Influence and Reform

 

In Christian circles (especially in Protestant churches) we note that the 31 October is remembered as Reformation Day. However it is important to note that for Christians REFORMATION is an ongoing event in our lives and not just an historical occurrence. We should be asking God to change us every day and allowing the Spirit to help us influence the world for Jesus.

In light of this, I think the words of J. Gresham Machen are very apt for our Church today:

"For Christians to influence the world with the truth of God's Word requires the recovery of the great Reformation doctrine of vocation. Christians are called to God's service not only in church professions but also in every secular calling. The task of restoring truth to the culture depends largely on our laypeople."

We must move away from the tendency to assume that the clergy are the only ones who can represent Christ in the world. This is false doctrine. Every one of us, who identifies with Jesus Christ, is called to be a 'transformer.'

2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

You only work on Sundays!

If I had 1 Rand for every time I heard this phrase:
"Minister's only work one day a week" I would be a Millionaire!
It is true that the majority of the community gets to 'see' us working on a Sunday, but lots of activities happen behind the scene and focus on smaller groups of people. Take this past Tuesday as an example. This was my day:

6:00am - Men's prayer and accountability at McCafe
7:00am - Kids to school
7:40am - Admin etc at Church
8:30am - Wesley Staff Meeting
10:00am - Response and feedback (via calls and emails)
10:45am - Appointment with Church member
12:00 - Fetch Joshua from School
12:30 - Meeting at Home over lunch(Ministers do eat from time to time:)
14:00 - Second School run
15:00 - Holy Communion to members of Church in their home
16:00 - Prep for meeting and Marriage counselling
17:00 - Counselling for couple getting married
18:20 - Quickly home for Supper
19:00 - Circuit Exec meeting at Metro (which finished at 10:50pm)
23:00 - Home from meeting and sleep

That's a day in the life of a minister. Ok, this was quite an exceptional case, as our meetings normally finish at 9:30pm, but you get the idea. So next time your minister/pastor stands to preach on a Sunday know that he is going to be working more than 1 day this week:)

Thanks for your prayers - we need them.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3