In Him Was Life!

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. "John 1:4-5 ESV

Since the end of last year, as a church, we have been walking through the book of John. It has been refreshing to simply look at John's gospel and look at the life of Jesus. I have always been a fan of John 1, but since the first of this year the above text from John 1:4-5 has haunted me wherever i go.

See people were drawn to Jesus. People crowded the streets to see him, they pushed through crowds to touch him, they stormed into dinner parties to anoint him.  They wanted to know this man who was full of mercy, forgiveness, patience, and love.

When I drive around my city I constantly hear this scripture ringing in my ears and it pushes me to pray. My prayer for this year is "Lord i don't want to be a people with the right answers, but a people of your presence.". Because I find everything I need in His presence. 

I Want His Presence 

For so long I think we have been satisfied with having the right answers, but have we contended for his presence? Don't get me wrong I believe the the Lord is always with me because of his grace, I believe that I have his spirit living inside me, but I want to contend for the intimacy with the Lord that causes people to feel him when I am near.  

That itself makes you rethink your church planting strategy. It puts into focus your priorities when trying to reach a city. What use are strategies if we do not have his presence! Lets talk about investing. While we can invest in different tools and marketing materials, nothing beats time invested in prayer and worship. 

"But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 ESV)

When I tell people that we have come to plant a church, I see the response in their eyes, "Oh another one....". I do not want to come before these people empty handed.

Darkness will not be pushed back with great messages, music or even the right answers. It will only be pushed back by light, and that light is the life that is found in Jesus!

In Christ is life, and that life is the light of the world!