Billy Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois, U.S.A., was the first to declare, "The local church is the hope of the world."
But in what way are we the hope of the world, and how can we carry out that hope to others?
It can from time to time feel like that as Christians we have nothing much to offer to the world. Not all churches are big enough to be in a position to give, and not all Christians have the impact to make any significant change. Not all local churches are in any position to offer any help to the world if it was based simply on their capacity.
But the hope we bring has very little to do with the position, funding, influence or standing of people in the church. The hope we bring is not through our strength, but God's. Even when we feel like we have nothing to offer, we have Jesus. That gives us the reason to believe that what we have to offer is more than enough.
Here are three reasons why the church is the hope of the world.
1. We Carry the Truth of Christ
The primary purpose of the church is to bring the truth to the whole world. What is that truth? It's no other than the truth of the gospel.1 Timothy 3:15 says, "If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth."
The truth of Jesus and His finished work on the cross is something that the world must hear. As local church communities, we can bring that truth to the people closest to us.
2. We Are Called to Be Extensions of God's Love
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus commands us, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
The most available extension and proof of God's faithfulness is the life and testimony of the saints.
Each believer has more than enough life to share to others and more than enough light to shed. God has proven to be faithful to us all, giving us stories of miracles and breakthroughs. All we have to do now is share it to the world.
3. We Stand at the Breach In Intercession
Prayer is undoubtedly one of the most powerful things we can do as the people of God. When we intercede for the things that are happening in our community, we act as God's royal priesthood as we stand between God and the whole world. When Christians stand in prayer for cities, nations and the world, God shows up.
Ezekiel 22:30 says, "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."
