Adventurous Living - The Meadow Springs Community Church Podcast

As our fall b.l.e.s.s. series comes to a close, a bit of an object lesson comes to mind. An experienced angler wades down into a shallow river, hoping to catch 'the big one'. The right pole... the appropriate line and lure, right? He came prepared. When we invest in those around us and display the gospel to them in our words and actions, we do so possessing every tool we will ever need. God has given all of them to us.

Living out the gospel requires boldness. Be ready with the truth - don't keep quiet or be subdued about it. Will you stand on a stage and proclaim it or will you hide, never emerging from your safe shelter?

We do not carry the responsibility of someone's 'yes' or 'no'. The message is the same either way. Our part is to live simply, serve others and share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who want to hear.

Imagine seeing every person, in every circumstance, through the eyes of Jesus. That annoying solicitor at your front door or on the other end of the phone is suddenly someone working a thankless third job to provide for a family. The short-tempered grocery clerk who was too rough with your carton of eggs quickly becomes a brand new dad whose newborn is still in the hospital with an undiagnosed illness. Jesus sees it all... sees US ALL... for what we truly are; His creation, His workmanship, His Image.

It takes strength and courage to stand against the schemes of the devil. But take heart - we have all the armor we will ever need.

"Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead..." As believers we press on amid the struggles, growing closer to Christ, even though what lies ahead remains uncertain.

What does it mean to live as citizens of Christ's kingdom in a hostile community? After all, just saying you follow Jesus is enough to stir up opposition these days. It means we stand firm in one Spirit, striving together in unity for faith in Jesus. To live a life worthy of the gospel is to stand together for Christ and not be scared off.

Paul had a strong message for the worried church community: "Get your mind off me because it isn't about me." He was in prison, surrounded by a guards and fellow prisoners who heard nothing preached but Jesus Christ. He was adamant - no church can survive built on or around a human leader. Paul was held captive, Christ was not. Paul was not the savior of the church, Jesus Christ was and Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The process of grieving is not easy. It is painful and there is no timer that alerts you when the grieving time is done. But HOW? How do we grieve and get through loss, coming out whole and healthy at the end?

Often, the storms of life can seem so big - huge even. Giant waves keep us unsteady on our feet and soaked to the bone by the spray. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of the storm, choose instead to be overwhelmed by Jesus... even the waves and the wind obey Him.