from j2i

Extract from 'The Friday Email' ...

I have been pondering that often in the church scene today, the mark of an Apostle is that they get a big meeting followed by a big offering; however it seems in Paul’s day, they met on the fringe of the city or sometimes in homes, they made tents to pay their way and often, they were chased out of town or even Stoned. Well we feel a measure of empathy with Paul after some difficult conversations with people ambitious for their own name!

In total contrast we spent time with a family who have been amazing pioneers in Albania; they are faithful witnesses and seeking God’s way forward… These people are spoken of with great respect and have paid a great price. They have no empire but they are faithfully demonstrating the life of the Kingdom of God.

It is interesting how we live in a culture today where people are keen to build their own empires and make a name for themselves. Perhaps we should start a version of the X factor to see who is the Pastor/ Preacher/ Leader with the X factor… because in some dimensions of the church it sounds just like this… Jesus spoke out against those who wanted titles and position referring to them as Pharisees - the evidence of religion I believe, they wanted all things done right but knew not the Father.

I see that there is a gospel going forth that requires no sacrifice, no cost, no Cross or death to self, just success & status. It is a deception for as Christ has died so we die daily with him. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4. 11&12 “For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you”

So in the midst of challenges, God is GREAT! We are extremely encouraged and seeing his Kingdom working amongst us … we seek his Kingdom more and trust that all other things will be added to us.

Many greetings to you, 

David