We live in a time that can be depressing. Just look at all the things going on around us: the economic melt down, political turmoil, protests, and the threat of attack from insane leaders from Iran to North Korea. Many of us are facing health issues, family issues, or work issues. It is easy to think that all we hold dear is coming to an end. We can look to Europe and especially Great Britain and see that the churches are small and that have little impact on the society around them. What hope do we have for Lancaster? What hope do we have for a better world? The answer is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Eric McLachlan's sermon on Sunday really encouraged me. We need to consider the real power and opportunity that is given us by the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God can bring a revival first to the church and then to our world. The small group that just finished on Wednesday nights studied a series of lessons on personal revival. I think that we might have to get Rich to lead this same study in the fall for others. If we want to see change it must start with us! How does the resurrection give us power for revival? Peter teaches us:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," I Peter 1:3
Christ, by his death and resurrection from the dead, has opened up life with God. We because of our own sin were dead to God, but now we are alive by the power of Christ.
Are we taking advantage of this power? Rev. Mclachlan said Sunday that we need a real Spiritual revival. In Church history many true revivals are traced back to a small group of people or even one central person. In Wales a revival started at the conversion of one hardened coal miner. In America, a great revival took place that started with college students praying in a haystack. John Knox's ministry transformed Scotland. Lonely missionaries transformed small islands in the pacific. God does not need an army and he often proves this fact by using a few to accomplish more than an army could do. Think about the story of Gideon.
Are you living with God in the power of his resurrection? Here are a few questions to ponder.
1. Are you a new creation?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
2. Are you growing in holiness?
Jesus tell us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments" John 14:15
Are you growing in keeping the commandments of God and dying to sin in your life?
3. Are you growing in love for Christ?
May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonian 3:5
Just as a child grows in love for his father and mother, so should we grow in our love for our Triune God and the salvation and blessings that have been freely given to such that are so undeserving.
Kyle E. Sims
Pastor
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