The Church As an Assault on Evil
Jesus did not intend for the church to be an escape from the world, but an assault on evil.
On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced the goal of putting a man on the moon by the end of the decade. The speech became known as The Moon Shot Speech.
While a commitment to the moon was undoubtedly the most memorable part of the speech, the moon shot was not the main subject of his address. Kennedy's comments on space came in section IX, just before the conclusion.
The focus of the speech was on the growing threat of communism. Kennedy sought to persuade Congress to use the power of America's economy to fight communism around the world.
We reached the moon. But in response to that speech, Congress allocated more money to the U.S. military for the formation of elite units of special forces. Kennedy's speech and Congress' decision paved the way for the establishment of the U.S. Navy SEALs. The Navy Seals would be the first special ops unit able to assault an enemy on any terrain - sea, air, and land.
Our Call to Assault Evil
If you read the lead up to Matthew 10, you see that Jesus has been curing disease, healing disability, and casting out demons. He then turns to his apostles, gives them His authority, and sends them out for an assault.
And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.
Matthew 10:1, 7-8a
There is so much evil in the world. How can we make a difference?.
Jesus and Kennedy were alike in this respect. They didn't diminish the danger, but they strengthened the assault.
Kennedy strengthened the military.
Jesus strengthens his people by giving them Kingdom authority.
We live in fear. We fear elections, terrorists, disasters, and disease.
The danger is real, but because Jesus empowered us with Kingdom authority, fear ought to be foreign to the people of God.
The church is not an escape from the world. Jesus has empowered us to be a special forces assault on evil.
You and I look for a church to attend. Jesus empowered the church to be an assault.
Realize that because Jesus has empowered His people and given them authority, that the problem is not the power of evil in the world. The problem is the passive nature of the church.
Like Kennedy said to our country in his speech concerning communism, "We cannot stand aside!" So too must the posture of Christ's followers be to engage evil rather than seek to escape it.
The only hope for the world is the gospel. We have eternal life. They don't. So what's the threat? It's time to push back the darkness in the name of Jesus.
Bible Study
Read Matthew 10:16-25
- List the commands in this passage.
- List the promises in this passage.
- What does this passage teach us about sharing our faith?
Challenge
Share the gospel today.
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