The church has been defined in many ways, but the Biblical definition is that of a family. Guest preacher, Pastor Leonce Crump from Renovation Church in Atlanta USA, cautions against the individualistic "Jesus & Me" Christianity, encouraging all Christians to embrace being part of the family of God.

There are many good things that Christians and the church can do. But what's best? When the Holy Spirit came and filled the first disciples, their instant response was to proclaim the Gospel - telling of the wonderful things that God has done.

The significance of this event should not be overlooked. God the Holy Spirit comes to earth to empower His people to minister the Gospel into their own lives and into the lives of others. This is a game-changer: the final chapter in redemptive history begins!

The disciples were looking for an immediate consumation of the physical Kingdom of God. But Jesus said that first, there is a job to do. His followers are to be His witnesses in the proclamation of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Did Gideon finish well? He's listed in the (Book of) Hebrews Hall of Fame, so his faith is certainly noteworthy. But it was his faith in defeating the Midianites that is noteworthy, not how he finished. When we are blessed with comfort, peace and prosperity we can so easily forget God and make idols of the created rather than worshipping the Creator.

You really don't want to be an enemy of God! No one can stand against the mighty wrath of God, as the Midianites discovered the hard way. What about you? The only way to change from being an enemy of God to being a friend of God is to be saved by Jesus. Either you pay your sin debt yourself, or trust in Jesus that He has paid this on your behalf in his death on the cross.

Gideon's experience of encountering God changed him from a cowardly doubter to a worshipper. The persecution his people were experiencing because of their disobedience would become peace because of the gracious deliverance of Yahweh - the LORD.

When the angel of the Lord approaches Gideon he addresses him as "Mighty hero." But Gideon seems anything but mighty and heroic. Still, God calls him to rescue the Israelites and encourages him with this promise, "I will be with you."

Something that's often overlooked is the promise of Jesus that accompanies the great commission of Jesus - I will be with you always. As Jesus calls us to participate in His mission of redemption, He is with us by His Holy Spirit so that we go in His authority, with His provision and using His gifts.

The third effect of the call of Jesus to follow Him is that you join His mission to make disciples.