January 5th, 2007
Enemies of the Gospel?
Happy New Year!
What are the greatest enemies of the Gospel in the United Kingdom? Islam, the government, Richard Dawkins, evolution, feminism, post-modernism, the European Union?
When The Times invited eminent authors to write an essay on the theme “What is Wrong with the World?”, G. K. Chesterton’s contribution was:
Dear Sirs,
I am.
I’m sure the greatest inhibitors of the spread of the Gospel in Britain are those entrusted with its proclamation.
And that includes me.
I pray that I and all Christians in this country will, by God’s grace, will:
- Have a proper understanding of sin, its offence to God and its consequences for us,
- Have a true compassion for those who are living and dying without Christ,
- Strive for holiness,
- Be prayerful,
- Be grounded and nurtured in God’s Word,
- Stand firm for the truth of the Gospel with gentleness and humility,
- Replace individualism with a love for the community of God’s people,
- Replace consumerism with a zeal for Christ’s kingdom,
- Have more concern for our neighbour’s souls than with winning a culture war,
- Have more concern for Christ’s Name than for our own reputations,
- Reflect Christ’s love in our lives and relationships.
May we
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. [1 Peter 2:12]