Church Family,

Please read Hebrews 5:11-14

If someone were to ask you, “What’s wrong with the world?” What would you answer? Would you say something like, “world hunger,” “political corruption,” “caste systems,” “social injustices,” and so on? There is a real problem in the world, and though people can’t agree on what the problem is, we all agree that there is a problem.

It is imperative for the Christian to know what the problem is. If you simply read (as opposed to rigorously study) the Bible, you will come to the conclusion that the world has a gospel problem. We find that the gospel message is the heartbeat of God. The Bible is a story that speaks of a wicked humanity under the pursuit of a perfect God. We find in Scripture that God is the one and only source of all that is good. In Him alone can humanity truly find peace and joy. The problem, at the deepest level, is a gospel problem.

The Church then stands inside of it’s culture proclaiming to the people, “Turn to God!” In Jesus, by Jesus, through Jesus is salvation. Our message is quite simple: “You need Jesus.”

However, many Christians find themselves in a lot of the same places as unbelievers. We find ourselves disappointed, frustrated, confused, lonely, isolated, rejected, depressed, etc. And again, the problem is a lack of the gospel really making it’s way from our heads to our hearts. Christians struggle the way that they do because they deny the power and truth of the gospel in many areas of life.

The passage this week is a very bold, “in your face” passage. The author doesn’t hold any punches. However, at the center of the passage is the beckoning of the Church to return to the gospel. Why? Because in the gospel, the Church, and the world, can be refreshed and renewed.

I pray that I’ll see you Sunday!

Luke Dailey