May 20, 2010, Acts11

Key Verse:

“So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.”

(Acts 11:29)

Central Truth:

Our mission here on earth is to help our fellow man in any way that we know how and are able to do with a willing heart.

A GIVING HEART

All throughout our journey thus far, Jesus has reminded us to love one another. In fact, in Matthew 22:39, Jesus tells us that the second most important commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. He goes on in John 13:35 to tell us that our love for one another will prove to the world that we are His disciples. Think about it . . . . What better way to glorify God than by letting people see His works in action through us?!

What if you were followed around for a couple of weeks by a hidden camera? Would Christ be revealed in your daily lives or would you be surprised by the outcome? You see, it is what we do when nobody is watching that shows our true character. Anybody can play the part of “good guy” if they know that they are being watched. What would your hidden camera clip reveal about you and your encounters with others? Are you truly sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ every opportunity that you get or are you turning it on to impress others when you know that you are being watched?

Well, let me break some news to you . . . . You are being watched all of the time by God and others - whether it be family, friends, co-workers, ball field parents, check out people, or complete strangers. Big brother is watching. Let’s show him what makes a follower of Christ different from the rest.

I challenge you to not only grow individually and personally in Christ on your journey with Piedmont but also to share His love with your neighbor. One of my favorite books of the bible, James, in chapter 2:14-17 states, “what’s the use of saying that you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone . . . . so you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all . . . it is dead and useless.”

Let’s unite as individuals, families, and as a church to make a difference in our community and around the world. We must show people the love of Jesus Christ. They cannot get it by osmosis. For starters, please pray for our community and our church. Ask God to direct you to those who are in need in our community and to show you how to help them. Ask God to help our local mission projects with our GL2 groups and our church-wide projects to be overflowing with willing volunteers. Pray for Pastor Jerry and the delivery of his message to our church family and our growing visitors. And ask God to give us the courage to take the needed steps to start taking Jesus out into Macon on a routine basis. Then, as YOU get more comfortable, volunteer at a homeless shelter or an after school program, pack food at your local food bank, invite a neighbor over for dinner, check in on a shut-in, drop a co-worker or distant friend a card, invest your time in someone that you know does not go to church, etc. The list could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. The possibilities are endless! Let’s make a difference in the lives of those around us just like the believers in Antioch did.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for my faith and my salvation. Please soften my heart to the needs of those around me and make me more aware of how I can help them meet their needs.