A question was raised last week at "the Jesus test" booth during the Student Ministry Conclave in Arlington, TX.  “WILL THE JESUS TEST WORK?”  That’s an important question – and a legitimate one.  As a matter of note, it seems to be the number one question swirling in the minds and hearts of those who have been challenged to implement "the Jesus test" in their communities and churches.  As of now, “the Jesus test event” has yet to be tested.  Wherever Ministries is prayerfully seeking places to initiate this event in 2010.  On the other hand, “the Jesus test devotional book” is already working.  Several churches and student groups are already using it and have begun to share it with their lost friends.

     "Will it work?"  That question could be raised of every witnessing opportunity the Spirit brings our way!  No doubt it has crept into the psyche of every would-be Christ-follower before they took the step of faith!  Peter probably pondered it at Pentecost - "Will my sermon work?"  Luther likely lingered over it before pounding the nail in the Wittenberg door - "What wilt my hammering avail?"  Billy Graham reasonably grappled with it as his first tent was pitched over a sawdust floor - "What if no one comes to my crusade?"  And on and on I could go.  See you at the pole - "Will any students anywhere gather around a flagpole to pray?"  Operation Christmas Child - "Will any child be led to Jesus by receiving a shoebox full of grace?"

     I, too, have wrestled with this question!  I have wondered several times these past two years what kind of fool I have become.  And yet, in spite of a great dam of human reluctance that seems to be holding back an outpouring of Spirit in many spiritual leaders, I believe with all my heart that both the event and the book will work.  It will work because of a promise Jesus gave us.  In John 12:32, Jesus said, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”  Ultimately, Jesus was talking about His crucifixion.  But that promise is very much in effect every time we lift up Jesus Christ as “The way, The truth, and The life!”

     To those who continue to raise this question, I would like to pose one of my own.  “WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW TO SPECIFICALLY REACH LOST INDIVIDUALS FOR CHRIST IN YOUR COMMUNITY?”  If you don’t have an answer to that question, permit me to say, "'the Jesus test' will work a lot better than what you are currently NOT doing! 

     I encourage you and challenge you to try it!  I challenge you “to become ALL things to ALL people so that by ALL possible means you might be used of God’s Holy Spirit to save SOME.” (author’s paraphrase – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23.)