The Beatitudes (Matt 5:1-16) can guide us in the struggle as we are formed into the likeness of Christ. Reconciled diversity is the strength of unity and that is a challenge in this individualistic world.

Christians have a civic responsibility to their cities. In terms of reaching a city with the gospel this is of utmost importance. Not to be good citizens is to be unworthy of the gospel.

Paul takes this Roman script, using the same words that Caesar applies to himself, applies them to Jesus and to this small, seemingly insignificant church. Paul was totally counter cultural and as others have said, counter imperial.

Paul was focussed. He went to the key cities of the Empire to plant a church. As he worked with those churches they in turn reached out to the surrounding towns and villages. Paul was strategic.

The book of Acts is the extraordinary story of the birth, development and mission of the first Church. This amazing story tells of the first converts becoming a powerful counter cultural community impacting the world of the day.

The church is God’s “city council,” called, not to be OF the city, but FOR the city.

Every city needs to see and experience a happy church living and declaring the good news. If the church is not inhabited by happy people, then what we have is a truncated gospel that will not be attractive to the wider community.

The result of the gospel being proclaimed in word and deed will be joy to the world. When the church is obedient to The Great Commission a growing joy will be evident in our towns and cities.

God has raised up the church to deliver happiness to the cities and towns of the world.

I believe Jesus is coming in a fresh visitation to the cities of the earth. He is already at work and calls Christians to join Him in this great redemptive, restoration and rebuilding enterprise. The harvest is far more extensive than previously imagined. The result will be a profound city wide impact.