I think Selwyn has summarised this issue of Every Day with Jesus, in a very concise and clear manner: “Show me a church where people are prepared to suffer for their faith, propagate the good news about Jesus Christ, demonstrate care for those who are needy, engage deeply with God in worship, remain always open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rid themselves of all class distinctions and racial prejudice, utilise the gifts of all God’s people, hold together strong people who differ, and I will show you a church that will revolutionise the community in which it is placed.”
We have had almost two thousand years of practice to develop churches with the above characteristics – many books have been written by excellent minds on the best ways to grow churches to be effective in ‘teaching and preaching the word of the Lord’. Yet, many churches, I feel, still have a long way to go to become anything like the early church in Antioch – hopefully, your church is different.
The prayer for today is worth repeating here: “O God, once more I cry, may it be so to the glory of Your name. My heart is being prepared. May Your Holy Spirit prepare the hearts of millions more. Make us ready for re-formation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
[The next issue, has the title ‘Let us Pray’ – for the next two months Selwyn “explores some of the difficulties we can experience in communicating with God, and how to overcome them.” In regard, to what I’ve quoted above, from today’s study – perhaps, the main answer in addressing the lukewarm attitude of some churches – is persistent prayer; do you agree?]