Someone else will do it.
Have you ever said this? If we are honest, there are many times we choose to standby and wait for someone else to act, because we don't feel like we are the ones responsible. Last Sunday, we began a new sermon series, "Beyond These Walls," where we are learning that the church is not a building, but a people on mission everyday.
As followers of Christ, we must realize that it is our responsibility to reach people with the gospel. God's plan was to use the Church to meet the needs of those around us and help make a difference in their lives. Sadly, many churches in America have gone from being sanctuaries to becoming stadiums. Every week fans show up to the stadium, where they cheer for Jesus, but have no interest in truly following him.
The final words of Jesus, should be our first priority.
“Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all 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.”
A church that doesn’t go beyond the walls of the church is no church at all. Missions is not something that a select few are called to do. Every Christian is called to be on mission; sharing God’s love and mercy wherever He has placed us.
The church is a movement gathered around a mission. Have you ever asked yourself the question, "What came first, the mission or the church?" God doesn’t have a mission for a church, God formed the church for His mission.
There are two approaches to how people view church, in general:
- “I go to church" – It is something I do. I go. I listen. I sit. I consume. I critique.
- “I am the church.” It is not an event I attend, but a faith family.
The difference between these two approaches could be illustrated by comparing a cruise ship to a rescue ship.
Some people view the church like a cruise ship. Cruises are amazing! You are catered to the entire time and you can eat all that you want. The purpose of a cruise ship is to entertain their guests. When people view the church this way, the focus will be on the wide variety of programs to meet their family's needs.
But I believe the church is a rescue ship! Much like a rescue ship, the mission of the church is to go to those who need saving. When people view the church this way, the focus will be on doing whatever it takes to reach people with the gospel.
Let’s follow Jesus' commission to go and make disciples. Let’s follow him in our homes, across our streets and to the poor and unreached places in the world. We are the ones God has called to do it.