Redeeming the Time in 2012: A Message from the Shepherds

In the fall of 2004, Robin and I had the opportunity to visit ancient Ephesus. This once sprawling metropolis is now deserted, covered with several feet of earth, and the home of wild animals. It was hard for us to imagine it as a gateway city for the gospel of Christ into Asia Minor in the first century. It, along with other cities of the ancient world, is a silent reminder that nothing in this world is permanent and that time is short. This brings to my mind the words of Paul to the church in Ephesus, “See then that you walk circumspectly (i.e., carefully), not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph.5:15-16).

The idea of redeeming the time carries with it the thought of taking advantage of the opportunities we have. In the kingdom of God, opportunities are not haphazardly coincidental. Opportunities are purposefully presented by God “…to the intent that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,” Paul writes in Ephesians 3:10. This says that each congregation, no matter when it exists in history, has only one purpose and one aim. Therefore, every congregation must mature to realize its place in God’s amazing plan while there is time.

In order to accomplish God’s aim, maximize His assignments, and grow to maturity, there are several things that function as prerequisites: (1) Shepherds that have a clear vision of God’s purpose for the church; (2) each part of the body of Christ doing its share; (3) unity of the whole church family with each one being knit together by what each one supplies; and (4) an understanding that love for one another is truly what builds up the body of Christ.

Your shepherds want to encourage each of one at Three Forks to be mindful of Ephesians 4:11-16 throughout 2012. Our aim will also focus on Romans 8:29 with emphasis on being conformed more to the image of Christ. It is our conviction that when we give ourselves prayerfully to the Spirit’s blue print to the church, God’s aim is assured and we find ourselves doing “exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think” (Eph.3:20).

Darrell Wallace