Why Go?

Today, we lost an icon of American history, a great evangelist in the Christian faith, and a humble servant of Jesus Christ. As Billy Graham once said- "We are all just passing through this world." Nothing is more certain in life than 'passing through this world.' For those following Jesus, there is no real fear in death, as we are assured of where we are going and know that death is not final. Our Savior rose from the grave, defeating death for all who believe in Him. Revelation, the last book of the Bible, tells us- "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.Yes, says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.' " This verse doesn't mean that good deeds get us to heaven, as the Christian faith is the only faith on Earth which tells us we will actually never be good enough or holy enough to enter the kingdom of God. Rather, it is through faith in Christ alone, believing and trusting in His perfect life and subsequent death on the cross, which enters us into a right relationship with God. This is the truth Anthony and I want to share with others.

This is the same truth Billy Graham shared while he lived on Earth, the same truth that Paul of the Bible shared after his conversion, and the same truth that millions trust in today. Something that brings great credibility to the Gospel is seeing the Gospel at work in the lives  of those around you. It is hearing about Billy Graham's tireless travels all over the world so he could share the truth written in the Word to those who hadn't heard. It is watching your Christian friends experience total joy in their personal relationships with God. It is observing a Christian mission group or church in your community feed the homeless, clothe the naked, and love the imprisoned well. Christians are not the only ones who do this, and yet Jesus was the one who told us that regardless of race, class, politics, or religion-everyone is our neighbor-and we must love our neighbor. 

As we are in the midst of Black History Month, and I think of other strong leaders in American history, I am reminded of a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. stating, "A religion true to its nature must also be concerned about man's social conditions. Any religion that professes to be concerned with the souls of men and is not concerned with the slums that damn them, the economics that strangle them, and the social conditions that cripple them is a dry-as-dust religion." The organization we are committed to, Samaritan's Purse, is currently led by Billy Graham's son. This organization shares the Gospel with all willing to listen while also serving their physical needs. You see, Christians are not to be engaged just with other Christians. Jesus tells us we are meant to be light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Anthony and I look forward to caring for the physical needs of others, while also sharing the truth of the Bible. God is glorified through the beauty and workings of nature, He is glorified through the millions in desperate need turning their lives to Him, He is glorified through  preachers-like Billy Graham or MLK, and He is glorified through healing the sick in His name. May we all commit to seeking justice for our communities, loving our neighbors, and lastly-may Christians ultimately glorify Christ and Christ alone- name above all names. 

"How can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how an they believe in the One whose they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? How can they preach unless they are sent?" Romans 10:14-15

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