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Eager to Hear from Jesus
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.”
Luke 19:47–48
According to a study conducted in 2014, almost 100,000,000 Americans attended at least one sports event for which they paid admission, with many of them going to more than game. Millions more attended concerts, plays, and other performances. Billions of dollars were spent to see and hear other people in action. Beyond that, there are daily games, contests, and shows that draw huge audiences both on television and online.
At the same time people are flocking to entertainment and sporting events, many churches are seeing their attendance dwindle. As a result, many are suggesting new methods to attract crowds, trying to create an artificial sense of excitement and enthusiasm that will attract attention. Others are changing their message, abandoning the Word of God for more “relevant” messages that will be better accepted by the world.
These efforts are doomed to failure. Instead we need to go back to what God directed us to do to reach the world. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Rather than finding the latest method to build a crowd, we need to remember that our responsibility is to preach the truth. Interestingly, although Jesus faced severe opposition to His message by those who didn’t see their need for forgiveness, He never lacked for an audience. The common people heard Him gladly. Even in today’s skeptical and cynical age, preaching that focuses on the Lord and His Word will have an effect. On the pulpit at the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission in Chicago is a reminder for those who speak to the men and women there to keep the message focused on what matters most. It simply reads, “We would see Jesus” (John 12:21).
Luke 19:47–48
According to a study conducted in 2014, almost 100,000,000 Americans attended at least one sports event for which they paid admission, with many of them going to more than game. Millions more attended concerts, plays, and other performances. Billions of dollars were spent to see and hear other people in action. Beyond that, there are daily games, contests, and shows that draw huge audiences both on television and online.
At the same time people are flocking to entertainment and sporting events, many churches are seeing their attendance dwindle. As a result, many are suggesting new methods to attract crowds, trying to create an artificial sense of excitement and enthusiasm that will attract attention. Others are changing their message, abandoning the Word of God for more “relevant” messages that will be better accepted by the world.
These efforts are doomed to failure. Instead we need to go back to what God directed us to do to reach the world. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Rather than finding the latest method to build a crowd, we need to remember that our responsibility is to preach the truth. Interestingly, although Jesus faced severe opposition to His message by those who didn’t see their need for forgiveness, He never lacked for an audience. The common people heard Him gladly. Even in today’s skeptical and cynical age, preaching that focuses on the Lord and His Word will have an effect. On the pulpit at the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission in Chicago is a reminder for those who speak to the men and women there to keep the message focused on what matters most. It simply reads, “We would see Jesus” (John 12:21).
Today’s Growth Principle:
If we make much of Jesus in our churches and in our lives, we will be effective in reaching people.
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