As a leader and pastor, there are some tough questions I face every day. Actually, they're more in my face than I’d like.
What do you do when the "new normal" seems very abnormal?
How do you move forward when you are awfully unsure who is moving with you?
When did fear and frustration become the forces that control so many lives?
I get it; Covid is serious. (Not rampant in Spokane county, but serious nonetheless.)
I understand; people are worried.
I also know we live in a post-Christian era where the Church at large is not-so-large as it once was in the US.
But are there still people of God willing to face lions and certain death for their faith?
Where are the passionate lovers of Jesus who desire above all to live in community with God's family, and who long for God's presence in worship?
Why are so many no longer watching Church online or attending anywhere? (According to Barna, one third of practicing Christians have dropped out of church completely since Covid.) Have they forsaken the gathering of the saints out of laziness or for the pursuit of comfort and pleasure?
These questions, and many others, consume a lot of my thoughts. On the upside, I've never prayed more for the Church than I have lately.
I am convinced that we need regenesis—a renewal and revival in our hearts, lives, and churches.
The biggest question I wrestle with is this: What will it take for renewal and revival to come?
By the way, the question is not, “Does God want to bring renewal or revival?” Of course, He does. And I would suggest the issue is profoundly personal; will I let God bring renewal to me?
The power and presence of God are never unavailable. He is always present and always willing to move and work in and through His people.
So what will it take to get where God wants us to be?
Relax, I'm not going to give you the standard, three-point answers that always start with "pray more."
Of course, we need to pray, but what will drive us to our knees in prayer?
What will wake us up?
What will shake us from our apathy and resulting lethargy?
What will place our fears in their place and embolden us again?
I suggest one thing is needed above all: A sense of holy and urgent desperation!
We who call Jesus, Lord, we who have chosen to surrender to Him, and we who are struggling to make sense of a world gone mad must get mad.
Mad at hell.
Mad at the darkness.
Mad at the white noise of our culture trying to drown out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit calling us to renewed surrender and radical renewal.
Do you believe that Jesus is coming soon?
Do you realize how short your time is (regardless of your current age) on this side of eternity?
Do you understand how important it is, now more than ever, for Christ-followers to practice the great commandment (Mark 12:30) and the great commission (Matthew 29:19)?
The Church in the West might be in decline currently, but our mission is still as critical as ever.
Are you desperate for more of Jesus?
Are you desperate to see your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family to come to Jesus?
When was the last time you cried over the broken state of our country and our world?
Is this post boring you or irritating you?
Is your heart desperate for regenesis in you and in the Church? If not, why not?
Now is the time to let the fire of the Holy Spirit fall again.
Now is our opportunity as Christ-followers to mark our cities with the Gospel rather than be marred by evil.
Now is the season to sacrifice all—if need be—to reach a world being sacrificed on the altar of self-pleasure and decadence.
Now.
Not after Covid.
Not next year.
Now.
3 For a long time Israel had not sought the one true God,
or a priest to instruct them, or the law.
4 Because of their distress, they turned back to the Lord God of Israel.
They sought him and he responded to them.
2 Chronicles 15:3-4 (NET)
Amen. Thanks for sharing
Gald you liked it, Ellen. Love you guys!
God is desperately waiting for us to be desperate. So difficult for us in our Western culture. Many times trying to solve spiritual problems with economic solutions. I am praying with you for “regenesis” Thanks for the reminder
Well said, Ernie. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Yes and amen! Let it be done… let it be so!
My prayer too, Jenny. 🙂
Dear Pastor Kurt Bubna. I am not a member of your church, but I live almost right behind Eastpoint church, and I am a follower of Christ.
. It’s sad for the church to want to obey man’s law, but unknowingly the church really omits to obey God’s law, which usurps man’s laws.
The cry of the church’s heart should be one of great repentance, and a righteous anger toward the fear the enemy brought into the camp, or the church. Is not one of the commandments to go out and preach to the captive, but yet the church itself has been held in bondage.
The missionaries from the church of the Latter Day Saints have not stopped doing what God has called them to do. They call me every week to offer their services, and yet I am not a member of their church. As a matter of fact, even the Bishop himself and his family have come over to my house to do communion with me in my backyard, so we can still abide by man’s made laws. We sing songs and have fellowship one with another. We lift each other up during this time of uncertainty, and we continue to encourage each other in the faith that God has placed in our hearts,
Are there missionaries in your church who are willing to call on others in your congregations, to help out, give a word of encouragrment,
We may not agree on man’s doctrines, but we can all still live up the name of Jesus
Would you and your family be willing to come over to my house and break bread, and then watch how God will move through out your congregation, as others do the same.
Hi Lenny, How can we help you? Are there any specific needs you have? Please email us at answers@eastpointchurch.org if so.
You are more than welcome to join us on Sunday at either 9 AM or 11 AM if you don’t have a church to attend, and we always have communion available. Blessings.
Thanks for the prod to be the face of God in this time of evil.
You are most welcome, Brad! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
I remember being assigned the task of putting together my life story with Christ so I could say it to someone in only 3 minutes. That was a challenge. I hear so much more of your heart coming through than just your words. I find God doing the same with me. He has so much more to give through each of us than seems to fit in a few words. You have hit on so much, I pray His Spirit will flow great from just these few words.
Thanks for “hearing my heart” and not just my words, Bruce. You are loved.
Thank you, Pastor Kurt, my mentor.
This is truth, encouraging and Powerful.
Blessings and blessed day.
Love and miss you, your family, and my Lighthouse friends. Be blessed!
Amen! Yes on our knees.
The most effective place for any saint! Thank you, Mahala.
Yes!
Double yes! Love you!