Saturday November 15, 2008
Hi everyone!
I have got one more theme in this ‘unstoppable’ series: it is the idea of momentum. The buildup of energetic forward motion. I am no physicist, but I know momentum when I see it – feel it. I have experienced it in sports, on stage, in my car, and yes – in churches. And I have been known to have a good dose of skepticism, pessimism (I say reality) – and still I know what momentum is all about! One of the toughest jobs of the coach, and the Minister, is to generate momentum and sustain that momentum. I guess that is where God steps into the equation. The church is His responsibility, not mine. I am to be responsive, get in the flow of the spiritual current He sets up, and help others to jump in and keep moving.
Have you ever sat on an inner tube/raft and floated down a manmade lazy river, or better yet, a mountain stream. Sometimes the ride is faster than other times. Sometimes the river changes direction and there may be an adjustment needed, riding up against the abrasive wall/shore until the current catches you again and whips you along to new places.
I think the church is like this. Throughout history there were some tough and rough spots, places where the river might hit against barriers that were, at first glance, just too much trouble to penetrate or circumvent. Persecution, corruption, apathy – and yet the church of Jesus has survived it all! One of our hymns tomorrow says it perfectly: “crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the Church of Jesus, constant will remain; gates of hell can never ‘gainst that church prevail, we have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail”
Jesus spoke of His Kingdom having momentum, energetic forward motion. I want our congregation here in Brockville to sense this as we move towards celebrating 200 years of ministry in 2011. All of you, though, look around, watch some of the churches in your town, read some Christian magazines, surf the net, see how God’s people are moving ahead in a tough world, just like the church in the New Testament book of Acts. There are many reasons to grow discouraged and fall into the grip of irrelevance. But instead take heart, be encouraged, and join those who follow Christ all over the world and be part of His momentous momentum. I hope I can explain it adequately tomorrow.
Like many of you, I succumbed to the grip of a bad cold this week, and it really slowed me down. My head is fuzzy, my body is slow (I know, some of you think that is my status at normal times) and I need to rest for tomorrow. Check out all the unstoppable themes and outlines at www.churchunstoppable.blogspot.com
Have a great Sunday wherever you choose to worship
Doug
