We need a revival of the Word, beloved.

Have you seen it? The glory in Jesus' face?

Rocket science, literature, spiritual growth, and more.

God was faithful to His Word, and so was Patrick.

Time is God's gift to us, and our gift to Him.

What shall I render to the LORD
For all his benefits to me?
I will take up the cup of salvation
And call upon the name of the LORD
I will pay my vows to the LORD
Nowin the presence of all his people. Psalm 116.12-14

A festive people

Trying to hold a festival by yourself is about as successful as the sound of one hand clapping.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Matthew 5.13

Three uses of “salt”

The declining state of the Church in America suggests – even among some of its own members – that the warning Jesus issued in this teaching has begun to be realized: The Church is losing its “saltiness,” and therefore it is being rejected as no longer needed or useful.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5.14-16

Jesus and light

Jesus’ audience here was His disciples, primarily. He spoke to them as a group, not as individuals, to guide them in thinking about their corporate mission in the world. The disciples, and those who would become disciples through their efforts, were to think of themselves as the light of the world. They were not merely to shine light into the world. They were to be the light of the world – together, as one Body, with one mission.

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6.7

The first Church

It is unlikely that believers, even really sincere and growing believers, practicing their faith as individuals only, could have had the kind of impact in the first century that we see in the Book of Acts.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for edifying of the body of Christ… Ephesians 4.11, 12

Saints and members

The “saints” of the Lord, according to the New Testament, are all those who truly believe in Jesus Christ and in whom the Holy Spirit is working to flesh out their salvation (Phil. 2.13). The saints are thus members of Christ’s Body, and the health of the whole Body of Christ depends upon the health and contribution of each member of the Body.

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Corinthians 12.27

Four levels of “church”

In the New Testament the term “church” is applied at four levels among the community of believers.

ReVision studies are designed for individual or group us and explore various aspects of the Christian worldview. A typical study is seven lessons long and includes questions for discussion or reflection and action steps designed to help bring what you are learning into your walk with and work for the Lord Jesus. All ReVision studies are available in free PDF format and may be duplicated for group use.