What Would Jesus Speak to His Church Today?

Recently I've been asking the Lord about our Church today. Why are we seemingly absent from the political realm? Why have we deemed that our "vote doesn't count anyway?" Or why are we silent when babies are murdered in the womb? Why do we argue over senseless things yet refuse to stand on the truths that are found in our Bibles?

Matthew 16: 15-18 tells the story of Peter's declaration of Jesus.

Then he (Jesus) asked them, "Who do you say I am?"

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

The Greek word for "church" used in verse 18 is Ekklesia, meaning an assembly, congregation or called out ones.

In Ancient Greek, the Ekklesia referred to an assembly of citizens gathered together in a public space to vote on laws, debate public policy and make major decisions for that city. (kind of reminds you of . . . government?)

If that's true, and we are part of God's government, how are we doing? Are heavens principles having an impact on earthly kingdoms today? Do we to fight for Biblical standards? Can we pull heaven down to earth by our obedience?

Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, leaves him blessed. Jesus tells Peter that this has been revealed to him by our Father in heaven.

It begs the question then, Church, who do you say that Jesus is?

Do you believe Jesus is the Son of the living God?

Jesus calls us to love one another. But wouldn't true love protect our Christian brothers and sisters? Wouldn't true love, love in spite of the sin, but offer the way that leads to heaven?

Wouldn't God's love call us into the political arena to bring godliness and righteousness back into this country?

One look and we can see where we're headed as a nation if Christians don't begin to stand up for truth and righteousness. We're already seeing our downfall. In Minnesota alone, we have removed all restrictions on abortion, meaning that full-term abortion can happen.

In innocence, you may proclaim, that no one would allow a full-term baby to die on the table, but it has happened here. Why did the powers in charge deem it necessary to remove the restrictions of abortion only in the first trimester, if their plans weren't for evil?

If you are a believer in Jesus, life, death and resurrection as Savior of the world, then we must step into godly obedience. And with 87.5% of the church in America NOT taking part in voting on Biblical Principles, I wonder if we are asleep.

*See my recent post, Christians . . . Are You Sitting on the Sidelines?

Where are you in the Body of Christ? Are you doing your part? I believe some are called to be leaders, ones who will stand in the gap for the unborn babies. Ones who will stand up for the Christians rights here in America and abroad. Ones who will speak truth to contradict the enemy's lies. Ones who were born for such a time as this, to make a mark for the future generations.

If you are over 60 years of age, you've seen the decline in our country. You've watched as the enemy removed prayer from the classroom, and the 10 Commandments from city halls across our nation. We've seen movies that were once rated "R" (restricted) and beyond, now enter our homes freely. Our grandchildren are at risk, as they "play" games on their gadgets and predators stalk, lure, and attempt to steal their innocence.

We've accepted the changes. But have we benefited from them? How do you see our country today?

James 1:5 -6

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives GENEROUSLY to all without finding fault, and it will be GIVE TO YOU. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (Emphasis mine)

Will you join me in praying for the Church of Christ to rise up? Will you honestly ask the Lord what you can do to represent Him in this world today?

We get to live in these days where following Jesus is a holy call that can influence many. People have broken hearts. They search for answers, through drugs, alcohol, gangs, cults, and other places that offer a false hope.

We know the Truth, the One who can set them free. We have the answer for this broken world today. Let's shout it from the mountain tops. Or quietly enter the battle field. The Lord will lead us, we just need to be willing. Let our "yes" be to Jesus.

Dear Jesus, we come to you today with humble hearts and ask that You would open our hearts and minds to hear your voice. May your Living Word call us to a deeper understanding. May You speak to us, calling us forth into the places that You would have us go. May You use us to bring heaven to earth. Thank you that we get to live in such a time as this. Thank you that you have placed us here to change the atmosphere. May it be so. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.