You know, my brothers and sisters in Christ, I have heard you say for years, for decades really, that you are trying to find a way to get people to listen to the message of the Gospel. I have listened to your plans to distribute literature, to film movies, to set up websites, to buy a Gospel Blimp (a book you should read, by the way).
Constantly we ask ourselves, “How do we make the Gospel relevant? How do we get people to listen to the sweet story of Jesus and his love for us?”
I need to tell you something: right now, the world is listening to you to see if your Jesus has anything to say about these murders in Charleston of these nine saints of God.
Are you going to speak out about white racism and white supremacy in America playing their parts in driving these actions of death and abuse towards our black brothers and sisters, or are you going to remain silent because to oppose racism is to be “liberal” and “provocative”?
The early church was opposed because it turned the world upside down. The church today is a ineffectual presence, a building with a cross and known more for bullying gay people than for healing the spiritually wounded and sick.
Are you going to do anything dangerous for Jesus, or are you going to remain silent when your brothers and sisters are crying out for your support, your attention, even just your admission that great wrongs have been done in your name, in my name, and in Jesus’ name.
Now is the time to speak out. Now is the time to act.
The world waits for a Gospel that means something more than a Sunday School lesson.