An unfortunate reality is that the world is quickly ramping up its attack against the Church and Christian values. The attacks are often very subtle and “coded” in deceptive terminology to mislead the masses. But it’s important to remember that the Church, the true Church, will triumph by overcoming this world.
Jesus is the One Who builds the Church. He is the one who fits the living stones into place (1 Peter 2), developing a perfect temple of God, with the “blueprints” in His heart from before the dawn of creation (Ephesians 1). Unlike the world, where sinful tendencies prompt people to impress by great accomplishments, God rewards us with eternal life, lifting us up and seating us in Christ in heaven (already!) and promises an inheritance before we have accomplished anything:
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” (Ephesians 2:4-10)
But how does the Church overcome the world? By intentionally positioning itself in Christ. To remain in Christ is to already be in heaven. To “eat” the “flesh” and “blood” of Christ (John 6:56) is to be really alive -a powerful and vital sustenance that perpetually gives us life. To pursue, embrace and wield the Word of God is to be “wielded” by the very hand of Jesus. Remaining in Christ is the key to overcoming the world.
How do we tell others about Jesus? Envision Jesus talking through you as you humbly become the means for Him to share His wise counsel. How do you invite your neighbor to church? Envision Jesus walking in you and crushing every barrier, every excuse, every pretense that sets itself up against the Great Commission. Kneel with Jesus as you pray for people in authority over us and plead their case to the Father. And when you find yourself in a difficult situation where you may be tempted to think, say, look at or listen to something that is completely ungodly, pause to let Jesus bring everything under His authority. Never give up. Never surrender. Be persistent and expect results –because Jesus always brings about results –when we remain in Him. And the very gates of the abode of death itself will come crashing down –together with its author. Though the world may resist the life-giving Message of Jesus, it cannot resist it forever. Remember that, and live accordingly. Remain in Jesus, be persistent, never give up on any soul –because his or her life depends on it.
Love in Jesus,
George