The statistics are depressing for the Southern Baptist Convention in terms of baptisms, church attendance, and church growth. Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer are two prominent Baptists who have pointed out the downward trend in these areas. We are in need of revival.
HooksIn Luke 16:19-31, the story of the rich man in hell, we find four things that are necessary for the Great Commission Resurgence to succeed. If we get these things in our convention, the downward trends will be halted.
Sincere belief in the reality of hell
It is crucial to the success of GCR that we realize the reality of hell. Sadly, every Sunday there are churches in which a biblical doctrine of hell is not preached or taught. Hell was made for Satan and his followers. This group consists of the fallen angels and those who will have nothing to do with Jesus Christ.
For there to be a Great Commission Resurgence, there must be the preaching and teaching of hell once again. We must be concerned about those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Their eternal destination is at stake.
Sincere prayer from the heart
The rich man cried out from his heart in prayer, but his prayer was too late. Ignoring a lifetime of opportunities, he waited until the crisis was upon him, but by then it was too late.
The crisis is upon us. Now more than ever we must have sincere prayers from our hearts. We must repent of any sins we have in our lives as individuals. Now is the time to cry out to God.
Sincere concern for the lost
The rich man was in great torment. He wanted any help he could get, but there was no help for him. Knowing he was beyond help, he wept for his brothers. His desire was for his brothers to be saved.
In our churches, there must be concern for those who are lost. There must be heartfelt weeping for lost souls. There must be concern for lost loved ones, friends and neighbors. There must be concern and heartfelt weeping for our own sins.
Sincere examination of oneself
In torment, the rich man examined his life. He looked at the impact his riches had on his life. He ignored Lazarus. He lacked compassion. His wealth was his god and it condemned him to hell.
We must examine ourselves as a denomination and as individuals. We must seek God’s will. We must not neglect the opportunity we have. Time is running out for us. If we keep these four things in mind as we move forward from here, there will be a Great Commission Resurgence and so much more.
– Hooks is pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church, Effingham.