The initial vision of Jesus, in the final book of the Bible, pictures Him (“One like a Son of Man”) walking AMONG the seven lampstands (Revelation 1:12-13). Then we are told the seven lampstands are the seven churches (1:20). Where do you find Jesus now? You find Him among His churches. He declared His long-term agenda to His own disciples: “I will build MY church…” He declared His oneness with His church to the persecuting Saul—what happens to His people happens to Him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME?” For our final message prior to the transition weekend we will sum up Jesus work FOR us on the Cross, and His work IN us by His Spirit, as all intended to culminate in His work AMONG us as His “ecclesia” = the gathered together people of God on a shared mission. We were not only saved FROM something, but TO something. Join me this weekend as we consider the collective call of Jesus on our lives together as His people.
