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October 9, 2007
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
Igniting People's Passion, by Larry Davies
Fall seems to be the season when we begin to think seriously about new
beginnings. After all, a new school year started. Church programs and
small groups are beginning.
Yet to many people, churches seem intimidating and self-sustaining.
"They don't need me. What could I do to really help?"
You could not be more wrong. There is a tremendous need for you. Jesus
called you!
I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach
these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And
be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew
28:18-20 NLT).
I hear four important commands and a potent promise.
Here are the four commands!
1. I've been given complete authority: A command to trust.
2. Go and make disciples: A command to reach out.
3. Baptize them: A command to include them in our church family.
4. Teach the new disciples to obey: A command to pass on what we
learned.
This is the potent promise:
I will be with you always, even to the end of the age: The promise
of eternal hope.
George Barna in "Growing True Disciples" says it another way: "Ignite
and nurture people's passion for God."
What if we as the church were to focus on the four out of every ten
adults and one out of every three teenagers who have already become
Christians and do everything we can to help them grow to be productive
disciples -- help them live out the four commands?
In other words: "Ignite people's passion for God and then simply get
out of their way."
George Barna gives many examples of how as a church we could "Ignite
people's passion -- "
* We worship not just on Sunday but every day of the week.
* Constant efforts to convert knowledge of faith into personal
application.
* Complete submission to the Holy Spirit and hearts sensitive to sin.
* Joyfully share our resources -- time, money, skills, information,
etc.
* Deep commitment to building a life-changing community.
* Spontaneous demonstrations of selfless compassion toward those in
need.
You will find no greater joy!
* Sharing our faith in natural and unforced ways based on
relationships.
* We live different from the norm because of our faith.
* Your church projects an image of love, care and compassion.
Would you like something more specific? Here are a few things you could
do right now:
* Host a small group in your home: teaching is often provided by
video.
* Donate a few Saturdays to help churches fix up houses for the
needy.
* Participate with a church that is feeding meals to the needy.
* Help the Salvation Army by ringing their bell during the holiday
season.
* Be a New Member Mentor -- Help new people feel welcome and find
their niche.
* Become a Children or Youth Volunteer -- During Sunday school or at
other times.
* Building and Grounds -- Help your church or volunteer agencies look
their best.
* Meals on Wheels -- Bring a hot meal to those who need it most.
* Christmas Child -- Provide Christmas for a needy child chosen by
our local schools.
You will find no greater joy than to trust in the authority of Jesus
and reach out to others, help them feel included, and teach them to
pass on what they've seen and experienced through knowing you. Are you
nervous? So am I, but I take great comfort in Jesus words just before
ascending to heaven: "I will be with you always, even to the end of the
age."
I pray this will be part of igniting your passion for serving God and
then may we all have the wisdom and courage to "simply get out of your
way!"
---------
(c) 2007 Larry Davies < LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com>,
Sowing Seeds of Faith <http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com>.
RELATED LINKS:
* God Still Rescues
http://www.heartlight.org/feature/sf_980826_rescues.html
* What if We Really Can?
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200604/20060408_whatifwecan.html
* Do We Really Believe What He Said?
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200410/20041009_reallybelieve.html
* Sowing Seeds of Faith
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200710/20071009_ignitingpassion.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
VELVET ELVIS: REPAINTING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, by Rob Bell
In this provocative, hopeful book, Bell asks what the church might look
like if today's believers fully embraced "the way" of love, peace,
sharing possessions, compassion, risk, forgiveness, and harmony.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?254
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
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