Good Monday morning MABC family,
Let me begin this morning by sharing a couple of sentences from Les’ MABC Update email this morning.
The most perfect gift is the sharing of Christ. The second most perfect gift is the giving of oneself because of Christ.
These are very important aspects in the life of the follower of Christ. If Jesus is the model we are trying to fashion our lives after, then we must center our lives around these two statements. If we dare to call ourselves “Christians” then we are saying that we are ‘little Christs. This word was originally used as a jeer or a derogatory term, implying that those who were trying to follow Jesus were lesser versions of him. The early followers of Jesus were simply called “The Way” because they were living a life that was radically different than the rest of the world. The Way emphasized loving and caring for others. That was what Jesus had called them to do.
This week let’s look at the first statement…The most perfect gift is the sharing of Christ. Our mission statement begins with that very thought:
Our Mission: To Make Disciples.
The two bible verses used to substantiate that are 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and Matthew 28:19-20.
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. Matt. 28:19-20 NLT
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Tim. 2:3-4 NLT
Notice the action associated with each verse. “Go” in the Matthew passage, known as the Great Commission, means “as you go about your day.” When you go to the doctor’s office, when you go grocery shopping, when you go out to eat…when you go anywhere! Do you look for ways to strike up conversations about your faith? Do you ask people you encounter if there is anything that you can be praying for in their lives? Christmas gives you all sorts of entry points into faith based conversations if you are willing. Are you willing is the big question.
Also, take note that the discipleship aspect comes after the action portion of each verse. Make disciples means to teach them about the new found faith they just discovered because you shared the Gospel with them.
Remember Jesus’ words in Luke 19:10…
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost Luke 19:10 NLT
This Christmas, let us seek (go after) those who need the hope of Jesus in their lives. After all, this is the season of hope.
P.R.
