The Church Jesus Started

Guest Blogger- Pete Hise

This is great. Enjoy...

"The Bible tells us that the Church is the Bride of Christ. She was dreamed up by God Himself and she is magnetic, powerful, compelling, loving, contagious, compassionate and embracing…a place where people stand in lines to get in…a community where people sing at the top of their lungs in praise to God…and a place of healing where marriages are thriving and families soaring. The Church Jesus started is a place where God’s presence is so rich and His power so clear that people are begging to be drawn in.

All over the book of Acts, we see common, ordinary people who’d been with Jesus or heard the message of His love and redemption and couldn’t help but spreadthe Good News. Acts 13:49 says the Gospel spread like wildfire.

The Roman Empire tried to shut it down, but it didn’t work. For 2,000 years the sword couldn’t win out over love, weapons and hate couldn’t overcome the cross. Nothing can separate us from His love and nothing will stop His pursuit.

That is the beauty of the church. That’s what Jesus left in our care…the relentless pursuit of a God who will not give up on His kids…the lives of ordinary people so changed by His love that it spills out like grace poured out at the cross…the power of His Spirit that death itself cannot stop…and the compelling truth of His message that brings hope, forgiveness and grace to all who will receive it.

People…that’s the message of hope we’re called to bring, that’s the Church we’re called to lead and that’s the community of faith Jesus is calling us to BE. The momentary troubles we face now are NOTHING in light of His strength and power. Light the beacon of hope for those around you…they’re dying to see Him through you."