Thought for the Month - April 2018

"Our Jerusalem" by Pastor Jonny Ormerod

Donald Trump swept to power on the back of unprecedented backing by a multitude of everyday Americans. His message of ‘make America great again’ and ‘America first’, resonated with the voting population and galvanised a large proportion of previously disengaged people. He recognised that to make America great again in the eyes of the world he had to make America great again in the eyes of his own people.

Beginning at home is nothing new. In fact, it's a principle of ministry set down for us. In Luke 24:47 we read: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. In this command, the Lord Jesus Christ clearly states the modus operandi for the New Testament church. A local grouping of baptised believers voluntarily joining themselves together to carry out the Great Commission do well to heed the words of our Lord. If we would reach the world we must first reach Jerusalem.

Reaching our Jerusalem:

1. must be based on principle.
   Growing our church fellowship is a noble desire but should not be our primary one. Our primary motivation must always be to bring people to Christ. Therefore, in reaching our Jerusalem we would love to see our church grow but we desire above everything else to bring men and women, boys and girls to Christ.
2. must be our priority.
   In reaching the world we must reach Jerusalem first and foremost. The engagement of a local church is not a wrong thing; on the contrary, it is to be encouraged. It is however wrong to place priority or superiority on reaching the world at the expense of those who live on the church doorstep.
3. must be bathed in prayer.
   In giving His command, Christ also exhorted His disciples to tarry at Jerusalem. The reason for this was of course that they could find that time to be gathered together of one accord and one mind in the upper room. Here they cast themselves upon the Lord, here they poured out their souls on behalf of the souls of others. Here they laid the foundation for the great work to follow.
4. must be accomplished in power.
   The reason our LORD gave for the tarrying was of course that they might be endued with power. This was a timely reminder still applicable today. We may have the manpower, we may the message and we certainly have the mandate but without His power we can do nothing.

During the next number of weeks we go forth again into our Jerusalem. May we do so based only on the principle of bringing others to Christ, may we acknowledge the importance of our Jerusalem, may we pray without ceasing for those we go to and may we attempt nothing but in the power and strength of our God.

Until next month (DV)…

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