In the preface to this Acts 1:8 study, the author says that new generations need a fresh vision of the mission that God has for us that is "relevant and inspiring". I don't know if this study alone will do that for us. It's one thing for us as a group to study and discuss each chapter. We must use what we learn to provide outlets for Northside to get involved.
As people get involved in actively praying, giving, and going God will open thier eyes and give a sense of urgency and a fresh vision when it comes to reaching the lost. Those of us who have been on mission trips have experienced this. I will never forget the smile on one woman's face outside of Mixtla last summer right after she was saved. Jesus Christ had just become real to her. Her face was beaming! There is now hope where there once was only darkness.
Encounters like this are inspiring enough for me to press on to do my part and encourage others to join with me in the Great Commission. But when I look at the cross, and the love that God showed by giving Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for my sins, I am "compelled" as Paul says even more to be on mission - sharing this love with others. Compelled by love. To me, we don't necessarily need to come up with new ways to make the gospel more "relevant". When we look at Christ's mission of love to seek and save the lost, and then look out to the multitudes of lost souls - beginning in our own community of Newnan to the ends of the earth - our mandate and mission to make disciples of Christ is all the inspiration we need. I believe this study of how to be an Acts 1:8 church will help us a team provide more ways for Northside to do her part in accomplishing the last instructions gave us.
Let's not be Acts 1:7 Christians, always worying about things we have no control over. Let's not be Acts 1:11 Christians, letting our expectation of Christ's return lead us to inactivity and just standing around looking up at the sky. Let's be Acts 1:8 Christians, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and sharing the Good News with our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.
Healthy Churches
On page 25, the author says that "healthy churches featured in the New Testament seriously and sacrificially accepted the Great Commission." This stuck out to me because we are on a journey of striving to become a "Healthy Kingdom Church." A vital part of our health, just like with the early church, is our involvement in missions.
We have been focusing on ways to better reach our Jerusalem. Let's keep praying for wisdom, and remember to ask the questions on page 34. Also, look at the case studies of various churches that are in each chapter. As you pray and reflect, how is God leading? Please respond and share any thoughts about this first chapter or ideas of how to better reach our Jerusalem.
11/20/07
Mark
