God intends to fix the world’s biggest problems through local churches and healthy leaders.
- Sin, death, and hell, are fixed by the cross and the resurrection, and we get to share that good news with the world.
- Hunger, sickness, poverty, and human suffering are alleviated through the local church as its members serve the world.
- Bondage and addiction and spiritual brokenness are healed as we share truth in the context of a safe, grace-based community.
But…
The church is flawed and sometimes needs to repent of apathy, return to Jesus, and do what God designed us to do again.
This isn’t a new problem. It’s as old as the church in its very first generation.
Acts 8:1-8 NIV
[1] And Saul approved of their killing (Stephen). On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. [2] Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. [3] But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
[4] Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. [6] When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. [7] For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [8] So there was great joy in that city.
The good news about Jesus Christ is way too good to keep to ourselves.
God wants the good news to get to people, and he’ll find a way. You and I are to live sent, and if we won’t live sent, God will find a way to scatter us.
HOW TO BRING JOY TO THE ‘CITY’
The city needs to hear the good news about Jesus,
so let’s share it.
The city needs to see the fruit of the gospel in our lives,
so let’s show it.
Acts 8:12 NIV
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Our city needs teaching, too. And baptism. And all that the Christian life offers.
The city needs to experience the power of God at work,
so let’s invite people into it.
Acts 8:14-17 NIV
[14] When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. [15] When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Our city needs to experience the power of God. It’s too much to keep to yourself.
Let’s overflow with the gospel, with the life of Christ, with the power of God, and bring joy to our city for Jesus’ sake and for God’s glory!