Our Church Identity - Part 1

FINDING OUR IDENTITY

As a church community, Isaiah 55 has been critical for us in our understanding of who God says we are.  I would like us to take a journey of exploration into the land of His word/promise that God has given us. Like the Israelites who were sent in to explore the land they were to inhabit, God has given us His word, and invites us to explore it, dream over it, examine it for riches. Out of this identity we make our decisions, take our stance of faith when circumstances seem opposed to us, set the direction of our vision and efforts. His word over us becomes the divine prophetic invitation to become all that He has purposed for us to become, both as individuals and as a community. (Eph 2:10)

Before you read the thoughts below, why not spend a few minutes reading Isaiah 55 for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight His thoughts for you as you read. Underline the words or phrases that stand out to you. Ask God to show you His prophetic vision of MBCC.

PART ONE:  MBCC IS A HOUSE OF HIS PRESENCE

Is 55: 1-3

1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 

2  Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. 

3  Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 

If God is not present in the house we are building we have no reason to exist. God invites us to come to Him (3) – He and his presence alone make us more than a gathering of do-gooders or a social club.

Here are some things about God’s presence from Isaiah 55:

His presence is inclusive and inviting. All are welcome to come. Ironically, those who are able to receive are those who have come to the end of their own resources and recognise their desperate need for Him. (1)

His presence is gracious, good and deeply satisfying. (2) God knows our deepest needs, and being in his presence will feed and delight our souls.

His presence is a place of listening and promise (3). When we are with God He is not silent. He speaks, and His word to us is sure.

His presence is trustworthy and unconditional love. (3b) To be with Him is to be  loved, and to live from our new identity as dearly loved children of the Father.

This is Part One of a five part series – the other parts will go on to examine the rest of Isaiah 55.   Thanks for being part of the journey!!