I don't think it has ever been more significant who we are, what we stand for, and what we allow God to do through us.
The kingdoms of this world are falling, economies are crumbling, people are fretting and worrying, and truth has become harder to discern.
That's the dark side of the coin. Not a pretty picture.
A new church rising up
The other side, the brighter and beautiful side, is that amidst the chaos in this world, we can see a new church rising up. And this time it is not a religious institution; it is a movement that spreads like wildfire. Uncontainable, unstoppable, and led by the wind of the Holy Spirit
If you follow any of the Christian social media, you must have noticed that masses of young people are coming to Jesus, followed by public baptisms (as in the Bible) and confession of sins. Worship gatherings supersede sports games in attendance; arenas are filled with thousands upon thousands of believers. All over the world.
A new counterculture
In a time of wars, earthquakes, famines, addictions, and crime, worshiping God is the counterculture. In a world where anti-semitism and a deep demonic hate for Israel are rising, worshiping the Jewish messiah Jesus is the counterculture.
Do you see it?
The Bible says: And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6, NLT).
Use of the church
Jew and Gentile, we are one body, one church, if we believe in Jesus Christ. When you read that third chapter of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, you will see it too. Verse 10 says: God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
This has always been His eternal plan and purpose for the church, 👉to be used to display His divine wisdom to the unseen world! The church of today is more than ever called to display His wisdom. Not our human knowledge, not our reasoning, not our plans and programs, not our titles and accomplishments, not even our wonderful buildings, liturgies, and clergy.
His Kingdom on display
We will never be able to defeat the powers at work in this world. We often end up in endless discussions and even more division. But with His help and guidance, we (the church) can display His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven! Love where there is hatred. Healing where there is sickness. Unity where there is division. Order where there is chaos. Now, that will freak out the demons.
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Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20-21)
➤For more, read my blog post 'In, but not of this world'.
Yes, Marja, I've seen a great revival and awakening in the States and I'm thanking God every day for these young people who want Jesus in their lives as the Lord. May we who are already believers be prepared to shepherd them in their faith. Blessings, and thanks so much for your kind comment on my blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable comment here Martha Jane. We have the honor and privilege to shepherd a younger generation indeed, well said.
DeleteMatthew 16 comes to mind:
ReplyDeleteHe says to them, But ye, who do ye say that I am? And Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering said to him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in the heavens. And I also, I say unto thee that thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and hades' gates shall not prevail against it. (Verse 15-18)
What Christ builds cannot be overthrown.
Amen! That is why I do not believe reports that the church isn't growing. It grows, just different than we expected maybe!
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