The recent tragedy in Connecticut is unthinkable. Yet we must think about it. In fact, I believe we owe it to the children and others that perished to think about it. Many questions have been asked in the hours since the shooting, most of them around the issue of gun control.
As a Christian, I believe that the local church is the hope of the world. The Bible says that the church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). It is not the government, not the school system, not individuals. The government has no mandate to create truth, only defend it. The church and it’s leaders are the ones who shine the light of truth, morals, and righteousness into a culture. Without the church in a community, the truth has no foundation and it will cease to be heard.
That’s why your church is so important.
As a church planter, my heart is heavy. I see this tragedy as the ultimate example of exactly why we need the church: the presence of evil.
Evil will be with us in this world. It is the church’s job to stem that tide of evil and preach forgiveness in the Gospel of Christ. This tragedy seems like a failure of our ability to do that. But Jesus told us that His church will be victorious in the end.
If anything, this tragedy is a reminder to Christians that we carry the gospel light, and the church is the hope for Connecticut.
I was reading in the book of 2 Thessalonians recently, and I was struck by a particular subject in Paul’s writing. Mainly, I was impressed at how straight forward he discussed the subject with the believers in the church.
The subject is eschatology, or “end time” prophecy. In Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul begins discussing in great detail and passion the time of the anti-Christ and his defeat when Jesus returns at the 2nd Coming. To close chapter 2, and continuing in chapter 3, Paul the addresses the church with his normal encouragement and benediction.
The point is this: Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, thought it completely normal to discuss difficult end times doctrine with believers. It was a normal, common thing for New Testament Christians to discuss end time events.
My perception is that many churches today are ignoring the importance of teaching this important subject, filling the time instead with perceived “practical” sermons.
There is nothing more practical than remembering the eternal hope we have that Christ is ultimately victorious for us at the end of the age.
If your church hasn’t had a message on prophecy or the end times in the last 12 months, I humbly submit that you think of including it very soon.
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5
I was struck with this verse and the urgency from which it emanates. God urges us to redeem the time that we have to share Christ with others. To redeem means to “buy up”, and this caused me to think of two examples: the stock market and Christmas shopping.
If stocks are selling low, it is urgent that you buy them up now, quickly, before the opportunity is gone. And if the store is having a huge Christmas sale, you better go stand in line and be the first one there – it’s urgent that you do so and the time will soon pass to buy everything up.
Do we have this same urgency for redeeming souls from hell?
This passage was convicting and moving for me. I hope it is for you.
Our team created the business cards below to promote our church plant’s small group ministry. They are full color, very attractive, and at least invite a cursory reading.
In the blank space on the back, a church member can write their name and cell phone number.
It’s very much like billboard advertisement that you can carry in your pocket.
Has your church done anything similar? Has it been effective?
Greatness is not related to your bank account, your IQ, your family dynamics, your position, your SAT score, your abilities, your giftedness, your temperment, your achievements, or your location.
Greatness is directly proportional to your closeness with God.
And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people. Exodus 11:3-4
