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 The
world is filled with unbelievers, having thoroughly
materialistic concepts. Churches have far perverted their
original purpose, and "mission" zeal wanes. Noting the
seemingly impossible task of reform, someone has suggested an
effort should be made to re-start Christianity. Just forget the
past failing efforts, and make a brand new beginning.
Where
shall we make this renewal effort? If we pattern after the
initial successful start, we must find a small, insignificant
nation, about to be overrun by a super-power. Its people must be
despised, their government corrupt, and their religion must be
filled with hypocrisy.
Whom
shall we choose as first converts? A few poor, ignorant
fishermen, a fanatic, a thief and traitor, an unpopular tax
collector, and the like. And who will lead them? We must look
for a working man's son, from an unimportant small town, of an
underdeveloped, ridiculed state. Give him three years to collect
and teach his crew, and then hang him between two crooks.
Now
— all he has to do is arise from the grave, ascend into
heaven, and send a powerful Spirit upon his followers that will
enable them to speak his total teaching in tongues of whatever
nations they address.
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They must confirm the source of their
message by performing miracles.
They
must work unceasingly against tremendous odds, endure
imprisonment, beatings, discouragement from within, and finally
be willing to die rather than renounce the Master's cause.
And
their converts must grasp the torch from falling hands, and
carry it further — without benefit (?) of "National
Organization" or adequate support. The confirming work
done, they must propagate the good news by relying upon prayer,
study, dedication, and an inner strength coming from a spiritual
relationship.
The
"seal" of their relation with the unseen resurrected
One is the fruits of His teaching: the absence of fornication,
uncleanness, jealousy, strife, and such like; and the
manifestation of love, joy, longsuffering, peace, etc. The world
notices, likes what it sees, and some begin to glorify the
Author and Source of it all.
Groups
of these workers — seemingly small and insignificant at
first-will worship, and work, and grow, and grow — and that's
all there is to it.
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