"God called apart a peculiar people to use as He sees fit to reconcile a lost and dying world. Through the great example of these strange folks who forgive, repent, offer mercy and seek peace, the world is changed. They continue to learn, grow and pursue holiness to the end; they become credible examples of Christ likeness, leaving their mark behind them, that mark of the Lord Jesus Christ." Pastor Tim Jupp
"There is a great deal of pessimism around today that grips and even paralyzes people. They wring their hands in a holy kind of dismay. Society is rotten to the core, they say. Everything is hopeless; there is no hope but the return of Jesus Christ. If we are pessimists and think we are capable of doing nothing in human society today, I venture to say that we are theologically extremely unbalanced, if not actually heretical and harmful.
It's ludicrous to say Christians can have no influence in society. It is biblically and historically mistaken.
Christianity has had an enormous influence on society down through its long and checkered history. No life ever lived on this planet has been so influential in the affairs of men like the life of Jesus Christ. From that brief life and its apparent frustration has flowed a more powerful force for the triumphant waging of man's long battle than any other ever known by the human race. By it millions have been lifted from illiteracy and ignorance and have been placed upon the road of growing intellectual freedom and control over the physical environment. It has done more to allay the physical ills of disease and famine than any other impulse known to man. It's emancipated millions from chattel slavery and millions of others from addiction to vice. It has protected tens of millions in exploitation by their fellows. It's been the most fruitful source of movement to lessen the horrors of war and to put the relations of men and nations on the basis of justice and of peace. Christ and his church have had an enormous influence. And if only we were out and out for Jesus Christ in the fullness of our commitment, then we would have far more influence than we do.
So, away with pessimism, and away also with blind optimism, as if we thought utopia was around the corner. No, Christians are sober-minded, biblical realists, who have a balanced doctrine of creation for redemption and consummation. We are not powerless. "You are the salt of the earth." Christians are to hinder social decay and in the prevailing darkness, we are to illumine society and show it a better way."
(JOHN STOTT)
SONGS:
I BELIEVE, JONATHAN HESSLER
I SPEAK JESUS, KINGS PORCH
ONLY JESUS, CASTING CROWNS
THE CAUSE OF CHRIST, WEST COAST BIBLE COLLEGE
(Note, we apologize for segment of audio trouble in the recording)
