Last Lord’s Day (Sunday) we were looking at 1 John 4:1-6, especially about who Jesus is and the importance of getting that correct so we can believe in and proclaim the correct Jesus; a real and living and reigning Jesus who changes lives today!

But the challenge today is not just in getting Jesus right, but of people knowing about Him at all. A 2015 survey of England found that 40% of people do not know or believe Jesus was a real historical person. Clearly we have work to do.

Disclaimer: I believe this video could articulate the Gospel much more robustly and some of its phraseology (i.e. practicing Christians) I would want to clarify by saying there are truly only Christians and non-Christians. As for statistics the 9% who are “active Christians” or who regularly attend church is (I believe) based upon a casual record of attendance. If this figure included even “at least twice a month” the number would drop to between 4-5%. However, estimates are that while 4-5% of the population may go to church semi-regularly only about 1% are Christian.

If the findings of this study interest you click here for more details.

These figures present English Christians with both some discouraging news but also an amazing opportunity. We need to get the Good News of Jesus Christ out!

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? (Ro 10:14)

Let us ensure that all people have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and know about Jesus. Even if they fail in their duty to believe in Him, may we not be able to be said to have neglected our duty of proclaiming Him. Or, in the words of Charles Spurgeon:

If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and un-prayed for.

 

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris