Envision Conference

This afternoon I returned from a four-day Calvary Chapel "Envision" conference in Manly hosted at St. Matthew's Anglican Church.  It was wonderful to meet with pastors and friends from all over the world, hailing from Australia, United States, the UK, South Africa, Scotland, the Philippines, France, and no doubt other places.  As we worshiped God through songs of praise, the teaching of His Word, the fellowship of the saints, and serving one another, it was a spectacle of God's grace and love.  How good it is to see brethren dwelling together in unity!

As we sang together, it occurred to me how wonderful it would be if we could stay together in Manly, day after day, night after night, praising God and ministering to all the people who wandered in.  When we lifted praise to Jesus people stopped, stared, and walked through the doors asking, "What's going on in here?"  There is no shortage of people who need Jesus Christ who walk past the open doors of St. Matt's sanctuary every day.  But as much as I have a heart to see salvation come to the people in Australia through faith in Christ, I caught myself.  It is good to gather together in one accord to seek God with all our hearts.  Yet it is God's design that His people would go out into all the world, preaching the Gospel and making disciples of all people!  God's power is revealed tangibly through His people in whom the Holy Spirit dwells.  If all the Christians at the conference stayed in Manly, God would do great things.  But how much greater a work will He do through us when we walk with Christ out of the sanctuary and take Him into our homes, families, workplaces, cities, and nations, with the express purpose to introduce others to Jesus as LORD and Saviour!

The time spent at the conference was sweet, but sweeter days are yet to come.  God has a global vision for evangelism, salvation, and discipleship that would blow us away if we were to catch even a small glimpse of it.  There are times for joining hands in prayer and voices in song, and there are times to depart riding trains and planes.  All these seasons exist for the glory of God, so Jesus Christ may be lifted up and draw all people to Himself.  It's not the size of your church that matters.  One person walking in step with Christ is more effective in ministry than a thousand who lift their hands in unison and sing a song.  Whatever you do, do it with all your might for the glory of God.