Chapter 15: Outward Focused Lives
Apathy: lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern
A version of Christianity that is safe, isolated and dispassionate has created people who are complacent and comfortable and will not be able to bring justice through change.
A missional church is one that moves by God through His people in order to bring healing and restoration.
Jesus did not come tot only save me from hell, but to put me on a mission to be a blessing to others and minister healing and restoration.
Jesus sent us out to all people…
Not to get butts in the pews but to love, heal, free, protect, serve, encourage, and share in His name.
Maybe some people live too much for ourselves and care to little for others…
If we give too much in the beginning there will not be enough for all–if we give too much to ourselves, we wont have enough to bless those who really need it.
Missional living starts when we realize that everything is not about ourselves.
Some churches work really hard to keep people happy with great shows and fancy sanctuaries because people what a church that is “for me.”
We–the church–needs to be God-focused. We need to focus on His mission, not our own.
Chapter 16: Reconnecting Worship with Social Justice
True worship points God’s people toward justice.
Worshipping barefoot helps us related to those in need.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.”
Isaiah 58:6-9
Lord I know I have failed at times to bless others because I relied on my own understanding and power. Please forgive me. Please heal me. Please guide me to love Your people with Your love and knowledge and power and mission.
In our worship, if we forget our neighbor our worship is hollow.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your should, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
Justice and mercy are fundamental to worship.
God is in all people–we need to look for Him in the faces of ALL people we see.
Chapter 17: Justice Starts Now
My life can change the world.
What bothers me deep in my core?
- The way homeless people are treated
- The fact that some people do not feel loved
- Some people don’t have hope
- Bad communication
God empowers us to be agents of change.
I must respond to the needs in my community.
Creative ways people are helping in their communities:
Ways to Begin:
- Start a blog – 1 min videos talking about change
- Volunteer
- Get on a plane and let God lead you where He wants you to go
- Plant a garden
- Live simply so you can afford to give more
- Meet with like-minded people to inspire and create change
- Slow down and make time for others
- Give more of your heart to God and less to yourself
- Habits, addictions and wants can become idols
- You only have so much time and energy
- Be honorable to your mission and to the mission of others
- Rely on God to carry you
Feel free to leave your comments below!
My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.
Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this:
Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world.
I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me.
I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
Amen
The Lord is with you always.
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