I am challenged each time I read or hear about what people are doing in different churches around the world. In comparison I feel as if I am lazy and not doing enough; or ignorant and not teaching enough; or unspiritual and not believing enough. When I get news of other churches growing in leaps and bounds, and hear about the wonderful programs that have been implemented, I wonder if that approach or that program would work here. When I see pictures of the great building programs, and the expansion of facilities that some churches have undertaken in faith, I wonder if there is something more we need here so that our church can grow more effectively.
When I hear about the way God has blessed other fellowships with growth and baptism of new (on old) believers, I wonder if I should push for a greater level of commitment from people in our church.
But, when I read the Scriptures with the people God has gathered here in Sassafras, when we gather around God’s word and grapple with what he is saying I am challenged even more. On Sundays as we read through the book of Acts, and each Tuesday night at the Prayer and Bible group as we reading Paul’s letter to God’s people in Ephesus, I am challenged more and more by what God has done through Christ Jesus, and what he continues to do in his people here. It is so easy to have our heads turned by what is reported from other places, and to lose sight of what God is doing amongst us. It is so easy to start wondering what I can do, and forget to consider what God has done and what He is continuing to do. But, when God’s word is opened with His people, I am challenged to look to our risen Lord Jesus Christ, to see what he is doing in the lives of His people who he has redeemed with his own blood.
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (New English Translation)
