For the week of July 12, 2006

God Is Among Us.

Often, the success of a church is measured by how many people attend on a given Sunday. I’d like to challenge that point of view. Our strength, our vitality, our health as a body, does not depend upon the numbers or how we stack up against other organizations. Here’s why:

We have something on our side which I would like to call the “God Dynamic.” That is, God is among us. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 18:20,

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Do you realize what that means? It means when a group of Christians—small as they may be—gets together, opens up the Bible, and discovers God's will, it is the beginning of an exciting movement of God.

Read the Old Testament prophets or peruse the biographies of history’s great missionaries and you will discover that great movements of God always have simple, humble beginnings. And spiritual revivals always, always start with the actions of a few committed, dedicated, caring individuals who love the Lord and are willing to stand by their calling no matter what.

There is a saying that “God and one are a majority.” I like that. Throughout history God has always worked through a remnant (Genesis 45:7, Acts 15:17). Think about it: if we've got God on our side, it doesn’t matter what the trends are; it doesn’t matter what the statistic say; it doesn’t matter which direction the culture is going—there is no stopping us.

This week, remember that you are not in it alone! In your quiet time with God, ask Him to give you assurance of His presence and to align you with other Christians of like mind. Then go out into your world and begin making an impact for Christ!

- William Sherman -