God showed himself in powerful and wonderful ways. But it is hard to relate to and be discipled by a cloud, thunder, shaking mountain, or a burning fire. We need something, someone we can relate to, to follow, to demonstrate to us so we can do the things that please the father.
To be discipled we need someone to show and teach, model and challenge. Jesus came show us the Father, and to take from the father and give to us. In Jesus we have someone to relate to. Jesus’ incarnation was for our salvation, the God man came, living perfectly, dying for our sins, and raising from the dead bringing eternal life to us. But also, Jesus’ incarnation was to disciple and show us how to disciple. This is our mission to go and make disciples. John 1:14 says “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John1:18 No one has seen God at any time; God the only Son, who is in the arms of the Father, He has explained Him. Jesus was the embodiment of God that we can copy. Jesus was a tangible presence who fully showed us how the father would conduct things on the earth. That is how discipleship works, we are with Jesus, take from him and imitate and then another imitates us. We see this in the call of the disciples in Mark 3: 14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, 15 and to have authority to cast out the demons. Do not miss the key component – be with, we are with and observe and copy, as the New Testament says numerous times, we are to be imitators of Jesus. Incarnation is the disciple maker’s framework. This is true of Jesus coming in the flesh and it is also true of him leaving us here to carry on the work. We are to be with Jesus, and then we are to be with others. We learn of Jesus and pass this on to others. But learning is not separated from mission and lifestyle. Jesus called the disciples to be alongside, and sent to heal, cast out demons, and proclaim the good news. It is simple, there are two basics: share the truth and serve the needs. This is our purpose of getting together with others; to bring truth to bear in our lives and to meet the needs around us in Christ’s name for his glory. These purposes were summarized various ways by Christ. So, this year I am calling you to fulfill these simple purposes. First meet with Christ and learn from him because truth and wisdom flow from him. He will show you the father’s will. All our practices flow from him. Secondly, meet face to face with people. Yes, you could zoom but that is not ideal, we need to talk and walk together and demonstrate kingdom lifestyle and mission in real time. Thirdly, mindful, and intentional presence is essential so be in the present and use the moments for the kingdom and to disciple. Imitate Christ who used the occasions around him and the disciples as opportunities to mature his disciples and meet the needs and show the kingdom of God in tangible ways and as a door to present the good news. Fourthly, serve your disciple and have the disciple serve with you in meeting people’s needs. Grow in skills as you bring the love of Jesus to others. So, this year be the presence of Jesus to others, pour into another as you intentionally spend time with them and share the mission with them.
0 Comments
Are you focused on stumps or sprouts?
Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. These verses are followed by the reversal of conditions and Christ’s kingdom of peace, harmony, justice, and love. All the blessings of the rule of Christ. This passage starts with a chopped off stump. Maybe your experience is a dream that is chopped down, hope is cut off, a part of your heart cut out. But look in hope; a tender shoot is there and it will grow into a tree; a great tree because it is referring to Christ. Jesus came vulnerable, fragile, able to be hurt as a baby and as a man, but he brings eternal hope and a never-ending powerful kingdom. He went to impossible lengths to rescue us and bring life; we see eternal hope in Jesus in our situations. Now our view may be of the stump but look closely and you will see a sprout. Christ will do his work; out of the stump the impossible can be done. Whatever your stump; relationships, a situation, in Christ it is never just a stump, more is happening than you see, think, and feel. In Christ there is more, a sprout, the essence of hope is ultimately tied to the presence of Christ and his work. Hope will give you confidence in the bleakest of times. But hope is not any good unless you have your hope in someone that will not let you down. There are a lot of things that we hope for, and a lot of things that we wish for. The hope I am talking about is the hope that we have as believers. This hope has its foundation in what Jesus did for us and is working for us. When you have this kind of hope, you can face anything. Abraham believed hope against hope and became a father of nations. Jeremiah saw Jerusalem destroyed yet saw a future and a hope. Jesus brings us hope because he is our hope and the sovereign lover of us. He is our counselor, our might and ruler. Life may seem void of miracles, but little things are popping up, Christ is working. He can fill the hungry, open eyes, turnaround situations. Because of Christ we can have hope in a world of problems. We look desperately for other things to change the situation, but they fail. Our hope and future are in Christ. Christian hope is different from optimism, it views the devastation of the world around, acknowledges the immediate may not get better but it sees the sprout. It sees the light in the darkness. Walking with Jesus, we see the light grow just like the Advent wreath glows brighter each week, hope clears the path, penetrates the darkness and glows brighter. We look at the state of the world and it seems so gloomy and lost. Can we see the positive? We can be more optimistic than seems reasonable because our hope is in Jesus alone. The world or life can be a mess but in comes Jesus who changes things, performs miracles, and awakens us to his promises. Circumstances are never just a stump, Christ is hope, he is light that pierces the darkness he is effective in accomplishing his will in our lives. Hope sees the little, the sprout but then takes the big steps of faith. My Grandmother always cooked tasty food. But one day, she put a burnt pie in front of my grandpa.
Not just a little burnt, but black as coal. I waited to see what my grandpa would say. But he just ate the pie and asked how my day was. Then I heard my Grand Mother apologize to him for his dinner. I'll never forget his response. "Dear, I like your pie." Later, I asked him if he had told the truth. He put his arm on my shoulder and said, "Your Grandma had a tough day at work." "She was tired." "The burnt pie didn't harm me but, a sharp word could've hurt her." We all make mistakes. We shouldn't focus on mistakes but, support those we love. ~Unknown Author Grace filled words from understanding hearts have a powerful effect on others. Do we observe the person and watch our words as we interact? Loving observation gives us insight into their soul at that moment so that we can say the right words. Proverbs has a lot to say about our words. Proverbs 16:24 says, Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Let your words sweeten and brighten someone’s day. Proverbs 12:18 warns us, the words of the reckless or rash pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Do not be hasty with your words but let them refresh and fit the occasion. Proverbs 17:27 says, whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Speak wisely and know the person and what they are going through so you have positive impact and not negative impact with your words. Let your words be fit for the occasion building up the other person. Let us live with one another in an understanding and kind way and have our words reflect this kind of heart. How do I commune closely to God? How do I come into his presence? In Navy bootcamp I volunteered to make a request of the battalion commander. (First mistake volunteering in bootcamp 😊) Well you do not just saunter in casually and say something. There are correct procedures. Your strides must be so many inches exactly, you must use the right words in the right order, your uniform must be perfect, your salute of honor must be correct and your reason for being there must be clear and fulfilling the mission of the company commander. After a few hundred pushups I finally got it all right. Though God is not fussy and demanding but desirous of our companionship he does have requirements for right coming into his presence. Some of these are found in Psalm 15. We find we please God with our lifestyle and are conscientiously honest and caring in relationships. O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? We see now who can get close to God and experience all he is and has throughout our life. 2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right - A pure and right life is needed. We cannot continue in our sins and expect to encounter the holy God. A sincere and surrendered life will find God all-sufficient and satisfying, a great delight. and speaks truth in his heart; -Why does it say, speaks truth in his heart? Could it be because the heart is the control center that forms actions, perspectives, and motives, and it must be controlled by God’s Word? Truth must be fixed and settled in our hearts. What you speak in heart then comes out in words and actions. 3 who does not slander with his tongue, out of the abundance of the heart one speaks so do you honor and love people by your words? We want words that are uplifting not tearing down and causing conflict, lowering others, and leaving negative impressions on others and so lowering God and damaging our testimony. and does no evil to his neighbor, - No evil, all should be done in love, as we care for, value, and respect our neighbor. nor takes up a reproach against his friend; - The Christian does not join in gossip, or attacks on a friend but is a faithful, loyal, and protecting friend. Notice the righteous do not play along with what is not right and harmful but keeps a good name taking pleasure in doing good.
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised, - The company you keep affects you. How influenced are you by vile people, those are people utterly going against God’s ways, unprincipled and who by actions are despicable and despised? The godly are not envious of a vile person’s gains and prosperity but God is their portion. Will you notice the one who communes deeply with God despises this person. Wow that is mind blowingly harsh. But the godly sees these people for what they are and will not be influenced, they know the toxic effects of such a lifestyle and refuse to be identified with it. So, they move away rejecting and spurning such a lifestyle. Sadly, in our society these people are often held up as heroes, which has had devastating effects on relationships and the health of our culture. but who honors those who fear the Lord; - The godly honors those who reverence God in all they do. They give weight to their words and actions and esteem them considering them rich to be around. who swears to his own hurt and does not change; - The people who abide with the God who does not lie, or change will keep their word no matter what, they are true and reliable. You like I have sacrificed some great opportunities to keep your word. It was hard and my attitude was not always great, but I knew I was doing right. Those who dwell with God have clean healthy lifestyles that bless and are proactive in blessing others. 5 who does not put out his money at interest- They give to the needy and help others even at personal loss. We are gracious and kind people who walk with God. and does not take a bribe against the innocent. God’s righteous ones do not pervert justice and cannot be bought so someone can have some advantage. He who does these things shall never be moved. The person who lives in close connection to God is rock solid, reliable, and can stand confidently with and before the Lord. They are stable and blessed by God, a guest forever with Him. How can we do these things? We are not perfect. This is where Jesus comes and meets us, he removes our sin and gives us his righteousness, he gives a new heart and new power through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Having Jesus as our Savior opens the door to a relationship with God and a fruitful, wonderful, and right life. A life of wholesome and enjoyable relationships with others and a rich and fulfilling relationship with God. As we study the book of Nehemiah we have been challenged in many ways. We will be looking for a few weeks on how we can break out with the Bible. When we elevate the Bible to its proper place in our lives and in our worship services God will do amazing things. Participate with us as we discover the power of God's Word released in our lives. Are you missing the fulness, the endless joy and the favor of God? Understanding and applying God's Word meets the longings of our hearts, brings victory and wholeness to our lives and elevates your experience with God and life.
Jesus Christ endured opposition his whole ministry. He was criticized continually until it intensified the opposition to seek to kill him. He continued to do the Father's will despite the slander and attacks presenting truth with love and holiness. He persevered in his life and in his death. He would suffer a cruel death to accomplish the Father's will by dying to pay for our sins and bring redemption and forgiveness and eternal fellowship with God. We need to persevere like Christ fulfilling God's purposes for us. How do we handle criticism? We can ask some questions. First, from where is it coming? Discern what lies behind the criticism or attacks, is it critics own anxieties or people trying to control and exploit. Second, is it worth listening to? Third, what’s the motivation? Fourth, is it valid? Any truth? Fifth, is there any action I need to take? Criticism enables us to evaluate and adjust. Do not let the critics stop you or wear you down instead, them motivate you.
Opposition does not mean you are doing something wrong it may be verifying God’s will. Commit the opposition to the great and awesome God and keep moving, if you have a target on your back you will be harder to hit when moving. In a world that tries to silence us with criticism or labels keep moving for God's glory and your purpose from Him. A disciple of Jesus has tears in his eyes but iron in his soul. In confidence in Jesus and your calling face those who seek to intimidate and look at His promises not the problems. Don’t worry about the petty pursue the glory. By seeing God big enough and he will make you big enough for the task, you can persevere and make the opposition melt away faster than an ice cone in July as the results speak for themselves. We have seen the gift of God. Pursuing and understanding God is the highest calling of each person. He has shown us his wisdom, order, and power in creation. He has shown himself as we look in the history of Israel and the church. His awesome acts, his faithfulness despite the failures, unfaithfulness and lack trust from his people. God is sufficient to meet all our needs. As a holy, righteous, and pure God, he can make us righteous and make us right. When we are weak, he is a God of strength. When we need security, he is a shield. God gives counsel that stands, comprehensive promises to meet any situation, and has exceedingly great provisions. God is for us - Let thought with all its implications wash over you God is for us - He is our great reward, God is for us, he can crush anything against you his resolve is to bless and protect and nothing can separate us from the love of God. We have freedom from fear and really an increase in happiness and peace by knowing our God better. Almighty God has established his covenant with us, and he has not forgotten, overlooked any need especially those of the heart and spirit. God’s sufficiency is seen throughout the Bible from all the needs met in the paradise of the garden, to his leading and providing and keeping his people and the glorious provisions of our coming paradise. We can be supremely satisfied and at peace, can you comprehend all God is, can you claim and have those abilities be functional in your life?
God is adequate for all, he is sufficient for, he is the beginning point of all wisdom and philosophy … how do we tap into all that God is and can do? How many of you know and can run all the features on your cellphone? Knowing all the features enables you to get the maximum benefit and joy of the phone. You need to have the discipline to know, to study all the phone has; likewise, the study of God, brings enlightenment, encouragement and enables us to appropriate the resources of God himself. If you discipline yourself to seek God you will discover more deeply God is adequate for life and all its needs, sufficient to handle life and death and bring the realities of heaven to our souls its full realities when we pass into glory. The more you study, the more free you are to fully experience God. Through training yourself in the Bible you have more knowledge of what you have and how to experience it. It is just like having an instrument the more you are on it, the more you study it, the more you are on it whether it is serious practice or just having fun and seeing what it can do and what you can do; the more you grow in knowledge you gain greater understanding, skill, and enjoyment. You have a growing satisfaction, and a growing love for the discipline and the object. From your time practicing comes intimacy and freedom in playing with flair and your fun increases. The reward as you study God is astounding. Power builds, pleasure builds, promise builds, perspective builds as you know God. Knowing and enjoying God brings the real riches in life. To grow takes discipline. 1 Timothy 4:7 says, … “train yourself in godliness,” how does that verse strike you at first, what picture comes into your mind and how you do this? How do you look at training or discipline? The word there is “ gymnazo” it means to exercise vigorously, to train, discipline. Is training a delight or drudgery? It all lies in the goal. If a boy has a chance to make the symphony, how will his view of practice change? Our goal is not to just have a practice of reading and studying our Bible but to get to know God better, experience him deeper and express him our world in greater ways. This will bring intimacy and freedom and more power of influence. It is like the “Get to work” or “have to work” mentality approach for people at their jobs. Now apply that to your devotions, is your aim to check off the list and say you had devotions or is it I want to experience God and grasp how he wants me to live as he would? Is it I want to get the most out of the moments with God? Your aim is the difference. We train or discipline for godliness. That means we have godward attitudes and actions that pleases, knows, and reflects God. It is a sacred awe that is knowledge based, Godly is God awareness, God imitating, God experiencing, and this affects our worship, walk, work, witness, and relationships. Good theology is necessary to thinking right but also living out good theology is essential to being like Jesus. Daniel tells us that people who know their God will do great exploits. If we are discovering the great God who is for us and who is amazing in his deeds toward us, we will see God and be transformed. So, we see the greatest pleasure and result is to be transformed by training ourselves in godliness and knowing and understanding our great God. How do I experience the list that we started out this article with and attain a God-like life? By training yourself in godliness and deepening your knowledge of God by studying the Bible. So, my challenge as we enter the New Year – train yourself in godliness, experience and express your God. Delight in the aim of discovering more of God in your Bible. Many years ago in August, I was a marked man in boot camp. It all started actually before I went. Yes, I prepared myself for boot camp by doing extra exercises and mentally preparing myself. As a new believer in Jesus, I wanted to prepare myself spiritually. I wanted to live and stand up for Jesus and be used by him if possible. I read my Bible, prayed, and did an extended fast.
I was marked by God’s favor when I was at boot camp. I cannot explain it except to say it was God’s good hand on me in different situations and relationships. I was marked man by the big guy from inner city Philadelphia who joined the Navy because he was tired of training for boxing in the Olympics. I helped him on the first day of camp and he told me no one messes with you- They go through me. I thought that rather comforting since all five foot three (at the time) of me would find it hard with some of the guys if they messed with me. I was marked because I noticed some of the guys were struggling with learning the manual and other lessons and coached them in learning. I was marked by caring for different guys (like getting them to fold things correctly) and the company commander (Navy’s version of drill instructor) took note and for some reason made my time a little less hassle and also made me recruit mail petty officer. As I stood on the table passing out mail, I could read guy’s reactions to their letters. Often, I would go to them and listen, talk, encourage, and pray with them; especially those who got a “dear John” letter. I was marked as the guy who sang Amazing Grace every night (it was one of the few Christian songs I knew and btw I cannot carry a tune) while hand scrubbing my laundry. I was marked as the guy who knelt and prayed morning and evening and read his Bible and could answer questions about the Bible (this from a guy only reading the Bible for about four months). Even a couple Jews asked me to explain what they believed from the Bible and of course I would add Jesus and how he is the source of life and salvation. I was marked by God’s kindness in being used by Him to bring several guys to faith in Jesus in boot camp. I experienced God’s goodness and power because he kept pouring out His grace on this new believer who just wanted to stand for him and be used by Him. I believe the full force of his power came the second night of boot camp. I was standing by my rack (bed) and was watching the guys and talking with God. As I observed their behavior I said to God; you know Lord if I sit the fence these guys will tear me apart, and you know I want to be all the way for you. It was that point of surrender that it seemed to cause the prayers to become more powerful, the Bible study more vibrant and my influence with the guys amazing. God wanted all of me and then He could use me in ways I never imagined. Why am I sharing this? Because I want you to understand that God will use anyone who offers themselves as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1). So, if we give ourselves fully to Christ to follow him, we naturally fish for people and God in grace fills our nets. When we pray and sacrifice to do His will, we will experience like Nehemiah God’s good hand on us and accomplish his will. Through surrender and dedication, God can use anyone, His favor marking our lives is key to evangelism as we pass on His love and the goodness and the experience we have with Him in our devotional lives. Have lives marked by God, so people will say “they were with Jesus” and they will ask you of hope and life you have in Jesus. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and reverence, having a good conscience, I Peter 3. Be marked by good conduct, good deeds because Jesus rules your life. Be marked by God and make a difference. We are called kings and priests, anointed ones for the kingdom of God. Kings and priests and prophets were anointed with oil in a symbolic ritual to show they were set apart for their role in the kingdom of God. They were recognized in official roles, with authority and were to give themselves fully to the task entrusted to them. They were consecrated for service. Jesus was baptized and recognize and appointed by God for the role and task as our Messiah and Redeemer. What is striking is before Jesus went to Calvary to accomplish the task of purchasing our salvation he went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Many believed he stayed at the old oil presses and of course he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.
Gethsemane means “olive press.” Olive oil is made by pressing olives with a giant stone until the oil runs out. Because olive oil was used in the anointing process, olives had to be crushed so that someone could be anointed. There could be no anointing without a crushing. While staying at the olive press there would be a constant reminder of what lay ahead for Jesus. Jesus’ soul was being crushed by the weight of the decision to carry through the will of God and knowing the sufferings that lie ahead. The crushing and torment of his soul would be seen as he prayed before his betrayal. He knelt and under such great pressure and agony, as he prayed, he began to sweat great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). There was a crushing before the breaking of his body on the cross. The cross would be the ultimate expression of obedience to his calling and purpose, the nails the definitive proof of his love, the labored breathing the supreme sacrifice to give life and eternal life to us. There was a crushing before our anointing. Lent is a reminder of our sacrifice but more importantly of Christ’s. Lent is a crushing for us as we deal with our sin and lackings so we can minister to others. We are crushed when we consider our lives but through the gospel made whole so we can pass on the message and model the message to others; so, they in turn can be anointed for the task of bringing Christ to world. We are not anointed with oil but with the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 1 says, He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. In 1 John We are anointed with the “oil” of the Holy Spirit again the symbolism. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth… As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. We see this at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Jesus anointed the sick and healed – now they were messengers of the good news of Jesus and a walking demonstration of what Jesus can do in a life. Along with the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit we are called to suffer with Jesus to accomplish the mission of bringing the freeing gospel. Lent causes a dedication arising from brokenness and an invigorating to do the will of God. The New Testament writers invite us to join with them in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God we are called to participate in his sufferings and purpose. And we also rejoice and are overjoyed when his glory is revealed through us. History is replete with examples of those who volunteer to be crushed for the sake of others. As we think of Lent’s offering, we offer ourselves for the cause of Christ and sacrifice to bring the good news to others. To be the vessels of good news a pressing like an olive comes first. First, the crushing of our pride to humble ourselves for salvation, then the crushing of our will to follow Christ and be conformed to his image. Then the crushing of our comforts to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. We have not been called to die for the sins of the world, but we are to die to self, identify with Christ and suffer, pressed, and crushed to bring forth eternal fruit and blessings to many. Lent can be a crushing, that leads to anointing and a fulfilling of God’s will. Last year, I was thinking of having a “Vision 20/20” for a big push into the year. Now I look back at that and chuckle because if my vision was anything, it was legally blind. God changes things, God pushes us out of the familiar and comfortable. What are we going to do? We innovate during these times. We trust God, walk by faith, and follow him into the new and different. We had quite a few hits and a bumpy ride this past year. A pandemic, deaths that affected the nation, market crashes, wildfires, civil unrest, one of most chaotic elections in our lifetime. All kinds of craziness and cancelations. How do we respond, how do we look into an uncertain future? Sure, we know God goes before us and God is at work in the turmoil. We plan our ways, but God has his ways and will. How do we reconcile them?
In seemingly no-win situations, how do we grow and thrive? Seems impossible for a church to grow during these times. But Genesis 18:14 says, “Is anything impossible for the Lord?” God is not taken by surprise and God is not hindered by events in what he does. What grows a church? A supreme love for Christ. Dynamic worship that is attractive as it exults God and builds up people through lively engagement. Strong disciples who extend the kingdom by service and outreach into the community. But how with the restrictions? What we see as limited and impossible God sees as a way to bring us back to the basics and use the unexplainable (apart from his favor) to increase his glory. Discipleship that is grassroots and penetrates social networks is key right now. What is indispensable for a church? The gospels make it clear, it is sharing the good news, making disciples, building up the body so we can live out the realities of being like Jesus. The church is people not a place. The pandemic has caused us to see this and why we exist when place taken away. If church is just a time and place on Sunday morning it will be like a string of old Christmas lights, one bulb goes out they all go out. But church is more, and the mission is unchanging - communicate the gospel to the whole world and make disciples and this drives form and method as we are caught up in these two all-encompassing charges from Jesus. It will involve trial and error until we see significant breakthroughs, but it is by necessity we try new or tweak things to produce what we want … the Gospel permeating and saturating every life. God said to the Jews when they were small and rebuilding, he is doing new things, Jesus spoke of new wineskins, and Paul tried different approaches to fulfill the mission. It will take something different because of the seismic shifts we have experienced as a culture. Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same thinking we used when we created them. “ When Israel went into the promised land, they faced new obstacles, unfamiliar surroundings but new innovative ways came from God and they overcame the obstacles. In the complexities of our situation the mission is the same and the faith walk is the same. We follow God to various ways to fulfill the mission. We walk by and are led by the Spirit in implementing the plan of God. Like Paul we will be stopped in one area but led to another, perhaps an area we did not think of before. The pandemic has taken away a lot for churches. The poor naturally are more creative, in our situation what we were once rich in is now poverty stricken and its time to bring new ideas. The mission to produce people who are becoming like Jesus through the Word and intimacy with him is the same, the principle of having people be in the Word of God is unchanged. Now we must be flexible in practices. We desire study and interaction with the Bible that transforms. How will that look for you? Will it be a Bible community group online? Shared Bible readings and prayer online with a connection person? Will it be in person with a couple or few people? Will it be phone sharing and checkups? Functionality with flexibility to accomplish the mission is crucial. Disciples make the church. We make disciples. Did you know the church is only mentioned twice in the gospels? This is because the focus of Jesus was to make a community of followers on mission to advance the kingdom of God. To build an organic system of a decentralized community we will be launching COVID Connection. This is where you invest in two people to cultivate and reach with the good news of Jesus and you invest in one person to grow with by sharing life with Christ, and lessons from God’s word. We will be giving the Connection hand and discipleship hand in the next few weeks, which are tools to help you impact another person and grow with the other person. We stand in exciting times as we follow Christ into a society that may be open to Him as never before in our lifetime. |
AuthorTed and Linda Justice have a passion to present God's Word so others can experience the Awesome God and the wonderful life he intended for each of us. Archives
January 2023
Categories |