How much of an impact does our relationship with God have on the people around us? How active and effective are we in drawing people to Christ? Jesus was a magnet. He had such an incredible ability to draw people to God. He now calls us to be the same. God wants us to be God magnets.
The early christians were flawed just like us but they didn’t remain that way. Underlying their faith in Christ was the assurance that God accepted them as they were, but worked in them so they became like Jesus. This week’s message is a reminder that we are all under construction, so let’s treat one another with care.
The church has a tendency to huddle in groups, settle and get into our comfort zones. Yet the Great Commission instructs us to scatter, go everywhere, preach the gospel and make disciples. Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan, we look at what it takes to be a good neighbour wherever God scatters us throughout the week.
Religion is God in a neat package. If God can be completely defined then we are no longer talking about God. We are actually describing an idol. This week’s sermon challenges us not to limit God but to experience God afresh even if it gets a little messy.
Your perspective will determine your practice. How you see things will determine how you respond to things. Change your perspective and you will change your practice. In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul encourages us to set our sights on the realities of heaven, to be alert to what is going on around Christ. In doing that we look at life through Kingdom perspective.
One of the most remarkable things about the early church was the way they embraced suffering as part of their portion in their desire to advance the Kingdom of God. When the time came for the disciples to face persecution, they were prepared for it and not only endured it but embraced and counted it a privilege to suffer for Jesus Christ. In these days where the western church has experienced very little persecution if any, this concept of suffering for Christ may be one of the most timely reminders.