Life · Ministry · Faith

Tag: history

Let Us Not Miss the Day

Dear Friends,

Twelve years ago, our nation swore in its 44th President, Barack Obama. On that day I said it was a day to celebrate. While many of us had significant philosophical differences with President Obama I believed we could celebrate on this day that our nation’s first African American was ascending to the office of the presidency. An incredible thing only fifty years from the civil rights movement and 150 years from the legal end to slavery in our country.

Today is another historical day for our country. On this day, Kamala Harris will recite the oath of office to become the Vice-President of the United States. The first time, a woman has said these words. Again, many have very significant philosophical differences with her, but in the midst of it, we must not miss the significance and opportunity of this day. One hundred years ago women gained the right to vote in our country. Today, we celebrate with our daughters at the site of a woman reciting the oath. Today we celebrate the opportunities that are available to our daughters that did not exist a few short years ago. Today we are able to participate in witnessing history. 

Yes, our differences still remain. Yes, there will be much vigorous debate about policy and the future of our country, as there should be. Tomorrow, we will take up our debate. Tomorrow, we will return to our divisions. But, today, let us not miss the chance to celebrate history and the hope it means for all of us.

Blessings,
Stephen

Do we want revival or comfort?

Dear Friends,

At least one thing seems to be universally true of churches across the decades and across the faith spectrum: The church prays for revival. But what are we really praying for and do we really want revival to come? Are we willing to pay the price for revival?

If we are honest, when we are praying for revival we are often praying for God to restore some glory days of the past or we are praying for God to work within the framework of our own expectations and comfort level.

Timothy Keller, in his book Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City, shares some very important insights about revival. First, “revivals occur mainly through the ‘instituted means of grace’ preaching, pastoring, worship, and prayer. It is extremely important to reaffirm this. The Spirit of God can and does use these ordinary means of grace to bring about dramatic, extraordinary conversions and significant church growth.”

But if we stop there we miss something very important. Keller goes on to say, “nevertheless, when we study the history of revivals, we usually see in the mix some innovative method of communicating the gospel.” So it is that revivals of the past have have used the printing press, preaching in the fields, modern music, alter calls, and much more.

So the question to ask ourselves, when we pray for revival are we willing to be used in ways outside our comfort zone? In ways that may not be seen as acceptable by the church establishment? In ways that “have never been done before?” If so, pray for revival! If not, then please stop praying for something you really don’t want.

Blessings,
Pastor Stephen

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