 Being a witness can feel intimidating, awkward, and even unsettling for many of us. We often associate witnessing with an uncomfortable sales pitch, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus has given us a mission, but He also provides us with the power and wisdom to fulfill it authentically. Our mission never changes, and neither does the message about Jesus, but there are various ways to share it.
In Acts 1:6-8, Jesus promises that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be His witnesses everywhere. This empowerment isn't about avoiding rejection or removing risk but about being genuine in reflecting who we are. Jesus’ presence and power are no longer confined to one man in one place but are given to all His followers worldwide. Being a witness requires two things: following Jesus and living in the power of His Spirit. This involves declaring Jesus as Lord, believing in His resurrection, and living a Spirit-filled life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Growing in Relationship with the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a person we should cultivate a relationship with. Many Christians mistakenly view the Holy Spirit as a force to channel rather than a person to know. Our access to the Holy Spirit’s power comes from our relationship with Him. This relationship involves intimacy with God, holiness, and faith. Intimacy with God means walking closely with Him, learning to hear His voice, and being aware of His presence in every aspect of our lives. Holiness involves being set apart for God, both from the world and for Him. It means saying no to sin and anything that stands in rebellion to Jesus while also devoting our hearts to God through prayer, Bible reading, fasting, worship, and service. Living a holy life doesn’t mean adhering to a list of rules but allowing Jesus access to our hearts and lives. Faith is trust, and the best way to grow in faith is to take risks. A risk-free life is a trust-free life. To be effective witnesses, we need to step out in faith, whether it's praying for someone, bringing up Jesus in a conversation, or inviting someone to church. These risks help build our trust in the Lord and create space for the Holy Spirit’s power to work in mighty ways. Intimacy with God + Holiness + Faith = Power To grow in our relationship with Jesus and live in the power of His Spirit, we need intimacy with God, holiness, and faith. This equation is crucial because it’s through the Holy Spirit’s power that we can effectively witness to others. Without this power, no one comes to know Jesus, and we’re just playing church. The Holy Spirit equips us with the wisdom to speak the right words at the right time and helps us understand the unique needs of those around us. If we’re not close to the Holy Spirit ourselves, how can we be led by Him to reach others? The most powerful way to draw people to Jesus is by loving like Him, which is only possible through a deep personal relationship with His Spirit. So, my challenge for you this week is to take your relationship with the Holy Spirit seriously. Remember, intimacy with God, holiness, and faith lead to the power we need to be effective witnesses for Jesus. Let’s embrace this mission with the confidence that we have the Holy Spirit guiding and empowering us. Let’s pray for the courage to take risks, for the wisdom to know how to share Jesus authentically, and for the strength to live lives that reflect His love. Together, we can advance His Kingdom and bring more people into His embrace! - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/2/24.
0 Comments
Living as Salt and Light
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe Christians. The world is like a meal needing salt or a dark room needing light. Christians are that salt and light, not because we try to be, but because we already are. Salt enhances flavor, and light dispels darkness. Similarly, Christians reveal what the world tries to conceal. We have a unique source of flavor and illumination: Jesus indwelling us. This enables us to bring out the best in people and cultures, and to display God's greatness. To be effective, we must be different from the world, bringing out the best in those around us and making the world a more flavorful place. Christians should be the most innovative, encouraging, empowering, and uplifting people, reflecting the image of God within us. Just as salt makes food taste better and light brightens a room, our presence should enhance and illuminate our surroundings. But how do we do that? What does salt and light look like in the life of the Christian? Here Are Some Practical Steps
The Power of Balance Balancing grace and truth, compassion and conviction, is essential. Compassion without conviction can fail to convey the importance of the Gospel, while conviction without compassion can harm relationships. We need both to effectively reach people for Jesus. By being salt and light, we reveal the goodness and greatness of God, inspiring others to praise Him. Embracing Our Role Jesus called us to be salt and light. Salt enhances flavors, and light reveals colors. Our role is to bring out the good and reveal God in the world. We are here to be witnesses to His goodness and greatness, inviting others to savor God's goodness and submit to His greatness. By living this out, we fulfill our calling to reveal what the world tries to conceal. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake Campus on 5/26/24. Have you ever wondered how Christianity grew from a small group of disciples to the world's largest religion? Let's explore how Jesus' plan, His authority, and His presence enabled His followers to spread His message to the ends of the earth.
From Doubt to Discipleship Imagine starting with just eleven men—devoted, yet doubting, shaky from witnessing their leader crucified. How could these men possibly become the foundation of a global movement? Jesus' response was simple yet profound: He entrusted them with the Great Commission. He didn't choose the strongest or the most confident; He chose the willing. Despite their doubts and weaknesses, Jesus saw potential and gave them a mission: "Go and make disciples of all nations." The Power Behind the Mission Two key aspects underpinned this mission. First, Jesus assured His disciples that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). This meant that no earthly power could thwart their mission. Think about the most powerful leaders today—whether political figures like Trump or Biden, tech giants like Bill Gates or Elon Musk, or influential leaders like Putin or Xi. In comparison to Jesus, their power is nothing. Jesus' authority surpasses all, providing His followers with the confidence to face any challenge. Second, Jesus promised His constant presence: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This promise of His presence meant they were never alone. No matter where they went or what they faced, Jesus was with them, empowering and guiding them. This assurance transformed their fear into boldness, enabling them to spread the gospel far and wide. Practical Evangelism: Making Recommendations Sharing the gospel doesn't have to be daunting. Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest explains it in relatable terms: think of evangelism as making a recommendation. We recommend movies, restaurants, and books all the time. Why not recommend Jesus? If you’ve found hope, peace, and purpose in Jesus, share that experience with others. It's as simple as saying, "I was struggling, but then I found Jesus, and it changed my life." Overcoming Challenges We live in a world full of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. You might encounter atheists, agnostics, or people who've had bad experiences with church. It's natural to feel apprehensive about sharing your faith. What if someone asks a question you can't answer? What if they get angry or label you as judgmental? These are real concerns, but remember, Jesus' power and presence are with you. He equips you to face these challenges. The Importance of Going Too often, we skip over the command to "go" because we’re focused on our own fears and insecurities. But Jesus' instructions are clear: go and make disciples. The promise of His power and presence makes this command less intimidating. Jesus says, "Go, and I'll go with you. Go, and I will go ahead of you. Go, and I will take care of you." Start with Your Circle Pastor Laurie suggests starting with your "FRANs"—friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors. These are the people in your everyday life who need to hear about Jesus. Think of Jonah, who initially resisted God's call to preach to Nineveh but eventually saw a great spiritual awakening when he obeyed. Even your enemies need Jesus. Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend." Recommend Jesus to everyone you encounter. Never Alone As you step out to share your faith, picture the next time you recommend Jesus to someone. You’re not alone—you have the power and presence of Jesus with you. This is the same power that transformed eleven shaky disciples into a movement that changed the world. Jesus' power and presence are with you, empowering you to make a difference. Conclusion Let's pray for the courage and opportunity to share Jesus with those around us. Whether you're in person or online, know that Jesus is ready to fill you with His power and presence. He knocks and waits for us to open the door and welcome Him into our lives. As we go forth, let's carry the greatest power in all of history and the promise that Jesus is always with us. May we be bold witnesses for Christ, transforming the world one recommendation at a time. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 5/19/24. Mother's Day brings with it a bouquet of varied emotions. For some, it's a day of gratitude and joy, for others, a reminder of loss or unfulfilled dreams. Amidst these reflections, let's consider a mother celebrated for over two millennia—Mary, the mother of Jesus. What insights can we gather from her story that resonate today?
Mary: More Than Just a Mother Mary's story begins with an unexpected conversation. An angel tells this young, likely teenaged girl, that she will carry and birth a child who will forever change the course of history. Imagine the profound weight of this revelation—knowing your yet-to-be-born child is destined to walk on water, save humanity, and ultimately sacrifice for all. The song Mary Did You Know? captures this poignant dialogue, encapsulating the miraculous and the mundane intertwined in Mary's life. Mary's response to this celestial announcement? A profound affirmation of her faith and a readiness to accept her role in God’s plan, despite the personal costs. "I am the Lord's servant," she declares, accepting this divine appointment with a spirit of obedience and humility. This isn't resignation, but a willing embrace of a purpose larger than herself. A Song of Humility and Honor In what is famously known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), Mary's response to her cousin Elizabeth's greeting is a spontaneous outpouring of praise. Here, Mary reflects on the social reversals God’s kingdom promises: the proud are scattered, the humble are exalted, the hungry are filled, and the rich are sent away empty. This isn't just poetry; it's a revolutionary call to justice and mercy, wrapped in the fabric of faith. What stands out in Mary’s song is her clarity about her own need for a savior. Despite some later traditions suggesting her sinlessness, Mary herself declares her need for salvation. She sees herself as a recipient of God's mercy, not as a remote, immaculate figure. This grounding in humility and grace is a lesson for all of us, especially those in positions of influence or authority. The Practicality of Faith Mary's deep knowledge of Scripture enriched her faith and enabled her to see God's hand at work, even in challenging circumstances. Her situation—pregnant, unwed, socially vulnerable—was fraught with difficulty. Yet, her familiarity with God’s promises through the Jewish scriptures provided a foundation of strength and hope. For modern believers, Mary's integration of faith and life offers a compelling blueprint for spiritual resilience. Immersing oneself in biblical truth, as Mary did, prepares one for unpredictable seasons of life, equipping one to respond not with fear but with faith-informed action. Carrying Mary's Legacy Forward As we reflect on Mary's example of faith this Mother's Day, let's consider how her story influences our own narratives. Are we prepared to respond to God’s callings with "May it be to me as you have said"? Do we approach life's surprises with a heart of service and a spirit of grace? Mary's journey challenges us to embrace our roles, however unexpected, with courage and faith. In a world that often undervalues quiet strength and humility, Mary’s life is a reminder of the power of divine grace to uplift the lowly, guide the lost, and celebrate the human spirit in all its searching and striving. This Mother's Day, let's remember not just Mary, but all who embody her legacy of resilient, faith-filled motherhood. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 5/12/24. Ever heard the old grammar rule from school about "I before E, except after C"? It turns out life has its own rules, especially when it comes to love and humility.
The Plague of Selfishness William E. Gladstone said it well: "Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race." And if we look around, it's not hard to see how selfish ambitions can lead to disorder and chaos, as the Bible notes in James 3:16. But what's the antidote? Humility. This isn't just a nice trait to have; it's a necessity if we desire peace and genuine connection in our lives. Humility isn't about debasing oneself; it's about elevating others, recognizing that putting "you before me" leads to richer, fuller relationships. Learning from the Ultimate Example How exactly did Jesus embody this radical humility? Philippians 2:1-8 offers us a blueprint of His life that speaks volumes about how divine love operates. Jesus, despite His deity, chose not to cling to His privileges but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. This journey wasn’t about losing identity but about fulfilling His purpose—serving others unreservedly. He stepped into our shoes, shared our burdens, and ultimately, sacrificed His life on a cross. The message here is clear: real love, divine love, is about self-giving, not self-saving. Humility in Daily Life So, how do we walk this out in our daily interactions, particularly in our closest relationships? It starts with intentionality. Imagine prioritizing your spouse's needs as highly as your own, or better yet, putting their needs before yours. This isn't about ignoring your needs but about fostering a mutual respect and care that seeks the best for one another. It means listening more, serving more, and loving more deeply. It's about making peace and unity your goal rather than winning arguments or securing personal comfort. The Downward Mobility of Love There’s something counterintuitive yet incredibly liberating about embracing a downward mobility in our status-conscious world. Jesus showed us that true greatness comes not from ascending the ladders of success but in descending to the roles of servant and supporter in the lives of those around us. This approach doesn't diminish us; it actually enriches us, bringing out the best in ourselves and others. Challenges and Rewards The journey of humility is not without its challenges. It demands vulnerability and a willingness to occasionally take the back seat. But the rewards? They are profoundly significant. Peaceful and loving relationships, a genuine sense of community, and a life that mirrors the generous love of Christ. This isn't just about making our lives better—it's about making our relationships warmer, one humble act at a time. A Call to Action So here's a call to action for you, whether you're married, single, a friend, or a family member: start with humility. Choose to serve rather than be served. Engage with the world around you not as a master but as a fellow traveler, a helper, a friend. And watch how this simple yet powerful principle transforms your relationships and brings a little more heaven to our earth. Remember: "You before me is a life of humility." Let’s strive to love like Jesus, not just in grand, heroic acts but in everyday moments of kindness and sacrifice. After all, that’s where true greatness lies. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 5/5/24. |
Welcome to the pastors' blog!
These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
Previous posts
November 2024
|
RSS Feed