S.O.S.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

Last Sunday (in the sermon) we saw that we were made to spread the perfect image of God, shining His glory through the world. Where we failed in this purpose, Christ succeeded. Now, we spread the fruit of the glory of God by making disciples of people in all nations.

What does that look like at Village Church? How do we support and work together to live our God’s purpose? Now of course we do that through proclaiming the gospel. But I think it’s important to see the corporate aspect to this. The aim of spreading the glory of God is not an individual goal, it’s the purpose of God, His Son & His Church. It’s a family business.

I would suggest that we work better when we work together. I think the idea of one or two evangelists doing all the ‘spreading’ is unhelpful and unbiblical. Ephesians 4 shows that the role of the Evangelist is to equip the saints for works of service (for evangelism). We all should participate in the work of spreading the gospel which embodies the glory of God. But how we participate can be different.

Here’s a few suggestions:

• Teaching Village Kids about Jesus, as parents or/and as Kids Church workers
• Inviting a friend to check out Jesus on a Sunday
• Serving at Village Church to make our various activities work well and therefore help us to be a Church that more effectively fulfils God’s purpose
• Regularly attending and participating in Bible Study to help yourself and others be reminded of the gospel that saves us and sends us

These are but a few ways. But it really is worth seeing this. That when you move chairs, stay for dinner, welcome someone, serve at kids etc. you are actually contributing to the work of the Church, the spreading of the gospel & glory of God.

For Today:

• Do you feel like you contribute to God’s purposes?
• Do you think Village Church is contributing to God’s purpose?
• Could you contribute more? If so, how?

Pray:

• Praise the Father for His glorious purpose to show & share His glory with His creation. 
• Give thanks for Christ who is the gospel and brings us back into the purpose of God. 
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others contribute to spreading the good news of the gospel.