 |
 |
| PART 4 |
| 1. Building community One of the primary needs on the Isle of Lewis is the building of Christian community. In a setting where there is distrust and competition, someone has to begin loving others as Christ Himself loved us. There is a need for a local body to be the incarnation of the love and healing of Christ. Wounds that have been festering for years may take time to heal; certainly it takes time for people to learn that there are followers of Christ who are really seeking the good of others. This does not bypass the fact that where there are carnal people, there will always be envy and strife and every evil work. Even in the times of revival on Lewis those who were sensitive to the things of God often were rejected by local church leaders. However, people cannot ultimately frustrate the plan of God, and John 17 clearly states that Christ's desire for His people is that they may be one even as He and the Father are one. In a church which is mature and maturing, there is room for the exercise of one's spiritual gifts for the mutual edification of the body of Christ. As well, there is leeway to venture out and try to discover one's calling. Although some people seem to be sold on the idea of evangelism only, even evangelism benefits from the establishment of Christian community. It is difficult to even have an effective evangelistic ministry without a support base from which to work. |
| 2. Worship and Holiness A vital need for the Church in general, as well as on Lewis in particular, is the combination of worship and holiness. Worship, though listed after the need for building community, is really the basis for that community. As Pentecostals, we believe in the spontaneous, orderly, and liberated worship of God through Jesus Christ. This is all based on the fact of the atoning work of Jesus Christ which enables us, from many backgrounds and nations, to be all one body, giving due honor to the Head. It is significant to note the pattern given in the Old Testament for revival. Whenever the children of Israel had turned to idolatry and then fallen into captivity, God would raise up a deliverer who would restore proper worship. This spiritual renewal preceded deliverance from physical captivity. This is because of the fact that God is worthy of worship simply because of who He is. In some places, the people have to be primed, cajoled, or (may it not be!) begged to worship the Creator of the universe. Let it be shouted from the mountaintops, "This ought not to be!" Worship is linked directly to the quality of relationship that a person has with God. If there is no relationship, there will be no worship. If there is a deep and vibrant relationship, worship will flow out to Jesus Christ in the same way. It must not be assumed that people know how to worship God simply because they are Pentecostal or because they have been raised in a local church. But as people learn more about who God is, they will be able to approach Him in a manner which is due Him. This is why it is necessary to understand the intimate relationship between holiness and worship. The Bible is full of rebukes for those who profess to honor God but whose lives are contrary to His will. Instead, it links true worship of God with the way one lives out his/her life. Part of the Great Commission is to "make disciples of all nations." This includes teaching people to observe all that Christ commanded, a reference to the development of Christlike character. There is no forced dichotomy between external matters and internal matters, for they are related. How one eats, drinks, dresses, conducts a business, or drives an automobile are all related to how much one has allowed Christ to be formed in his or her life. There have been and will be excesses which people will assume are both worship and holiness. But this must not hinder us from loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Worship of the God who redeemed us is our basis for being a community, and the practical expression of worship is holiness. |
|
| 3. Local evangelism Another area of need is evangelism of the unsaved people on the island. Often the hardest hearts are found in religious climates; such is the case on the Isle of Lewis. Most of the people have had the Bible read to them when they were children, and many of them can rattle off numerous metrical psalms. As well, in such a religious climate Christians can become caught up in their own fellowship to the neglect of winning the lost. But the problems listed earlier in this chapter show that there is no shortage of unsaved people on the island. The following, then, is a listing of the three distinct and identifiable groups which are considered to be prime targets for evangelism. There are many more groups which can be considered; in due time it is likely that they will be targeted also. As well, I recognize that others might disagree with those included or excluded by this list. This could be an indication of God's leading for them. |
| a. the youth (13-25) Perhaps after reading the description above of some of the things that are going on with the youth, they would seem to be an obvious target group. Many of them do not attend a local church at all. Most of the youth are located in the country areas and, as is typical of their age group, are looking for action of some kind. They need to know that Christ is Who they really need. |
| b. women A group which perhaps is overlooked by some is the women on the island. Traditionally, when men are either fervent about maintaining doctrinal standards or living a life of debauchery, it is their wives who suffer. In fact, it is likely that even some of the Christian husbands have neglected both the spiritual and emotional needs of their wives. Now, some of the women have turned to the same bottle that is already destroying their homes. Some perhaps do not feel that they really have any close friends at all. These might seek some consolation or easing of the pain by watching the television for hours. Still others simply suffer. I sense that there are many women on the island who would be willing to set aside the boundaries which have been so important for the men in order to try to find some meaning in life. For those who are already Christians, there can still be a hunger for good, close friends. As Pentecostals/Charismatics, we also recognize the fact that many are in need of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. |
 |
 |
 |