We are often told that the Bible is not relevant to modern life, and that it seems to answer questions that no – one is asking. I believe that is very relevant and it may not answer some of the questions that are being asked, but it does answer the questions that ought to be asked – the greatest and most important being “What must I do to be saved” – Acts 16: 30
Regarding relevance: God does not have to be relevant to man, but man must come into line with God’s will, and do, and be, what is relevant to God. The Bible says this of the Church world – wide – “The church of the living God the pillar and foundation of the truth – 1Timothy 3: 15
It must declare Jesus Christ and live for Jesus Christ’s and proclaim the apostle’s teaching which does not change with the changing fashions and cultures of the world It must tell the world that Christianity is not so much a religion as a relationship with the unchanging God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul’s words have come to pass in many European countries – “The time will come when men with not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” – 1 Timothy 4: 3
If you are invited to a cocktail party, you can talk about Buddhism, esoteric new world teaching, the occult, even, with care, you can speak of certain aspects of Islam and you will have an interesting audience, and, of course, sex, providing the words used are witty and not too coarse, but mention Jesus Christ and the cross and you can guarantee not to be invited again.
Many local churches are seeking prayerfully to reach the lost generations of the western world who are either ignorant of spiritual matters and have no time for it, or have been led astray into the stagnant waters of error. Christians are concerned for such people because they are very aware that the Bible says – “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement” – Hebrews 9: 27
Evangelical Christians everywhere long for others to enjoy the abundant life (that Jesus promised) and the assurance that their faith gives them, but they know that it cannot be done by surrendering to the ways and desires of the world around them.
The true church of Jesus Christ consists of people from every race, social category and nation, who have been born from on high when they believed gospel about the death and resurrection of Christ. And furthermore, the church is growing in many parts of the world, with the exception of Western Europe, and even here there are many green shoots springing up among the shrivelled remnants of dead stylised Christianity.
Do you know what it is to have something more than religion? Maybe you have been hostile because of something that happened in the past. Perhaps you have been indifferent to spiritual things through unbelief, or you just haven’t had the time, and I am sure that there could be other reasons too.
I appeal to you, who are reading this article, turn to Jesus Christ today, once you have come to him for forgiveness and received the new life that he offers you will see all the other aspects of Christianity from a new perspective; the change will be radical.
Jesus compared it to being born anew, and the apostle Paul to a new creation, and Christ is saying to you even as you read this –
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me – and you will find rest for your soul” – Matthew 11: 28 - 29
“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away”– John 6: 37
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” – Luke 11: 10
Come to Jesus now for forgiveness and a new life, then find a good local church and rejoice with others who have found him too.
