What is God Saying to the Church today?
I do not claim a full understanding of the Lord’s Word to the whole Church. We see through a glass darkly, 1 Corinthians 13:12, each of us part of a big jigsaw. However, I would like to share some thoughts I feel God has given me about the opportunities facing the church today.
It’s His Church not ours
The church is described as God’s body here on earth, constantly growing and expanding, Ephesians 4:15-16. We need to remember that Jesus told us, “He will build his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it”, Matthew 16:18. Put another way, He will build His church. Whose church? His. Who will do the building? He will. Will this be successful? Yes, because God has spoken. We may also need to allow the Lord to stretch
our understanding of church, focusing on the body of people rather than structures.
He will do the work, but we have a part to play.
Scripture shows us much that is timeless that God says to His Church. We need to be ready for His second coming in glory, for a bride without spot or wrinkle, to be His bride, Ephesians 5:27. There is an urgency here to ensure our focus is on Jesus. Scripture warns us clearly that we do not know the timing of His coming, Matthew 24:36.
In Revelation 2 and 3, the Lord speaks to the seven churches, challenging them not to lose their first love or be lukewarm, not to accept false teaching, not to tolerate Jezebel [control]. Likewise, the Lord commends perseverance, richness in faith, remaining true to Jesus - including amid difficulty, hope, love and holiness.
Lift your eyes
As we lift our eyes from the busyness of living, from problems in the church and the world, it becomes easier to focus on Jesus and His Kingdom. We are told that there will be wars and rumours of wars and that we should be not troubled, Matthew 24:6. Focusing on the world can draw us away from seeing the Lord of Glory who will come on the clouds, and every eye will see Him, Revelation 1:7. And insofar as we are almost transfixed by problems and “problem” people, we would do well to remember the parable of the wheat and the tares, which were/are left to grow together until the appointed time, Matthew 13: 24-30; judgement belongs to the Lord, Romans 12:19.
Jesus Himself speaks more about the Kingdom of God, His rule and reign in the lives of His children and beyond, than of the church. Perhaps we need to look to how to build one another up in faith, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, rather than to maintain church as we know it. Maintenance is important but can take over from the work of the Holy Spirit of God. May we learn to look for the signs of God working in our individual, corporate and national life, however small, and trust Him to bring these to completion, Philippians 1:6, much like looking at an acorn whilst also marvelling at the huge tree into which it will grow. Change takes place in the spiritual realm before we see it in the natural world. The Lord always retains a remnant faithful to Him.
Growth in prayer and intercession
One of the real encouragements of the day in which we live is the amazing way the Lord is growing prayer and intercession. Clearly God’s people have prayed for centuries. What we see today is the growth of prayer movements across the world, with Flame International moving to prioritise intercession, including in Hubs of people praying together; if you would like to join in, do email prayer@flameinternational.org.
It’s His Church not ours
The church is described as God’s body here on earth, constantly growing and expanding, Ephesians 4:15-16. We need to remember that Jesus told us, “He will build his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it”, Matthew 16:18. Put another way, He will build His church. Whose church? His. Who will do the building? He will. Will this be successful? Yes, because God has spoken. We may also need to allow the Lord to stretch
our understanding of church, focusing on the body of people rather than structures.
He will do the work, but we have a part to play.
Scripture shows us much that is timeless that God says to His Church. We need to be ready for His second coming in glory, for a bride without spot or wrinkle, to be His bride, Ephesians 5:27. There is an urgency here to ensure our focus is on Jesus. Scripture warns us clearly that we do not know the timing of His coming, Matthew 24:36.
In Revelation 2 and 3, the Lord speaks to the seven churches, challenging them not to lose their first love or be lukewarm, not to accept false teaching, not to tolerate Jezebel [control]. Likewise, the Lord commends perseverance, richness in faith, remaining true to Jesus - including amid difficulty, hope, love and holiness.
Lift your eyes
As we lift our eyes from the busyness of living, from problems in the church and the world, it becomes easier to focus on Jesus and His Kingdom. We are told that there will be wars and rumours of wars and that we should be not troubled, Matthew 24:6. Focusing on the world can draw us away from seeing the Lord of Glory who will come on the clouds, and every eye will see Him, Revelation 1:7. And insofar as we are almost transfixed by problems and “problem” people, we would do well to remember the parable of the wheat and the tares, which were/are left to grow together until the appointed time, Matthew 13: 24-30; judgement belongs to the Lord, Romans 12:19.
Jesus Himself speaks more about the Kingdom of God, His rule and reign in the lives of His children and beyond, than of the church. Perhaps we need to look to how to build one another up in faith, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, rather than to maintain church as we know it. Maintenance is important but can take over from the work of the Holy Spirit of God. May we learn to look for the signs of God working in our individual, corporate and national life, however small, and trust Him to bring these to completion, Philippians 1:6, much like looking at an acorn whilst also marvelling at the huge tree into which it will grow. Change takes place in the spiritual realm before we see it in the natural world. The Lord always retains a remnant faithful to Him.
Growth in prayer and intercession
One of the real encouragements of the day in which we live is the amazing way the Lord is growing prayer and intercession. Clearly God’s people have prayed for centuries. What we see today is the growth of prayer movements across the world, with Flame International moving to prioritise intercession, including in Hubs of people praying together; if you would like to join in, do email prayer@flameinternational.org.
Shalom
As we seek the Lord in the many challenges of our lives, we can speak God’s shalom peace into the most difficult of situations. We can remember and pray the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”, Matthew 6:10 and that Jesus came “that we may have life and life in all its fullness”, John 10:10.
Our response becomes a life of worship, praise and thanksgiving, amid difficulty, a life of prayer and of living out the Great Commission in whatever ways, large or small, that the Holy Spirit prompts us.
What is God saying to the Church today? Go for it, live it and be blessed as you do so. Being led by the Spirit can look untidy, ridiculous, exciting and amazing. There may be sticking points for each of us. My own experience is that every time I think I understand what the Spirit is doing, He “ups the ante”. A challenging journey which can lead to amazing outcomes if we stick with it.
My understanding is that we stand at the beginning of a massive harvest, as people - particularly the younger generation - tire of the world and turn to Christ. In addition, there will be an exponential increase in healing and miracles.
Obedience
So often, we hear His call to us to respond but are slow to obey. I have recently been reminded of something the Lord told me to do some years ago. Although I had prepared myself to do this, I had not “got round” to it. When I repented and did it, I quickly received increased revelation, for myself, in ministry to others and in an opening to speak into church matters. To act “when I have time” hardly honours Jesus as Lord of my life.
As we prepare for the return of Jesus Christ, let us hold closely to Him, whatever goes on around us, obey His word and trust Him for the outworking of the manifold problems of the church and the world. “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever, Amen”, Ephesians 3:21.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” Revelation 3:22.
As we seek the Lord in the many challenges of our lives, we can speak God’s shalom peace into the most difficult of situations. We can remember and pray the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”, Matthew 6:10 and that Jesus came “that we may have life and life in all its fullness”, John 10:10.
Our response becomes a life of worship, praise and thanksgiving, amid difficulty, a life of prayer and of living out the Great Commission in whatever ways, large or small, that the Holy Spirit prompts us.
What is God saying to the Church today? Go for it, live it and be blessed as you do so. Being led by the Spirit can look untidy, ridiculous, exciting and amazing. There may be sticking points for each of us. My own experience is that every time I think I understand what the Spirit is doing, He “ups the ante”. A challenging journey which can lead to amazing outcomes if we stick with it.
My understanding is that we stand at the beginning of a massive harvest, as people - particularly the younger generation - tire of the world and turn to Christ. In addition, there will be an exponential increase in healing and miracles.
Obedience
So often, we hear His call to us to respond but are slow to obey. I have recently been reminded of something the Lord told me to do some years ago. Although I had prepared myself to do this, I had not “got round” to it. When I repented and did it, I quickly received increased revelation, for myself, in ministry to others and in an opening to speak into church matters. To act “when I have time” hardly honours Jesus as Lord of my life.
As we prepare for the return of Jesus Christ, let us hold closely to Him, whatever goes on around us, obey His word and trust Him for the outworking of the manifold problems of the church and the world. “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever, Amen”, Ephesians 3:21.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” Revelation 3:22.
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