Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday November 9, 2011

Oswald Smith is remembered mostly through what our generation has read about for his lifelong emphasis on true revival of those who actually are a born again. He knew much time, money and effort was spent in a vain attempt to make goats appear to be sheep. Things haven't changed.

The only message God has for those among us who do not truly know Christ is the message of Jesus to one of the most religious men of antiquity, Nicodemus mentioned in John 3:1-16 the crux of the exchange being "Ye must be born again." The rest of the biblical message is to those who have born again through faith in Christ and is given as mirror or gauge to measure progress in our Christian walk.

One of the benefits of a Christian living in a biblical manner is the creation of an intense thirst in the heart of observers to have quiet and peaceable life at home which is a primary reason to pray for our leaders as taught in 1 Timothy 2:2 “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." (Underline mine).

Oswald Smith founded and was for many years the pastor of People's Church in Canada. His ministry had impact around the entire world. Most of us could and should learn much about genuine faith from this late saint's life and work. The driving force behind his slant on ministry is stated briefly:

"Nothing less than a genuine revival in the Body of Christ, resulting in a true awakening among the unsaved, will ever satisfy the heart of God."

It is my humble opinion that God is not at fault concerning the paucity of true spirituality among the saints as God is constantly presenting opportunity for reality in our daily walk. Rather we are satisfied, briefly to be sure, but satisfied to live on a lower scale spiritually than the one provided for us by our Lord.

We as Christians are invited to wait upon the Lord and expect to walk run and ultimately fly with wings as eagles. Yet we crawl along a dusty path and progress as though we are furry caterpillars rather than gloriously winged monarchs of the sky.

We Christians for the most really have no appetite for serious study and meditation of God's Word. Oh, a little bit here and there, but nothing that requires much, just enough of the verse here and there to help me to feel better. We have developed a mob that really feels good about themselves, but with no knowledge of the greater reality of living. As long a life is all about me, we do not grasp the primary reason for it all.

To even suggest a biblical prayer life is to garner stares as though an ogre from the regions below has invaded your life. Oswald Smith is a good secondary source to seek a little guidance in things spiritual. His book, Spiritual Leadership remains a classic.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit.

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