His Masterpiece 1

Our Current preaching series “His Masterpiece”  a six-week series through the book of Ephesians has stirred me afresh for the beauty of the local church. 

Commentators have called Ephesians; 

The crown of Pauls writing 

The divinest composition of man 

The queen of the epistles 

What is fascinating in this letter to the church in Ephesus, that has obviously gripped many before us is the idea that some have, somehow, ended up High Theology / Low Church. IE a high view of God but a low view of the church. I don't believe we are being asked to swap those values … move from High theology / High church to Low Theology / High Church … But believe as John Stott says in his commentary on Ephesians that “a reading of Ephesians will result in High Theology AND High Church. 

What an important message then but how much more important in our day of what sociologists have defined as radical individualism and what some have called the McChurch Mentality. To quote John Stott again “ For by His death Christ demolished the Jew - Gentile and God - Man barriers and is now creating in relationship to himself a single, new multicultural community which is both the family he loves and the temple that He lives in” 

My desire for us that call Redemption City Church home is that we would elevate biblical truth over cultural relevance … that we would not pander to “radical individualism” or buy into the McChurch mentality that is so prevalent in our day but that we would be gripped by the biblical conviction of a high view of God AND a high view of the church! 

To be continued …

Lazy is not a personality type … it is a character flaw!

Lazy is not a personality type ... it is a character flaw!

2 Cor 8:17 for Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 

Scripture also speaks about a "Spirit of self-discipline" I believe this is one of the keys for those who desire to see the purposes of God advance ... the Gospel preached and people discipled. Lazy people will quickly settle into the "status quo" ... Lazy people will always seek the lowest common denominator. Lazy people will always seek the path of least resistance. People of the initiative, enthusiasm  and self-discipline have the motivation to seek the "more" of God. They ask the "What next?" and "where to from here?" questions. They are committed to increased level of commitment, service and sacrifice if that is what is required. People of initiative and enthusiasm look for opportunities to advance the mission. They are not satisfied with "same old same old" they are selfless self-starters. who not only initiate ideas and projects they have the self-discipline to see them through to completion. If we lack in this area .. for heavens sake let's lean on the Lord asking Him to adjust our character so that we can redeem spiritual ambition

The number 1 reason New Years resolutions don't work is that we are not created to go more than 24 hours without a fresh start ... without  fresh grace!  I am so delighted that Jesus won a salvation for you and I that is soaked in ... Love, grace and mercy EVERYDAY.  I couldn't imagine messing up / disappointing / tripping up and then having to wait to Jan 1st next year to get a fresh start!  Lam 3:19 - 24 has long been a favorite portion of scripture for me!  As we go into the new year let us "Call this to mind" ... "Because of His great love we are not consumed, for His compassions NEVER fail. They are new EVERY morning; GREAT is your faithfulness. I say to myself The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him"  Let's trust / believe / pray for big things EVERYDAY as we enjoy His love mercy and grace EVERYDAY!