"According to Paul, gospel partnership is the normal Christian life. It means to stand together united in the gospel, determined to live as citizens of heaven in the midst of our corrupt generation, longing and striving to see the gospel be defended and proclaimed, and bravely copping the conflict, struggle and persecution that inevitably follow." [66]
May God give ALL of us the courage to live the 'normal' Christian life, come what may. And may we not leave our pastors and 'keen-beans' to hang out to dry!
How can we encourage one another to resist the temptation to 'spectate' and instead to together 'leave it all out on the field'.
I think we need to have long term in view. Culturally conditioned for instant everything is unhelpful for so many things in Christian living. Having said that if we are to be mature Christians... keeping sharp on these things requires solid longer term open and honest relationships. Robust enough that sin can be pointed out and dealt with properly.
ReplyDelete"How can we encourage..." surround yourself with the right people.
Prayer triplets?
Common projects ie all join the local Lion Club for evangelism purposes!
Ensure conversation within our social gatherings tends toward 'real' stuff and talking about God rather than sport/politics etc.