We should expect both resistance to, and acceptance of the good news of salvation. An excerpt from THE AMAZING POTENTIAL OF ONE SURRENDERED CHURCH (p.19).
The only reason any church has the right to exist, much less advance, is that its Founder and Head has authority over the whole world. That statement will earn a scoff from cynics, but it accurately reflects Jesus’ own statements. Christ’s authority gives a church the proper perspective on why and how it should operate.
Jesus commanded us, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations†(Matthew 28:19). The “therefore†thrusts us back to the basis for such an outrageous command. The reason we have the right and responsibility to make disciples for Jesus in every nation without exception is because Jesus has been given authority in every nation without exception: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth†(Matthew 28:18).
Since the Father has granted the Son such global authority (and commensurate responsibility), the Son in turn has inducted believers, the Church, to discharge His plan and to do so in His delegated authority.
PRAYER APPLICATION
A season of prayer could focus on asking Christ’s saving authority to become known in specific families, neighborhoods, ethnic groups, etc. which surround your church.
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