Back to the Basics

The church has been given one “operational purpose” according to the commission statement found in Matthew 28. “Go, make disciples” is the directive Jesus told His apostles and His church to execute. It would be appropriate for us examine our ministries in light of this mandate to ensure our proper involvement with the will of God. Our first action is to invite people to Return to God. If man is made in the image of God then he was born already associated with the divine. Sin separates man from God and the call of Jesus, “come follow me” is an attempt at getting man to return back to God. The prodigal son exemplifies well. He left his father, realized his detachment caused by sin, and willingly returned a changed man to an eagerly waiting dad. Our second effort is to Restore the broken relationship that was once perfect. Prior to our sin we did have a right relationship with the Holy God which explains why children and the feeble minded are innocent. One is reminded of the days when man walked with God in the garden in righteousness. God wants us to want that communion with Him again. Next we become involved in Rebuilding. The year was 520 bc when the Jews, released from Babylon where given the task of rebuilding the temple of God. This most important work was needed for the people of Yaweh to serve and worship Him. It acted as a bridge or agent through which man on earth could reach into the divine heaven. This temple finds it’s fulfillment in the Lord’s Kingdom on earth, the church of Jesus our Messiah. In this spiritual temple we serve and worship God, here, man is connected to the Father. Lastly, when these things are engaged in, great Rejoicing happens. All along the process of making disciples God blesses our efforts as men are drawn toward Jesus. Return, Restore, Rebuild, Rejoice. Zechariah reminds us these basics of our God ordained purpose can only be attained through His power as He works within us. “Not by might nor power, but by my Spirit”.