For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
"A lost world." Yes, this world is a wilderness. Wars and rumors of wars, etc. Etc is even worse than the wars.
The "lost world" we usually worry the most about are the people in our contacts call log. How can I get my friends and family to wise up and forget such silliness as ancestor worship? How can I get them to "accept" Jesus as Savior? What will it take for me to witness "effectively" to them? I don't think we're losing a lot of sleep over "the lost" in Japan, here in the United States. It's "the lost" in the other room of the house.
I get it. I just don't think it's quite that simple. The bible tells a different story of how we are enlightened.
Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, had more information about Jesus than any of us who now believe in Jesus, have. He had an intimate relationship with Jesus. What was he missing? The scriptures tell us.
God told Israel through the prophet Isaiah, "You are my witnesses, O Israel, you are My servant. You have been chosen to know Me, believe in Me, and understand that I alone am God (Isaiah 43:10).
John wrote: The Holy One has given you His Spirit, and all of you know the truth (1 Jn 2:20). And Jesus said, "When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth" (Jn 16:13).
Without the Holy Spirit, we can't know or believe God. Judas didn't have the Spirit.
How is the Spirit given?
We are chosen! See Isaiah 43:10
He will send His angels to gather His CHOSEN ONES from all over the world.. (Mt 24:31).