169th Edition
Keeping the revival going
A recent Gallup poll found that “42% of men aged 18-29 say religion is very important in their lives,” a huge increase from less than 30% only a few years ago. In a recent essay by Nathanael Blake, “Evidence Young People Are Turning To Christianity Isn’t Anecdotal – It’s Real,” the author states several reasons for this uplifting trend. He states, “Secular liberalism has proven empty and unfulfilling, devolving into hollow indulgence on one hand and woke madness on the other.” He adds this quote from the Presbyterian Minister, C.R. Wiley, “Simply being an island of sanity is proving to be a church growth strategy.”
How can believers keep this trend going? More importantly how can we help deepen the faith of men and women who are turning toward God for the first time, or turning back to God after a period of disillusionment or disappointment?
While contemplating these questions it would be wise to keep in mind that progressive ideologues will do all they can to reverse this trend. Their goal is to replace faith in God with dependence on the state.
In the meantime, there are several things each believer can do to help others grow in their faith. First, each person of faith might consider finding someone to mentor. One on one ministry is usually the most effective in terms of faith enrichment. Another effective way would be to identify an unlovable person and show them God’s unconditional love over an extended period of time. This doesn’t have to be traditional evangelism, and maybe even shouldn’t be, but God’s true love can bridge any chasm society has created. It definitely will require faithfulness, but it can be transformative. Third, mature believers can invite those early in their faith journey to join a small group. Being with a group of mature believers on a consistent basis can be magical in terms of developing a deeper faith. Fourth, just show up. Reach out consistently, pray daily for a particular early believer, and be a loyal friend. Mature believers understand that it is the Holy Spirit that does the heavy lifting in every relationship centered around faith in God. Their job is to show up and be the vessel from which the power of the Holy Spirit flows into the world to connect people.
What fellow believers cannot do is become complacent. To the extent that Christians today feel on the defensive for whatever reason, a sense of boldness needs to develop. Do all things out of love and sincerity. Love people where they are at, so to speak. But be bold. If done for the right reasons, the Holy Spirit will refine and magnify our attempts by supplying the grace that soothes and repairs our brokenness, in God’s good time.
As I’ve expressed before in previous blogs, we are in a battle of opposing ideologies. In which one do you see truth, grace and love most profoundly? Every believer might ask themselves what they can do to make the answer to that question unequivocal.
Please help me grow my readership by forwarding this to a friend(s). In the meantime, stay tuned for my next newsletter. Thanks
Michael Kayes
*These views are my personal opinions and are not the viewpoints of any company or organization.