You See Bones, I See an Army (cont,)

Continuing on with Floyd McClung's book.

Like Jesus when he worked as a carpenter is intended by God to be an example to those in the marketplace.  They are just as called and commissioned to minister within their vocation as those who go to other nations.  By working as a carptenter, Jesus was modeling how he wants the church to infiltrate every sphere of life.

The strategy Jesus followed in the next season of life, the three years of intentional discipleship with the twelve, modeled the goals and methods we should follow no matter what vocation God has called us to.  In the two seasons of his life, Jesus both validated the sanctity of ordinary life and modeled how to intentionally make disciples as we do ordinary life.

To be dedicated to Jesus is not first of all about being a missionary or pastor but being intentional and obedient in making disciples.

Apostolic people take the church to the world; they don't wait for the world to come to the church.  God always intends the fruit of apostolic service to result in more obedient disciples for Jesus.  That means getting them together in small, simple gatherings, then equipping and encouraging them to obey all Jesus taught us to do.  When th Holy Spirit falls on such a missional community and it begins to grow out of control, a church-planting movement is born.

Without its apostles, the church becomes hopelessly ingrown, and ultimately disobedient to Jesus' commission to disciple all nations.  When local churches, Christian organizations, and educational institutions marginalize or exclude those with apostolic passion, they can no longer expect to be fully obedient to Jesus.

We had a great speaker in church today.  John Dupree from the Harvest Group and one of our board members, blessed us with an awesome talk on being a Cross Cultural Christian.  It hit home for many I heard and was very timely for many.  I took special joy in hearing him talk about being apostolic, the very thing we've been looking at in this book recently.  He confronted selfishness, taught on giving and on the great commandment.  He talked about the top line and bottom line of the Bible, Bob Sjogren's wisdom.   It was very equipping.

We also had an opportunity to start to say good-bye to the Hicks family.  Though they were with us for only 4 months, we have been blessed by their heart, their humor, their ministry, and all the things that make them a great family.  They will be missed. 

Have a blessed Sunday evening.