What an Opportunity!

Who could deny that we are living in challenging days? Political corruption, economic crisis, and global conflict dominate the news. The problems before us are greater than our ability to correct. We can not vote our way out, buy our way out, or maneuver our way out. People are disturbed. There is a prevailing sense that troublesome times are ahead. Young and old alike are perplexed by the increasing confusion around us.

The church of the Lord Jesus Christ alone can hold forth the one answer for the ills of our day. The answer is a Person and the effective work of that One. Our precious Lord Jesus Christ is that One Person and His saving work is the one answer that we are to hold forth. The opportunities are all around us to do as Paul exhorted us in Philippians 2:15-16 to “…be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…”

My personal desire for my life and for those that I pastor is that we are indeed living blameless and innocent lives. This is not a result of works but a life of grace that flows from the cross. As we live in abiding fellowship with Him through repentance and faith and daily yielding up our all to Him- His life flows through us.

It is true- these are challenging days. But it is also true that we have a confirmed message. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10) For this reason, we should “…encourage one another, and build up one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Realize too that our being built up is not just for our benefit but also for reaching out to others. In these days, men are seeking truth and are searching for hope. May we be ready to offer the only remedy for the pains of our day- the message of the cross and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!