Scriptural Gem for August 2014

In John 17:26 we read: 'I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them'

'Making God known' - how often don't you see this statement adopted as the 'mission statement' of churches and church programs. But let's read the verse above properly. Jesus is saying that he will make the Father known and continue to make him known in order that something may take place. There is a specific purpose, a very clear goal in view - 'that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them'

I am amazed at the number of Christians I meet whose testimonies close with the words 'on such and such a date I invited Jesus into my heart' as if those words are the reality. I am realising that there is a whole generation of Christians who have been 'converted' using the 'Four Spiritual Laws' booklet which contains this 'invitation of Jesus into your heart' as the final step. However, in the majority of their lives there is not a single trace of the actual life of the Lord Jesus... Don't misunderstand me - I am glad that they have extended this invitation to Jesus to come and live in their hearts, but that is all it is - an invitation. The question that needs to be answered is not "Have you invited Jesus into your heart?" but "Is Jesus living in your heart?"

But it appears to me that this question is avoided at all costs. Upon asking this critical question I get a variety of answers - "Yes, I attend a Reformed church!" or "Yes, I believe in Jesus!" - none of which of course answers the question. So dear friends, let's just get to the heart of the matter. My question to you today is simple: Is the risen Lord Jesus Christ living in your heart and is the fruit of His Spirit clearly visible even when you are under pressure? It's a simple question requiring a simple answer - either "yes" or "no". Let's step of the whole Christian merry-go-round that tells you how you should answer. Let the evidence of your life speak and if you find His life lacking in you, simply come to the living God and say "No Lord, you are not in me..." With that honesty, He can work.