If I’m not careful, I could become a “desk-nerd”! I love reading, studying, researching, and learning. At times it seems that I could be completely satisfied sitting at my desk reading a philosophical-theology or a theological-ethics book. Fortunately, God has balanced my tendency to “sit-and-read” with the motivation to “get-out-and-exercise.” When I’ve
had my fill of study, I enjoy getting on my bicycle for a ride.
In a similar way, if we…as Christians or as the church…are not careful, we could become “fellowship-nerds”! We enjoygetting together for worship, Bible study, and fellowship because our self-interests and needs are being met through our encounter with Jesus Christ and with one another. Nothing wrong with that! However, if that’s all there is to our life together, we miss out completely on God’s purpose and intention in the world. Hopefully, God will fill us with the motivation to “get-out-on-mission.”
What is God’s mission…his ultimate purpose and intention? Is it “my” salvation? Is it “our” church? I think not! God’s saving love is a love for his world: For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his one and only son (John 3:16). Yes, God loves me and our church. But that is not the end of his love. His love goes beyond me and us into his world. God sent his son, Jesus Christ, so that you and I might experience personally his love within the community of the church. However, he saved you and me and put us in his family to join him in his mission of saving the world!
I’m grateful for belonging to a church family that worships and fellowships together. However, I’m praying that our church will be increasingly motivated by scriptural truth and by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit to “get-out-on-mission”. We should do so in three different ways on three different fronts:
Three Ways: We should be on mission through evangelism, social justice, and missions. Sharing the good news gospel of Jesus Christ in order that others may experience personally God’s love is at the heart of God’s mission. Caring for the practical needs of people in and out of the church through social justice is an expression of extending God’s compassion to others. Being conscious of our responsibility globally and locally through missions is integral to God’s work in the world.
Three Fronts: We should be on mission personally, as groups, and as a church. Each of us have a personal responsibility to commit ourselves to getting involved personally in God’s mission in the world. Our church groups provide encouragement, support, and a structure through which we can be involved personally. Our small groups multiply the impact of being on mission in God’s world as we work together. When we pray, participate, and partner with others around the globe God’s work is accomplished.
Are you a “fellowship-nerd”? When was the last time you joined God on mission in his world? Has your group discussed ways that together you can be involved in evangelism, social justice, and missions? If it’s been a while, you may be a “fellowship-nerd”! Ask God to give you a clear vision of his love for the world. Pray that Spirit would fill you with a heart of love. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart and join him in the task of sharing God’s love for his world.
On mission with you,
Scott Corwin, Pastor
Sunday’s Sermon Slides: Aerobic Fitness Working in Gods World