I’m Ann and I’m Out to Change My World ~Ann Kiemel~ |
Back in 1974 this was a book as well as the by-line and message of Ann, a “twenty something,” who was out to change her world. In her naivete and childish simplicity she actually thought the Gospel could change the world. Many mocked her, including me, and the audacious and simplistic solution she put forth to deal with the complex problems of a tumultuous society. Today many Evangelical Christians have sought cultural safety in a political party. There clearly is a distinction and difference between the parties. There is no denying that one of the political parties provides a platform that includes progressive means for death of the unborn, perversion of the once born, and hostility to us who believe in being twice born...Again. The other political parties have their own problematic proclivities. But Ann was right, because she understood what Jesus said and the Apostle Paul taught. If you want to change the world then you need more than the power of a political party. You need more than the political power to mandate laws. You need the spiritual power to transform lives. The Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, provides that power because Jesus is the message and He transforms lives. It is His message and His power that takes a man or a woman from hell to heaven. Now that is power! The great commission is preceded with the great comment, “All authority has been given unto Me on heaven and earth." Then the great commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The mandate is to make disciples. That is the main verb. The three participles tell us how we do it. As we we are“Going” we are evangelizing the lost, evidenced in “Baptizing,” and then Edifying the saved by “Teaching” all things. This great commission has not been changed or rescinded. Paul captured this idea in Colossians 1:28; “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” It sounds so simple, and in one sense it is not only simple it is sublime. As Jesus converts people and as people become conformed to the image of Christ there is a sacred presence in the world. And that is the power the Lord uses to transform society. Do not get me wrong. We are to vote and vote for those who best promote truth, righteousness, and justice. But we must never forget; “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred |