Revolution

Revolutionaries are nothing new to the Kingdomminded. The followers of Jesus Christ have lived with that label from the earliest days. Counter culture teaching fuels the lifestyles of the faithful. Revolutionaries seem to advance Christ’s Kingdom most dramatically. Something within the hearts of the Kingdom-minded believers resonates with revolutionary concepts. Just as conformity to surrounding culture saps vitality and spiritual power, so transforming leaders and communities of faith flourish, while resisting the pull of society around them to adapt and blend in.

Every generation finds a new band of revolutionaries to challenge the status quo. Jesus taught about new wine not staying in old wineskins. The Psalmist predicted God continually giving His people a new song. The Old Testament prophets declared the Lord’s delight in doing a new thing among His people. Dare we forget the error of Moses’ leadership to accept a new method for water to come from a rock? Revolutions still happen.

While we resist change and seek the comfort of the familiar, God seems to smile on the unpredictable patterns of renewal. While we lament the decay of all familiar, the eternal life cycle brings new life and growth to God’s creation. As if to teach us this timeless spiritual principle, each year nature surrounds us with the contrasts of the seasons. Creation’s annual object lesson reminds of the revolutionary reality.

In his latest book, George Barna offers his interesting diagnosis of seismic cultural shifts. Most leaders in tune with their congregations recognize the descriptions in Revolution in simplest terms: “Do whatever it takes to get closer to God and help others do the same.” His prediction: a growing spiritual revolution is gathering both momentum and influence in America. Partially driven by generational changes and partially shaped by cultural shifts of our day, a growing number of believers are obsessed with embracing and practicing the same passions and life value systems that defined the early church. Some may find these words disturbing. But most church leaders in touch with their communities of faith would affirm these predictions.

A casual reading of this issue of GROW illustrates revolutionaries are among our ranks - and thankfully so. Christ's kingdom makes its greatest gains under believers who march to the beat of a different drum. Countless numbers of revolutionaries spontaneously left their homes to converge on the Gulf States to make a difference. Nobody called them. No orders came from headquarters. Others began sending financial support. They sensed a call and wanted to make a difference.

A casual reading of this issue of GROW illustrates revolutionaries are among our ranks - and thankfully so. Christ's kingdom makes its greatest gains under believers who march to the beat of a different drum. Countless numbers of revolutionaries spontaneously left their homes to converge on the Gulf States to make a difference. Nobody called them. No orders came from headquarters. Others began sending financial support. They sensed a call and wanted to make a difference.

What that may mean for you and your ministry may be completely different than anyone else. As salt and light to your culture, you are challenged to discover how to influence your world. The gospel message is intended to make a revolutionary difference. Your church and ministry will stand out dramatically to people looking for hope and help. Revolutions start with people like you who see a different possibility and resolve to cause a new reality.

Let your Revolution begin!