What Makes Christians Different?

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jf697It5jM

Bringing Hope to the Doorsteps of Hell

He Walks Alongside of You

What Secrets do you Have? Have you been Found Out?

Death of a Nation

The Jericho Principle Video Seminar Sessions 1-3

You Have Been Set Apart

When the Holy Spirit Comes

In Defense of Tradition

 

In Defense of Tradition

Can you imagine the Queens Guard Band marching to Buckingham palace playing a Tommy Dorsey swing arrangement in place of the traditional British March? I would imagine the ‘Brits’ would go ballistic, if not the Queen herself! But why would this elicit such a negative reaction?

Tradition, of course!

I have stood at Buckingham Palace and watched the Guards, from a distance, march down the Mall toward the Palace grounds. Given my British heritage, I found this to be a real thrill, even a 'heart pounding' experience. It was wonderful! It was ‘tradition’ on display in its finest form.

However, in this modern day and age, I think tradition is getting a bad rap! Those who find tradition meaningful are often criticized, if not ostracized, by friend and foe alike.  Get 'with it' they are told and leave such nonsense behind! Many think we should toss tradition aside in favor of more contemporary ways of doing things.

 Tradition has become an issue in the Christian Church also, especially as it regards music and the modern forms it has taken in the worship setting.

First, let me say, I believe everyone should worship in an atmosphere they are comfortable with and if that means the more modern offerings, then I say wonderful! However, be careful not to hold the 'traditionalist' in contempt. If traditional music is meaningful to some (I believe many), then let's encourage its use wherever it is appropriate.

Being comfortable in the worship setting is a prerequisite for true worship. I believe that is why many churches are offering two services on Sunday morning, one contemporary and one traditional. Of course, to do this you must have a sufficiently large attendance if you are going to separate the services.

 There is another point that might be made. Rick Warren once wrote, "Show me a radio station with a mixed format and I will show you a radio station bound to fail" (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church). His point being that people will listen to one genre' at a time and if you mix them on the same station they will tune out! Traditional and contemporary music in the same service may work for some, but not all.

 I seek out traditional music because it stirs my soul and brings me closer to God.  It enables me to worship as I should. I don't like being criticized for it.

I also like other worship traditions like the use of the choir, vocal and instrumental soloists and so much more.

For those who are seeking more contemporary music... more power to you, if that helps you get closer to God! As for me, I seek the traditional. I enjoy music that makes me 'feel good' and I don't apologize for it! I look to be moved by the Spirit as I sing the traditional hymns.... that is what is meaningful to me.

I doubt we will be listening to the Queens Bands playing swing style (on the march) anytime soon. They, no doubt, will continue to use the traditional British marches. Good for them! I applaud them for it!

 

 

 

 

 

Achieving Contentment in your Present Circumstances

How to be Imitators of God

THOUGHT for TODAY

Each day is a gift from God. I occasionally jest with others, "Any morning I get up is a good morning"! How true that is. Like most gifts it is to be handled carefully. Each hour will bring new opportunities to enhance our service to God and others. What will you do, today, to make this an even more special and impactful gift? Think about it!

"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

The Power of the Resurrection

 

THOUGHT for TODAY

 

THOUGHT for TODAY

I am always surprised at those who play fast and loose with the truth. Many are prone to pick and choose which truth (falsehood) they will subscribe to. If it is such that it fits their world view or personal opinion, they will accept it.

Of course, truth is what it is. It is unchangeable, absolute; were it not so, it would not be 'truth'.   It does not change because one chooses not to accept it. You can believe that Abraham Lincoln was the first President, but that does not change the truth that it was George Washington! GDL

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  John 14 :6

The Supremacy of Christ

The Song 'Heavenward', by Gary Laws (Melody: Verse of 'At the Cross'.

 I wrote this in 2016 while contemplating the reality of heaven. Now, with my Susan gone, I think about heaven a bit more often. 'Some day I shall be like HIM'.

Heavenward (Melody: Verse of 'At the Cross'

I believe, above, there is a land,

Far from the toils of life.

A place where love and peace does reign,

No tears, no quarrels, no strife!

A place that has been set aside,

for saints and sinners too.

Who've had their sins forgiven by,

The One whose life is true.

It is eternal, lasting, real,

Where Christ has built our home.

In mansions fair, we will abide,

No more to wildly roam.

Tis' heaven, this place that Christ does live,

and we shall live with Him.

For all eternity we'll sing,

Our praises to our King!

This all is very real, you know,

Were it not, He would have told.

This promise is for you, for me,

for all who join the fold.

What Glory waits, what light doth shine,

upon the holy hill, where God doth sit, His

arms outstretched, for this, His blood did

spill!

(Gary Laws, 2016)

Is Your Message Getting Through?

Eggs, Cereal, Toast and Bacon- from 'Simple Thoughts from a Simple Man' by Gary Laws

 

CHAPTER THREE

EGGS, CEREAL, TOAST AND BACON

What a great morning! Rose at 5AM and headed for the kitchen determined to give my wife a treat. With breakfast in bed my goal, I opened the refrigerator and pulled out the eggs, bacon, and potatoes. I scrambled, diced and fried for the next half hour taking in the aroma along the way. I put on a pot of coffee and popped the bread in the toaster… all the time anticipating her surprise when it is served up. Even though my Vegan friends would have probably preferred hearing of me serving up a Peanut Butter Granola Breakfast, somehow this seemed to be the right way to go. You should have seen the smile on my wife's face as I proudly strolled into the bedroom, breakfast fare in hand! Boy was it good and it made for a wonderful start to the day. For years I never ate breakfast. I always liked to get in that last few minutes of sleep before rising, showering and heading out the door to work! Lunch and Dinner always seemed more than adequate most days.

Nutritionists, however, tell us that if we are to properly maintain our health we should recognize that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sets the stage for kicking in the metabolism and helps us concentrate better at work and school. It is, generally, a must if we are to develop into strong, healthy human beings. It also helps us develop a "staying" power for all that will be required of us throughout the day.

Can There Be a Spiritual Application Here? As I think of this, it makes me wonder if the same is not true for the healthy development of our spiritual life! Can there be a 'spiritual' breakfast served up that will have a similar effect on our spiritual health?

I think of the example my mother set for us. She would rise very early in the morning, always before the sun would come up, and she would have a quiet time for herself and meditate. After a short time she would pull out her Bible and read several passages of scripture before falling to her knees for a time of prayer before God. Today I was thinking to myself, this was her recipe for a 'spiritual breakfast'. It included a quiet time for oneself, Bible study, and then a season of prayer.

It set the stage for her 'spiritual metabolism' to kick in. She always maintained that it helped her keep her focus, and asserted that it gave her the strength to be consistent and 'energy' filled throughout the day. I think Mom became spiritually equipped during this morning 'breakfast' of hers. She was better prepared to face the day and the challenges the day would bring. God bless her for the example she set.

How do you start each day? O, you say you have been a Christian for many years and you have already discovered this? Wonderful.....but are you doing it....every day? If you have fallen a bit by the wayside and your spiritual strength is not what it ought to be, try this recipe out! You just might be surprised at how well your day goes.

THOUGHT for TODAY

 THOUGHT for TODAY

There are many wonderful endeavors in life. None better than to be in the service of God Almighty. He is real and so our message is real. He is present, so our message hits home. He is benevolent, so our message is of love and kindness. He cares about all of His creation, so our message seeks to bring all people to His presence. He is omnipresent. We desire for our message of Good News to reach all people. He is the Lord and Master of all and we have submitted our selves, with contrite heart, to His authority. GDL

In the Service of the King- Congregational Singing

10 minute Devotion-Romans 8:1-6

 

Encouraging Word - One minute devotional in the word

No Condemnation

 https://youtu.be/IolG8-IoMlA

Why is it Taking So Long for the Return of Jesus?

 Frankly, I am growing impatient! We have been watching and waiting for the Lord to come again for two thousand years! Our world is sick. Its people seem farther away from Him than ever. Pain, agony, anguish, war, pestilence, and disease, all encompass us and there seems to be so little that we can do. However, regardless of what we may think or feel, Jesus DID promise

He would return and take all of His people to live with Him for all eternity.

Here is one verse found in Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9). He is longsuffering, (patient) wanting to give the opportunity to all His creation to accept Him. In His own time, at just the right time, Jesus will come again and receive His people and take them home.

It would seem that the primary challenge of scripture might be summed up in one verse, " “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” We do not know when that will be, but we trust His promise.

1 Even so, Lord Jesus, come;

Hope of all our hopes the sum,

Take Thy waiting people home.

2 Long, so long, our blessèd dead

Wait, from out the grave’s dark bed

At Thine advent to be led.

3 Long, so long, the groaning earth,

Cursed with war, and flood, and dearth

Sighs for its redemption birth.

4 Wherefore come, we daily pray,

Wipe creation’s curse away;

Bring the resurrection day.

( Adoniram J. Gordon)

How about you? Are you ready? If not and you would like to explore this more, send me a PM and I would love to share some thoughts with you. GDL

Who Can Separate Us from the Love of God?

 

An Untold Story

An Untold Story

 

There are almost as many 'Andy Miller' stories as there are pages in the phone book. Colonel Henry Gariepy wrote a book on the Commissioner which chronicled many of them. We all have our favorites.

 

There is one story that is mine about the Commissioner which I have shared with very few over the years. Perhaps now is a great time to pass it along.

 

It takes place about 45 years ago when the Commissioner was the PR Secretary for the Greater New York Division. My brother, then Major Wes Laws, was the Corps Officer in Camden, New Jersey. He invited Miller to come and do a special Sunday meeting in Camden. It was a great service punctuated by several 'amens' and 'hallelujahs' from our special guest, often underscored by the rolling thunder coming from the outside thunderstorm. It was raining profusely.

 

The meeting was held in the old Camden Corps building. At it's front, on each side of the entrance doors were a park-like green bench upon which commuters would sit while waiting for a bus.

 

At the conclusion of the service when all others had gone home, Major Wes and I scurried outdoors to the parking lot on the side of the building and got in the Corps station wagon. We wanted out of the rain and we were, no doubt, in a hurry to get home and partake of the Sunday meal which had been prepared early that morning.

 

While sitting in the wagon waiting for our guest, Wes said, "Where's Andy". A moment went by and I was asked to go hurry him along. Upon reaching the front of the Corps, I observed Andy sitting with a man who was waiting for the bus. He was telling him about everyman s need for forgiveness and encouraging the very wet gentleman to accept Jesus as his Lord, the outside elements notwithstanding. Both were rain soaked. Miller told the man we would be happy to take him home and the man accepted the offer. All of the way he witnessed as only Andy Miller could do!

 

I can't tell you that the man found Christ that day but I can tell you of a young 19 year old who was deeply impressed and moved by this Salvation Army Major who never missed an opportunity to share Jesus. While my brother and I rushed passed this man and headed to the car, Andy saw the opportunity that God had presented him. Praise the Lord!

 

For me, this experience, more than any other, exemplified the life of Commissioner Andrew S. Miller. I have heard most of the stories, from his praying with Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office to his getting ill while traveling in a small plane with Arnold Brown. All great insights into the man. However, sharing Jesus is the Andy Miller I knew of and will always remember.

Getting Through Christmas When You Lost a Loved One

The 'Woke' Generation

 It is accepted that the so-called 'Woke' movement stands for idealism, intuition, romance, generosity, creativity, wisdom, and tolerance. Interesting. I suggest that all of these things sound good on the surface, however, they are essentially emotional responses to our environment and social condition.

The problem is that the spiritual nature of man is pretty much ignored. I would further suggest that the real 'Woke Movement' consists of those who have discovered God's presence and interaction with His creation. Truly 'Woke' individuals have learned that God lives, that God loves, and God liberates for all eternity those who seek Him out. Considering this broader look at 'Wokeness' and what it means for me, I am proud to call myself part of the 'Woke' generation. (Gary Laws, 'By His Stripes Blog')

What Happens One Minute After You Die?

 

Heavenward

 Heavenward! by Gary Laws

I believe, above, there is a land,

Far from the toils of life.

A place where love and peace does reign,

No tears, no quarrels, no strife!

A place that has been set aside,

for saints and sinners too.

Who've had their sins forgiven by,

The One whose life is true.

It is eternal, lasting, real,

Where Christ has built our home.

In mansions fair, we will abide,

No more to wildly roam.

Tis' heaven, this place that Christ does live,

and we shall live with Him.

For all eternity we'll sing,

Our praises to our King!

This all is very real, you know,

Were it not so He'd tell.

His promises are true, for you,

for me in Heav'n we'll dwell.

What Glory waits, what light doth shine,

upon the holy hill,

where God doth sit, His arms outstretched,

for this, His blood did spill!

Copyright 2012 © Gary D. Laws All Rights Reserved

Some Personal Thought on Personal Loss

 

SAYRE CHRISTIAN VILLAGE WORSHIP 9/26/2021

Nice to have my daughter, Cathy, and Granddaughter, Madison, assisting in the Sayre Christian Village Worship Service today. Cathy is the Pastor's wife at Emmanual Baptist Church in Stanton, Kentucky.

 

Christians and Social Ministry

Preaching at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, Kentucky.

I enjoyed preaching at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, Kentucky. It was a great experience.

 

GRACE

 Grace

If in me a light does shine,

Tis' because the Lord is mine.

Saved and sanctified within,

Serving humbly, now for Him.

I cannot claim His bloodstained robe,

except by grace on me bestowed.

My life falls short of all I owe,

I've surely missed the mark.

Sin takes it's toll for I have seen,

in me dark shadows stand between,

my God, my Lord and all that's clean,

Save grace that's made me whole.

Tis' grace that comes to those who seek,

the freedom of new life 's mystique.

The knowledge of the truth, the One,

Discovered through the Son.

Amazing grace, so undeserved,

Yet Jesus life and death reserved,

For us new life He has secured,

With Him we'll dwell through time!

And now for you, the Lord awaits,

your sin and sins He will replace,

With grace that others have embraced,

Now yours forevermore.

The everlasting crown now yours,

protects, preserves, makes heaven yours.

Ensures your presence on the shores, With Jesus there to dwell.

(Gary Laws)

Leadership

 It is not leadership when you compel certain behaviors from people. Pushing people into compliance by way of your authority cannot be looked at as a positive thing. Real leaders lead by example and they inspire those who are subordinate to them. It is then that people respond and get the job done.Churchmen, listen and learn! (GDL, EMM Ministries)

How Can You Know Heaven is Yours?

Internet Ministry for Today

 

Can Heaven Really Be Yours?

Putting Out the Fire

Bible Discovery Video Promo

Trusting God for a Better Life

Get Up, Get Ready!

Destination: Heaven - ETA Unknown

Friend of the Friendless

I Have Heard the Joyful Sound (2)

The Pandemic and Our Spiritual Health

Fear of the Unknown

One interesting thought. Some of you are old enough to remember Orson Welles and 'War of the Worlds'. One after one, world leaders took to the air waves to address their people about the arrival of the aliens. People were in a state of panic and behaviors changed as a result. That was all people were talking about. All other news was set aside for the coverage of this world wide invasion.

It occurred to me that some 'invaders' cannot be seen. They come in all forms and panic is often the result. We are now experiencing a very real 'invasion'. These invaders cannot be seen, but we know they are there...somewhere!

With the onset of the Corona Virus, there is , indeed other news. It is good news, comforting news, powerful news. That news is... GOD IS STILL HERE, He is present everywhere,and He is still in control.

"So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you;
don’t be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, help you.
I am here with My right hand to make right
and to hold you up."

Isaiah 41:10

A New Life

"Jesus paid it all,
all to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."

(Alvina M. Hall)

The impact of these words is evidenced by the fact they are published in over 700 hymnals. The song is a testimony to the thoroughness of Christ's atonement and sacrifice.  Christ's sacrifice on the cross was so powerful that it literally wipes out all of the penitents sin. There is no sin so egregious that it cannot be forgiven by God, who loves all of His creation.

As you survey, in your thoughts, all of the wrong you may have committed, know that God so completely loves you that He will forgive ALL of your misdeeds and you can begin the rest of your days with a clean slate. All you need do is recognize your sin, confess it to Him and ask Him to forgive you, and finally, commit your life to following Him all the remaining days of your life.. Do this, and heaven will be yours and, in the meantime, you will live the abundant life as God has intended for you. God Bless you!

Click this link to order from Amazon and enter book name

Click Above Link to Order

Matters of Health-Ok, then...What Should we Pray For?

How often do we pray for the healing of another? Pretty often, I would guess. I pray that God would restore to health many people as I become aware of their physical and emotional needs.

However, I cannot help but wonder if such prayers are appropriate. I think, at times, I should just be asking that God's will be done as it regards the sick and infirm.

Have you had similar thoughts? Not to worry. I believe that it is just fine to do both. Jesus prayed that the cup He had been given be taken from him. He then prayed, "nevertheless Thy will be done". Following this example, we should do both it would seem.

Judgement Day

Evangelical Christians believe that there is coming a day of accountability.  They believe that , one day, everyone will stand before a holy and righteous God who will pass judgement upon them and the life they have lived.

Unfortunately, some hasten that day of judgement by the opinions and observations they make about others, even other Christians. While I believe it is proper to judge certain behaviors, passing judgement on people, as individuals, is a risky business! Most often we lack any real knowledge of where people have come from in life and where they really stand before God.

At times we pass judgement on people because we do know something of their history. We see them for all the mistakes they have made in life while failing to recognize who they really are...today!

A wise man once said, "Don't judge a person for who they were. Appreciate them for who they have become!" Good advice for us all!

Discovering Your Real Self in Ministry

It is said that, "All of life is a stage!". There is a great deal of truth to this, I believe. It would seem that we are all 'performers' of one sort or another.

This is true, not only in life, but also in ministry, I suspect. Many ministers are trained to put on great performances. Please the 'audience' and be all things to all people. We spend so much time creating an image of ourselves that, often, we fail to discover and develop our true person. Not only do others fail to see the 'real' person behind the persona but, in truth, there may not be a real person there at all!

O, if only we could 'get off the stage' and discover who the person God created us to be really is. Then, perhaps, others would make the same discovery. It would be a real person they would meet, not some fabricated notion of who we think we should be! Do this and you may learn, for yourself, who you really are!

Music Conservatory at Melbourne Corps

 Sunday July 9th saw the Camp Keystone Music Conservatory Students visit The Salvation Army in Melbourne, Florida.

Under the watchful eye of the Divisional Music Director, these students performed a variety of
                                                        Salvation Army music & drama.

Lieutenant Carlos Roja, Corps officer, welcomed over 50 young people to the morning worship service and it was standing room only for the service.

Lieutenant Roja brought the morning message, assisted by his wife and the Sergeant Major.

The service opened with the fabled 'Star Lake March' by the conservatory brass band. This was followed by the Conservatory Songsters and the drama section. All three sections made outstanding contributions to morning worship. 

 The Salvation Army is noted for it's work with young people throughout the world and the same is true in the state of Florida. The Salvation Army's Camp Keystone is home to the Conservatory.
 I was particularly impressed with the brass band which performed at a very high level. Whether performing a rousing march or a meaningful devotional, the band showed an incredible discipline as they played.

After morning worship there was a time of fellowship over lunch and then an afternoon concert.

Everyone in attendance was filled with excitement as the Salvation Army youth ministered to all present. (Gary Laws) 

The Salvation Army Melbourne, Florida

The Salvation Army of Melbourne, Florida is a Salvation Army church and Social Service Center. It is located on the Florida Space Coast.

I have been attending church at Melbourne for almost a year now although illness has kept me from fully participating.

The following are some pictures of a recent worship service.

The members of the Melbourne Corps meet every Sunday. They worship in a lovely sanctuary just blocks from the Melbourne airport.

Visitors are always welcome and they come frequently. Located on Florida's Space Coast, The Salvation Army of Melbourne welcomes guests from all over the world.

 

 Music is a big part of the worship service. The Corps has a Band, Songster Brigade (Choir) , Worship Team and several pianists who add much to                                                                     the uplifting character of worship. 

 The Band adds a lot to the worship setting. Bandmaster Alan Moss, who is also a professional musician, composes and arranges music for local Melbourne music groups. However, his primary commitment has been to Salvation Army music. Originally from St. Louis, Alan has been in Melbourne for almost twenty years.

 

As is the case in most Florida churches, members come from all over the United States including the Caribbean Islands.

 

 Major Juan Guadalupe and Major Bivi Guadalupe
are the Pastors and both serve with energy and commitment  to the people they lead.

       

We Have Done Away with God!

Mass murder is but one of the symptoms of our declining society. There are many more.

The disintegration of the nuclear family, divorce higher than ever, single parent households higher than ever, explosive sexual content in all forms of media, church going on the decline, the banning of God in the public arena, the increasing restriction on religious speech and on the list goes.

You can believe whatever you want, but we are reaping the benefits of a culture who has done away with God.

We have become a hedonistic society whose only concern is doing what feels good regardless of the consequences. What used to be regarded as right and virtuous is now considered to be narrow minded, bigoted, hateful and ...downright wrong!

Yes, you can believe whatever you want! That is your right.

I believe, like the ostrich who places his head in the sand, we have become blind to all that is good and righteous! GDL

The Christians Role in a Declining Culture

The Christians Role in a Declining Culture

Very few times in history has the personal ministry of God‘s servants been needed more than today! These are not normal times! It would seem that the world around us is falling apart at the seams and that the influence of the devil is more prevalent than ever. Everywhere we look, we are confronted with the reality that we live in very troubled times.

The world is rejecting traditional Judeo/Christian values like never before. Principles that were once regarded as virtuous are now considered, by many, to be narrow minded and unrealistic. Humanity seems to be living more recklessly. The notion of a Higher Power is seen as naive. Humanity is becoming openly hostile toward people of faith. To publicly bear the name Christian, once a high and noble claim, is to risk holding one’s self up to ridicule, even shame in today’s world.

World Politics

The politics of the world are changing as well. I am not referring to partisan politics, rather I am pointing out that radical factions in the world have developed philosophies that are bringing, or at least seem to be bringing, civilization to its knees.

Political terrorism, once confined to a few areas of our globe, has now become a worldwide problem. The conflicts we face seem to be absolutely senseless. The global community is facing a type of radicalism that it rarely has seen before and it is not difficult to conclude these are not normal times. This radicalism has claimed the lives of millions of people and there is no end in sight.

Church Conflict

Even the Christian Church seems to be in crisis. The absolutes we find in Scripture are being called into question. The divinity of Jesus; the requirements of salvation; the virgin birth; Christ’s atonement on the cross; even His very existence are being challenged within some factions of the Christian community.

Adultery, illicit and deviant sexual behavior, truthfulness, character and integrity are seen within the context of a relative philosophy.

Behaviors, once thought to be in violation of God’s law, are now deemed acceptable under certain relative circumstances.

I believe the Gospel message is needed today more than at any other time in history! Yet, if the Gospel is to be heard then it must be brought by God’s people who are remaining faithful to its message.

World Conditions Predicted

Our Scripture is taken from Jude 17-23:

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (KJV)

For the purpose of this study, I would like to concentrate on these verses. They speak very directly to the condition of the world today. It refers to mockers in the last time, those last days before Christ’s coming.

Yet, there is a sense in which Christians should not be surprised as we look at the circumstances of our modern world. After all, the Bible has predicted that, as we get closer to the second coming of Christ, the condition of the world will deteriorate.

One of the concerns that I have, however, is that Christians will develop the attitude, “Oh well, there’s not much we can do about it anyway!” It is true that the things predicted in Scripture will come to pass. However, this should not be cause for Christians to abandon the mission they have been given. That mission is to reach the lost of this world for Jesus, the Christ!

Even in the midst of evildoing and sin, there remains the need for the Gospel to be preached. Perhaps it would be better to suggest that especially in the midst of evil and sin! The Gospel message must be raised above the clamor of the world so as to save them that would receive it. Only the power God can positively impact these conditions. These are not normal times!

God Will Use His People

Because of this, Christians must respond to the hearkening call of the Great Commission. If we believe that Jesus is coming again, and if we believe that He is the only means by which men might be saved, then we cannot shrink from our responsibility. If our desire is to be used of God, then our responsibility is to allow God to use us! We must avail ourselves of every opportunity to share God’s love with a dying world.

Courage in the Face of Opposition

 Additionally, we must be willing to do it in the face of significant opposition from those who are determined to silence God and His people. Of course, we know that God cannot be silenced. He will not be silenced! He will continue to use those who make themselves available under these most difficult circumstances.

I realize that one of the great unexplained mysteries of the Bible is why God chooses to use humble humanity at all. He could just ‘will’ peace on earth if He desired to. He could wipe out all adversaries with the stroke of His mighty hand. I don’t pretend to understand why God has chosen humanity as his instrument to communicate to the world. All I know is that He has.

This reality requires that we be faithful and courageous in the face of mounting difficulties. After all, the Bible says, “but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV)

How Did We Get Here?

I would like to take a quick look at Jude 16 which says, “There are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men‘s persons in admiration because of advantage.”

When men complain and seek their own interests, they do so to promote their own position in this world. They seek their own advantage and this is demonstrated by their behavior. In large measure, this behavior has led us to the current state of affairs in the world today!

As we examine history, we discover that world conflict arises when humanity is seeking its own advantage. Wars are fought to gain the upper hand over one or more groups of people. At times it is geographic expansionism that drives conflict so as to increase the power and influence of the aggressors. Men are at variance with each other for the purpose of financial gain. Often, radical ideologies drive discord among the people of the world. Wars have even been fought over religion, including those fighting in the name of Christianity.

Can There Be Any Hope For This World?

The question must be asked... Is there any hope for this dying world? The answer is clear in Scripture; our hope is in Jesus Christ! Our hope is in His goodness. Our hope is in the truth that good will eventually vanquish evil. If we truly expect to be used of God, then we must hold steadfastly to this truth. God conquers all adversaries, in His own time!

I am reminded of the hymn, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.” (Edward Mote, 1797-1874) Our hope is in a God who will be victorious, regardless of the current state of world affairs.

Where Do We Begin?

So then, how should Christians be going about doing the will of God under these circumstances? You may be asking yourself, how can I stop terrorism or how can I change the hearts and minds of my fellow human beings? You can’t. But God, using you, can!

Are We Really at War?

First, we must acknowledge that we are in a battle. Each of us, as God’s representatives in this world, is called to a spiritual warfare that is every bit as real as human conflict. Now, there is a tendency within some segments of the Church to eliminate, or at least minimize, the use of militaristic language in both the spoken word and song. I am not sympathetic to this movement. Christians must be fully aware that all wars in history pale in comparison to the spiritual war we are fighting against sin and the Evil One.

For many years we have sung the Christian hymn, “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before…” (Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924). While this imagery may be distasteful to some, it does reflect biblical teaching. This spiritual conflict is a war and, like all wars, must be fought with great intensity, purpose and diligence.

We are ‘Soldiers without Swords’

Once we realize there is a spiritual world crisis, it will become clear how important our responsibility really is. We are called to vanquish evil; not with the modern weaponry of this world, but with the love of God! We are ‘Soldiers without Swords’ who are armed with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

We do not seek to destroy God’s creation, but to save it!

We Are Called to Change the Hearts of Men

Every day people are passing into eternity without the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Some have not yet heard the message, while others have heard and rejected it. One thing is for certain, however; God has called us to bring the message of His love to this chaotic world. It is this message of love and compassion that will change the hearts of those who accept it. That is what God does! He changes the hearts of the penitent. He gives them new purpose and direction. He brings a new understanding of life’s value. When God changes hearts, a behavioral transformation takes place! That is how Christians, with the power of the Holy Spirit, will change the world around them.

No, these are not normal times! The circumstances of our day call for action on the part of all of God’s people. Christians believe that on the day of Christ’s second coming, the final victory will be achieved. While we do not know the exact hour or time; we can be sure that He will come again! In the meantime, like the disciples when sent to Jerusalem, we must pray and work without ceasing.