It seems as the church has less and less impact and effect on the world at large. Politics and public policy seem less and less to be in harmony with the timeless truth of the Scripture. It appears we have no power or authority to impact and affect the world we live in. Some seek to change this by doing anything and everything and nothing they all having the same results little to no real change. It’s never been this bad! Or has it?
We are probably like the early church in Ephesus. Small, insignificant composed of non-important people trying to live in a way contrary to their world and culture seemingly having no impact on anything.
Paul writes to this church which he planted and has nurtured.
15That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. Ephesians 1:15 The Message
He has heard of them! He has heard of their expressions of love for others. They are making an impact on lives and changing the world one person at a time. They are trusting Jesus to be real in them and real to others through them. It’s working Paul writes. He then goes on to pray for them to realize and experience the tremendous power of Christ. He prays that they would know more of Him who sits in authority and power over all of the universe. Now that’s a prayer. Where does this energy come from and have we seen it before? Paul continues:
20-23All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. Ephesians 1:20-23 The Message
What I had not thought of is: At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. It sure seems the other way around. It must have seemed like that to the church in Ephesus as well. Two thousand years later we are the evidence of their faithfulness to trust Christ. We are the evidence that the world is peripheral to the church. Christ is the head of the church and the church is the body of Christ. Think of this the church is the crucified, dead, buried and resurrected body of Christ. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. The church is no more insignificant than Christ. We are the world changing agent
‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 NIV 1984.
The Ephesian church let the spirit of Christ be their power by placing their solid trust in HIM. They changed the world as we know it.
Let’s do the same.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Have you heard...
“I didn’t think Christians would do that” followed by the accusation of “hypocrite” there at the end for good measure. This typically comes from one who is hurt by an action or perceived action regardless of their complicity in the matter. I wonder, "How much do my actions determine my Christianity?"
That word HYPOCRITE caught my attention too. Am I one? The answer is yes. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise [HYPOCRITE]. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it [HYPOCRITE], and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it [HYPOCRITE]. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it [HYPOCRITE]; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway [HYPOCRITE]. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions [HYPOCRITE]. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
It happens so regularly that it's predictable [HYPOCRITE]. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up [HYPOCRITE]. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge [HYPOCRITE]. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
It’s pretty clear I am a HYPOCRITE. I behave like that. Did you notice something familiar about those words except the [HYPOCRITE] part that was mine, something that seemed clear? I hope so, the Holy Spirit reminded of these this morning. They are HIS words found in Romans 7:14-24 (The Message); the words from Paul’s pen regarding himself. I am in good company. So what is our hope?
Paul writes in verse 25:
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Truth is our Christianity depends on our connection to Christ. Our commitment to Him determines the extent of our transformation. Some more transformed than others therefore more committed. That connection is between Christ and me. Yes, it is a better reflection on me when my words and actions are the same (let your yes be yes and your no be no). Christ alone determines my Christianity. I determine my connection and commitment and how I will allow friends to affect that.
Max Lucado writes in Grace for the Moment p.189: “The supreme force in salvation is God’s grace. Not our works. Not our talents. Not our feelings. Not our strength. Salvation is God’s sudden, calming presence during the stormy seas of our lives. We hear His voice; we take the step. ”
Know I am a hypocrite who is counting on Christ and His grace. That alone makes me a Christian. It does for you too.
That word HYPOCRITE caught my attention too. Am I one? The answer is yes. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise [HYPOCRITE]. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it [HYPOCRITE], and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it [HYPOCRITE]. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it [HYPOCRITE]; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway [HYPOCRITE]. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions [HYPOCRITE]. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
It happens so regularly that it's predictable [HYPOCRITE]. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up [HYPOCRITE]. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge [HYPOCRITE]. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
It’s pretty clear I am a HYPOCRITE. I behave like that. Did you notice something familiar about those words except the [HYPOCRITE] part that was mine, something that seemed clear? I hope so, the Holy Spirit reminded of these this morning. They are HIS words found in Romans 7:14-24 (The Message); the words from Paul’s pen regarding himself. I am in good company. So what is our hope?
Paul writes in verse 25:
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Truth is our Christianity depends on our connection to Christ. Our commitment to Him determines the extent of our transformation. Some more transformed than others therefore more committed. That connection is between Christ and me. Yes, it is a better reflection on me when my words and actions are the same (let your yes be yes and your no be no). Christ alone determines my Christianity. I determine my connection and commitment and how I will allow friends to affect that.
Max Lucado writes in Grace for the Moment p.189: “The supreme force in salvation is God’s grace. Not our works. Not our talents. Not our feelings. Not our strength. Salvation is God’s sudden, calming presence during the stormy seas of our lives. We hear His voice; we take the step. ”
Know I am a hypocrite who is counting on Christ and His grace. That alone makes me a Christian. It does for you too.
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