‘But what about you?’ Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’

(Matt 16.15-18)

At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations….keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch.. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants of his household..? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns..

(Matt 2410-14, 42-46)

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created.. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, buy making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

(Col 1.15-20)

I believe that this world, and the universe which holds it, is the handiwork of God, who has revealed himself to the people he made and longs to live harmony with them. I believe that it is only as we accept that revelation, and make God’s truth the basis of our lives, that we can truly live, and enter into the promises which he makes for us.

I believe that God is building his kingdom community even now, that all around the world, people are coming alive as his children every day, and joining that family which calls Jesus Saviour and Lord. I believe that kingdom can be seen, as God’s children live out their love for him in actions of compassion, sacrifice and service; as they put their gifts to work for the sake of his family and to invite others to join the kingdom.

I believe that God will complete this work, regardless of all that human arrogance, pride, skill and wisdom can do to destroy the credibility of his revelation, and that one day I will rest in the glory of a new-made creation, in a resurrection body, and be at home.

As I contemplate the state of the ‘church’ in Scotland today, I still believe these things and I grieve for our nation in its deliberate and determined rejection of the gospel. I grieve that our churches as individual witnessing communities are apparently failing to have any impact on that spiritual darkness. I grieve for my own part in that failure, confessing my cowardice, my pride and fear of giving offence, of being hurt and of failing in my efforts. I grieve for our own particular denomination, where dying churches are being bound onto living ones, in a vain attempt to ‘cover the ground’, and thus crippling those who have the energy and vision to make disciples by requiring them to spend themselves in propping up something which seems to be pointless.

Lord, have mercy! Is this how your servants should be spending these days as we long for your coming? Is this the best use of the vision and courage, the strength and resources which yet remain to us? How can it be right to devote ourselves to pleasing those who won’t change, so that they feel comfortable, when there are so many who need to hear the gospel? What will this process do to the faithful servants who remain? At what cost will this institution be preserved?

I believe that you are building your church around the world today Lord, and I long to see your name glorified in this land. We, your people, deserve judgement, and we need to be purified, revived in zeal, courage and vision. Do not cut us off altogether, but have mercy on your faithful saints and show us your power at work, to build your church in our communities and glorify you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.