(Today's post is more indepth than usual, and is taken from the August 15, 2013 "E-News Behind the Wall" - you can receive more information regarding "E-News Behind the Wall" at JoyfulWorks International Ministries . The names of those involved are left out of this version of the article for their safety as missionaries.)
A recent newsletter by Tony Cooke revealed the definition of a paradox and many examples of paradoxes within God's Word. (www.tonycooke.org, August 2012 e-newsletter) He described a paradox as "the presentation of two ideas which seem to be contradictory, but are in fact, complementary." He also gave examples such as: We (believer's) "conquer by yielding", "find rest under a yoke, "reign by serving", and "live by dying."
Reading through the various paradoxes located in God's written Word, I realize only a believer has the insight and understanding of these profound truths.
Why is this so? 2 Cor. 4:4 tells us, "for the god of this world has blinded the unbeliever's minds, preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of glory of Christ, who is the image and likeness of God."
Mulling over this verse reminded me of my grandmother. She was always an avid listener of news; whether by T.V. broadcasts, newspapers, or even the neighborhood gossip chain. Her response to every negative bit of news was always, "What is this world coming to?"
Reading through the paradoxes within the Word, and in light of 2 Cor. 4:4, why do many Christians expect unbelievers to conduct themselves according to the wise, Godly counsel of the Word? If their minds are blinded to the revelation of the Word, how can we expect them to behave or think differently than the world thinks and acts.
Even further, read the following two scenes. Do either of them sound familiar?
I once walked into a huge warehouse which was converted into a church. The moment I stepped through the doors, and into the sanctuary, I immediately thought, "What have I got myself into?" Many members of this particular church wore leather, sleeveless jackets (how else does one sport the artwork of shoulder to wrist tattoos), bandannas, dark tans, denim and leather pants, and of course, leather boots. The parking lot full of Harley's should have prepared me for this. My two teenagers and I loved this church during the year we were in the area and attended. This church was very active in the community. Everyone was accepted and welcomed when they walked through the front doors of that church, regardless of how conservatively dressed they were. God's Word was preached and taught in a manner in which it was allowed to create a lasting change within those who attended. The Truth was allowed to administer freedom to these people as the Holy Spirit brought revelation of Jesus Christ, opening the eyes of their understanding, and removing the blindness of their minds placed by the god of this world.
On another note, I once walked into a beautifully constructed church building. The sanctuary had just received a complete make-over. The atmosphere was majestic and modern. Smiles greeted my teenagers and I as we walked through the parking lot and through the doors. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best, and ushers escorted us to our seats with a "Guest Packet" in hand. Is there anything wrong with this picture. Absolutely not. We actually enjoyed the whole service. However, one of the other guests decided to step out for a minute before the service began. Off to the side outside, he lit a cigarette and began to smoke. Smiling, a parking lot attendant kindly, yet firmly, requested the visitor put out his cigarette because this is a church parking lot and, "We don't do that here." The visitor was an unbeliever who did not understand why it was a problem. In his mind, he had the courtesy to go outside so that the smoke would not bother anyone. The parking lot attendant continued to insist he put out the cigarette, or he must leave. He chose to leave.
It is a paradox that the same life-giving Word you and I know, is unseen by so many who see it. However, the verse in 2 Corinthians is a truth. The god of this world is here to steal the Word by blinding the minds of these unbelievers. It is the Christian that must take the responsibility. We are the ones who can see.
This brings me to the ministry work I witness on a daily basis here in Asia. It has now been over two years (from mid-May 2010), since I moved to Asia, and became an active team member of a ministry run by couple from RBTC. I still vividly remember the first services of the church planted here. I was astounded at how little the people know of the bible. The first few months, the Pastor preached and taught from Heb. 6: 1-3. We discovered the majority of the Asian attendees had not ever read or heard the Word. I soon realized the Asian people from this particular country do not have the luxury of growing up and hearing the bible stories that are integrated into a culture like ours in America. Think about it. Even non-believers hear about Jesus in America through holidays like Christmas and Easter. This is not true in this Asian Country where Christian holidays are strongly discouraged.
Within the first few services, the Pastor would mention a name from the Bible, like David. The people did not know who this was. They look around the room towards one of the volunteers, whose name was David, thinking this is who Pastor was referring. During a message centered around "sin nature", he referred to Adam. A look of confusion fell across the faces of the people, "Who is Adam?" Even more, many of the visitors and new believers attended services in tight clothes, short skirts, etc.
Accordingly, most of those who attend our services are not believers. This Asian Country has a very small percentage of Christian population verses non-Christians. (accuracy of this number is very difficult to obtain due to the underground churches in Asia, but I have heard 7.6% roughly being the Christian population.) Therefore, most of those who come through our doors are not Christian visitors, providing us with a large field to plant seed and harvest. More than 350 men and women have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior since the opening of the church doors a little over two years ago. Does this happen, in country where the majority of its people are "blinded by the god of this world" if the visitors were not welcomed just as they are? Each week they return and new visitors arrive to hear the Word of God. As they do, their eyes of understanding are opened and the revelation of Jesus Christ is revealed and received.
It is such a joy to witness. I love what I do.
---joy neasley
JoyfulWorks International Ministries
*****************************************************************************
*****************************************************************************
The drawing above is an illustration in a children's book I am presently creating. Here is a link to a Squidoo lens where you can read more about the creation of the book. Ultimately, I am writing, illustrating, and publishing this book "I am my Father's Child" to teach young children who they are in Christ. I am writing this in several languages. http://www.squidoo.com/i-am-my-father-s-child-children-s-book-by-joy-neasley
***********************************************************************
***********************************************************************
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Romans 10:14-15).
P.S. - the easiest way to support Joy's ministry is to make an Online Donation via www.WorldOutreach.org. Go to "Donate" and select "Joy Neasley - Asia" from the list. The system can process USA & International cards. You can also set-up automatic monthly gifts if you select the "Monthly" option. Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate for "Joy Neasley" Fund Code #87.
No comments:
Post a Comment