Jars of Clay
A theme verse of Mission Alive is 2 Corinthians 4:7. Paul writes, "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." "Treasure" in this context is "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God" (vss. 4, 6). "Jars of clay" refers to clay lamps used in first century homes for light. Participants in Mission Alive are these lamps. They know that they have no power in and of themselves. Their power rather is from God, the provider of the oil. The light of God’s gospel shines brightly in and through them. Church planters are his clay lamps conveying with weakness the light of God to the world with God’s power.
In Mission Alive we posture ourselves as fragile clay lamps through which the light of the Gospel shines. We should never portray ourselves as prestigious powerhouses, jars of gold, silver, or bronze. The mission is not ours, for self glory. The mission is God’s, for his glory!