As we draw to a conclusion, I want to issue a challenge to the new generation to rise up where the older generation has failed in the past. If we look at the trend in Church growth, Christian population is rising rapidly in Africa, Asia (China and Korea) and Latin America. Christianity seems to prosper in poor and less educated societies. However, in more developed and sophisticated nations, church attendance in most denominations has declined drastically. Does this mean that Christianity is only for the uncultured and uneducated? God forbid! Was not the Gospel sufficient and essential for both Greeks and barbarians? The need of the hour is for men and women who are able to discern biblical principles and diagnose the spiritual sickness of the present age. We need to read Scripture with one hand and the newspaper with the other to engage the hostile marketplace of ideas.
Beloved brothers and sisters, let us not become spiritual hermits who seclude ourselves in the ivory tower and remain ignorant of world events. We know that Christ is the answer to every human dilemma and yet we do not even know the questions. We are only content to be saved and wait for Christ’s return. Let us also not be immersed with the things of this world lest we forget God’s word and the centrality of the Cross. May God take pity on us!
It is tragic that at such an opportune time as this when the witness of Christ is available to 95% of world population our light is so dimmed. The pervading climate of anti-intellectualism and doctrinal illiteracy has taken its toll. We have quantity but where is the quality? Do the words of our pastors and elders command the respect of the world, besides their own flock? Are our seminary graduates today equipped to engage the enemy on their own ground? God is pleased to choose the foolish and the weak to confound the wise. In so doing, He displays His glory in the sufficiency of His grace.
My father passed away when I was three years old. My life struggles were aided with biblical principles. Until today, I have been granted the privilege to preach the Good News to millions of people. Some sympathized with me because at my age, I still have to travel to five countries weekly to preach. Nevertheless, I was not too keen with their idea of letting television and recorded tapes do the preaching, unless circumstances do not permit. This is because I believe in interpersonal relationships and the pleasure of answering queries in person. My passion is that a new generation of evangelicals would arise to also reach the intellectuals of our time.
Now is the hour for the man. Where is the man for the hour? Who will go before us and confront the Goliath at the cultural frontiers? Do not be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead. For the Lord is our Rock and our Shield! He who has been faithful in my life and ministry will also work mightily in yours to vindicate the cause of his gospel.
To God alone be the glory!
Beloved brothers and sisters, let us not become spiritual hermits who seclude ourselves in the ivory tower and remain ignorant of world events. We know that Christ is the answer to every human dilemma and yet we do not even know the questions. We are only content to be saved and wait for Christ’s return. Let us also not be immersed with the things of this world lest we forget God’s word and the centrality of the Cross. May God take pity on us!
It is tragic that at such an opportune time as this when the witness of Christ is available to 95% of world population our light is so dimmed. The pervading climate of anti-intellectualism and doctrinal illiteracy has taken its toll. We have quantity but where is the quality? Do the words of our pastors and elders command the respect of the world, besides their own flock? Are our seminary graduates today equipped to engage the enemy on their own ground? God is pleased to choose the foolish and the weak to confound the wise. In so doing, He displays His glory in the sufficiency of His grace.My father passed away when I was three years old. My life struggles were aided with biblical principles. Until today, I have been granted the privilege to preach the Good News to millions of people. Some sympathized with me because at my age, I still have to travel to five countries weekly to preach. Nevertheless, I was not too keen with their idea of letting television and recorded tapes do the preaching, unless circumstances do not permit. This is because I believe in interpersonal relationships and the pleasure of answering queries in person. My passion is that a new generation of evangelicals would arise to also reach the intellectuals of our time.
Now is the hour for the man. Where is the man for the hour? Who will go before us and confront the Goliath at the cultural frontiers? Do not be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task ahead. For the Lord is our Rock and our Shield! He who has been faithful in my life and ministry will also work mightily in yours to vindicate the cause of his gospel. To God alone be the glory!
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