Tears At The Altar

There were tears at the altar today, and fervent prayer. The sermon was on bringing friends and family to Christ. This is perhaps the greatest pain in the church, the people we love who do not know Jesus. I was overcome at the end of the early service by the prayer requests that we lifted up at the altar. Hearts were breaking, and we turned to the only One who is mighty to save.

In the second service, the same thing. This was one of those sermons that I always feel a little weird about, like they are not going to “work;” they are out of my comfort zone-- I tend to be more “expository.” Topical preaching is hard for me. But again, there were so many tears, so much desire for our friends and family to know the Christ, who has done everything for us.

But I have to tell you the thing that worked me over the hardest was something said to me after the first service. Bob Gould is a man who is testifying to us. He has a difficult cancer. Early on in my ministry here, we sat down and prayed. He asked me what should he do with this last part of his life. I immediately was thinking of the old school Methodists who were known for dying well, who sought entire sanctification. So we have been studying and praying about seeking to have the love of God in our hearts-- the Holy Spirit infused love of God and neighbor.

And man, is Bob seeking and showing it. He came up to me after the service and was talking about some good news in his disease and some worrisome stuff. And he said the most amazing thing. He said these have been some of the best years of his life, knowing that his death is coming sooner than later. He said he and Wanda (his wife) are closer than they have ever been, and that their life in Christ is better than it has ever been.

I can only think this is the power of God, this is one of those things where what is meant to discourage us and challenge our faith is turned to glory. Our friends and loved ones should be in fear, turning away from faith, and yet, all they can see is the love of God working in those who diligently seek it.

I would advise people, when sharing faith, to talk about this power of sanctification. Hopefully, I will add some more posts on what we're talking about, and how it works in our lives. I have found that some people are afraid of “trying” church because they are afraid they might not receive power over the sins in their lives. When we can let them know that Jesus does not just forgive sin, He overcomes it and progressively destroys its influence in our lives, they can be encouraged to know, on firm footing, that God is not just another coping mechanism or counseling strategy.

No one who is born of God continues to sin. We want to delve into what the apostle John meant when he wrote that. Stay tuned.