Why did Jesus come?
Why did he leave heaven and become a man?
Why did he suffer and die?
“Is Christianity Too Hard or Too Easy?,” is one of the last chapters of C.S. Lewis’s book Mere Christianity and it is one of the most convicting and challenging chapters of the entire book. He challenges us that God became man for the sole purpose of bringing many sons to Christ.
C.S. Lewis says:
The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose. It is even doubtful, you know, whether the whole universe was created for any other purpose. It says in the Bible that the whole universe was made for Christ and that everything is to be gathered together in Him.
To clarify for us we can restate the first sentence of C.S. Lewis’ quote:
“Teen Challenge exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little christs.” Our Father wants to bring a lot more sons and daughters to glory!
Consider these verses:
Romans 8:29
”For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
Hebrews 2:10
“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
To draw men to Christ, to bring many sons to glory – to make disciples, that is our mission!
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I thank God for the mission and purpose of Teen Challenge. In Teen Challenge ministry over the years I have had the honor of seeing hundreds of lives transformed to become sons and daughters of God, including my own sister and niece (pictured)!! We must stay the course!
May this Christmas celebration remind us of our purpose so that we remain resolute to our mission!
Blessing to you, your family, and your fellow staff members and students this Christmas season!
