" . . . And there was great joy in that city."
Sometimes believers forget that the gospel brings great joy to entire cities, as numerous people receive salvation and the forgiveness of their sins, and they are brought into the church. This theme is prominent in the Book of Acts, and the principle runs throughout the entire Bible. (Remember how Nineveh was spared, at the preaching of Jonah?)
Therefore, as we conceive of the church's mission in the world, let us keep "front and center" the redemption of our particular communities. As sinners are showered with the blessings of heaven, they will experience joys the likes of which they never did (nor could) experience in the world.
[Puritan quote of the day: "God gives by denying sometimes . . . "
--William Bridge, in "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]
