Monthly Archives: December 2024

WHAT IS “FAITHFULNESS”? – 2

Bible Study, ,

Matthew 24:45-47 NLT
[45] “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. [46] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [47] I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.”

In definition and practice, we have, in Jesus, the perfect model of faithfulness, one of the crowning qualities of the Son.

In contrast to the ones the world commends and rewards… people who achieve great success, people who have beauty or intellect, people who are in the forefront in their particular discipline, people who generally stand out above others… Jesus made only one quality the criterion for reward, faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 4:2 NLT
[2] “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”

Unlike those who receive accolades for being greater or better than the rest in the world’s eyes, everyone is elegable for reward in God’s kingdom. It’s not about competition. It’s about character.

What are the qualifications that meet God’s standard of “faithfulness”? I suppose we can consider many requirements that form the list of boxes God might tick. Let’s look at some as a guideline for us as we strive for the greatest of all commendations, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

These are random, not in order of priority.

Jesus told stories to illustrate His perspective of faithfulness.

  1. Faithful use of God’s resources

Matthew 25:14-16, 19-21 NLT
[14]“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16]“The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more…
[19] “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ [21] “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “

Note that, in his commendation of two of the servants, it was not the amount but the faithful stewardship of his resources that he praised. Each was rewarded according to his faithfulness.

  1. Faithful stewardship of duty

Matthew 24:45-47 NLT
[45] “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. [46] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [47] I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.”

Duty implies doing the assigned tasks. The faithful servant is one who gets on with the tasks assigned to him regardless of how long the master was away.

  1. Faithful stewardship of God’s Word

God’s Word is a package deal, a deposit given to His people for His divine purpose…to reveal the truth about Himself, His relation to people, and His requirements for His family for life under His reign. He gave it to us as a unit, to guard and keep intact, to believe and live by, and to pass on, unchanged, to the next generation.

Paul was careful to instruct his young protege, Timothy, about faithfulness to God’s Word, in three ways.

3a. Guard the integrity of God’s Word unaltered and unembellished.

2 Timothy 1:14 NLT
[14]”Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.”

3b. Pass God’s Word on to the next generation.

2 Timothy 2:2 NLT
[2] “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”

2 Timothy 2:15 NLT
[15] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

3c. Live by the requirements of God’s Word.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
[16] “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

  1. Faithful obedience to God’s calling and ministry

Paul’s example of faithfulness to his calling and ministry was impeccable…

1 Corinthians 9:16 NLT
[16]”Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!”

Romans 1:14-15 NLT
[14] “For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. [15] So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.”

…as was his counsel to young Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:5-8 NLT
[5] “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you…”

Paul’s own life was a testimony, to Timothy, of his faithfulness and the anticipation of his reward.

“[6] As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. [8] And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

  1. Faithful use of spiritual gifts

Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6]” +In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

  1. Faithfully doing good works

Revelation 19:7-8 NLT
[7]”Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. [8] She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.”

Hebrews 13:16 NLT
[16]” And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”

“Good works” represent the sum total of our obedience to Jesus as Lord.

  1. Faithful in prayer

Romans 12:12 NIV
[12] “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Faithful, as in keeping in touch with the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Spirit, to stay on track and to keep on doing the Father’s will.

There may be other evidences of faithfulness to the Lord and His work but these seven are sufficient to give us an idea of what faithfulness requires.

Jesus said we must always be ready for His return so that we are not caught off guard when He comes. Despite the unexpectedness of His appearing, we can always be assured that we are ready if we continue faithfully and lovingly to serve Him and His people untiringly, day after day, in these ways.

Matthew 24:42 NLT
[42] “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
[58] “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

WHAT IS “FAITHFULNESS”?-1

Bible Study, ,

We don’t have to look very far for an example of supreme faithfulness that sets the standard and the tone for what the Lord requires of His children…God Himself is faithful.

As always, who God is and what He does is the foundation of our response to Him. If He requires faithfulness in His children, He is first faithful to us in specific ways as God.

First, God is faithful to Himself…to His character and His ways. He is predictable when it comes to who He is. God is holy/love. This means that He fits perfectly and always, in His Words and works, into these two absolute qualities. Whatever He says and does matches who He is.

He is holy meaning, first, that He is absolutely separate from sin and, second, He is always consistent with who He is. He will never deviate from His perfect purity and He will never act out of character.

Moses’ encounter with the pre-incarnste Jesus at the burning bush gave him opportunity to ask Him His name. Why was this significant? In Biblical thought, a name is “a prophetic utterance of character”, (so I learned). Babies were often named according to the circumstances of their birth and/or in anticipation of who they would become.

So, Moses asked for much more than the title, the name by which the Deity he met would be known. He wanted to know who this God really was.

The reply was enigmatic, yet explanatory at the same time, YHWH in Hebrew, implies the absolute certainty of His being. In three tenses, Jesus was saying, “I am who I am,”, ” I was who I was,”, and “I will be who I will be!” This simple name was much more than a handle. It was a guarantee that He would never change. He would always be faithful to Himself in nature and function.

Scripture endorses the significance of that name in all the stories and records of His dealings with humans, both His own people, and the nations surrounding them. Whether He dealt with them in mercy or judgment, He was faithful to His name. Some people even added to that name a hyphenated description of who He was to them in their experience, for example, to Abraham Yahweh became YHWH-JIREH, Yahweh who provides. To Moses and the Israelites, He was YHWH-NISSI, Yahweh our banner, etc.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV
[8] “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

2 Timothy 2:13 NLT
[13] “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.”

What security in the assurance that God is not influenced by our circumstances. He will always be faithful to Himself…the God who is holy love.

Second, God is faithful to His Word. Again, I learned that God’s Word is “the manifestation of Himself in another form”. How true this is in the incarnation of Jesus! He came to earth as God’s Word in person.

John 1:14 NLT
[14] “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

Jesus not only spoke God’s Word. He WAS the Word. He declared two fundamental truths about the Word…

John 17:17 NLT
[17]”Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is TRUTH.”

John 14:6 NLT
[6] “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

So, Jesus was and is God’s final and complete message to the world and perfectly consistent with who He is…

Hebrews 1:1-2 NLT
[1] “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. [2] And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.”

Third, Jesus was faithful to His calling.

Hebrews 3:1-2 NLT
[1]”And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. [2] For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.”

Jesus lived for and obeyed the Father even to the cruel death He suffered on the cross.

Psalms 40:6-10 NLT
[6]”You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand— you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. [7] Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: [8] I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart…”

Part of Messiah’s role on earth was to reveal the true nature of the Father.

“…[9] I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know. [10] I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.”

So, He did the Father’s will…

Philippians 2:7-8 NLT
[7]” Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, [8] he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Fourth, Jesus, the Son of God, is faithful to His “house”.

Hebrews 3:5-6 NIV
[5] “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. [6] But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.”

Jesus is head of the church, His house or household of redeemed people. He is in charge of all things, i.e.,

Ephesians 1:22-23 NLT
[22]”God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. [23] And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”

He loves, leads, and serves the church as His bride-to-be in preparation for and inticipation of His return.

Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV
[25]”…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Fifth, Jesus is faithful to His promises.

2 Corinthians 1:19-20 NLT
[19]” For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. [20] For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.”

Jesus’ faithfulness…to Himself, His calling, His work, His people, and His promises…forms the solid foundation for His requirement of faithfulness to Him in all the facets of our lives and service.

“What a celebration of who you are, Jesus, what you have done, and what you are doing as God-made-flesh so that we can become replicas of who you are! Every detail of my faithfulness to you, tattered and shredded as it is because of who I am, is a glad celebration of You, or not at all!”

PARTNERSHIP THROUGH PRAYER

Christian life, ,

I have copied and posted this article in total, gladly acknowledging its source because I believe that this is the recovery of a powerful “tool” in the hands of the church today.
“We often think about the relationship between the Apostle Paul and the New Testament churches as a one-way street. Paul’s impact on the churches is obvious, as his letters instruct them about God’s truths. But we don’t think the other way round, about how the churches impacted Paul’s life and ministry.

“Recently, I had an opportunity to study Philippians. As I studied the core message and the context of this letter, I realized how much Paul’s success in ministry was dependent on the churches that he wrote to. I can see that these churches impacted his ministry greatly. That’s why, in all his letters, he commended them for such great support. In Philippians, he called that a partnership in the gospel. What does a true partnership look like? There are two elements— material support and prayer—and they go both ways.

“Paul wrote the letter to the church in Philippi while he was in prison in Rome. He started by saying, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (1:3-5). This partnership they had with Paul was “both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” (1:7-8).

“He appreciated them so much that at the end of his letter he repeated with an emphasis, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.” By the way, the core message of Philippians is about partnership, not joy as I used to think.

“This church not only partnered with him by sending gifts to meet his need but also in prayer. When they knew that Paul was in prison for the sake of the gospel, they prayed earnestly for his deliverance. Paul knew about this through Epaphroditus, whom they sent to help Paul (4:18). And now Paul sent him back with the letter (2:25). In verse 19 of chapter 2, he said, “Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.”

“Often, we think that material support is more important than prayer. We are happy to cut a check every month for a ministry, but spending time to pray for them is more difficult for us. We can see immediate result of our material support, while prayer takes time. Often we are not patient enough, so we focus on the first one.

“In all Paul’s mission trips, everywhere he went, he faced a lot of hardship and persecution, especially from the Jews, even believing Jews. Paul knew the importance of prayer, as he urged believers to pray for his deliverance, acceptance, and fruitful result. “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen” (Romans 15:30-32). Interestingly, he used the word strive to describe prayer, which means struggle or fight vigorously. Partnership through prayer requires hard work and humility.

“The call for prayer and intercession for ministry is so clear in Paul’s letters. To the Corinthians, who had problems with Paul because they listened to false teachers, he said, “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that, He will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:10-11). Prayer heals relationships and brings hope; it shows our dependence on God’s power.

“To the Hebrews, Paul wrote, “Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon” (Hebrews 13:18-19). Prayer is one way for us to connect with God and be cleansed.

“And there are many more verses like these throughout the New Testament.

” Our organization is working in many countries with unique challenges and needs, and they are not often material. In those circumstances, your prayers are what we need, more than anything else. I believe that our faith will increase as we see God’s power and glory revealed through your prayers in tough situations. I believe whether we are in the mission field or staying at home, we are all together for the Kingdom of God and that we can partner in the way God showed us in His Word.”

Acknowledgement

https://reconciledworld.com
Article: Parnership Through Prayer

About the Author: Nam
Avatar
Nam is the International Director of the Truth Centered Transformation program which keeps him moving. He spends 40 weeks a year on the road! Beyond seeing the world, his great passions are coffee and photography.

USE YOUR MOUTH

Christian Life,

Colossians 4:5-6 NLT
[5] “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”

“Live wisely!” These two words sum up Paul’s efforts to enlighten the Colossian believers about living the life of God’s children in a godless world. How important to live wisely because every choice and decision has outcomes.

To live wisely means making careful and considered choices instead of plunging willy-nilly into every circumstance and situation without a thought for the consequences. “Situation ethics”, for most people, is the way to go, doing what is “right” in the heat and on the spur of the moment without paying attention to ethics or morals but…situation ethics don’t work.

“Wisdom” is a mostly forgotten or ignored principle in our world today. Worldly wisdom, yes. We see worldly wisdom applied everywhere and we see its results….deeper and deeper into dysfunctional society. Worldly wisdom has what someone once described as “ingrown eyeballs”!

James 3:13-16 NLT
[13] “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. [15] For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. [16] For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”

On the contrary, godly wisdom applied in daily life turns outward and benefits others rather than self.

James 3:17-18 NLT
[17]”But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. [18] And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

The early chapters of Proverbs tell us a great deal about wisdom. However, all the details of wise living rest on one foundation.

Proverbs 9:10 NLT
[10]”Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

So, throughout this letter to the Colossians, Paul has laid the foundation of true wisdom, again in the seven words of his theme, “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. Wisdom is much more than following a set of rules. Wisdom is living out the life of the one who lives in us. As Paul testified…

Galatians 2:20 NLT
[20] “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

The thing about living wisely is that the results are not always immediately obvious. However, living wisely, under the authority of Jesus and in the power of His Spirit, produces fruit. The influence of wise living, i.e., doing what God says because it works, grows slowly, like fruit on a tree.

No matter the response of unbelievers, often antagonistic, the evidence of God’s involvement in His people is undeniable. The history of the early church, it’s rapid spread through the Roman Empire despite opposition and persecution, showed the world that God is real. Even Peter testified to this truth.

1 Peter 2:12 NLT
[12] “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

Even though the ungodly don’t like it, there is something powerful about the testimony of a godly life. Doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do testifies to an inner power that overcomes selfishness and wrong. Natural humans are driven by “me first”. Godly humans have changed direction, “Christ in me…you first!”

“Now”, Paul says, “watch your mouth!” What comes from our mouths is the first indication of what’s inside. Our first contact with outsiders is most often in what we say. That casual comment to a stranger, that unexpected word of appreciation or commendation, that simple expression of gratitude, that smile or gesture of friendship, are all opportunities to make the first move.

Paul’s says, look out for ways to connect with outsiders, people not yet in the kingdom, by what you say. It’s amazing how guards come down through gracious and friendly words! We are free to take the first step. Let’s do it!

Paul’s letter to the Colssian church comes to an end. He has given them a summary and resume of the real Christian life in a messed up world. It’s time to say goodbye.

True to form, Paul closes his letter by words of commendation and gratitude to those he knew or were associated with the Colossian church, who have partnered with him and played a part in his ministry. He makes use of his opportunity to thank and commend them before he ends his letter. Once again, partnership is everything in the spread of God’s kingdom. Paul recognised, acknowledged and commended them by name for their part in this great mission.

SHOOT AT THE TARGET

Prayer, ,

Colossians 4:3-4 NLT
[3] “Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. [4] Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.”

Great apostle that he was, Paul was aware that he was a vulnerable human being. He needed the prayer support of his fellow believers as much as anyone else. He was not too proud to ask for prayer even from those whom he didn’t know personally.

What were his specific requests, the target he wanted to hit? First, opportunities, and second, clarity. Why ask for opportunities? Wasn’t it the Lord who sent him to take the message to the Gentiles? Surely, He would give Paul the opportunities to do the job! Yes, and no.

Yes, to hit the target, Paul needed the Lord to supply the opportunities that would best serve His purpose. No, it was no use shooting at everything, wasting time on people who would refuse to listen. It was the Lord who would open the way to fruitfulness.

Why did Paul need clarity to pass the message on to others? He was a human, just like everyone else, subject to the weaknesses of humanity. He could also fall prey to weariness or discouragement, or become stale in his presentation of the precious message.

Paul never forgot that he was in partnership with the Lord. Partnership involved communication. It was not his role to bash on without consulting his senior Partner and he also needed others to support him in this work.

So, Paul invited his fellow believers to share this partnership by asking the Lord to do just what He wanted to do, to give Paul the opportunities to present the message that would bear fruit and to keep Paul’s mind fresh and clear as he repeated the story of Jesus to every new audience.

Ephesians 6:19-20 NLT
[19] “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. [20] I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”

Paul urged all his fellow believers to share with him in his mission. He was never a lone ranger. He must never feel that he was alone in this enterprise. He had companions to support him as he travelled and preached. He had partners who prayed as he went.

(An excellent blog on “Partnership Through Prayer…
https//:reconciledworld.org)

So, Paul commends and encourages this partnership on which he leant hard for the safety and success of his mission and calling.

Philippians 1:15, 18-19 NLT
[15] “It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives….
[18] But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. [19] For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.”

So it must be in this journey of life…never alone! We have the Spirit in us as our personal Companion and Helper. We have our fellow believers alongside us to help us bear the burden of duty and responsibility. God has ordained that prayer is the way to empower us as we carry out our commission, and partnership enables us all to have a share in the rewards. Some stay at home; others go, but together we form the team that succeeds.

This pattern of partnership was the secret of the China Inland Mission, later to become the Overseas Missionary Fellowship. It’s founder, Hudson Taylor, had a prayer support team led by his mother back home, that faithfully prayed for him and his companions as they pressed deeper into inland China. Against the tide of paganism, the gospel began to take root.

Later, after years of ruthless communism, the church, founded by Taylor and his fellow missionaries, emerged alive and flourishing despite severe persecution. Today, Chinese Christians still press on, strong and vigorous against the tide of opposition and unbelief.

It’s this focused prayer, as Paul requested, recognising and shooting at the target, that enables us to participate in the growth of God’s kingdom on earth.

As an aside, perhaps the church today has ignored or lost this mandate of partnership in prayer that shaped the church of long ago, to our loss. Is this one of the reasons for a modern church, in the main, that is weak, insipid, and compromising, in the place of a family of people that stand out for truth and righteousness in a very muddied world?