Win the World for Jesus

This year I have occassionally fallen into a relaxed attitude about the ministry of The Salvation Army. Comfortable with how things are. Spending a considerable amount of time theologising about minstry I'm not particularly helping with overly much. Interesting position I've found myself in. But things are changing for me... Let me tell you why.

I've heard a statement recently, that I've heard before, and during Connections it has really hit my heart. It's the statement... 'WIN THE WOLRD FOR JESUS'. After spending some time studying the ins and outs of Mission in Salvation Army contexts and abroad, I am loving this statement.

If we win the world for Jesus, everyone is saved for starters. Not just that. Communities are transformed. Global warming would be a declining issue. Poverty would be non-existent. Human Trafficking would be a fleeting historical event which no longer applies to humanity. Reconciliation; Salvation; Justice. It encapsulates all this.

We win the whole World for Jesus. Every part. Every community. A big vision. A big dream. A future reality? Let the Revolution begin...

Lord, renew in us a deep, deep passion for winning the world for Jesus. It is time for a Revolution.

A NEW DAY!

It's a new day! Amen. Let me share some thoughts following a huge week of Connections 07':

* The Salvation Army is a force to be reckoned with; watch out Devil, Jesus has conquered the grave!
* God is bringing more and more people to their knees in prayer and submission. I said to Jo on Thursday morning, after we had been down the front kneeling before the Lord in tears, I never want to stop kneeling before God in surrender, even as a future officer into the future.
* The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory has begun a new day, a new era. A time where encouragement will be the attitude, and blessing others will be the norm (trust me I'm learning this one, as I believe many Salvationists are)
* As I prayed Saturday night prior to the two Sunday events, I saw a vision of the Holy Spirit's fire weaving in and out of the rows of seats in the venue. Like the Fantastic Four fire guy; a flaming fast fire enveloping all those it touches.
* I have a new passion for the mission of The Salvation Army!
* I'm loving the phrase, 'WIN THE WORLD FOR JESUS' I believe it encapsulates all that we are about. If we win the World for Jesus then the World is reconciled to God through Christ, the World will be just, and Nations will be Holy and Sanctified, as will all individuals!
* On the train to Parliament Station, a lady asked us for some money. She looked really drugged and sleep deprived. We found out she needed a meal. She came with us to Mc'Donalds near Parliament Station and we bought her a meal. I'm loving the opportunities God gives us to put the talk into action.
* On Sunday afternoon we sat with mates for lunch at Southern Cross Station, and we talked with a lady next to us about The Salvation Army and even better, we spoke about the saving grace of Jesus!
* I believe we need large Salvation Army gatherings at least once a year, where we can come together as a large group and connect with the Lord. Here's a vision I saw earlier on in the year, while at Rod Laver Arena... I saw the Rod Laver Arena (seating atleast 15,000) filled with Salvationists full-on worshipping Jesus, with Salvos wearing many different uniforms, united in their mission and focus. Lord let it be! Maybe some of us young people will be reaping the harvest of the painful, hard work of our forefathers...

AND LASTLY:

* The vision outlined by Commissioner Jim Knaggs in his new book, 'One Day...', will soon have to be called 'Today...' ; you understand what I mean??

Connections is here!

Bring your faith and put on your armour. What an awesome weekend this will be. If you're coming just for the Sunday why don't you put aside what you're doing on Saturday and join in the Parade/March and the great electives that will be on.

Today was Covenant Day for the Heralds... and many of us prayed and prayed as we watched these guys sign their covenants. Vowing to make winning souls the first purpose of their life, and committing their lives to serving the poor and needy. What an awesome thing! Will you commit your life to winning souls and serving the needy?

Bring your mates to Connections. Believe its going to be powerful. Lives will be transformed in the presence of Jesus. I believe that. Believe that with me.

Bring your faith and put on y0ur armour. This weekend is going to change the face of The Salvation Army.

It's about Jesus.