Reading devotionally through Revelation, I paused to meditate on chapter 11, verse 15, which describes the scene in heaven, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” This verse impresses the reality of our destiny. Because of the cross and the vacated tomb, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” [Romans 8:37] The outcome of all things is that His kingdom will come and His will done on earth as it is in heaven. One day, “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” [Philippians 2:10-11]
But, here is my concern… Although God’s kingdom will endure forever and will prevail in the end… Although we will win the war… As Christian soldiers, we are losing one spiritual battle after another these days. Look at these quotes from John Dickerson’s new book, The Great Evangelical Recession: “By multiple accounts, evangelical believers are between 7 and 9 percent of the United States population. [pp. 26] We are in the midst of an historical transformation. Current times are just not a part of normal history. [pp. 42] Between 69 percent and 80 percent of evangelicals in their twenties leave the faith.” [pp. 98] Or this, from The Chronicle of Philanthropy: “Religious causes suffered a more than 3.6 percent drop in donations in 2012 after falling more than 2 percent in 2011.”
While this data does not reflect our experience at Crossroads, I know what this research means… a reduction in the population of heaven. And that grieves me. But, it also stirs me to recommit to the mission of our church… to be DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES.
Pray with me… Dear God, help us not to be overwhelmed by the mass of misery in our world today; but rather overwhelmed by the majesty of the Master who has made us overcomers. We press on toward the prize of the upward call of heaven. In Jesus name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
No comments:
Post a Comment