Articles
Competing for the Perishing
November, 2009
Jesus still waits for more souls to be added to His Church. Peter reminded us that the Lord is not slack concerning the promise of His coming, but is longsuffering toward us. He wants the perishing to repent and believe in Him. (2 Peter 3:9) Jesus extends His redemptive mercy for remission of sins. Will our priorities agree with God’s desire to add more souls to His kingdom?
Congregations often pay attention to numbers as if increased attendance reflects growth in His kingdom. That assumption might miss the mark. More bodies sitting in our pews may not necessarily reflect an expanding Body of Christ or increase to His kingdom. Sometimes our numbers swell after other congregations lose disgruntled or disappointed saints. Is the kingdom of God really growing in our area or are we just swapping members in round robin fashion?
Whether we realize it or not, we often find ourselves competing for the same pool of people. In this entertainment culture, these people seek the congregation with the latest sensation, the most spectacular signs, or the latest “move” of the Spirit. Others flock to the best family life center or various dazzling attractions. I fear we direct too much of our efforts toward satisfying the saints.
Who competes for perishing souls in need of repentance? Who chases after the broken, the wounded and the outcast? Who seeks to save the sick and the lost? They all need remission of sins. These are a sobering questions. How much church growth in Hardin County actually comes through deliverance of perishing souls from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God? Quite candidly, rescuing the perishing is messy. It makes us uncomfortable. It disrupts our routines and programs. Yet, this seems to be the heart of Jesus.
May God open our eyes to see through His eyes of mercy? May He give us a passion and compassion for the perishing? Will you pray that God will add to His Church by saving souls and using us to search for the lost? Instead of competing against each other, we should be competing against the devil and his kingdom of darkness. Revival may not come until we join that fight.
To God be the Glory,
David J. Fisher
