Someone mysterious had a master plan. To infect as much of the human race as possible. A handful of people were infected and allowed to move freely. At first they just stayed in their own city, but the infection spread like wildfire through their small country. Then they, and others carrying the infection, travelled to other countries and the infection spread exponentially. Each person infected managed to infect at least two others, and often more. This seemed unstoppable. The world was being changed – perhaps irreversibly. People began to talk about a ‘New Normal’.
But then a plan was instituted which reduced the spread of infection. Infected people were made to go to Quarantine Hotels. The Quarantine Hotels were run professionally by Managers. This system lasted for many many years. As the years rolled by, the Quarantine Hotels became more and more comfortable, to the point where many of the infected people preferred to stay there rather than go outside into the rest of society. The rapid spreading power of the infection had been contained at last.
What are we talking about? Covid19? No. Conspiracy theory? Absolutely not. This is just a brief history of a large part of the church, starting from Matthew 28 v 19 and leading to the present day.
The first disciples were on fire with a love of Jesus and a passion to tell others that when Jesus died a horrible death He was making forgiveness from sin and freedom from Satan’s power available to anyone who wanted it. Those who heard this and submitted their lives to Jesus found this was true. The disciples didn’t just talk about it, they moved in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. People were healed, demons left quickly, the dead were raised, the blind saw, the lame walked.
The infection spread
“But the hope of God’s kingdom kept spreading and multiplying everywhere!”
Acts 12v24
Thousands became disciples, gossiping the good news story wherever they went. They too healed the sick, raised the dead, got rid of demons. Because of them, thousands more followed Jesus. The whole known world was turned upside down (infected). The infected met in homes, discipled each other, were overseen loosely by travelling ministries. This was the Church. It was fluid and flexible, it had a powerful effect on the streets and villages wherever church gathered…..and many many more were infected
After about 400 years though, the church became Established. Christianity became the official ‘religion’ of the Roman Empire. The church began to move out of homes into buildings and they were led by professionals – Priests. The Quarantine Hotel and Managers. The effect since then has been to greatly reduce the spread of the infection – called Christianity.
It’s time for the infected, followers of Jesus, to leave Quarantine and spread the infection.
It’s time for the church to leave the building. We carry the same power and authority as the first disciples. Jesus has given it personally to you and me. He said that we would do the same things He did and more. No Quarantine for us.
We are forgiven, we are free, we are empowered, we are good to go. And there is work to do
You might like to watch this short video clip by John Wimber….
Church is out there 