Pastor's Desk
February 19 , 2006
FROM THE HUMAN point of view we are truly a privileged people. We live in Canada, one of the best countries in the world to live in and in Vancouver, one of the best cities in Canada to live in. I know that may not be everyone’s opinion but people who visit our city on a Sunday day understand why that might be said. We are grateful for these blessings.
This week we (the pastoral staff of Bethel) participated in a roundtable discussion with other ministry leaders in the city where we asked this question: “How can we as Christian leaders in this remarkable city proclaim and demonstrate the Kingdom of God in such a way that will make a noticeable difference?” While we live in a beautiful place which has become the destination of choice for many people around the world, we must acknowledge that there are some dark sides to the city: It is a city which leads in many ungodly practices. The poorest postal code in Canada is found within the city of Vancouver. It is a city with the lowest church attendance in North America. But we believe that God wants the inner beauty of the city to be what its outer beauty proclaims. The mountains and the forests around us remind us of the Creator. In the same way the Church in the city must rise up by word and action to demonstrate the righteousness, justice, compassion and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is our desire to see that Vancouver would become a place from which it is difficult to go to hell.
Not only this. Vancouver is a city which has become a place where natural resources are collected and then dispersed to other parts of the country and the world. We want to see Vancouver become a place where supernatural resources are drawn together and spread to the rest of Canada and around the world. As we receive the blessing of God let us enjoy it. But when God blesses us in one way or another it is never just for our own use. We are blessed to bless. If we have received wealth, we need to share it both with the needy of the city and of the world. If we have received the good news of salvation, we need to share it with the lost of the city and of the world.
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Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city
to which I have carried you into exile.
Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers,
you too will prosper."
This page was last updated on Friday, February 17, 2006