Our evangelistic challenge is multi-dimensional. It seems like we are in a cultural Babylonian captivity –surrounded on all sides by hostile or unhelpful forces. Whole churches are theologically destroyed or diluted of the gospel’s power, reduced to mere civic clubs. We want to go home and the only way home is through Jesus’ narrative because we can only find our story in His story; we can only find meaning in our lives by focusing on the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and exultation. He is truth and there is no other.
Consider: Interrelated philosophical movements affect the church and shape the consciousness of everyone. Yet Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate…“ (Mt 7.13-14). Society advocates, “Pluralism.” Jesus says, “I am the Way…” (Jn 14.6). Churches diminish Jesus’ uniqueness through over reaching ecumenism. The Apostle writes, “The message of the cross is foolishness…” (ICor 1.18-25). We observe Western universities are given over entirely to Enlightenment rationalism and scientific method while de-emphasizing Christian theology for centuries. Jesus affirms the Ten Commandments (Mt. 5.19; Ex.20.1-17). Yet, silly but ultimately dangerous notions are frequently taken for granted such as every opinion is legitimate, no Universal truths are to be found, and morals are conditioned solely by one’s culture and biography.
Our ministry proclaims lovingly, energetically and continuously our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, at all times and everywhere –even in the face of hostility to the One who proclaimed, “I am THE way and THE truth and THE life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” Truth is Jesus. Again, Jesus is the truth and there is no other. We lift up Jesus, who he is (Col 1.15-20), and what he gives (John 10.10). God has given us the burden of evangelism which we joyfully accept. Our confession like Peter’s at Caesarea does not change in the midst of current blindness but how, where and with whom we evangelize must be guided by an anointed strategy that presupposes devotion to prayer, agility and innovation guided by the Holy Spirit (Matt 16.13-18). We recall, even in the midst of the first Babylonian captivity, God says, “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor there one after me.” Read the whole section at Isaiah 43.8-13.
