Don't give up!
Last month we sought to leave no one uninvited to our Resurrection Celebration Service. We, hopefully, acknowledged that everyone deserves to be invited to celebrate the resurrection of the King of kings and Lord of lords. And it is my hope that such an attitude becomes part of the DNA of Foxworth First – not just for Easter Sunday...but all throughout the year!
And I want to thank you! It is clear to me that many of you were intentional in inviting others to gather with us to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it was a joy to see folks lining the pews on Easter Sunday. If you made a call, sent a text message, gave out a card (or went out into the community – like our students) to invite others to gather to worship King Jesus, please know that I am thankful for your willingness! Your efforts made our day special.
And I want to encourage you. God’s Word tells us (Galatians 6:9) “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Thinking about this, I want to give you 3 things that can happen when the church intentionally loves on the community where the Lord has sovereignly planted us. This list is certainly not exhaustive – and it’s not automatic – but as we continue (and refrain from growing weary) the Lord will bless the efforts of His people, following His leadership, for His glory.
When we, as the church, are intentional about loving the community in which we are planted (those who reside in the community)...
- Those who were once indifferent begin to see the value of the church.
- Believe it or not, many people live their lives adjacent to a local congregation without ever really thinking about the church. While much of what we do revolves around what takes place on campus, there are many who never give what takes place on campus a second thought (if they are even aware of it in the first place).
- But when a church intentionally loves on the community around her, it becomes increasingly difficult for the community to be unaware of our efforts, & some will begin to see the value of the church in the community in which they live.
- Once poor opinions begin to change.
- It’s no secret that churches (meaning the people), at times, hurt others. Ask a dozen unchurched people about their experience with/view of the church, and you will likely hear a heart-breaking story of church-hurt.
- We are broken people. We, at times, walk in step with the flesh rather than the Spirit. And each of us have been guilty, at times, of not accurately representing Christ to those around us.
- But when the local congregation intentionally loves on the community around her, opinions begin to change. The “bad-taste” for the church that some have developed begins to be challenged by what folks see us do, how they see us love, and those things on which we spend money.
- Change doesn’t happen, overnight. A bad experience takes time to overcome, and there are times when congregations need to publicly repent – because there has been public sin (or toleration of public sin). But overtime, the attitude of the community begins to shift.
- Those engaged will be encouraged to continue making an impact for God’s glory (and the good of the community).
- When (as God’s people) we walk in His will & serve in His strength, God will bless. And we will see the fruit of God taking imperfect people and using them to reach other imperfect people.
- As we see prayers answered, invitations accepted, wayward believers return, and the lost embrace Jesus, it becomes fuel for us to continue being intentional for His glory!
Our God – who is the same yesterday, today, and forever – is, no doubt, actively at work. Will we be encouraged to be used of Him for the good of this community & His great glory?
Be friendly to those around you (be reminded of what friendship really means). Be faithful to the LORD and His ways (and faithful to His Bride: the Church). Be focused on your mission and the day that will come when this will be no more and we will be like Him!
Pastor loves you, church!