
The Christian Church is thriving!
Really?!
Can I find some research statistics to prove that?
Probably not.
Can I find lots of people that say that it’s thriving?
Probably not.
Can I prove that it’s thriving through empirical evidence and observation?
Probably not.
So, do I believe the church is thriving and getting God’s holy work beautifully done?
Yes! Absolutely!
How can you know this?
Well, let’s ask Jesus.
Is the church thriving and growing?
And he says, “I will build my church…”
Or more fluently:
“And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” (Matthew 16:18 The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language [Pop up in ESV] )
Or more literally:
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18, ESV)
Or more humorously and startlingly:
“Tear down this temple and in three days I’ll put it back together.” (John 2:19, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language [Pop up in ESV] )
So, whether we can see it (or not), we can believe it’s thriving right before our eyes (or not)!
I believe it is thriving (in Jesus’ name!) And I’m delighted to be a part of it!
How about you? What do you think?
Please comment below.
Your comment below is very welcome or email John Parker privately.
Giv’m heaven!
John Parker
I can easily be misled to see a thriving church as “prosperous” in the world’s eyes. But I am reminded that the faithful who are down on their knees, pleading for God to be known, and the many who share in the fellowship of Christ through suffering in this world – not very vogue – and even the darkness that allows Christ’s light to shine even brighter is all a part of the Kingdom of God taking ground. Lord lift my eyes above the headlines and those with microphones and algorithms to see you, Your Kingdom coming, and Your will being done. Amen.
Love it, Brother Jim! Amen!