nation? Certainly, Christians in America do not experience the  persecution found in many countries but at the very least it has become an increasingly secularized nation with growing hostility to Christian views. Most often we respond with frustration. We are told to accept so many things and be careful not to offend anyone, yet being a Christian is rarely accepted and often ridiculed.

 In many other parts of the world, Christians are forced into hiding or imprisoned and even killed for their faith. Christianity is now arguably the most persecuted religion in the world. But this reality can force a new clarity among God's people of what is truly important, the transforming power of the Gospel.

 As we press forward in this new world, any fear or doom that has overtaken the church should be replaced with hope and a holy passion for Jesus and His renown.

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,

which is in you through the laying on of hands. 

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,

but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord

or of me His prisoner. Rather join with me in suffering for 

the Gospel, by the power of God. he has saved us and 

called us into a holy life-not because of anything we have

done but because of His own purpose and grace." (2Tim 1:6-9)

Jesus is alive, hell is real and eternity is long.  There is a God and He has a purpose on this earth for everyone of us. We can be a part of carrying Jesus to the world. Let's never forget that.

For too long, America has been saturated with truth yet so unaffected by it. Now a stripping away of sorts is beginning to take place in this new society.  There are less smoke screens because, why fake Christianity when it's more accepted to not be one? There is no need to go to church just because you always have. There is no longer a need to fight over unessential theological issues or to sit around and wait for the next speaker or newest programming for entertainment. Cultural religion gives way to real, authentic faith. True disciples of Jesus in a society that is hostile to Christians will find themselves with a desperate hunger for  truth and anything that has the aroma of Jesus. There is a new longing  to gather and truly meet with Him, worship Him and be around people who love Jesus. A desire  to say His name and dream big and talk about how to make Him known when it is lonely and costly.

Instead of wishing for what is lost and trying to return to an idealized past of American Christianity, perhaps what is really lost is complacency, apathy, compromise and comfort. The shallow faith that we can take it or leave it is being awakened to a deep hunger for a real love relationship with Jesus and living through the power of the Spirit.

"Awake, sleeper and rise from the dead

and Christ will shine on you." Eph. 5:14

We have never had to fight for truth, but maybe now we will feel the five smooth stones in our hand and believe we are equipped in spite of everything. Living in a secularized society should push us deep in authentic faith where we are dependent on the Spirit and must continually ask God to "fill us with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that we may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the Kingdom of Light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption of sins." ( Col. 1:9-13)

There can be no more wasting time and energy feeling inadequate or insecure about the task at hand.  Just as the young boy offered all that he had with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, Christ took it and fed 5000. (John 6) It is time to offer all that we are for Jesus to break us and feed in abundance the world that is hungry for the Bread of Life. Jesus did not need the boy or his food. He could have fed 5000 and more all by himself but He chose that boy to be part of His story and the boy was willing to give everything. After Jesus fed the masses, He said to His disciples," Gather the pieces that are left over and see that nothing is wasted." (v. 12) God can take the broken  pieces of  life and multiply it beyond our wildest expectations so nothing is wasted to advance His Kingdom. He gives "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" so that He might be glorified. (Isa 61:3)  He created us in His own image. You may think you have little to offer, but God sees you, messes, insecurities and all and chooses you. He thinks you are beautiful and He wants you to be part of His story. "As the Father has sent me, I also send you." (John 20:21)

We were made for such a time as this, so will we offer God all that we are for Him to use for His glory and our joy?  What an incredible opportunity to support, encourage and inspire each other along the way to be The Church outside the four walls in every moment of every day. Jesus said to "feed His sheep" and "care for the least of these." Live that out today, where you are. Radical Christianity begins with radical love for Jesus Christ then a radical, sacrificial love for others.  There is simply no time for playing church. The world needs us to come along beside them and tell His story, covered in extravagant grace with authentic love. With hearts focused on the truth of God's Word and eyes on Jesus, grab someones hand and move as sent people every day in this new reality with clarity.

The Voice Of Martyrs is a non denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. I encourage you to sign up for news alerts by email or follow on social media to keep up with our brothers and sisters around the word under persecution. We must pray for them, not forget them and remind each other that the Gospel is not a game.

"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; 

and them which suffer adversity, as being 

yourselves also in the body." Hebrews 13:3