There’s a stirring truth we often overlook on Sundays as we gather in our churches across Canada, the United States, and beyond. Despite congregations meeting worldwide, one might hope to see nations vibrant with the glory of God. Yet, there remains a disconnect, a gap between our church attendance and its impact on our cultural landscapes. Why do our communities often seem untouched by the faith we profess within church walls? We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history—a moment that calls for more than just reflection. It’s time for action. We need to embrace genuine follow-through in our faith.
Consider the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. It’s quite the story: they all got better, but guess what? Only one bothered to come back and say thanks. Doesn’t that sound a bit familiar? Today, lots of people hear the message of faith, but only a handful really dive into it. This narrative raises a poignant question: Where are the others? This isn’t just about gratitude; it’s about how we respond and engage when touched by the hand of God. Imagine this: out of all those who saw Jesus’ miracles up close, only 120 decided to stick with Him. That wouldn’t even fill half the stands at a local sports game!
Out of the many who encountered Jesus—300,000 people during His ministry—only 120 truly followed Him after His ascension. This statistic isn’t just a biblical footnote; it challenges us deeply. What kind of follower are we? Are we among the multitudes who experienced Jesus but moved on unchanged, or are we among the few who truly follow and continue His work?
This isn’t about judging our devotion by attendance on Sundays or the fervency of our worship within the sanctuary walls. It’s about how we live out the gospel daily. Our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities should feel the impact of our faith—a faith that doesn’t just uplift our spirits but also compels us to action.
Evangelism—the very heartbeat of our mission—isn’t merely about saving souls for heaven but transforming lives here and now. It’s about embodying the love and compassion of Jesus in a way that draws people to Him, not through force but through genuine, tangible expressions of His love.
Here in Canada, we’re pretty far along in becoming a secular society, but that doesn’t make our mission any less important—in fact, it makes it even more crucial. Hearing about people facing pushback or even legal issues for sharing their faith might seem discouraging. But let’s let it fuel our fire instead. After all, history shows us that the gospel tends to thrive right where it’s challenged the most.
As we think about what it means to really follow Christ in times like these, we have to ask ourselves some tough questions. Are we just going through the motions, or are we fully engaged in the incredible story of redemption that God is unfolding all around us? Every chat we have, every moment we choose to share our faith, it all adds up in God’s big plan.”
So, what does this mean for us? It means being real—taking our Sunday faith into our everyday lives. We are called to be salt and light to the earth, to live out the gospel in such a way that it’s unmistakable. Our task is not merely to fill the pews but to activate a community of believers so dynamic and so in tune with the Holy Spirit that our very presence in a community is transformative.
Let’s actively step into the glory that awaits us, not just as a promise for the future but as a present reality. We are called to participate in God’s grand narrative, to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs hope. As we step into our roles as bearers of this Good News, let’s do so with the commitment and zeal that match the profound gift of salvation we have received.
Are you ready to step up and out in faith? Are you prepared to answer Jesus’ call to go out and share the good news of His great love, whether across the street or across the globe? The fields are ripe for harvest, and the Master calls us to join Him. What will your answer be?