God loves the towns and cities of our nation but he hates the mess that they are in. the impact of poverty, homelessness, run down centres, overcrowding, stressed out health services, tight budgets for our schools.
At times like this, it is easy to find someone or something to blame. However, I believe that God is calling this church not to play the blame game but to co-operate in prayer and action to begin to turn things around for his glory.
The church has always been God’s primary agent for change on earth. John Wesley said, ‘God does nothing except in answer to prayer’. While I might not totally agree with him completely you only have to take a glance to see that where major renewal and revival have taken place began in prayer which led to social reform.
For many years we have talked about a personal faith and personal salvation but this is now been replaced with a more biblical balanced view with an understanding of our broader role in the redemption plan of God. Individual salvation is now understood as part of God’s bigger plan to bring everything to wholeness in Christ. In other words – we are saved to serve.
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20
So we have this big task – the redemption of the whole earth. Thankfully we have not been asked to do this on our own. It is not a call given just to us at Broadmead – it is the call for the church, to come together in prayer and action to hear the ancient charge.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14
This week we have two opportunities to come together for prayer.
This Friday and the first Friday of each month onwards we have the opportunity to come together for about an hour to pray together as a church.
Last month we focused on prayer as our holy habit. We must keep prayer as a key focus for us as a church. the times of prayer will be focused on prayer for our community, neighbourhood, town and our witness as a church within it. So please do give up an hour to join us – all welcome whatever your age or experience of prayer.
On Sunday we have an opportunity to join together with other churches around Northampton in the market square to pray together. To come humbly before the Lord in prayer as we ask His kingdom to come here in Northampton.
All details can be found here.
Remember when God’s people pray, anything can happen.
Pastor Adam’s Blog 