On occasion we must be reminded there's a bleak world beyond the front door of the church populated with desperate, hurting people.
These are individuals with insecurities and heartbreaks. They're trapped in a story without a plot – a song without a rhythm. And we have something that provides meaning and direction.
How often do you think about them? In the midst of prayer do you ever intercede on their behalf? Is there ever a sadness in your heart as you think about the millions on their way to hell? Might you consider joining with the great 19th Century evangelist William Chalmers Burns declaring, "The sound of feet on the pathway to Hell is breaking my heart."
Yet, this isn’t just about the spiritual and natural horrors that unredeemed men face. What of the Lord and His honor? Shouldn’t the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering?
One way or another, we must concern ourselves with the great mission of God. In the end, I pray that we will be the generation who will fulfill the words of Isaiah when he declares, “Make known among the nations what He has done” (Isaiah 12:4).
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I got an email comment this afternoon about this post that I wanted to put on here for you to read. I have deliberately excluded the name of the sender out of consideration of their feelings.
ReplyDeleteSo here is what they wrote without any edits or changes,
"there are many who have known the lord and been involved in churches for many many years, and cannot go to WRC, who are stuck, stuck in home mortgages, family involvements, etc, who cannot move to kansas city. many who have been there many times , have been prayed for many times, and for one reason or another cannot hold on to what you experience there. many who simply just hold on, who everyday simply , inwardly, ask god to just help them. those who suffer, have suffered and continue to suffer. do you think the lord knows suffering? we/i/ they certainly know it,, i am one, and at age 59, just try to make it through the day,,,,. they are right under your nose, as you continue to study how the apostles felt about this or that, or some quest to understand intricacies of theological discussions, attempting to relate the bible to everyday things. all of us cannot be in the "ministry" and go to a carpeted office everyday, enjoying corporate christianity, as it is offered today. no matter how sincere and giving i am sure that you all are, , i marvel at the self importance displayed by the people of world revival church."
Now, here is what I wrote in response:
"I apologize if something we have done has offended you. We certainly are not without flaw in everything we do. We are certainly trying to be faithful and willing to engage people with what God has spoken. Sometimes in that zeal, what we are doing can be misunderstood.
Now, as far as this particular blog post goes, it was not a reference to World Revival Church at all, but what Christians at large are supposed to do. I really don't understand where you are getting the idea we're telling people to only go to WRC or move to Kansas City- at least in this blog. In this we are trying to tell people to make others important.
I would encourage you to read the post again and see if we are not affirming the great value and concern of others."
J.D. King