Easter: The Day After....

I've enjoyed thoughts this morning of how Easter services went for all the other churches in my city. I know many of the other pastors (400 plus churches in Spokane) and I can hear their voices preaching and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I get excited about the effect in the hearts and homes of people throughout my city. I must confess that there are times that I question, like many preachers do, the good that preaching actually does. But then you are reminded of your calling and the burning message that God has placed in your heart, needless to say the Biblical mandate to preach. "How else will they hear and how else will they know?" My heart leaps when I think of all the messages proclaimed yesterday everywhere. We preach because of the Promise, "My Word will not return void." May the Word that was planted in the hearts and lives of men, women and children on Easter bring a great harvest of regeneration, renewal, revival and peace. My thoughts are also on the fact that most people today need to see a sermon more than hear one. So on this day after Easter, my hope is that believers everywhere will allow their co-workers, family and friends the opportunity to actually "see" resurrection power through the change and transformation of their own lives, going from the use of pulpits to the life choices and daily decisions of God's people. Imagine the rapid spread of the Gospel. Lastly, today I have on my mind the nearly 100 unreached people groups remaining in the world today. It's hard to believe that there are only around 100 left. What are we doing to reach them? My heart burns this morning for them. The Message of God's love, acceptance and forgiveness needs to get to them. A sense of urgency should burn in the hearts of all who claim to follow Jesus Christ. As my good missionary friend always signs out... "until all have heard!"