Updated- post is here!
Now this syncroblog could have given me the opportunity to have a good rant about all of the things I don't like about Church, and all of the things that frustrate me, claiming that Jesus will come sweeping in and do away with them in much the same way that he cleared the money changers from the temple...
Whilst I do believe there is some " clearing" to be done, reflection on his patience with the stumbling and bumbling efforts of the disciples, the way the early Church grappled with praxis as seen in Acts, and the letters of warning in Revelation, lead me to believe that Jesus is infinitely patient with those he loves- and he loves the church, in all her beauty, and all her frailty..... and dare I say even in her ugliness....
I believe that Jesus through the Holy Spirit still desires to release and equip his people in order that we can learn to live by the Spirit in imitation of him- that is true discipleship...
Yes Jesus spoke words of rebuke- but he spoke them in order to release and bring life- his words were not mere destructive criticism, an unfortunate trait that is all to evident in the Christian so called " dialogue" over so many issues.
What do I believe his word would be to his Church today?
By grace you were called, by grace you walk redemption's path, be gracious towards one another- love one another, by this you will be known as my disciples... by this you will spread the fragrance of Christ.
He would remind us to place love over doctrine- and to seek the way of peace- seeking always to share that love where we are....
Jesus called us his Church to go, to make disciples, to tear down walls, to speak out against injustice....to pray, and to follow him...
His call remains, a message of hope and transformation to all who would receive it... we need reminding of that from time to time! So for a month I commit- God being my helper- to refraining from destructive critisism, building relationships, and praying for my local Church, denomination ( Methodist), and the world wide Church...
Picture: The door of St Peter's on the Wall- perhaps the oldest Church building in the UK- an ancient mission centre!
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