One mission, one message, one people.
Witness, mercy, life together.
Do you see a similarity? The priority is telling what we have seen and heard, being all about God's mission, bearing witness to Jesus. The outward action is connecting people with the Gospel through word and deed, sharing the message, showing and speaking the mercy of God. The solid foundation is the community of faith, the church, God's people, our life together.
When our focus is truly on the mission of God given in the Scriptures, changes in leadership or the tweaking of programs do not move us away from what we are called by God to do.
This is the beauty of a Biblical church.
Personal agendas and axes to grind may be floating around the periphery of the mission. Quests for power or desires to control may simmer beneath the surface of personalities involved. Ministry emphases may be articulated and prioritized in different ways. In the mix of it all, some personalities will be more abrasive than others. But if the Word runs the show, the head of the body, Jesus Christ, will prevail. His Church will move forward.
Of course, we must be good and attentive stewards of the mysteries of God. We are called to unity, kindness, forgiveness, and love. But we do not have to be afraid. As the Bible says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). By God's grace, we are equipped to move forward with strength--even in the midst of change and turbulence. Hebrews 10:39 declares, "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."
In His grace and mercy, God moves us forward in His mission. With humility and gratitude, we are called to run the race set before us as servants of the risen Savior. We need to be on guard and always be watchful, but we do not have to be afraid.
God's mission is going to be okay.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Discovering Your Faith Language
I had the privilege of serving at a Christian camp over the weekend. Even though I was there to teach, I learned so much more. As it happens so often, God placed before me the remarkable stories of His work among His people.
As I spoke to these dear and faithful servants of Jesus, I heard them speak about their trials and challenges in a "faith language" that inspired me and led me closer to the Savior. It made me wonder if workers in the harvest field need to discover and develop their "faith language."
I'm not talking about preaching. I'm talking about using language that shows you remember God's work. I'm referring to the natural references you make to your Savior who promised to be with you always. I'm thinking of language that reflects your trust in God who hears your prayers and knows your needs. Over and over the Psalms make reference to declaring to the assembly what God has done: "Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders" (Psalm 107:32).
When people are assembled and you're talking about your life, are you making sure God has his rightful place in the story? Or are you leaving out the most important person?
At camp, I heard men talk about how God walked with them and taught them as they navigated the difficult and stressful world of business. I heard couples talk about Jesus' presence in the midst of cancer diagnoses and treatments. I heard some tough dudes utter statements that told of changed lives and eager ears awaiting the voice and guidance of the Lord. I heard moms talk about how they were eager to make Christ's difference and how this world is nothing compared to the glory of heaven.
It was faith language. It was natural. It was winsome. It communicated a real and present God, a good God, an active and living God. It caused me to want to know Him more.
What if you practiced your faith language this week? What if you made sure to include your Savior in your conversation? What if you let the assembly know who the main character of your story really is?
Just think, instead of figuring out an evangelism technique or getting nervous about sharing a testimony, you could simply speak in faith language that glorified God and showed the people in your life that He's the real deal and that they can know Him too.
Will you try it this week?
As I spoke to these dear and faithful servants of Jesus, I heard them speak about their trials and challenges in a "faith language" that inspired me and led me closer to the Savior. It made me wonder if workers in the harvest field need to discover and develop their "faith language."
I'm not talking about preaching. I'm talking about using language that shows you remember God's work. I'm referring to the natural references you make to your Savior who promised to be with you always. I'm thinking of language that reflects your trust in God who hears your prayers and knows your needs. Over and over the Psalms make reference to declaring to the assembly what God has done: "Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders" (Psalm 107:32).
When people are assembled and you're talking about your life, are you making sure God has his rightful place in the story? Or are you leaving out the most important person?
At camp, I heard men talk about how God walked with them and taught them as they navigated the difficult and stressful world of business. I heard couples talk about Jesus' presence in the midst of cancer diagnoses and treatments. I heard some tough dudes utter statements that told of changed lives and eager ears awaiting the voice and guidance of the Lord. I heard moms talk about how they were eager to make Christ's difference and how this world is nothing compared to the glory of heaven.
It was faith language. It was natural. It was winsome. It communicated a real and present God, a good God, an active and living God. It caused me to want to know Him more.
What if you practiced your faith language this week? What if you made sure to include your Savior in your conversation? What if you let the assembly know who the main character of your story really is?
Just think, instead of figuring out an evangelism technique or getting nervous about sharing a testimony, you could simply speak in faith language that glorified God and showed the people in your life that He's the real deal and that they can know Him too.
Will you try it this week?
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