The idea of revival has always captivated me.  This semester I have done a paper and presentation on revival and I have determined that true revival has its foundation in a strong conviction of sin.  Do I really know that I am a sinner in need of a Saviour?  This is something that I have been wrestling out in my own faith. With this struggle has come a comforting perspective.  I want to never forget that I am a sinner.  Yes Christ has saved me, but I never want to lose sight that apart from Christ I deserve the deepest pit of hell.  This is comforting because the fact that I am a sinner, gives me something in common with every single person in the universe.  I want to see people the way God sees them, being aware of my own sinfulness gives me the right lens.  I am not better than anyone because I am a Christian. I am just humbled to be in the service of God through Christ.

As we head into this Christmas season I challenge anyone who reads this to look at own self and come to terms (if not already) with ones sinfulness.  Because it spawns a fresh gratitude for Christ.  I think that this gratitude should be the thankfulness that makes up the essence of our lives.

Blessing,
T. J. Chester.