Revival For Canada

Times change. Seasons come and go. We put away the summer
toys and bring out the winter ones. It's not too often you see a
snowmobiler chasing across the flied in a swimsuit. Different
seasons require, and even demand different strategy and approach.

For quite some time now Christianity has enjoyed favor in Canada.
It's even enjoyed a time of great influence in the political arena and
has had a lot of influence in shaping the nation in former generations. That's not something that's changing it's something that has changed and will continue to do so until we change. And by "we" I mean, fundamental Bible believing Christianity. When salt looses it's saltiness how can it be used to preserve. With it's quality diminished what good is it? What value has it in society? (Mk.9:50)

With some of the basic fundaments of the Christian faith being seriously questioned by a secular humanistic society we can start to feel challenged. In our efforts to retain favor and influence we're tempted to adjust our standards. The voices scream out, "Christianity must be relevant in this generation". Let's just STOP right there! Let's examine what is really

being said. First let's ask the question, "who wants us relevant?" Secondly, "what is meant by relevant?"

Who is the Leader of the Church? Jesus! He's the One we follow. He has set the example and we learn from Him. How relevant was He in His generation? How relevant was the early church in the first century? What was Jesus' approach! He didn't come to be relevant He came to change the world. He came with the message and the power to change peoples lives, to bring them out of sin into life, to translate
them from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. (Col.1:13)

Jesus came proclaiming "the Gospel of the Kingdom". He preached repentance from sin and faith towards God. His message was a double edged sword. Evan a very quick study of Jesus' life and ministry reveals the effects of His message. There were those who gladly received and others who, rejected and protested. There were those who loved Him and longed to see Him sitting on David's throne and others who hated Him and longed to see Him hanging on a Roman cross. Was Jesus relevant? It's got nothing to do with relevance and everything to do with presenting and accurately represent the Kingdom of God.

Jesus didn't come apologizing for the truth. He came in love proclaiming it. He came to set the captives free not to become a captive. Compromised Christianity is captive Christianity. Light dispels darkness. Darkness knowing this seeks that we veil God's glory. Darkness would have us become so relevant that we're no longer a threat to his kingdom.

Jesus said. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Mt.5:14-16)

As far as the Lord is concerned our relevance in this world regardless of society and culture is our relevance to Him and His eternal Kingdom. Jesus said that He was not of this world and that His Kingdom was not of this world. He didn't apologize for it, nor did He try to make it fit in. If Jesus was on earth today He'd do it all over again the same way.

How can light be relevant to darkness? How can holiness
be relevant to sinfulness? Make no mistake those crying
out for the Church to be relevant are the same ones who
would nail Jesus to the cross. These are the same ones
who would seek to silence His voice of repentance. Jesus
didn't come to compromise with sinners. He came to save
them. He didn't come to compromise or "fit in" with society
He came to reveal "the way of eternal life". He came preaching
the Kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe.