Have you ever taken an objective observation of the average Protestant church in America and then read how the early Church functioned in the book of Acts? It does not take too long to figure out there are a lot more contrasts than comparisons. In his book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, David Platt explores how modern day Christianity has diluted the cause of Christ by intertwining the spirit of American self-reliance with the gospel call.
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"Now I have you, and I have God. I will never be alone again. I have so much happiness bubbling inside I cannot say in English!" the young woman exclaimed. That was one week after our arrival in a country closed to the Gospel. Two days later, the new convert received the first Bible she had ever seen. One week later, she was asking such probing questions as, "How can we keep from sinning when we have such great forgiveness?" The Holy Spirit can work fast with a deadline looming. Days later, the short-term mission trip (STMT) was over, and the fledgling Christian was left with only God's Word and her inner Comforter to be her Teacher, Guardian, and Guide. As a mission participant, I also experienced indescribable joy. A carefree attitude carried me across the ocean, over a perilous commute, and through three weeks of the most taxing ministry I have ever attempted. That calm and cared-for confidence brought me back home and lasted for many months but, unfortunately, has started to fade. Somehow my "do the dishes" and "carpool the kids" life doesn't seem as God-ordained as sharing Christ's love with someone who has never heard the name of Jesus. It's the time of year when short-term mission participants are coming back from the field energized. They are longing to invigorate our churches, not merely assimilate. This is the season to cultivate that newfound excitement in the body of Christ, as mission participants and supporters. How can we hold onto the spiritual "high" that accompanies mission work amongst the cares and commitments of life? It is imperative that we incorporate the short-term mission mindset for a lifetime of ministry.
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Emancipation Day is a day to celebrate justice—things made right. It also celebrates the will, conviction, and endurance of a community's leaders. The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came ten years after a group of anti-slavery people got together to change society. It was a long and hard road that pitted them against the economy of the world's largest empire. They fought the status quo and dedicated their lives to the good of others. Led by William Wilberforce, the Anti-Slavery Society displayed remarkable leadership in a generation that decided to do what was right instead of what was profitable. Emancipation Day reminds of us past victories for justice.
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