Pricey Good friend,
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet (act 1, scene 5), we discover this well-known quote: “There are extra issues in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Hamlet says this after encountering his father’s ghost, arguing in opposition to his pal Horatio’s skepticism.
I’ve had that quote in thoughts over the previous few weeks—and never, I need to say, on account of encountering any ghosts! Relatively, due to the invites I accepted to go to a number of locations, it has turn into clear to me that there are extra issues occurring on the earth of biblical Christianity than I beforehand realized. Whereas I miss my Sunday-by-Sunday pulpit ministry, I’m having fun with the privilege of seeing firsthand how God is at work throughout the US within the lives of so many individuals.
From Memphis to Manhattan to Phoenix to Lynchburg, the unfolding story is similar: Native Gospel-centered church buildings are engaged in evangelism and discipleship with an lively enthusiasm that may put me to disgrace. The pastors of many of those church buildings are younger (the age of my kids), and in spending time with them, I’m challenged, inspired, and aware of J.C. Ryle’s remark that God “will elevate up higher servants and brighter stars.” Ryle stated this in response to folks questioning the way forward for the church when he and others like him have been taken away.
Trying past North America’s borders, I’m struck by the identical sense of evangelistic zeal. On account of your dedication to the Gospel and your help of our endeavors at Reality For Life, we’re in partnership with brothers and sisters in Christ in Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Poland, China, the Philippines, and extra.
Collectively, in lots of languages, we’re saying to our pals and neighbors that we’ve one story to inform—one which’s vastly totally different from a worldview that believes there isn’t a creator God, no absolute morality, and no final fact.
Easter supplies us with a novel alternative to comply with the instance of the apostle Paul in addressing the intelligentsia in Athens. He was courteous and well-prepared. He understood their Stoic and Epicurean philosophies and addressed them with unmistakable readability by explaining that God made the world and the whole lot in it, that He’s Lord of heaven and earth, and that we, His created beings, are accountable to Him. Paul didn’t shrink back from telling his listeners that they’d an appointment to satisfy God, as a result of God has fastened a day on which He’ll decide the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). Assurance of this, he defined, is discovered within the resurrection of Jesus from the lifeless.
Luke tells us that the response of Paul’s listeners assorted: Some mocked, some have been open to listening once more, and a few believed. These are the identical reactions we discover once we converse with folks right now. Solely God opens blind eyes and softens onerous hearts to the reality of His Phrase, however we’ve an essential position to play by inviting others to come back to know Him.
Spurgeon explains the supernatural work of God in salvation as follows: “The mysterious hand of the divine Spirit dropped the dwelling seed right into a coronary heart that He had Himself ready for its reception.” I hope this can encourage all of us to be daring in our witness as we search to see unbelieving folks turn into dedicated followers of the Lord Jesus.
On behalf of our complete crew, we want you and your loved ones a blessed, joyful, and Gospel-sharing Easter and lengthen our heartfelt gratitude on your upholding partnership in Reality For Life.
With my love within the Lord Jesus,
Alistair
