One Passion Alone: “We Want to See Jesus”

A Reflection by Bishop Thad Barnum

What does it mean to have this passion? Do we have it? Do we remember it? Is it in our churches and among our Christians? What are we doing to stir up this divine passion within us?

Let me propose two responses: One, it is constantly being taken from us. Two, it’s a choice to want it and it’s a choice to let it go.

Why is it being taken from us?

We are not living in a Christian nation. We are under constant pressure to surrender to the entertainment, pleasures, comforts, delicacies and enjoyments of a culture set against Christ. You know that, right?

A wise General once said: “In a time of war it is the worst mistake to underrate your enemy, and try to make a little war.” (1)

As much as we think we can handle it, we see the power of this culture – the torments of the world, flesh and devil – digging claws deep into our children. Too many parents feel that deep sense of helplessness, having lost their children to its power. The battle is real. The forces of evil in our country have one intent: to lead us away from the Lord, His Word, and living godly lives in Christ Jesus.

Do we know that? What are we doing about it? Can anyone be in a battle and remain passive, pretending it will all go away? For the Christian, the New Testament is clear: We are called to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) If you have a passion inside you to see Jesus, then you need to do something about it.

It’s a choice to want it.

It’s a choice to let it go. The Christian life isn’t just a Sunday morning experience. It’s a life lived in Christ, with His people, for His glory, that others might see and know Him. It’s a choice everyday to say no to the seductive powers in the world and say yes to Jesus.

For us to see Jesus, we must choose to “grow in grace.” (2 Pet 3:18 KJV) J. C. Ryle, a great Anglican bishop and preacher (1816-1900), once wrote:

“Do we grow in grace? Do we make progress?...When I speak of a man ‘growing in grace,’ I mean simply this: That his sense of sin is becoming deeper, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, his love more extensive, his spiritual-mindedness more marked. He feels more of the power of godliness in his own heart. He manifests more of it in his life.” (2)

There is no greater need in the American Church today.

The New Testament constantly urges us: “we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15-NASU). This call (3) “to grow up” is the same as to “grow in grace.” We call it discipleship, the pursuit of holiness, the process of sanctification. It is not optional for Christians: “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14—NASU)

Hear it again from J. C. Ryle:

“Holiness comes from Christ. It is the result of vital union with Him. It is the fruit of being a living branch of the True Vine. Go then to Christ and say, ‘Lord, not only save me from the guilt of sin, but send the Spirit, whom Thou didn’t promise, and save me from its power. Make me holy. Teach me to do Thy will.’” (4)

Again, from an old Puritan preacher Thomas Brooks (1608-1680):

“If now you would be rich in graces, look to your walking. It is not the knowing soul, nor the talking soul, but the close-walking soul, the obedient soul, that is rich.” (5)

 The Lord is calling us to pursue Him, to walk close. Is it with us? Is it in our homes, with our families? Can you see it constantly promoted in our churches? How many of us have lost the passion to see Jesus, falling constantly in the world-battle with its demands on our time, its promises of fun and pleasure?

Retreat in Charlotte, NC: October 4-6

We have one prayer for the coming retreat: “ We Want to See Jesus.”

We want nothing more than for the Holy Spirit to rekindle this passion in our hearts, in our families, our Christian leaders, our churches – and for it to spread with revival fire far and wide across our county and into the hearts of the next generation.

Make time. Come to the retreat. Let us pursue the Lord Jesus together.

Thaddeus Rockwell Barnum

Trumbull, Connecticut

1- Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852)

2- J. C. Ryle, Holiness: It’s Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, & Roots, Charles Nolan Publishers, 2001. p. 101

3- Note some passages that call us to constantly increase in faith: I Thessalonians 3:12, 4:1, 4:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Colossians 1:10, 2 Corinthians10:15, Philippians 1:9, 1 Peter 2:2.)

4- Ibid., J. C. Ryle, p. 61

5- Ibid., p. 107

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