I just want to let you know that I have read, and heard some awesome stories about how God has been at work changing your lives. Isn’t it fun to reflect on what God has done and begin looking for opportunities to help others take life changing steps to becoming followers of Christ?
If you haven’t yet tried to crystallize your thoughts and clean out the religious jargon from your testimony, then I whole-heartedly encourage you to give it a try. Sure, it will take some time, but it is time well invested. Go for it. Then, when you feel confident, as the holy spirit leads you, share your story with others. You never know how it might impact someone else’s life.
Well I have had one taker on writing her testimony in one hundred words, or less. It was great to read. I want to encourage each of you to consider writing your own testimony and praying for an opportunity to tell your story to someone in the next week.
Here is mine. I would be thrilled to have some comeback from you.
“When I was very young my dad died from heart disease. My mom never remarried. She did keep me in church and I got involved in athletics, so there were good men in my life who helped to fill the gap. I am grateful for these men, but the result of not having a dad was that I felt insecure and lacking direction. At age 21 nearly finished with college and about to get married I found out that God wanted to be a father to me. Having God as a father gives me identity and security. I also have a great sense of direction for my life.”
Well, that’s it. Feel free to share your thoughts with me.
I hope you are having a great week.
Steve
What is the church? It is easy to think of the children’s hand motions of “This is the church, this is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people” and believe that this nursery rhyme reflects the true nature of the church. We have been shaped in our culture to think of the church in terms of buildings and meetings. We “go to church” on Sunday morning. We have a potluck dinner at “the church.” These phrases reveal that we continue to think of the church as a place to go to rather than a community of the Spirit that is on a mission.
We are currently going through Just Walk Across the Room and I have been reminded that the Trinity is a missional community. The Father sent the Son into the world. The Father and Son send the Spirit. This loving tight knit community is not secluded and insular, rather it is focused outward to create a people who are living in community.
In His priestly prayer for His disciples, Jesus prays for his disciples and the ones who would come later. We are those who have believed because of their report. We are not just new individuals, we are a part of a new community. Paul refers to this community as one new man.
God wants a people who love him and who are consumed with his passions. That is who we are and who we are to become. That is why we like to hang out together. That is why we look for opportunities to be together.
Over the next few weeks we are looking to be proactive in doing things together that are not centered at 728 S. Heylman. Yes, we will continue to meet there on Sunday mornings, but the church will be getting together at other venues as well.
Saturday August 25 the men will be taking in a Royals baseball game. Brian Studer is organizing this event. The cost for the tickets and some gasoline is $15. Bring extra money if you want souvenirs or snacks. Bring a friend if you like. This would be a great time to “walk across the room” and invite someone to hang out with our family.
Saturday September 8 the women will be gathering for some time together. Annette Miles is organizing this event. More details to come.
I am glad to be a part of this missional community called Abundant Grace. My prayer for you is that God’s abundant grace will be upon you.
Steve
