Directed by the Commander-in-Chief, the Officers (the Twelve) trained the troops such that they were equipped to conquer “Go to [eth_color color=”tomato”]the people of all nations[/eth_color] and make them my disciples!” (Matthew 28:18-20) Under this order they conquered the Roman Empire in one century! No hi-tech buildings, no mass media, no Facebook or Twitter, no print medal, no television or radio, no clergy, and no Bibles. Truthfully, they had NOTHING BUT passion for Jesus’ marching orders, led by the Holy Spirit.

Sadly, the only place this is happening today is 3rd world countries, principally Africa. “In the twentieth century, Christianity in Africa exploded from an estimated population of eight or nine million in 1900 (8 to 9%) to some 335 million in 2000 (45%), marking a shift in the “center of gravity of Christianity” from the West to Africa.” (The Explosion of Christianity in Africa)

In the 16th century a revival happened in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands, my ancestral homeland. However, today the church in Europe is on life support. Many factors account for the decline, chief of which is the extinguishing of the fire for Jesus’ passion, the lost. Consequently, the landscape of Europe is peppered with empty cathedrals! Note this well! In every cultural aspect America has historically followed Europe. At this point, only revival will save us! And, the heart of that revival will be Jesus’ last order: “Make disciples!” Did he not plainly tell us this?

By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story.  ‘Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t’ you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” (Luke 15:3-5)

Without a doubt these words are targeted at us “in no need of rescue.” They ought to impact our hearts like a giant meteor from outer space!