The title of this week’s sermon is “The power of the church”. When we think of a powerful church, we often paint a picture of one that is Spirit-filled and that performs signs and wonders, while consistently growing in numbers.
But there is more than that – a powerful church loves and cares deeply too.
During the week, I watched a film about World War II. Soldiers left their dead and fatally wounded comrades behind because the platoon would slow down otherwise. But the battle we fight is different – we are called to minister to the hurt, and even love the dead back to life.
Perhaps the wounds on our fellow Calvarites are not apparent to us. But a simple text message of “How are you?” or “How can I pray for you?” could be all that they need. There are friends I don’t often meet or talk to, but their random text messages to catch up with me always remind me that they have my back.
In the war film, a lead character said this about his fellow soldiers, “These are my family. But everyday, there are fewer of them.” Is our army like that too – dwindling in numbers and not being able to protect family members? Or are we looking out for our comrades, and nursing the wounded back to full spiritual health?
While we have technology on our side, let’s use that to extend God’s love through a text message during the week. That’s how we can Build Lives.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)