The Daily Light
The gospel of Jesus Christ has experienced many periods of enlightenment throughout the centuries. Saying this also implies that the gospel message hasn't seen the light of day through some of the darker times. And yet today, the church of Jesus Christ has believers in almost every country. Surely this is a testament of God's dedication to preserve the gospel message in spite of our heathen ways. "And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil" (John 3:19 ESV).
Jesus declared: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV).
This is the same message today and the compassion of the story is the faithfulness of Jesus. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105 ESV). The way towards the light of eternity is made easy by simply abiding and following His gentle voice. There are times of refreshing in green pastures and beside still waters. Then again, a time to continue the journey set before us. For Jesus is the light of the way; on the chosen path that's already cleared of dangerous debris. The goal is to find a people who'd simply enjoy the just of His majesty in an honest and loving manner. Albeit, a stumbling block for those who'd run ahead or lag behind the Good Shepherd and/or explore another path.
However, most people today aren't satisfied with mere Christianity and have invented a socially entertaining gospel. These motivational cheerleaders stir up an emotionally driven message and thereby, produce a gospel hype based on false expectations of prosperity, open theism and/or unbiblical laughing. They may not have rules of conduct about drinking, relationships and prayer is optional. It should also be noted that this is big business and the publishers are promoting a secular gospel with incentives for the Christian book store.
The other group of false prophets is the revivalist who'd project a great end-time outpouring that's loosely based on an early and latter day rain teaching; which has nothing to do scripturally with the church of Jesus Christ. So, as Elijah the prophet once witnessed (1 Kings 19:11,12): God doesn't need to prove Himself with a big demonstration of might for the benefit of the power seekers. Besides, what happened to the old fashioned prayer meetings that once highlighted a church meeting and touched God's heart. Let's take into consideration the probability that God would bless the church with another great enlightenment as a gift. Thereby showing His compassion for lost souls and our maturity to care beyond ourselves through prayer.
On this note, I am thankful for every true Holy Ghost revival and constantly in prayer for Canada and the nations. Therefore, it is my intention to stay focused on Jesus and trust Him daily for our livelihood and safety. So, when the oil of the Holy Spirit anoints and our renewal is complete, let's remain humble without stoking the embers; to perpetuate a revival fire that's already come and gone. I would rather be hot and alive for Jesus or knowingly cold and waiting at the mercy seat. It's a sad affair to be lukewarm with an attitude of self-righteousness and unaware of the counterfeit gospel. As the apostle Paul clearly stated: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:1,2 ESV).
by Glenn Morrison (09)
courtesy of faithtemple (.ca)