For the next 7-8 weeks, I will be leading in a series of messages on living a missional life. The basic idea is an old one…you are blessed to be a blessing. I have used this title before years ago. It is a clear way to express a biblical truth: we are blessed and are blessed so we can be a blessing. Living a life where we pay it forward and pass it on is a biblical life. There are several parts of this emphasis;
1. We are inviting all small groups, Bible Study classes and members to participate.
2. We are going to memorize three verses of scripture together. The first one, starting this week is Genesis 12:2,3; then 2 Corinthians 9:8,11; and last, Ephesians 2:10; We will give you memorization cards each week and/or you can pick them up at the worship center doors.
3. We are going to pray specifically, as a church family, for someone you know who is in need. We will look to the Acts 16 story of the power of God and the faithfulness of God’s people in prayer.
4. We are asking that you and/or your small group find a project to bless someone in need. In Mark 2 we read the story of the four men who brought their friend to Jesus. Jesus was quite clear when he said their faith made him whole. Who can you bless?
5. Here is another fun one I call “Eating Evangelism”. Invite someone that you know to go out to dinner with you. Use the intimacy of a shared meal as a way to get to know someone.
6. Put on your full armor for this one. I am asking that you and/or your small group prayerfully consider taking on one of the spiritual giants in our community. There are great, ongoing needs like poverty, illiteracy, family brokenness, substance abuse, etc. What could you do? The real question is what could God do? We will have a Mission fair, probably on Sunday, June 2 to present multiple ideas of mission impact opportunities.
7. Last, begin praying about an unchurched or underchurched friend you could invite to your Bible Study or to worship. A simple invitation is still the most effective form of evangelism for our church family.
There you have it in a nutshell…Blessed 2 B A Blessing. What is missing? It has prayer, memorizing God’s Word, Gospel messages, outreach into the community, fellowship of small groups, and service to the body of Christ. I love it. I am excited about the possibilities.
See you this Sunday…good Lord willing.
Pastor Tom
