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Jesus, Lessons for Life 6
5/31/2010 8:19:36 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

lessons for life, ministry


Beyond These Walls - Taking ministry to the world

We can see that Jesus was mobile in the early parts of his ministry. After the miracle at the wedding, Jesus, traveling with mother, brothers, and his disciples, moved on. Travel was by foot, so even short distance required considerable time.  We know they went to Capernaum, and then on to Jerusalem just before the Passover holiday.
Jn 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples.
Immediately thereafter He and his disciples were again on the move.
Jn 2:13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
There in Jerusalem is where we saw his emotions, including zeal and anger, as we discussed last time. This trend of moving frequently from place to place was His practice.  Each location provided opportunities for deep lessons, for his disciples and all those He encountered.
 
Ultimately, Christ would give the command to his disciples to take the Good News to the world. We often refer to this as the "great commission."
Mt 28:19 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,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What we are seeing in this early period of Christ's ministry is Jesus living out the example of traveling and preaching. This was common practice for Rabbis of this time, so Jesus fit perfectly with the cultural expectation for Rabbis and teachers of the time, traveling continuously with his band of disciples.
Key lesson -- our work for the Lord is not limited to time within the walls of our churches.  We are to take the message "beyond these walls."  
In our church, Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, TX, we have a working fellowship group within the church that goes by this title--Beyond These Walls, with the specific function of creating momentum to serve and take the Gospel message into the community and world.
As you grow in Christ and within your church, be thinking "beyond these walls."
Blessings in your studies & ministry,

Larry

 

More Roles of our Local Churches
12/11/2009 1:43:53 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

charity, church, evangelism, ministry


This entry will include three additional functions of our local churches. Each is very important. 

Evangelism
 
The church is a center of work for evangelism. It is clear—Christ’s mission for the church is to reach the world with the Gospel.
 
Mt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
 
It is our mission, and it is wonderful that He promises to be with us always as we work toward his purpose.
 
Helping the needy
 
Churches are critical to charity within communities. In Romans 15 we read about members of the early gentile church family sending offerings to Jerusalem to aid the poor. We see many wonderful examples from today’s churches. Each year offerings are sent throughout communities to help those in need. This is especially evident in times of crisis. In recent years, a notable example was in the months following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the southern United States. It was the church families that opened their doors to assist and care for the many people escaping from the regions destroyed by the storms. Similar examples can be seen every year around the world – Christians reaching out to help those in need.
 
Ro 15:25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there.  26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
 
Stewardship – Giving
 
The church is where we can live out stewardship of our resources according to God’s will. God has an expectation that we share a portion of the resources and money he has blessed us with. The local church provides a focal point for our giving. It enables our offerings to serve the Kingdom.
 
Paul at times reminded the local churches of this. He encouraged them to keep an attitude of love as they gave their gifts to God.
 
2Co 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
 
It is in through our local churches that we can participate in God’s work. These basic functions of the church enable us:
 
  • Worshiping
  • Growing in the Word of God
  • Fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ
  • Praying together
  • Working in evangelism
  • Providing to those in need
  • Giving – following God in our stewardship
 Many blessings,

Larry

 

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