I was recently appointed by the Mission Board to head up a new pioneering project – NP 500 – within the bounds of the Northern Presbytery. The goal is to connect 500 new people to the gospel and to plant new churches. It is a big vision as the area of mission is rural, with many small churches and a declining population.
The aim is to reach out in evangelism to a diverse range of people by incorporating varied and innovative methods, including the use of cutting-edge digital ministry.
We all, as believers, have a mission to reach out and care for the lost, to tell others the good news of the gospel that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners like us.
Let’s face it, these are troubling times, times of confusion and anxiety. So many in our society are worried about finances-whether to eat or heat. Many more are facing hunger or homelessness-unable to pay rent or mortgages; stressed and struggling in a world of pain and uncertainty. Workers are stressed and striking. The NHS is on its knees. Sickness and disease are our lot.
But with God, there is stability and certainty. He is the Unchanging One; the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. We may tremble and shake on the rock-but the Rock remains firm and steadfast. Jesus is the light in our darkness.
Our God is in the midst of our suffering; He feels our pain, and He cares deeply. He sees the misery in our communities, in our towns and cities, and He calls his people to prayer! Prayer and care for the lost!
We are not called to holy huddles. In Elijah’s day, there were prophets in caves. What were they doing in caves? They had a duty to proclaim the word of the Lord! Amid all the bad news, are we guilty of keeping the Good News to ourselves? May we, together, in the strength of the Lord, rise up as a people of power! God is on our side! Let’s pray the Prodigals home and search out the lost sheep.
“O church arise…an army bold, whose battle-cry is Love, reaching out to those in darkness.”
It’s easy to care if you truly love. God is love, and His love is revealed to us in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us so much that, in anguish and pain, he took the punishment for sin that we deserve. Pray for His love to overflow into your family, and your neighbourhood. Think of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet-she did what she could. Do what you can! And the woman who found her precious, lost coin? She knew her neighbours well enough to share her joyful good news with them. Do you know your neighbours? If you truly care for them, then one day you will be presented with an opportunity to share your Good News with them to tell them that there is a Saviour who loves them.
We don’t need large churches or great organisations to share our faith. After all, where two or three are gathered in His Name, He is in the midst. Healthy Churches are found where the followers of Jesus commit to meet and pray and to obey the Great Commission:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20 NIV)
May we all be prayerful, with willing hearts-hearts overflowing with the love of Jesus, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Will you give yourself for Him?
If you would like to receive more information on the NP500 project, my e-mail is [email protected]
The vision of the Free Church of Scotland is to see a “Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland.”
Find out more here.
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