I write with two (2) specific objectives.
1. To Encourage - all those serving as Pastor/Shepherds in this great land of America who honor the Word of God and honor Jesus as LORD.
- For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
2. To Inquire - what is your perspective on a scale of 1 - 10 measuring our spiritual vibrancy and effectiveness in accomplishing the Great Commission?
- For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (Eph. 5:14)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Appreciate hearing from you and knowing your rartionale for the assessment you offer.
1 comment:
I've been thinking about this question for a week. My initial reaction is that in general we are at about a one. Much of the church seems to be absorbed in the values of the consumer culture (witness the success of the market driven church).
On the other hand we recently hosted a young pastor from Liberia and I was reminded that the church in America is NOT the whole church. (Praise the LORD!) In spite of desperate poverty, there are believers who are at a level 10.
Besides that, every now and then, one of my church members will make a comment or share a story or prayer request that shows me there is more going on in his or her life than I can usually observe. God is at work - and God is at a level ten! The work God does in an individual believer to burden him or her for the souls of his or her neighbors and coworkers and family members is always vibrant.
Such glimpses into people's lives keep me from losing heart. I might think God should come in the rush of wind that breaks the rock in pieces or in the earthquake or the fire. But God often speaks in a "still small voice" to remind me He is still at work - and His work is always effective. Even when many professing believers are lukewarm.
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