Bri f T esday
July
And Are We Yet Alive?
General Superintendent
Max Edwards & Judy
Robert G. Ingersoll, the famed atheist of the 19th out audiences all over America in the last few decades of the 1800’s. He loved to declare it to be ridiculous to believe in a sovereign, benevolent God. And he was not shy in his view that the Bible is nothing more than a work of human fiction rather than divine revelation. He often described its contents as completely “harmful superstition.”
In many of his speeches, Ingersoll contended that the churches of the United States of America were in a terminal condition and in another generation there would be few, if any, of them left. Well, Ingersoll is gone, but the church of Jesus Christ is not! It is alive and well. In fact, there is quite a revival taking place in the USA right now, especially among young men. A 2026 Gallup poll indicates a dramatic rise in religious importance among men under 30. Recent data shows 42% of men aged 18-29 consider religion "very important," up from 28% in 2023.
The 34th General Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church convenes today!
For nearly 200 years, Methodist gatherings of preachers and church leaders have opened with the words of a hymn written by Charles Wesley, celebrating the watchcare of God during the previous months and years.
And are we yet alive, and see each other's face? Glory and praise to Jesus give for His redeeming grace! Preserved by pow'r divine to full salvation here, again in Jesus' praise we join, and in His sight appear. What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last! Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by His love; and still He doth His help afford, and hides our life above. Then let us make our boast of His redeeming pow'r, which saves us to the uttermost, till we can sin no more. Let us take up the cross till we the crown obtain, and gladly reckon all things loss so we may Jesus gain.
Despite struggles and heartaches, we meet together in love and unity!
Despite our adversary's efforts to destroy the church, the redeemed of the Lord will gather to praise Him! Despite the culture’s mockery and slander, we place our faith unswervingly in Jesus Christ. Despite our own weaknesses and shortcomings, we know that we have an advocate with the Father. Despite the winds and waves of a sin-sick world around us, we will listen to the Holy Spirit call us to holiness.
Our God is alive! The EMC is alive! And the glorious church of Jesus Christ is alive!