I just came back from Dodge Park - the real park, not the road or the church building. I went there to pray during my lunch time. It was good to be outside in God's sanctuary.
As I prayed for the pastors in Guatemala, I uttered a sentence inspired by a prayer guide I have: "God, what is on your heart for the Guatemalan pastors? What do you want me to teach them in November?" The answer was almost immediate. It was the same word that God gave me about Dodge Park Church last year.
His answer to my prayer? "Outside!"
The purpose of His church is to take the light of his grace to those outside it's warmth and safety.
Listen to Jesus words from Matthew 28:18 - 20 (NLT): "Jesus came and told his disciples, “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.”
We are to go to those who are outside the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. These new disciples need to be taught to obey the commands of God.
We are to go.
Outside.
Outside the camp. Outside our circle of Christian friends. Outside our church family. Outside the circle of people who have already accepted the Savior we know.
Are you going? Or are you safely inside with little concern for those still outside?
If you are serious about going outside read Vince Antonucci's blog article. Then read this one, too.
As I prayed for the pastors in Guatemala, I uttered a sentence inspired by a prayer guide I have: "God, what is on your heart for the Guatemalan pastors? What do you want me to teach them in November?" The answer was almost immediate. It was the same word that God gave me about Dodge Park Church last year.
His answer to my prayer? "Outside!"
The purpose of His church is to take the light of his grace to those outside it's warmth and safety.
Listen to Jesus words from Matthew 28:18 - 20 (NLT): "Jesus came and told his disciples, “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.”
We are to go to those who are outside the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. These new disciples need to be taught to obey the commands of God.
We are to go.
Outside.
Outside the camp. Outside our circle of Christian friends. Outside our church family. Outside the circle of people who have already accepted the Savior we know.
Are you going? Or are you safely inside with little concern for those still outside?
If you are serious about going outside read Vince Antonucci's blog article. Then read this one, too.
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