God's Design for Church

God's design is to use the church as his main way of getting his message to the world.  Knowing the reality of the Western Church, the task ahead is daunting but worth every effort.  Here is what Paul wrote about the church in Ephesians 3:7-13.

7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Here are some reflections on these great words

1.  vs. 7 - Servants are made through grace and the working of God's power.

Grace receivers through which he works his power.  That is what God wants to do in us.

2.  vs. 8 - This grace moves us to declare the unsearchable riches of Christ 

So many messages in the world today and so many messages coming out of the church.  But our message is to mine deep in the character of God and in the word of God and declare these riches in this generation.

3.  vs.9 - We are to make plain who he is to the generations.

It is to be done for everyone.  We are mystery revealers.  What fun! The message is not to be complicated but understandable and we must be relevant.  We cannot make it complicated for people to see who he is.

4. vs. 10 - We, as the people of God, are the conduit for making the story of Christ known

He is always looking for a people who will say "yes' and are willing to do whatever it takes in passion and creativity in making himself known.

5.  vs. 11-13 - Stay the course in our declaration of Jesus

No matter how much pressure to declare something other than Jesus, or whatever else may become popular.  We stay the course to speak of who God is, as revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.  There is no other message.