The Light Still Shines: Christ Is Not Finished With This World by stella ashworth
The Gospel Is Still Advancing
Did you know that Bible sales are reportedly up by 20% this year, according to a survey by Passion City Church? Did you know that more and more hearts are turning to Christ, and that His message is still being carried to the very ends of the earth?
No matter how loudly the doom prophets try to dim the light, the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to change lives. It cannot be silenced. It cannot be stopped. The Word of God is alive and active, meeting people in moments of desperation, searching, and hope. The harvest is still plentiful, and Christ is still drawing people to Himself.
Our Calling Is Not Condemnation, but Christ
My dear friends in Christ, it is not our calling to become critical, harsh, or condemning. That was never the way of Jesus. Our assignment is simple yet profound: to lead people to Christ and allow Him to do the transforming work.
Conviction belongs to the Holy Spirit. Restoration belongs to God. His work on this earth is not finished, not even close. We are called to be part of it with hands extended, hearts open, and voices filled with truth and grace. Let us not sit back in judgment, but step forward in love, obedience, and faith.
When the Church Wounds, Christ Still Heals
I confess that at times the church can leave us feeling wounded. It can make us bitter, angry, and cause us to take a step back. When that happens, bitterness can become a shield, one that surrounds the heart and prevents the Light of God from doing its healing work.
But that is not the way of the Cross. The way of the Cross is restoration, humility, love, and truth. It is where hearts are healed, not hardened; where grace flows freely; where joy is restored. Do not let wounds steal your calling. The Light still shines, and His work in you is far from finished.
You Were Made for More
My dear friends in Christ, change can only happen when you are brave enough to take hold of it. It begins the day you realize that you were made for more. You are not a number. You are not a headcount. You, my dear child of God, matter deeply to Him.
He knows your name. He sees your heart. He calls you His own. Go and find that place where you are celebrated in His presence, where His love restores you, and where His purpose over your life comes alive. That is where healing begins. That is where courage rises. That is where transformation takes root.
Belonging Begins With God
I tell you the truth: if you ever find yourself sitting in a church where no one knows your name, that is okay, because God knows your name. He called you before you ever walked through those doors, and His eyes are always upon you.
Learn to celebrate the gathering of the saints. Be among the praises of His people, where faith is strengthened and hope is renewed. And as you walk this journey, seek out that place where your spirit knows it belongs, where you are seen, loved, and encouraged to grow in Christ. You are never invisible to God. In Him, you will always belong.
Christ Alone Is the Cornerstone
So, my dear friends in Christ, I share with you my passion, my total dependence on Christ, and a love that can never be shaken. Even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, seek Christ above all else.
When the world condemns, offer the hope found in Christ. When you do not fit neatly into the social circles of a church, remember this truth: God called you to stand out, not to fit in. The focus should never be on us or on our idols. It must always remain on Christ alone.
This is His ministry. This is His Church. He alone is the Cornerstone, not man-made movements, not personalities, not systems that divide, but Christ, who unites, restores, and saves.
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19
Written by Stella Ashworth - Bay Talk Christian Network