CHOG Convention 2015: Be Bold. Reclaim.
Photo: Hands raised in worship at Convention 2014.
By Carl Stagner
Be Bold. Reclaim. These two challenges to the Church of God are the theme of Church of God Convention 2015, June 22–25 at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. Though the 2014 convention is now Church of God history, the need for the movement to be bold in the name of Christ has not ceased. At this year’s convention, a stellar lineup of speakers and worship leaders will encourage pastors and their congregations to boldly reclaim what hell has stolen. It’s time to take back spiritual territory that the devil has conquered. It’s time to stake our movement on Jesus Christ alone. It’s time to rally together for the cause of Christ. CHOG Convention 2015 will be our launch pad.
“Jesus calls his followers to change the world,” Jim Lyon explains. “We are notinvited to a life of ease and calm, but to a daring one of action and risk. Love demands no less.” Jim refers to the Mark 3 account of Jesus’ good works, which are followed by accusations of being in Satan’s employ. Jesus is recorded as responding that he himself is stronger than the strong man who guards a house—that one stronger than he can bind the strong man and plunder the house, setting it free.
Jim also cites 1 John 3:8 as a charge for the church: “But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil” (NLT). Jim explains that Jesus Christ has done this, he still does it, and he will continue to destroy the works of the Devil. “Jesus calls us to follow him in so doing,” Jim insists. “Be bold. Reclaim what hell has stolen. Never surrender an inch or a soul of what God destines to be redeemed. The body of Christ, the Church of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can advance heaven’s cause, proclaim freedom to the captives, and challenge the darkness. In every place we step, may the devil himself know—Jesus is the subject: our Sovereign, our hope, our help.”
Jim once again challenges the Church of God to embrace our common, divine purpose. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).
“In every community in which there is a Church of God,” Jim adds, “there is evidence of the strong man’s smothering shadow, guarding what he holds, but does not rightfully possess. The day has once more dawned in which we must be bold and reclaim. For Jesus’ sake. Church of God Convention 2015 will inspire and invite the movement to claim new ground.”
Visit www.chogconvention.org to make arrangements to attend Church of God Convention 2015, June 22–25, at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. The Church of God is reclaiming what hell has stolen. You can be a part of this powerful move of God. Secure your tickets today.
