Real power of transformation

How will the church attract the next generation to Christ? Eric Jones is banking on two truths: "the evident power of God and...the evident display of transformed lives":

This means that we must be living out the Christian life. We must be effected by the cross in real and obvious ways. The power of God must be doing its work in our lives. The fruit of sanctification and the Holy Spirit must be evident.

That’s all good, but what does this look like in a church service? Well, let’s stop trying to be relevant by focusing on how we all have so many shortcomings, by celebrating mediocrity, and by always acting so broken. Instead, let’s share the victories we are experiencing in Christ. Let’s celebrate the change that people are experiencing. Let’s offer testimonies of breakthrough, healing, restored relationships, and real transformation. Let’s offer hope.

Amen. I wonder if that wouldn't work for my generation, too. As much as I hear people talk about Christians wanting ministers who "lead with a limp," I can't say I've ever met very many of them. Weakness and brokenness is everywhere. But only the church has the transforming power of God's Holy Spirit.

At the same time, Jared Wilson is on-target in his assessment that "I don't trust anyone who says following Jesus means everything should go great for me, because nobody who's ever lived has ever had everything go great. It is not honest to say one can avoid suffering and defeat and failure."

Amen again.