JANUARY 19TH, 2021      |        The capital C Church is our focus today. She is not brick and mortar; she is every person on the planet who names the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. She is strong and resilient and the gates of hell will not prevail against her. (Matt 16:18). Her foundation is Jesus Christ; He is her cornerstone (Is 28:16). She is blood-bought, redeemed and beautiful. She is the Bride of Christ and He is the Bridegroom. The imagery in stunning. She was birthed at Pentecost, gifted with the Holy Spirit, and she anxiously awaits the return of the Bridegroom. One day He will present her to the Father in all her glory, without spot or wrinkle, holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:27) Until then, she is to glorify God (that is, know Him and make Him known), to tell the world that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone, to equip believers for the work of the ministry, to care for one another, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken and hurting world. There is no higher calling, no greater privilege. How are we doing with our mission? In the book of Revelation, the Church is on full display. Jesus instructs John to write seven letters. The seven churches addressed in chapters 2 and 3 were actual churches, but they also represent types of churches historically and presently. They are all different but there is a verse repeated at the close of each letter, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev 2:7,11,17,29, 3:6,13,22) That is our focus as we close today. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” What do you hear the Spirit saying to the Church today? What do you hear Him saying to you as a part of His Church? What is the Spirit prompting you to do or not do in response? How will you carry out the mission of the Church this year?