The Archbishop Rowan Willaims, Head of the 80m Anglican Communion worldwide, provoked outrage when he suggested on February 7th that the adoption of elements of Islamic sharia law in Britain was "unavoidable". This underminded further his authority in trying to bring unity to the Communion which has been divided over the issue of homosexuality between the liberals and the conservatives in the Communion.
This also weakens the position of the state church which has been seen by the increasingly secular Britain as privileged yet irrelevant. By trying to extend religious rights that Christians enjoy to the Muslims, it actually upsets the secularists further. They are already calling for a smaller official role of the church in Britain. At present 25 bishops sit in the House of Lords.
I personally believe that Christians have to find their voice in society like anyone else, without any advantage over non-Christians. To demonstrate our faith and the greatness of our God, we have to reflect God's greatness in our lives. This means that Christians have to raise the bar in our performance in the classroom or in the workplace, wherever God puts us. There is a greater need for us to shine for Jesus in the world in order to attract people unto Him. Whilst the classroom continues to be a fertile ground for harvest, I believe that the marketplace is where the biggest battle for souls is fought. The challenge is immense; serving God, not money. The key is living out the Gospel with the help of God.
I count myself privileged to be playing this dual role of serving in the church and actively engaging people in the world (in the marketplace). Christians can no longer afford to be marginalised and silenced in the market place. Our voice should become louder and louder based on merits; and actions speak louder than words. When people in the world, who are seeking the truth, see Christians succeeding by living out Jesus' principles, they will be attracted to Jesus. The Word of God in [Prov 29:2] "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice...." will come true.
In my two years of working in the marketplace again, I can testify the help of God when I follow His ways. It is hugely difficult trying to break away from the practice of the world - looking after No.1 (the earthly boss). But even No. 1 has to bow down when we submit to the Boss in Heaven. It works every time because "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him....."[Lev 4:3-12 NIV]
I am not a fan of the Book of Leviticus, but it is the Word of God all the same. When it says that "If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. He is to present the bull at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it before the LORD", [Exod 40:1-16,34-38 NIV] I have no choice but to search my heart always and repent before the Lord (a sin offering) for any committed sin, in order not to bring guilt on the people under my care!!!
Apostle Paul is always a great example to imitate. "Because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done--..... through the power of the Spirit." [Rom 15:14-22 NIV]
It is my prayer and dream to see more and more Christians glorifying God in the marketplace because "when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; ....Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted........."[Prov 11:10-11 NIV]
This also weakens the position of the state church which has been seen by the increasingly secular Britain as privileged yet irrelevant. By trying to extend religious rights that Christians enjoy to the Muslims, it actually upsets the secularists further. They are already calling for a smaller official role of the church in Britain. At present 25 bishops sit in the House of Lords.
I personally believe that Christians have to find their voice in society like anyone else, without any advantage over non-Christians. To demonstrate our faith and the greatness of our God, we have to reflect God's greatness in our lives. This means that Christians have to raise the bar in our performance in the classroom or in the workplace, wherever God puts us. There is a greater need for us to shine for Jesus in the world in order to attract people unto Him. Whilst the classroom continues to be a fertile ground for harvest, I believe that the marketplace is where the biggest battle for souls is fought. The challenge is immense; serving God, not money. The key is living out the Gospel with the help of God.
I count myself privileged to be playing this dual role of serving in the church and actively engaging people in the world (in the marketplace). Christians can no longer afford to be marginalised and silenced in the market place. Our voice should become louder and louder based on merits; and actions speak louder than words. When people in the world, who are seeking the truth, see Christians succeeding by living out Jesus' principles, they will be attracted to Jesus. The Word of God in [Prov 29:2] "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice...." will come true.
In my two years of working in the marketplace again, I can testify the help of God when I follow His ways. It is hugely difficult trying to break away from the practice of the world - looking after No.1 (the earthly boss). But even No. 1 has to bow down when we submit to the Boss in Heaven. It works every time because "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him....."[Lev 4:3-12 NIV]
I am not a fan of the Book of Leviticus, but it is the Word of God all the same. When it says that "If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. He is to present the bull at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it before the LORD", [Exod 40:1-16,34-38 NIV] I have no choice but to search my heart always and repent before the Lord (a sin offering) for any committed sin, in order not to bring guilt on the people under my care!!!
Apostle Paul is always a great example to imitate. "Because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done--..... through the power of the Spirit." [Rom 15:14-22 NIV]
It is my prayer and dream to see more and more Christians glorifying God in the marketplace because "when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; ....Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted........."[Prov 11:10-11 NIV]
Amen and amen!
1 comment:
Hi Pastor
I'm from Hope Singapore!
Just want to tell you that I am very encouraged and inspired by this entry. I am certain that Hope London would be a great impact for God with your vision that He has given you to conquer the marketplace.
Let's fulfil His Great Commission by winning every teritory in our global marketplace!
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