Are we just doing the ‘usual’? Do we feel better about ourselves when we help the Church with its ‘usual’ programs? Many of our communities are going downhill and turning away from Christian values in alarming numbers. If we are not satisfied with this (which we really shouldn’t be!) then the ‘usual’ obviously isn’t working!
I just read a blog post by North American Mission Board (NAMB) president Kevin Ezell that is also titled “No More Business as Usual”. The article talks about a Church planter’s conference that was expected to attract about 800 attendees. 2,200 registered! This is great news that so many are willing to do more to the kingdom of God! But, will these 2,200 individuals be able to change the world on their own? Sure it’s a great start, but it’s time for all of us to get out of our comfort zone, put aside our own hobbies, and truly Serve the Lord and do his work.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives us the Great Commission when he said;
“Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Jesus did not say “All of the Pastors need to…” or “Deacons and Elders should….” Or even “It would be nice if you…”. He said Go, and he means all of us! It is easy to convince yourself that you don’t know how, you don’t know enough, or you’re not good at it. I know I have convinced myself of that many times. The answer to this is found in Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV
We don’t have to know what to say or how to do it. Jesus wants us to be willing to do His work and rely in Him. His Holy Spirit will empower us and give us the words to say. It is our duty to be willing to do His work to spread the Good News to Jerusalem (your city), Judea (your state), Samaria (your country), and to the ends of the earth (World)!