GospelboundSample

Power Isn’t Going to Save Us

American Christians want to be safe. We want to be in charge. We want election victories and righteous judges and religious freedom and growing churches and friendly neighbors and safe schools. In other words, we want “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), and we’d rather not have to wait until Jesus returns. 

It’s a good instinct. We’re meant to be cultivating our world, bringing renewal to whatever corners we occupy. But sometimes Christians chase power the Bible doesn’t tell us to expect (1 Corinthians 1:28)—or, sadly, Christians don’t wield the power they have for justice.

Power isn’t going to save us. Even Jesus, the only human who could have wielded it perfectly, “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6–7). Jesus built his church to withstand—even to be corrected by and thrive in—opposition. The church was born into a regime that would hunt and hurt her, and she spread by running for her life. Over and over, Christianity seeped into cultures after being scattered by persecution. What was supposed to destroy her made her stronger. 

It’s easy to think in our communications age that we can or should break through the growing skepticism toward Christianity with better, stronger, louder arguments. Or that if we can apologize for hurtful things Christians have done, we’ll find friendly audiences for the gospel. Both approaches could be warranted, depending on the situation.

But when we look at where and how the church is growing around the world, we see much cause for rejoicing and much reason for confidence. We see resolute hope in Jesus Christ. We see gospelbound Christians—rooted in unchanging truth, looking forward to Christ’s glorious return. 

These Christians are not cowering as they await the next court decision. They are loving their enemies, caring for the weak, suffering with joy, and living with honor. They are giving away their freedom, embracing the future, and setting another seat at the table. They are following Jesus and calling others to follow him too. They are embodying an apologetic for the gospel, demonstrating the fruit of faith as they explicitly invite others to believe in Jesus. 

When talk is cheap, our actions speak. And no apology is needed. 

God, You call us to embrace the humility, the powerlessness of Jesus. Let my actions speak. Let my words heal, not hurt. Let my life draw others closer to You. Amen.

We hope this Plan encouraged you. Learn more about GOSPELBOUND by Collin Hansen & Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra here .