There are business meetings which bring forth good plans, and then there are meetings with God which release transformational grace. The 2004 Annual Meeting of the Mission America Coalition in San Diego was a transformational meeting with God. I was privileged to participate.
Our hearts were plowed for what God would later impart as U.S. Navigators Director, Alan Andrews, presented a riveting message on the state of American culture in which he outlined four major trends facing the church today: globalization; urbanization; pluralism; and withdrawal and isolation.
Andrews said the trends open the door for presenting "the whole Gospel, to the Whole person" but then asked whether the church is prepared to meet that challenge. "We have no idea how much pain is underneath the surface of people’s lives," he added, emphasizing that the Gospel must be proclaimed and demonstrated "in a much more holistic manner in order to touch lives and transform communities."
The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person
Barbara Elliott, recipient of President George W. Bush’s award for Human Rights in 2001 for her work with refugees and the poor, presented an eloquent summary of faith-in-action in the cities of America. Cynicism and anxiety were replaced with inspiration and hope as Barbara spoke. The Templeton Foundation has just published a compilation of interviews she did with pioneering "street saints." The book, Street Saints: Renewing America’s Cities is available from IFA. (www.ifabooks.com)
A working document, Loving Our Communities to Christ - A Framework for Grass Roots Initiated Strategies for Transformational Impact was central to much small group discussion and prayer. The document, shaped by more than 200 leaders, is uniting Christian leaders and is serving as a catalyst for collaborative, loving evangelism. Already, leaders in 15 U.S. cities have indicated a strong interest in having their communities chosen to model out this strategic framework! Prayer is asked as hundreds of leaders are beginning to deploy staff and resources to advance this church-based, community-focused initiative.
IFA, a member of the Mission America Coalition, will be targeting the cities selected with concerted prayer and fasting. The Loving Our Communities to Christ document, ideal for informed intercession, is posted on the "Current Prayer Guides" page at www.ifapray.org.
Loving Our Communities to Christ is an answer to years of concerted prayer and fasting, and is a necessary ingredient for ushering in and sustaining Revival.
Scripture presents the example of a righteous Gentile, Cornelius, a Roman Military officer whose extended household was marked for Redemption because of his faithfulness in devoted prayer, and generous almsgiving. An angel declared that Cornelius’ "prayers and alms [had] come up as a memorial before God." Note, "prayersa nd alms." (Acts 10:1-6, 30-33)
"Almsdeeds" Help Prompt Revival
Historically, almsgiving was not equated with tithes and offerings. Nor was it our modern practice of writing a check or putting money in the offering plate, box or basket. Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines alms as "Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money, food, or clothing, otherwise called charity." Acts of mercy or works of charity were termed Almsdeeds. Repentance, prevailing prayer and fasting are not the only ingredients necessary for Revival. The Gospel is more effectively propagated as believers do works of charity in their communities.
The Apostle Peter wrote about how this dynamic works: "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1Peter 2:11-12)
The hearts of unbelievers are spiritually conditioned to acknowledge God and receive Christ as they witness our works of compassion – our Almsdeeds. Jesus testified of the same dynamic. He said the world would know He was sent as the Messiah by the oneness they saw in believers lovingly co-laboring. (John 17:20-23)
Brother and sisters, if we will love our communities to Christ, we will see Revival!
