Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2003 issue of Charisma magazine. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army and a man who dedicated his life to lifting the poor out of sin and poverty, reportedly made this statement: “Most Christian organizations would like to send their workers to Bible college for five years. …
Let us never minimize the power of prayer. And let’s always remember that united, corporate prayer is often even more impactful. My beloved friend, Paul Billheimer, wrote some of the best books on prayer of the last century. He has been home with the Lord for almost 30 years but his words are as fresh as if …
Tapping Into the Exponential Power of Corporate Prayer Read More »
Some actually pose this question to me aloud. Many others I know are thinking it–“David, we’re not even evangelizing our own country. We’re losing ground right here. How can we possibly talk about evangelizing the world?” It’s a good question–with a good answer. Jesus Himself gives the answer: “You shall receive power when the Holy …
Measuring the effect 9/11 has had on the American—and global—church
Where were you … ?”
You probably remember where you were when the horrific events on that epochal day unfolded. Life got more fragile. Worldviews were altered. Innocence was lost. The terrorists who carried out these atrocities were driven—not by money or fame—but by a destructive belief system. Don’t ever think personal theology doesn’t have public consequences. While the terrorists’ misguided beliefs forced a brave new world of greater peril, their hideous acts also released greater possibilities.
Three measurable realities for the church worldwide are rooted in the fallout from 9/11:
Let’s
talk about debt.
Of
course the recent struggles in Washington sorely tempt me to opine on
the egregious spectacle we have just endured. However, our status as
a non-profit ministry (and hopefully some common sense) limits any
political comment. But one obvious fact can be safely asserted: debt
has consequences.
Let’s
look at our spiritual debt, our financial debt and our love debt.
What
we owe (and what we don’t owe) spiritually.
We
could never have satisfied the debt and depth of our bankruptcy
before God. The just “wages” for our sin was death and severance
from God and His glory (see Rom. 3:23; 6:23). But “when we were
helpless … Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6). This is the
liberating good news of the gospel. Our debt of sin has been paid
with Christ’s atoning blood. Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is
finished!” (Jn. 19:30). His literal statement in the original
language was, “Paid in full!” The debt of all our sins is fully,
forever canceled!
Well, the world as we know it did not end last weekend –
much to the chagrin of a few Bible teachers.
I’ve been around long enough to remember the flurry of
interest in a book titled 88 Reasons Why
the Rapture Will Be in 1988. When that year passed, the author followed up
with predictions that Jesus would come in 1989 . . . then 1993 . . . then
1994.
Now another misguided prognosticator suddenly became famous
(or infamous) by assuring us all that Judgment Day would definitely be last
Saturday, May 21. What now will be the fallout for his devotees?
Don’t get me wrong. A time of worldwide judgment is indeed
coming. Scripture is very clear about that. Paul confidently proclaimed, “God has appointed a day on which He will
judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by
raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). But we get into trouble – big
trouble – when we become more definitive than the Bible. Jesus said no one
knows the day nor hour of His return to Earth (Matt. 24:36).
It seemed like a
regular day at the beach. When the blasts of billions of tons of water wrecked
the coasts of more than a dozen Asian nations on Dec. 26, 2004, most of the
people on the beaches were totally unaware of the looming danger. In its wake
the massive tsunami claimed more than 200,000 lives in 14 countries and left
millions homeless. It was one of the largest natural disasters in history.
Life can be like
that. Suddenly, without warning, you’re hit with a torrent of trouble. Like the
psalmist, you cry, “All Your waves and billows have gone over me”
(Ps. 42:7, NKJV). Some of life’s
“tsunamis” literally hit home. Sudden shock waves jar us,
pulling us against our will into a sea of trouble. Suddenly we feel overwhelmed
with horrible circumstances. The tranquility of life is disrupted and we wonder
if things will ever be the same as they were.
About a year ago I wrote on the subject of biblical hope. Since then, like many believers, my wife, Naomi, and I have been pelted with heartbreaking news. Unexpected deaths of friends and ministry associates. Cancer among our dearest friends. Defections from the ministry. Moral failures. Bankruptcies. Church splits. Widespread disillusionment—even among veteran believers. Over all of this there seems to be a virtual canopy of “dis-ease.” Just as Jesus predicted, “People [are] fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world” (Luke 21:26, ESV).
The Great Commission is not a suggestion. If you are wondering whether you should be involved in missions, consider these biblical mandates.
Twenty-three humanitarian workers from a church in South Korea were kidnapped in 2007 in Afghanistan. Two of them, including a pastor, were killed by their Taliban captors. After wrenching negotiations the remaining workers were freed. They came home—but not to accolades. They were castigated for bringing “shame” on their nation.
In the last several years I have witnessed at least two astounding miracles where Christian ministries have experienced a literal rebirth.
The first is a doctrinal miracle. The Worldwide Church of God, founded by Herbert W. Armstrong in 1934, reexamined its doctrines and practices after Armstrong’s death in 1986. This led to a complete theological reformation to Christian orthodoxy in the 1990s. Today, no longer viewed as a cult, the denomination has changed its name to Grace Communion International and is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Our culture says all religions lead to God. We as Christ’s followers can’t afford to be confused about this issue. How would you answer if you knew millions were watching? A certain amiable TV talk-show host has a worldwide audience. Whenever his guest is a well-known Christian, the big question will always surface eventually: “Now, …
Nine years ago I made this declaration: “I spent the first 50 years of my life trying to be balanced. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to be radical.” All history shapers are radical, and I believe it’s time for believers everywhere to take on this attribute.
In light of the recent economic crises and major political, social and moral changes in our nation, people everywhere are asking, “What can I still count on in these turbulent times?”
I have an answer that is firmly grounded in the Scriptures: “You can count on God’s unfailing faithfulness.” Here are three ways God is faithful, no matter what the circumstances are that are swirling around you:
The issue of spiritual gifts—particularly speaking in tongues—has divided charismatics and Baptists for too long. Can we talk together?
Many of us get so caught up in the mad holiday rush that we miss the point. Here’s how you can stay focused on the reason for the season.
