Have only surfed once in my life but that seems like the best analogy for what God is doing in our midst. The men in our church often gather on a Saturday morning (the women meet separately). This past Saturday we gathered and spent at least two-thirds of our two hours together in prayer, one of the most powerful times that I have experienced in recent years. When the foundation of prayer, and thus relationship with God is laid, we are unleashed to respond to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Yesterday nineteen adults, seven teens and seven younger children gathered, a doubling in size of the gathering from only a few weeks ago. Interaction between the saints was genuine and refreshing, as if we had found an oasis in the desert. For many years I have believed that it is the responsibility of those already in a church to welcome and integrate new people into the fellowship rather than expecting people to do that on their own. Now I see that happening.
"Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters..." (Isaiah 55:1) "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) "The Spirit and the Bride say come. And let the one who hears say come. And let the one who is thirsty say come; let the one who desires the take the water of life without price." (Rev. 22:17 All references are ESV) God has given us the joy and privilege of providing a place for people to be planted in His Body.
No comments:
Post a Comment