Joy Gascoigne from Grimethorpe Pentecostal Church spoke tonight from Ephesians 1:15-2:3, reminding us of both the individual and corporate nature of the church. Jesus Christ comes in power and energises individuals, and so the church is effectively a working body, a living body and a growing body.
Local churches are in touch with people and must live not on bread alone but on the words of God (Matt 4:4). Our role is to share the word of God with others, holding on to His promises. The church must not become insular, but must seek to find those who are outside the church, often lonely peple who need the connection church can bring to others and to God.
Everybody has a part to play in this, starting with prayer. Prayer is not the last resort; God moves in response to the call of His people and works in power, with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. From our prayer life flows our actions; God works in and through us to reach others.
