“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but FOR THOSE ALSO WHO BELIEVE IN ME THROUGH THEIR WORD; that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE that you sent me.” (John 17:20-21)
Do we believe this? According to a Barna research: Although large majorities of the public claim to be “deeply spiritual” and say that their religious faith is “very important” in their life, only 15% of those who regularly attend a Christian church ranked their relationship with God as the top priority in their life. As alarming as that finding was, its significance was magnified by research showing that on average pastors believe that 70% of the adults in their congregation consider their relationship with God to be their highest priority in life.
“We know that we are children of God, and that THE WHOLE WORLD IS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE EVIL ONE.” (1 John 5:19) We have a great task; living the word and spreading the gospel!
Jesus responds to the Pharisees, (the religious leaders of the time) challenging them that they are not children of Abraham: “You belong to your father, the devil…He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and THE FATHER OF LIES.” (John 8:44)
We are living in an age of great deception: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers (and of many believers as well), so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corin. 4:4)
WE MUST SERIOUSLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH DELIVERED TO US.
-Bill Stockham