Dear Friend,
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet (act 1, scene 5), we find this famous quote: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Hamlet says this after encountering his father’s ghost, arguing against his friend Horatio’s skepticism.
I’ve had that quote in mind over the past few weeks—and not, I must say, as a result of encountering any ghosts! Rather, because of the invitations I accepted to visit several places, it has become clear to me that there are more things going on in the world of biblical Christianity than I previously realized. While I miss my Sunday-by-Sunday pulpit ministry, I am enjoying the privilege of seeing firsthand how God is at work across the US in the lives of so many people.
From Memphis to Manhattan to Phoenix to Lynchburg, the unfolding story is the same: Local Gospel-centered churches are engaged in evangelism and discipleship with an energetic enthusiasm that can put me to shame. The pastors of many of these churches are young (the age of my children), and in spending time with them, I am challenged, encouraged, and mindful of J.C. Ryle’s comment that God “will raise up better servants and brighter stars.” Ryle said this in response to people questioning the future of the church when he and others like him were taken away.
Looking beyond North America’s borders, I am struck by the same sense of evangelistic zeal. As a result of your commitment to the Gospel and your support of our endeavors at Truth For Life, we are in partnership with brothers and sisters in Christ in Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Poland, China, the Philippines, and more.
Together, in many languages, we are saying to our friends and neighbors that we have one story to tell—one that’s vastly different from a worldview that believes there is no creator God, no absolute morality, and no ultimate truth.
Easter provides us with a unique opportunity to follow the example of the apostle Paul in addressing the intelligentsia in Athens. He was courteous and well-prepared. He understood their Stoic and Epicurean philosophies and addressed them with unmistakable clarity by explaining that God made the world and everything in it, that He is Lord of heaven and earth, and that we, His created beings, are accountable to Him. Paul did not shy away from telling his listeners that they had an appointment to meet God, because God has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). Assurance of this, he explained, is found in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Luke tells us that the response of Paul’s listeners varied: Some mocked, some were open to listening again, and some believed. These are the same reactions we find when we speak with people today. Only God opens blind eyes and softens hard hearts to the truth of His Word, but we have an important role to play by inviting others to come to know Him.
Spurgeon explains the supernatural work of God in salvation as follows: “The mysterious hand of the divine Spirit dropped the living seed into a heart that He had Himself prepared for its reception.” I hope this will encourage all of us to be bold in our witness as we seek to see unbelieving people become committed followers of the Lord Jesus.
On behalf of our entire team, we wish you and your family a blessed, joyful, and Gospel-sharing Easter and extend our heartfelt gratitude for your upholding partnership in Truth For Life.
With my love in the Lord Jesus,
Alistair
