A Call to Personal Revival

#Discipleship #ChurchLife #Challenge #ChristianLife

What is the purpose of the church? This is often the question nagging the wandering soul of a believer in crisis and the constant self-assessment taken by churches seeking to meet the needs of their given communities. Sadly, as seen by events taking center-stage in our country today, it is evident that while we ask, “What is the purpose of the church?” We often leave things then, simply asking but never really answering. Even more so, some may have an intellectual answer ready, but lack the evidence of it in their daily actions.

I would pose to you the challenge that any local church is called to fulfill their given mission in the summaries offered by Jesus—“The Great Commandment” and “The Great Commission.” The Great Commandment, found in Matthew 22:37, states, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Revival rests within these two commands.

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28, then compels those who profess a faith in Jesus Christ to share their encounter with the resurrected Savior, and not only tell it in their homes and local communities, but to take their message to their states, their nation, and even to the whole world! This is relevant because I propose to you that the best and only hope for all the social injustices that plague our country, and indeed, our world is the local church. The best way to bypass any of the issues that divide us is to be Kingdom focused, and not be an island onto ourselves.

If you and I make it a daily commitment to Jesus Christ to be a living example of the Great Commandment, we begin to shed light on our personal struggle with envy, hatred, and pride. Consequently, as you and I surrender ourselves on a daily basis, we love others because we learn to see them through Jesus’ eyes and not our own. Logically, then, if you see others as Jesus sees them, with all their imperfections and sins, you will still love them. This love compels us to share the Gospel with them—Jesus Christ Crucified and Resurrected, the way, the truth, and the life…the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Suddenly you want to fulfill the Great Commission because of His love, and not your obligation.

Jesus put it very plain and simple, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” How can it be more clear, and spelled out for us?

I long to see a revival sweep our country. But revival will not come unless every professing Christian completely surrenders to be a Great Commandment and Great Commission agent for change. Do you long to see revival sweep across our communities? Do you long to see hatred, bigotry, racism, and every other evil subdued? Then become the example to those around you; fulfill your GC2 commitment day by day.