Dear Friend and Partner,
Wow! The problems of the world seem to keep multiplying. Economic collapse – terrorism – environmental disaster – war – corruption – crime – immorality – injustice - are just a few of the “front page” issues of the day. If we add it all up, the sum total of the misery and tragedy in the world is a little three-letter word …. SIN!
In one of our meetings a lady told me, “I don’t come to church to hear about sin, I come to feel good about myself.” There seems to be a growing number of churches that share this particular sentimental theology. Yet, the Bible says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It also confirms forgiveness in Christ, “if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Whether societal or personal, the real problem is within the human heart. The heart of the problem has always been the problem of the heart! Dr. Vance Havner used to say, “What is down in the well comes up in the bucket”! It’s not so much our conduct that is the problem – it’s our very nature – what is inside our souls! We are not sinners because we sin! It is the other way around. We sin because we are sinners. What we do grows out of what we are.
Certainly, man can make some temporary changes by self-effort and reform. However, something inside every person keeps us from changing what we are! That is why we have constant struggles, plagued with failure. Christ does not offer reformation but transformation – a new nature – the nature of Christ Himself! Jesus Christ changes a person from within! This is the distinct claim of the Christian church. It is the historic and miraculous message of the gospel!
THIS IS OUR MESSAGE…..
Our message – our only message – is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rather than a new political agenda or educational and social reform, all of which are only temporary, it is the tremendous, stupendous, momentous claim of the Bible! The cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ has sufficient power to clean the human heart and bring eternal forgiveness.
So, we keep on preaching the truth! Please keep us in your prayers as we continue with several domestic evangelistic meetings and make plans for a Major International Mission Project to N.E. India in the fall of 2010. We expect to train over 1,000 pastors/leaders in our School of Evangelism, as well as preach the gospel to thousands in the Multi-Church Festival.
We are deeply grateful to you who stand with us as PARTNERS in this ministry of faith. As you know, we are supported, not by a denomination or group, but only by the people of God! We need your help, especially this summer.
Thanks and may God bless you!
Your brother in Christ,
Jim
