I must apologize ... I'm a little behind in my blogging. I WILL catch up over the next few days. Today is actually Day 15 (out of the 100 Days), but we'll keep them in order ... so here are my thoughts for Day 13 ...
Let's talk about what we have learned from the Athletics motif for the church (from Day 12):
1. The church experiences spiritual growth (success) when operating in unity, like a team.
2. Christ is the head of the Church. He alone is the captain of the team.
3. The life of the Church is like a race that requires discipline and training to gain victory.
4. The common goal of the team is to run a good race, cross the finish line, and gain the reward.
Well, there it is. We have seen the church described in terms of agriculture, organics/family, the military, and athletics. From each motif we have extracted certain timeless principles. These principles will form the basis of our understanding of the nature and work of the church. The next task is to attempt a synthesis of the 16 principles we have learned (4 from each of the 4 metaphors), and then see if we can find an overarching metaphor that will effectively describe and encompass all 16 principles.
For the record let me state all 16 principles again:
1. The church has some very hard work to do. Fields don’t plant themselves and the harvest doesn’t happen without some hard work. The church has been given the specific spiritual task of sowing, planting, and harvesting.
2. The church has the immense responsibility of preparing the soil, planting the seed, watering the plants, and harvesting the fruit at the appropriate time.
3. The church can only function when it is connected to Jesus. Without Him we can do nothing. When we take our focus away from Jesus we begin to wither and die.
4. The church must understand its relationship to Jesus and learn to recognize His voice. Ultimately, the church is charged with hearing and obeying Jesus.
5. The church is to exhibit the love, care, honor, loyalty, and intimacy that are found in healthy family relationships. We are to take care of each other.
6. The church is to fully accept anyone that God calls family. We don’t choose our brothers or sisters or parents … we are simply called to love and honor them.
7. The church, as a living organism, needs to be fed, nurtured and encouraged in its quest to fulfill its reason for existence.
8. The church, as a living organism, has a reason for living and a mission to fulfill.
9. The church is in a global and epic battle against Satan and his reign of evil.
10. The church is under constant and aggressive attack from Satan and his powerful allies.
11. The church was created and equipped for this battle.
12. Ultimately, the battle will be won by the power of God.
13. The church experiences spiritual growth (success) when operating in unity, like a team.
14. Christ is the head of the Church. He alone is the captain of the team.
15. The life of the Church is like a race that requires discipline and training to gain victory.
16. The common goal of the team is to run a good race, cross the finish line, and gain the reward.
There they are. You can probably see some repetition and potential synthesis in these principles. Look over them. Pray over them. Next time we'll begin to attempt a synthesis. Stay tuned ...
Ask God to give you insight into the life-plans he has for you, your family, and your church. Ask God to help you submit to whatever his plans may be. Thank God for everything good he has given you so far and rest in the peace of knowing that he will continue to give you good things.
Blessings,
Pastor Ellis
No comments:
Post a Comment