Something I have been thinking about is how can we hope for the world to be better (And thanks to Paz for a comment he made in a recent post). Christians look across the landscape, and like Elijah, can begin to feel very alone while wondering if there is any hope for this world. I believe without any doubt that there is hope until God’s decides it is all finished.

In dismay we see the world turning away from its Creator. “An ox knows its owner, And a donkey its master’s manger, But Israel does not know, My people do not understand.” Isa.1:3.

I like to be positive and think that a nation can turn around, but a nation without roots in objective truth will not turn the right way. Nations are changed a soul at a time and people need spiritual leadership. As the Scripture says, without vision the people perish. Without the Word of God, the people perish. Without some real direction, even desperate people will not find their way. Hosea 7;16, “they turn, but not upward”. This is a terrible condition when people know they are in trouble, but they still don’t find their way. How can we hope for people to turn back to God when they do not know? It is a shame therefore that the most urgent message of the Cross is vilified and attacked as if it were the problem. It makes being a Christian more difficult.

To help the world find its way is the responsibility of Christians. Without help from us, these people will jump from the proverbial fire into the frying pan. They will turn from folly to silliness; from darkness to ignorance. What is wrong with these people is that they are like the Israel in the Bible who “err in their hearts”, because they “do not know My ways.” (Psalm 95:10). Winning the hearts to God is going to require incredible courage by God’s people to speak boldly no matter what the costs. Christianity is a learned faith and it is why we are always just one generation away from apostasy. How can we hope for them to follow if we won’t lead?

In a world that is going mad, God’s children stand out. And being different can be scary. Isaiah said, “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, A people in whose heart is My law; Do not fear the reproach of man, Nor be dismayed at their revilings.” Isa. 51:7.

Can people change? The answer is yes because the Gospel is powerful to change and to save. God said to Jeremiah about Israel, “I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.” Jer. 24:7 People can change and that is our hope. Each one us is a testament to this truth. So when we wonder if there is hope, remember there is hope in Jesus Christ. If we want to bring eternal salvation to souls, we must preach the Gospel in all purity. If we want to bring true justice to this world, we must live and preach truth and spirit of the Word of God. Without this, the people perish.

God is patiently waiting for some to repent, 2 Pt. 3:9ff. Are we going to sit by in despair or are we going to turn some hearts to God?

Categories: evangelism, Jer. 24:7, turning hearts, winning souls