The world that we live in today it’s in great need of an awakening of spirit. There are many well intentioned Christian ministers developing relevant messages and programs to cater to their communities of faith. However I’m afraid many things have been lost in the preparation of a new relevant message. I know because I have done it. I have spent the last 15 years of my life studying and analyzing the latest trends and philosophies to try to find a relevant approach to the good news of God. I must say it has benefited both my audience and I to be more knowledgeable in this information age we live in. I can even say it is necessary to explore all the different dimensions and perspectives to the Gospel. I also believe that ministers that desire to be relevant are full of compassion for the world we live in. But lately I’ve been reminded of the simplicity of God’s Word and the power of his grace. It helps to put in perspective our purpose as leaders in the kingdom to be reminded of what made God’s Word powerful to us.
Please don’t misunderstand. I do not desire for us to go backwards in our formats and religious behaviors that have resulted in a generation of church abandonment due to its ineffectiveness to show compassion, create hope and inspired genuine love for one another. Those that know me know that I pride myself in being a huge advocate for reform in every sense of the word. I believe we still have a long way to go before breaking the hold of religion over the freedom of having a true relationship with God. But that’s not my argument when it comes to being relevant with the Gospel.
The power of bringing forth new perspectives and ideas thoughts or processes should not compromise the power of its testimony. I’m afraid we have made the Gospel to much of a self-help program. we no longer feature the power of the personal experience. I’m not just talking about adding a couple of fun personal stories to illustrate a point a preachers trying to make. I think we have cheapened the power of the word of God by excluding the personal experience of faith not just in behalf of the preacher but for the moments God intends to create for our audience.
Some might consider my thoughts to be a little old-fashioned for such a modern preacher. Maybe I’m just nostalgic. Sometimes I wish we can all create the experience for others that made us fall in love with God. I could explain the details that have made my life the evidence of God’s grace and favor. I don’t think there is any database big enough to store all the things God has done for me. It may take me a lifetime to write it in a lifetime for you to read it. But for all I could explain I am more grateful for what I cannot explain.
Here I go… stop me somebody….
I have a friend in Jesus. And he has known me longer than I know him. Has overlooked my illusion of imperfection and has designed for me an extraordinary life. His power is able to transform heal and brings freedom. My life only began when I embraced the faith of his existence. it wasn’t by the convincing evidence of any teacher or philosopher. (He does not need any introduction). It wasn’t the benefit package of prosperity on earth or the hope of eternity in heaven. He just became real to me. It wasn’t logical or scientific. It wasn’t truth or fact. It was faith the invisible hope created by the understanding that God’s love is the only evidence necessary to embrace a life of joy.
While many questioned God’s existence in asking why does he allow bad things to happen to good people? I have never been able to answer the question why do good things happen to bad people? For we have all fallen short of perfection and sin is our way of life. Still God’s mercy grace and favor is beyond what we deserve. I serve a God that is not fair and for this I am grateful. For he gives us what we do not deserve, and transforms us into what we shouldn’t be. This I cannot explain, but I know to be real. You to can experience this relationship with God for yourself. But it will take a surrender to faith and embrace to a belief that might not be popular. You might be challenged to explain it to defend it or even to abandon it. Take it from someone who has lived this experience is worth it. I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world for life on this side of faith.
Even by just writing this I feel the reality of God’s existence in my life. I pray you feel the same. The connection with what the world feels is invisible through faith it becomes obvious that it’s only fear that makes men blind to God.
It’s time for this generation to experience God without us getting in the way. I believe that if we stop explaining the Gospel as a motivational program. If we stop worrying about being politically correct. Call me crazy but God’s word might just do what it says on its own. Let’s start preaching good news to the loss and show compassion to the broken hearts. That the people living in darkness could finally see God’s light.
I pray that your passion gets ignited and that you may become brave to embrace your faith. That you can shared in the most simplest ways. They you may become the light that shines to a blind generation that desperately needs to experience God’s love. Living the E_LIFE.
By: Johnny DelValle
I have shared My heart in this note in the hopes of inspiring thoughts regarding a relevant gospel. I so welcome your opinions and comments as I considered this topic to be important and necessary to explore in opinions and observations. Thank you for your love and support.
!Padres. Haz gastado un sinnúmero de horas tratando de pensar si otra vez le regalaras una camisa que jamas usara u otra corbata. No temas, tengo la solución perfecta. ¡Que crees si le regalas una cabra! Si visitas el link de Worldvision podrás comprar una cabra u otros animalitos para un niño en Uganda de parte de tu Papá.
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