Prior to September 11, 2001, most Americans had never considered that people in other parts of the world would commandeer commercial jets into American buildings, killing thousands of innocent people. On August 19, 2014, Americans received another shock that sent ripples throughout the world. American journalist, James Foley had been brutally murdered and decapitated. His head and body were displayed for the world via social media.
Many people wondered how such barbaric atrocities could take place in the 21st century. However, such savage acts have been taking place for quite some time in terrorist held territories. Christians and other minority groups have suffered immensely at the hands of jihadists in the Middle East.
For most people in the West, the most frightening aspect of these horrific activities is that the terrorists have vowed to bring their fight to Europe and America. It’s believed that up to 300 terrorists fighting with ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) are American citizens, which means they hold valid American passports and have the ability to travel freely in and out of the country. It’s estimated that several thousand hold European passports.
As governments attempt to determine how to deal with this imminent threat, I’ve come to the conclusion that the battle is much more than a political, military, and religious one. It’s deeply spiritual. I’m convinced it poses the greatest threat that Western civilization has ever faced. Why? Evil men with darkened hearts are plotting to destroy the very foundation of the West. Much of that foundation is rooted in Biblical truth. Take away the Bible, and you take away moral fiber of our society.
Although the situation is dire, it is not hopeless. I firmly believe the solution lies in the hands of Christians. Light dispels darkness. We can no longer afford to allow our Light to be hidden. We desperately need a spiritual awakening – one in which the glory of God chases out the darkness and renews the moral foundation of the Western world. Without such a move of God’s Spirit, we may find ourselves engulfed in darkness that we never imagined existed.
I’ve spent more than forty years traveling into dark and dangerous lands. I’ve seen what the light of the gospel can do. I’ve seen God’s glory shatter the darkness in Communist Eastern Europe. I’ve watched the light of the gospel transform lives in Pakistan shortly after a mass murder of Christians. God’s light has not gone out. But, we desperately need His glory in this critical moment of history.
For the next few weeks, I’ll be writing about what I believe is needed for God’s light to shatter the darkness. I’ll write about Christians I’ve met in many of these dark and dangerous lands and how they overcame the darkness. I’ll share Biblical truths that are necessary for the glory of God to be displayed in the West. God is love, and He’s still on His throne. With men, it may be impossible. But, with God we can see the light of revival and the glory of God in the land. May we allow the light of His glory to fill our hearts.
