1st Century Church in the 21st Century.

Let’s talk “perspective”, shall we? Love it or hate it, perspective can be a funny thing. Honestly? I am amazed at how often I lose it, actually. Thankfully, we’re never so far away from perspective that it can’t be regained. I believe we just have to have our eyes open and be ready when the “perspective” bus drives by. I got hit by that bus earlier this week. Had to share the story.

One of our pastors on staff, John Hull, is currently in India attending a pastor’s conference made possible through the funding of our church’s Imagine campaign last fall. It’s being held in the Bilhar province which likely has the lowest percentage of Christians in all of India. John is meeting with, speaking to, and praying for 40 house church pastors in this province and here’s a text John was able to send out after their first day together:

Received October 1 at 7:49 a.m.

What a great day!  The conference started with over 30 young pastors who are the leaders who are planting new house churches all over the state of Bihar.  Their stories are amazingly wonderful. To say that this is like the first century church is an understatement.  They are starting with nothing – no believers, no church, no materials, nothing – only their belief in and passion for Jesus Christ.  And it’s happening!  They are leading people to Christ and house churches are being created and they are growing.  I just left one of these house churches where I preached twice, once to the adults and once in their children’s church service.   What an incredible experience.  Their faith is so new but yet so strong.

We (TWUMC) are a significant part of something great. I sense that we are on the verge of a great movement of God. I wish you could see and experience what I am seeing. We are so blessed to be a part of this.

Western Christianity can be a tricky thing sometimes. I’ll be honest. It’s all too easy to get caught up in programs, buildings and attendance. It’s even easier to fall victim to one upping the church next door with a craftier sermon series or a better worship set. But, here’s the thing. At our very core as followers of Jesus Christ, we should be about the good news of the Gospel message found in Jesus Christ.

To think about these pastors with no church to call home, no pension or designated set salary, just a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus and leaning wholly on His provision from day to day? Amazing. And what’s the by-product of fully leaning on Him to provide for our needs? God shows up. As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit leads and churches are being planted, new people are coming to know Christ and God is just as much at work today as He was in the 1st century. Here’s the thing: are we leaning?

Are we leaning fully on God in our lives so that the ONLY explanation of how things turn out is due to His provision and leading? Are we sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to those who need to hear of His hope or are we counting on our pastors and trained seminarian professionals to do that?

Jesus said that I am a light. YOU are a light. And we can’t hide that. There’s a culture that needs to see where our hope comes from. Maybe the light has become dull. Can I say it? Brighten it up, people. Shine the good news of Jesus through the way you love and may God be given the glory, honor and praise.