Christian Living
There is a great old hymn titled “Stand up, stand up for Jesus.” Now it is a case of “sit down, sit down for Jesus.” So much of our time is spent sitting down. A great lethargy, a focus on ourselves has invaded the church. These thoughts are on what is happening in Australia, where this writer lives, but surely it applies to other countries also.
The world is going to hell, but still we keep sitting down; in the church, in conferences, seminars, “celebrations.” We make plenty of noise in those, singing, shouting, jumping, dancing but we are quiet as mice outside the building. The public has probably forgotten we exist: Christians have become Chickians. We are as far from the Book of Acts as LA is from Mars.
We sing “Lord, take my life, my all, I surrender all” but in actual fact we surrender very little to God. In anti-God countries, people are in jail simply for refusing to deny they are Christians, but in our free democracy we won’t even take half an hour to give out some tracts or door-knock, lest some nasty person shout at us. We say we worship Christ but won’t take even the slightest risk for Him.
His commands of Mark 16:15 and Matthew 28:18-20 are forgotten and ignored. There are just a few exceptions, and thank God for them. Generally speaking, Jesus’ concern for the unsaved has not registered with our church “leaders” today. We stubbornly remain in the building and expect the unbelievers to seek us out. There is no effort by most pastors to train and equip believers to go - and carry out Jesus’ Great Commission.
The world’s respect for Jesus has sunk to a Titanic depth because so few are proclaiming His name except from the safety of a church or a television studio.
In the meantime, satan’s sun is shining and he makes hay. His demon-spirited violence, perverted sex and witchcraft fill the TV channels. Minority groups push their ungodly agendas, lobby politicians, and by their noise and zeal get laws changed to suit themselves; have a counter opinion and they’ll complain to the Anti-discrimination Board. In Australia at least, Christians are notable by their absence in campaigning and proclaiming for righteousness and godliness.
What makes it so sad is that we have all we need in the Word to back us in going out for Jesus. The Bible tells us to put on the armour of faith as in Ephesians 6. Stand is a vital word there. “…and having done all, to stand” the Apostle Paul says. People who will stand are desperately needed today.
God has given all the promises to support us, but we are like a person who buys a new car then leaves it sitting in the garage unused. We are like the soldier who polishes and cleans his weapons in the barracks and never goes out to use them. For barracks read church.
Jesus may well say to many of us: “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?” Luke 6:46. Thank God for the obedient few, but for the rest - there has to be change. It’s time we showed the world we are still around.
I'm not in Private Messenger. Contact me at saul2_au at yahoo dot com
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
Calvary greetings to you my brother and fellow Evangelist Rod. Your articles burn with the passion and fire of a New Testament Apostle Paul; you are a sold-out "sent-one" - an Evangelist to the core with the pen of a ready and uncompromising writer to deliver God's Truth!! May you never ever compromise or corrupt your faith Rod, in Jesus Christ's faithful name!!
Yes, selfishness and an uncaring spirit have flourished since the Fall of man. The ones that are listening to God and have faith in God, are out there doing the work of God, just as Jesus did the work of His Father. The others who do not want to hear God’s Word, will not change until another 9/11 comes upon them. So be it. If it takes a 9/11, then God will allow another 9/11 to come into their lives. It is up to us then, to be there with God’s Holy Spirit and the Love, the healing and the comfort of God, when it does happen. We must be filled and led by the Spirit of Christ, so that we are ready to do the works He sets before us, whenever that time comes. The only true believers are the one’s that have a strong faith in God:Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18theywill take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Right on! Thanks for sharing. You presented this truth well.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 954 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Rod Smith or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 954 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.