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A Message of Hope in Perilous Times

Scripture provides endless examples of how the Lord’s presence empowers his people to live for him. One of the most powerful examples is the life of Moses.

This message is for anyone carrying a need right now. It is especially for those who have been afraid to express their need. In fifty-eight years of preaching around the world, I have learned that often people carrying the deepest needs can put on a front. On the outside it looks as if everything is okay in their lives, but inside they feel like death.

In Psalm 38 we find David at his wits’ end. He was downcast and discouraged, and his struggle had drained him of all strength. David cried, “I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long…I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart… My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me” (Psalm 38:6, 8, 10).

The Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31–32).

When Jesus walked the earth, he knew all too well about the fierce powers of evil. Satan came with every weapon in hell to sift Christ's disciples. And he came to tempt Jesus, too.

There is much talk right now about the fearful situation our world is in. Nation after nation is troubled, on the brink of economic disaster. Yet amid all the fear and turmoil gripping the world, God is still loving and saving lost souls.

His marvelous work of salvation never changes. It isn’t affected by the economy. His wooing, convicting Holy Spirit isn’t hindered by conditions on Wall Street or by teetering global finances. God’s saving power has never been limited by shrinking bank accounts.

“Being not weak in faith, (Abraham) considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb” (Romans 4:19).

The essence of true faith is found in this single verse. God had just promised Abraham he would have a son, one who would become the seed of many nations. Remarkably, Abraham didn’t flinch at this promise, even though he was well past the age of siring children. Instead, when Abraham received this word from the Lord, we’re told he “considered not his own body now dead (nor)...the deadness of Sarah’s womb.”

The message I’m writing to you now is from the Holy Spirit to me. In fact, I consider it my own personal wake-up call. I realize that many readers may not need the same stirring I do. Yet the Spirit’s stirrings have touched me so deeply that I want to keep these notes ever before me on my desk, to read again and again in the days ahead.

What is the true gospel of Jesus Christ? Even most non-believers know the Bible contains four gospel accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. So, what is the essence of these gospels, or “the good news”? When Christians speak of the gospel of Jesus Christ, what is it we’re talking about?

Scripture gives us several definitions of what this gospel is. And we’re to use these biblical definitions to determine whether the true gospel of Christ is alive in his church. Consider:

As I write this, another bomb has exploded in Israel, killing fourteen people. Thousands of Islamics have lined up to blast themselves into eternity, just to harass the Israelis. Yet Islam has declared war not only on Israel, but on Christianity. America now lives in utter fear. We're afraid of more suicide bombers, germ warfare, even nuclear attack. A pall of death hangs over the nation.

"In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22). A habitation is a dwelling place. The Greek word for habitation in this verse means "a permanent residence."

Every Christian knows that God doesn't dwell in manmade temples or buildings. Instead, our Lord has chosen to live in human vessels -- that is, in the hearts and bodies of his people. All who are in Christ make up his temple -- his abode, his permanent residence. Every believer can boast with confidence, "God lives in me."