THE CHURCH THAT WE SEE
The church that we see is a church filled with fervent followers of Jesus Christ whose hearts are ablaze with love for God, love for one another, and love for a needy world where the very atmosphere is charged with fervent prayer, joyful praise, intimate worship and a spirit of faith and expectancy. The church that we see is not tucked away, sheltered and hidden from the re
st of the world. It is a force, an ever-evolving, innovative and dynamic organism, affecting the spiritual climate of her city, her nation and her world. A place where the Great Commission is the first priority, people share their faith, the gospel is preached, churches are planted, and nations are impacted. The church that we see is a church of great compassion where the needy and hurting are drawn to find hope and answers to their problems. The church that we see is made up of friendly, loving people diverse in culture, history, age and background. Rich and poor, old and young, innocent and guilty, all redeemed, all worshipping in unity together as a testimony to the whole world of God's love, compassion and commitment to all mankind. The church that we see is filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating His fruit, moving in His gifts, and flowing in His power. The church that we see is a church where God's Word is taught in such a way that people align their values, attitudes, and lifestyle to God's kingdom. The church that we see is never comfortable with settling down and growing old. We see a church where every member carries the heart of God for the next generation of youth and children. The church we see is raising up a generation, educated and empowered to influence every system of the world for the glory of God! We see a church that recognizes that our youth and children are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today, growing up with undeniable experiences with God, wise in relationships, productive in society, flourishing in their callings and planted in God's house - the local church. The church that we see is so big that people can't ignore it and growing so fast that buildings can't contain it, yet is so small that each person feels a vital part of it - connected together in a network of hundreds of small groups across the city for care, discipleship, ministry and outreach. The church that we see is a church such passionate devotion, radical conviction, and total commitment to the cause of Jesus Christ that the very gates of hell cannot stop it! Although there are other worthy organizations and causes, there is NOTHING that compares to THE CHURCH, the Hope of the World, the Bride of Christ. Therefore, the church is central to the world; indeed the world is peripheral to the CHURCH THAT WE SEE.
