If you were to ask the average person on the pew what the greatest need of the church is, they may respond, “more commitment and dedication.” But I am afraid that commitment and dedication are merely byproducts of our greatest need being met. We are in desperate need of revival. We will not impact the vast billions of people in our state, country, and world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ until we have a mighty visitation of God happening because of our repentance and brokenness. I have never seen the culture of our country at the place it is presently. It seems we have lost our ability to blush. Nothing that is placed before our eyes causes us to be embarrassed very much. Forty years ago, I heard Leonard Ravenhill stand in the pulpit of my home church and say, “What used to slink down the back alley is now strutting down Main Street.” Dear friend, since the Fall of Man that has been the case in our culture. What is present in our society is not the problem. What is missing from our society is the problem. Where is the bright shining illuminating light of the Gospel? Where is the powerful and preserving salt the Savior spoke of in The Sermon on the Mount? Many of our fellow Christians have become cold of heart and spirit.
Yet, the promise of the Father is as fresh today as it has ever been: “ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14, KJV)
In their presentation to our Convention in Bartlett, the Vision 2021 Team recognized a spiritual awakening as the greatest need of the network of churches known as the Tennessee Baptist Convention. In response to that priority, I would ask you to join me, Don Pierson, Paul Clark, and others at Solemn Assemblies being held in the three Grand Regions of our state. Here is the schedule:
Middle Tennessee
January 8, 2013
6:30-8:30 P.M.
Hermitage Hills Baptist Church
3475 Lebanon Rd., Hermitage
East Tennessee
January 15, 2013
7:00-9:00 P.M.
New Providence Baptist Church
245 White Rd., Loudon
West Tennessee
January 29, 2013
7:00-9:00 P.M.
First Baptist Church
1627 North Highland Ave., Jackson
Now, more than ever, it is a joy to be on this journey with you as we seek Him!
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