New Life Gillette Church Teachings

This week, the message centers on the idea that "Our Church is God's Temple." The teaching explores how every believer, as part of the local church, plays a significant role in this living temple. The early church gives us an inspiring picture of what it means to be part of God’s temple, not as a building, but as a people united by faith in Christ.

The Church as a Family

Acts 2:41-47 illustrates a vibrant community where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. This passage shows how the early church embodied the concept of family. The church isn't merely a place we go; it’s who we are. We are part of a fellowship, a family where believers come together and share life.

The message challenges us to ask ourselves, “How much do we care if our church grows?” Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about commitment. If we consider New Life our church, it’s important that we invest in it as a family.

Scripture Reference:

"Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer." (Acts 2:41-42, NLT)

A Living Temple, Not a Location

The Old Testament temple was a physical location, but through Christ, we have become God’s living temple. In the Old Testament, people had to go to the temple to meet God. But Hebrews tells us that this new temple, the church, is better because God comes to us. We are His temple wherever we go.

The church is not tied to a location; it’s a movement of people. Many of us struggle with the belief that we need to change locations or circumstances to find something better, but the problem isn’t external—it’s internal. When Jesus cleared the temple of its corruption (Matthew 21:12-13), He showed us that spiritual sickness comes from a heart that hasn’t been fully surrendered to God.

Scripture Reference:

"Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, NLT)

The Church and Repentance

The message stresses that the solution to spiritual sickness is not changing locations but changing hearts. This change comes through repentance—a turning away from our way to God’s way. When we choose God’s way, we become the church. Salvation is not just personal; it’s communal. When we are saved, we are added to the body of Christ, His church.

No one in the early church was added without being saved, and no one was saved without being added to the church. Salvation and church membership go hand in hand. It’s essential to understand that while anyone is welcome to attend church, only those who are saved can be the church.

Scripture Reference:

"So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself." (Ephesians 2:19-20, NLT)

The Value of the Local Church

The importance of gathering as a local body of believers cannot be overstated. In a world where online church is becoming increasingly common, we are reminded that online services are not a replacement for in-person fellowship. The local gathering is where discipleship happens. God is all in on the church. It is His bride, and He has entrusted us with the mission to grow and build it.

If God has placed all His chips on the church, so should we. As we see in Acts 5:38-39, if what the disciples were doing was from God, no one would be able to stop them. Likewise, God’s plan for the church is unstoppable. To fight against it is to fight against God Himself.

Scripture Reference:

"If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." (Acts 5:38-39, NLT)

Investing in the Church

We are called to invest in the church, and one of the biggest lies we face is that the church is dying. Jesus reminds us that "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Matthew 9:37). The issue is not a lack of opportunity; it’s a lack of laborers. Our task is to raise up more leaders and volunteers to help fulfill the mission.

One of the key ways we can do this is by identifying our first downs and touchdowns. In football, touchdowns are the ultimate goal, but first downs are crucial steps toward achieving them. Similarly, in the church, our "touchdowns" are when people come to know Jesus and follow Him. But to get there, we need first downs—smaller steps toward that goal.

Scripture Reference:

"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." (Luke 19:10, NLT)

Life on Mission: First Downs and Touchdowns

At New Life, we’ve identified key first downs as part of our "Life on Mission" strategy: Gather, Connect, Serve, Give, and Influence. These are essential to building the church and fulfilling our mission. We celebrate every step toward these goals because they bring us closer to our ultimate mission: saving the lost and making disciples.

Gather – The church is called to gather together regularly in worship, just as the early believers did. Connect – Building relationships in small groups or Life Groups is essential for discipleship. Serve – We are called to serve both within the church and in the community, just as Jesus came to serve. Give – Generosity is at the heart of the early church and remains a foundational part of building God’s kingdom. Influence – Every believer is called to influence the world around them by living out their faith in daily life.

Scripture Reference:

"They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity." (Acts 2:46, NLT)

Loving the Church: Christ’s Bride

The Bible refers to the church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25). To love Jesus means to love His bride—the church. We can’t love the head without loving the body. The church is His body, and as members of that body, we have a mission. We are called to be actively involved, not sitting on the sidelines.

If New Life is your church, then invest in it. Get off the sidelines and engage. If another church is your home, invest there. The key is to be involved in the local body where you can contribute and be part of God’s plan to build His temple.

Conclusion

The message of “Our Church is God’s Temple” is a powerful reminder that the church is not just a place we attend—it’s who we are. As believers, we are part of something much greater than ourselves. The church is God’s chosen vessel to carry out His mission on earth. When we invest in the church, we invest in God’s eternal kingdom.

We are called to be a part of God’s living temple, actively participating in the mission to seek and save the lost. The steps we take—our first downs—lead us toward the ultimate goal of seeing people come to know Jesus and experience life transformation. Let’s commit to being the church God has called us to be, not just in name but in action, so that we can make a lasting impact for His kingdom.

Did you like Acts: Life On Mission – Week 5 - Our Church is God's Temple? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

When most people think of the Holy Spirit, a variety of images and ideas might come to mind. Some may think of miraculous signs or speaking in tongues, while others might recall the more dramatic, even sensational, displays often associated with charismatic movements. For many, the term "Holy Ghost" evokes a sense of mystery, or perhaps the Holy Spirit feels like an elusive or distant concept altogether.

However, the aim of today’s reflection on Pentecost is to focus on the relationship that every believer is invited to have with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not just a force or an event, but a divine person with whom we can have an intimate, ongoing relationship—one that transforms not just our individual lives but also the world around us.

The message begins by looking at the moment the apostles were in a state of anticipation, following the instruction of Jesus to "wait for the gift" from God. This moment of waiting lasted ten days, and while they didn’t fully understand what they were waiting for, the answer comes at Pentecost.

In Acts 2:1-4, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise is recorded:

"On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." (Acts 2:1-4, NLT)

This moment marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit in a powerful, tangible way. Imagine the sound: it was like a tornado ripping through the room, perhaps akin to the roar of a freight train in modern terms. The sheer force of the Holy Spirit’s presence was unmistakable, and the impact on those in the room would not leave them the same.

One of the immediate effects of the coming of the Holy Spirit is transformation. Every Christian is now given access to the Holy Spirit, not just the apostles or select few. The Spirit’s presence is not conditional on being "good enough" or having an emotional experience—He is available to all who follow Christ.

The significance of this happening during the Jewish holiday of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover, is profound. Pentecost originally celebrated the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. But now, with the arrival of the Holy Spirit, something new is happening. As Romans 12:2 reminds us:

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2, NLT)

God, who once gave the law to Moses, is now writing His law on the hearts of believers, renewing their minds and guiding them through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This isn’t about rigid rule-following, but about an intimate relationship with the living God. The Spirit convicts, guides, and reveals truth, making it hard to continue in sin without feeling a deep, internal conflict.

When the Spirit is present, life changes. The internal struggles that weigh heavily on a person—be it anxiety, depression, or a sense of burden—are often linked to living in ways contrary to how God created us to be. In Galatians 5:25, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to let their lives be led by the Spirit:

"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:25, NLT)

While the Holy Spirit works individually in the hearts of believers, He also works corporately within the body of Christ. When the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, it wasn’t just about personal transformation—it was about unifying and empowering the church for mission.

Paul describes the unity brought about by the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, NLT)

The Spirit’s work is not just in individual renewal but in creating a collective movement. Just as a mosaic is made up of countless, seemingly small and insignificant pieces, so is the church. Each person, each role, is a vital part of the bigger picture. Whether someone is cutting donuts for kids or making coffee before service, they are contributing to the larger mission of God’s kingdom.

The ultimate outcome of the Spirit’s coming at Pentecost was not just for the transformation of the apostles or even the early church. The Spirit’s arrival marked the beginning of a worldwide movement. Pentecost coincided with the Jewish harvest festival, which is fitting because the Holy Spirit is the force behind God’s spiritual harvest.

After the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, Peter, full of the Spirit, stepped forward and preached boldly to the gathered crowd. In Acts 2:14-21, Peter proclaims:

“‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams... And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” (Acts 2:17-21, NLT)

The Holy Spirit’s outpouring wasn’t limited to that moment in history; it was the beginning of a new era where the Spirit would empower believers to prophesy, dream, and see visions—changing the world around them. The same Spirit that filled Peter and enabled him to preach boldly is available to every believer today.

At the conclusion of Peter’s sermon, an astounding result followed:

"Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation!' Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all." (Acts 2:40-41, NLT)

In one day, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church grew by 3,000 souls. The Spirit’s work was not just about individual transformation but about community transformation and, ultimately, the transformation of the world.

The message of Pentecost is clear: the Holy Spirit changes everything. The same Spirit that filled the apostles and empowered them to carry out their mission is alive and active in the church today. He transforms hearts, brings unity to the body of Christ, and uses believers to bring about God’s purposes in the world.

The call for believers today is to step into the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit. Whether someone feels they are not capable of teaching kids in Sunday School or unsure of how to share their faith, the truth remains: the Spirit empowers believers for tasks they might feel unequipped for. Like Peter, who often stumbled and even denied Christ, the Spirit can breathe new life and boldness into each believer.

As we reflect on Pentecost, we are reminded that the work of the Spirit is ongoing. It didn’t end with the apostles; it continues in every believer today. The invitation is open to trust, follow, and allow the Spirit to work through each one of us for the glory of God.

Let us, like the early church, be filled with the Holy Spirit, ready to step out in faith and allow Him to move in and through us.

Did you like Acts: Life On Mission – Week 4 - Pentecost? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

In this week's message, we explore the Great Commission and our role in God's rescue mission. Jesus calls us to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:18-20), but it starts right where we are. Empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we're sent out to share the Gospel—first in our local community, then to the world.

No one is too broken to be used by God. Just as He empowered the early church, He equips us today to fulfill His mission, inviting others to experience the rescue story of salvation.

Are you ready to join the mission?

#ActsLifeOnMission #Worship #Fellowship #SpiritualBattle #Celebrate #ChurchCommunity

2024 Kickoff Sunday: Acts - Life on Mission

The second week of the series "Acts: Life on Mission" focuses on a core question: What should the church look like today? This message, drawn from the early church’s example in the book of Acts, brings to light three powerful mandates for believers—worship, spiritual battle, and celebration. It also touches on how the Bible addresses aspects of church life, such as dress and behavior during worship, with a call to build a stronger, mission-focused church community.

The Bible has little to say directly about clothing for church gatherings, especially in the New Covenant. In the Old Covenant, there were some subtle indications, like covering one's head for worship, but the New Testament mentions it only briefly.

Paul, in his letter to Timothy, writes:

1 Timothy 2:8-10

"In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do."

Here, Paul doesn't refer to church buildings as “sanctuaries” but as places of worship, emphasizing that worship should be the primary focus. Men are instructed to lift holy hands, drawing attention to God, not to themselves. Likewise, women are told to dress modestly and appropriately, not to create barriers for outsiders or make it about self-image, but rather to make God the focal point.

The book of Acts provides a powerful model for how the early church functioned. Written by Luke, it describes a church devoted to key practices that every believer and church community should emulate. This passage offers a glimpse of what church gatherings should look like:

Acts 2:42-47

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."

Luke emphasizes five critical aspects of the early church:

Devotion to Teaching
The believers were serious about learning and applying the apostles' teachings. It wasn't a passive experience. They actively engaged with the teachings, discussed them in their communities (Life Groups), and applied them in their daily lives. This example challenges the modern church to not just listen but live out the Word of God.

Fellowship
God created humanity for fellowship. Even in the Garden of Eden, God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, despite his companionship with nature and animals (Genesis 2:18). Fellowship builds up believers, providing the encouragement needed to continue through life's struggles. The church should be a place of genuine connection and mutual support.

Communion and Sacraments
The early church gathered to share meals, including the Lord’s Supper, a key practice commanded by Jesus. Beyond individual spirituality, the church provides the necessary context for celebrating the sacraments—baptism, communion, marriage—and these are essential for the life of the believer.

Prayer and Miracles
Prayer in the early church wasn't just ritualistic; it was Spirit-filled and led to tangible results. The apostles performed miracles and signs as a result of their deep connection with God. Church gatherings are not just social events but spiritual meetings where the power of God should be evident.

Generosity
The early believers shared everything they had. This radical generosity is a challenge to modern believers to adopt an open-handed approach toward material possessions. As they shared, God provided for them. The message here is clear: God calls His people to be generous, and He will meet their needs in return.

Drawing from the example of the early church, three mandates emerge for believers today:

Psalm 115:3-8

"Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them."

True worship forms us into the image of Christ and brings freedom and truth into our lives. It is a daily, intentional act that should take priority over everything else.

Revelation 12:9-11

"This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, 'It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.'"

Christians are called to fight and defeat the enemy. They must not fear the spiritual battles they face but embrace them as part of their mission. God has placed His people on earth at this time for a reason, and they are equipped for victory.

Nehemiah 8:10

"And Nehemiah continued, 'Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!'"

Believers are not called to live in fear, sadness, or defeat. They are called to celebrate, knowing that Christ has already won the ultimate victory. In times of spiritual battle, the church is to fight with joy in their hearts, confident that God is in control.

The early church was committed to living life on mission. They devoted themselves to worship, fellowship, prayer, generosity, and the sacraments. This commitment transformed their community and grew the church. Likewise, today’s church is called to follow this example—to devote themselves fully to God and His mission.

Will you join this mission? Will you devote yourself to worshiping God, fighting spiritual battles, and celebrating His victories? The time is now, and the church must rise together to fulfill its purpose. As G.K. Chesterton once said, "The one glimpse of God's paradise given on earth is to fight a losing battle—and not lose it."

Let’s fight the biggest battles and throw the best parties, for we serve a God who knows the way out of the grave. Together, we can slay the dragons of this world and celebrate our victory in Christ.

Did you like Acts: Life On Mission – Week 2 - 2024 Kickoff Sunday? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

As we embark on our journey through the book of Acts, it's essential to remember that the early Christians were known as "Followers of the Way." This term isn’t just a label; it encapsulates the essence of what it means to live a life centered on Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself made an exclusive claim that He is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). This claim, while challenging to the world’s desire for relativism, remains the cornerstone of our faith.

The Apostle Paul, facing persecution for his faith, boldly declared, "I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors" (Acts 24:14). Paul’s words echo through the ages, reminding us that following Jesus often means standing against the tide of popular opinion. In a world that often seeks to find its own path, the call to follow Jesus as "the Way" requires us to step onto a path that Jesus Himself laid out.

Imagine "The Way" as a path with three significant stepping stones that every follower of Jesus must walk on. These stepping stones represent the journey Jesus invites us to take, a journey that reshapes our lives and reorients our priorities.

The first stepping stone is the recognition of our own sinfulness. As G.K. Chesterton once wrote, "We’re all in the same boat, but we are all seasick." We are all sinners, unable to save ourselves because we are all in need of rescue. But what does it mean to acknowledge our sin?

The world often associates sainthood with moral perfection, but Chesterton also pointed out that "a saint only means a man who knows he is a sinner." This awareness of our sinfulness is crucial because it drives us to seek God. The law given to the Israelites served to reveal their sins, and in the new covenant, God gives us a conscience that convicts us of our sins.

Thomas Aquinas captured this truth when he said, "The heart is restless until it rests in God." In our restlessness, we often turn to substitutes for a relationship with God—wealth, pleasure, power, and honor. These pursuits are ultimately sinful because they center our lives on ourselves rather than on God.

St. John of the Cross described our desires as "an infinite cavern that can only be filled by God." When we try to fill this cavern with anything other than God, we fall into sin. Jesus, in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, said, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). This teaches us that no earthly pursuit can satisfy the deep longing in our souls—only God can.

So, the first step on "The Way" is to recognize our sin, name the vices that lead us astray, and understand that only God can truly satisfy our deepest desires.

The second stepping stone is making Jesus the center of our lives. During a visit to Christ Church in Oxford, known for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance, I noticed a recurring theme in the design of many ancient churches. In these churches, the rose window—a circular stained glass window—depicts Jesus at the center, surrounded by His followers.

This design isn’t merely decorative; it’s deeply symbolic. When Jesus is at the center, everything else falls into place. When we make mistakes, it’s often because we’ve allowed something other than Jesus to occupy the center of our lives.

When Jesus is at the center, He makes our lives better, and He makes us better at life. The imagery of a convoy of ships or the precision of the Blue Angels, who must maintain perfect alignment, illustrates this point. Just as one ship or one jet out of alignment can cause chaos, so too can one area of our lives out of alignment with Jesus disrupt everything.

Consider the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:39-42). Martha, overwhelmed by the demands of preparing a meal, complained to Jesus that her sister Mary wasn’t helping. But Jesus gently reminded her that "few things are needed—or indeed only one." Mary had chosen to center herself on Jesus, which was the better choice. This story isn’t about the virtues of contemplation versus hard work; it’s about focus and priority. When Jesus is the center, everything else falls into its proper place.

The Gospels also recount stories of people possessed by demons, such as the man who said, "My name is Legion, for we are many" (Mark 5:9). The term "diabolic" means "to scatter," which is the opposite of what Jesus does. Jesus brings us into alignment, into harmony, with Him. He centers us.

A rose window from a church in Cambridge, known as The Wheel of Fortune, illustrates this truth. The window depicts a man at the top of his fortunes, then falling, losing everything, and eventually rising again. But at the center of the wheel is Jesus, reminding us that no matter where we are in life—on top or at the bottom—Jesus must remain at the center.

Those who live on the edge, focused on worldly success, are the ones who fall off. As John Lennon, who once claimed the Beatles were bigger than Jesus, later reflected in his song "Watching the Wheels," there comes a point when we must "let it go" and stop chasing the fleeting pleasures of life. Only by keeping Jesus at the center can we find true fulfillment.

The third and final stepping stone is the realization that our lives are not about us. Throughout history, many cultures have recognized the importance of teaching young people that life is bigger than themselves. In ancient cultures, boys often underwent a rite of passage—a dangerous journey that taught them that they are part of something larger than themselves.

In modern times, our society often encourages self-invention and individualism, but what we truly need is to understand that our lives are meant to be part of something bigger and more powerful than ourselves.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (Ephesians 2:20). Our brains and our power are limited, but God’s power is limitless. If we spend our lives chasing wealth, pleasure, power, and honor for ourselves, we’ll end up wasting our time and facing deep regret at the end.

Joseph Campbell wisely observed, "There is perhaps nothing worse than reaching the top of a ladder and discovering that you're on the wrong wall." The world’s ladder of success is often leaning against the wrong wall, leading us away from what truly matters.

Instead of climbing the wrong ladder, we must give ourselves to God, ensuring that our lives are aligned with His purposes. This is what it means to be people of "The Way." We live not for ourselves, but for the glory of God.

In this first week of exploring the book of Acts, we’ve uncovered the three stepping stones that guide us on "The Way." These stepping stones—recognizing our sinfulness, centering our lives on Jesus, and understanding that our lives are not about us—are foundational to living a life on mission for God.

As we continue this journey through Acts, let us ask ourselves: What does being a person of "The Way" look like in our own lives? Where have we strayed from the path? What areas of our lives need realignment with Jesus at the center?

Consider the conversation you want to have with God when you reach Heaven. Let that vision guide your steps as you walk on "The Way" that Jesus has laid before you. This is the way of life that leads to true fulfillment, purpose, and eternal life with God.

Did you like Acts: Life On Mission – Week 1 - Three Stepping Stones? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

In the book of Acts, the focus often lands on the apostles who preached and performed miracles, but what about the regular church members? Their contributions, though less documented, were pivotal in growing the church. Most people in the church today will not receive a vocational calling to ministry or become pastors, yet their role in evangelism remains crucial.

The church often seeks out rare talents for leadership roles, but there's more to ministry than just having a select few on staff. The work of growing the church isn't solely the responsibility of pastors. Everyone in the church has a part to play. This brings us to a critical concept: Come and Become Evangelism.

Evangelism is about inviting others to follow Jesus. "Come and Become Evangelism" involves Christians inviting others to church, forming the primary strategy for growth. This approach has three main benefits:

Inviting someone to church allows them to connect with a community where they can wrestle with questions and grow gradually. Instant decisions are rarely lasting; true discipleship involves a series of encounters with Jesus. Lasting conversions typically take multiple encounters, emphasizing that discipleship is about introducing people to Jesus and supporting them as they grow.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24 (NLT)

This strategy ensures that new attendees are immediately connected and can start growing within the community. Everyone plays a role in welcoming and integrating newcomers. The goal of evangelism isn't merely to elicit a prayer but to foster ongoing discipleship. Church involvement provides the support necessary for new believers to continue their journey of faith.

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

Evangelism becomes a natural part of a Christian's life. How one lives reflects their faith, influencing their ability to evangelize. Everyone is on a mission to grow the church, embodying the invitation to others. Jesus made it clear that there is plenty of room in His Father’s house, encouraging believers to invite others to join the family of faith.

"There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" - John 14:2 (NLT)

Inviting others into the church means welcoming diverse and sometimes messy lives. The early church dealt with a range of issues, and so will today's church. But this messiness is a sign of life and growth.

"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

Jesus' return is imminent, and this urgency compels believers to show others the way to God. If the sole purpose of faith was personal salvation, God would take believers to Heaven immediately upon conversion. Instead, He leaves them with a mission: to evangelize and expand the Kingdom of God.

"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6 (NLT)

"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Come, follow me.' Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' 'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. 'Come and see,' said Philip." - John 1:43-46 (NIV)

Philip invited Nathanael to meet Jesus without arguing or persuading. He simply extended an invitation, and Jesus took care of the rest.

Scripture Reference: "Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 'Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?' They came out of the town and made their way toward him." - John 4:28-30 (NIV)

After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman invited her entire village to meet Him. Despite not being an experienced evangelist, her testimony led many to faith.

"He replied, 'The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.'" - John 9:11 (NIV)

The blind man simply shared his story of healing, which led others to believe in Jesus.

Personal stories are powerful tools in evangelism. They don’t require deep theological knowledge, just a willingness to share what Jesus has done in one’s life.

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Evangelism is a collective mission. Everyone in the church is called to share their story and invite others to come and see what Jesus can do. This simple yet powerful approach can fill God’s house and bring many to faith.

Baptisms serve as powerful testimonies, proclaiming new life in Christ and inviting others to experience the same transformation.

"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." - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Will you join the mission? Will you help fill God's house by sharing your story and inviting others to come and see? The time is now to engage in Come and Become Evangelism.

Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 6 - Come and Become Evangelism? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

Richard starts by defining humility, emphasizing that while social media often showcases pride and arrogance, true humility is rarely celebrated. He cites Rick Warren’s quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” This perspective shifts the focus from false modesty, where individuals downplay their abilities, to a genuine self-assessment in relation to God and others.

C.S. Lewis adds to this understanding, suggesting that a truly humble person doesn’t think about humility or themselves at all but instead takes a genuine interest in others.

The Bible offers extensive insights into humility, which Richard categorizes into three main aspects:

Low Esteem: This form of humility places an individual at the bottom of the societal hierarchy. Romans 12:16 encourages believers to live in harmony and associate with the lowly, while Psalm 95:6 calls for worship and bowing down before God, emphasizing that in His presence, humans are on the ground, acknowledging His greatness.

Not Demanding Perks: Richard contrasts worldly desires for perks with Jesus’ example. Despite being entitled to the best of everything, Jesus chose a humble path. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus gave up divine privileges and lived humbly, even to the point of dying on a cross. Jesus’ life exemplifies not demanding special treatment but serving others, as highlighted in Matthew 8:20, where He states, “Foxes have dens… but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Occupying God-Given Space: True humility involves recognizing and occupying the space God has created for each individual. Romans 12:3 advises believers to measure themselves honestly by the faith God has given. Psalm 149:4 reveals that the Lord delights in His people and crowns the humble with victory, affirming that God honors those who humbly occupy their designated roles.

Richard illustrates Jesus’ humility through the act of washing the disciples’ feet, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants. This powerful gesture, described in John 13:1-17, shows Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself for others, setting a profound example for His followers.

Drawing from the book "Good to Great," Richard introduces the concept of the "window and the mirror." Great leaders attribute success to their team (the window) and take personal responsibility for failures (the mirror). Jesus embodied this leadership style, sending out His disciples to perform miracles and promising they would do even greater things (John 14:12). Ultimately, He took humanity’s failures upon Himself on the cross, offering redemption.

Humility is vital because it aligns believers with God’s will, allowing Him to work through them. David’s story from 1 Samuel 24 exemplifies this, where despite being anointed as the next king, David refrains from killing Saul, respecting God’s timing and authority.

Psalm 25:9 highlights that God leads the humble in doing right and teaches them His way. A humble heart is open to learning from anyone, recognizing that God’s lessons can come from unexpected sources.

Richard challenges the congregation to live out humility, reminding them of the insignificance of human boasting. Proverbs 27:2 advises letting others praise you instead of self-promotion. He underscores this with a photo of Earth from space, illustrating humanity’s smallness in the universe.

Despite this, God’s love remains perfect and unfailing. 2 Peter 3:9 emphasizes God’s patience, wanting everyone to repent. Understanding that every person is a beloved child of God should change how believers interact with others, as Ephesians 4:2 instructs: “Always be humble and gentle… making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Humility drives believers to step back and let God work through them. Richard shares how David, despite being in a position to take Saul’s life, chooses to wait for God’s timing. Psalm 25:9 reinforces that God teaches the humble His way.

Humility also involves stepping down from personal soapboxes and engaging with others as children of God. Winning arguments or proving points pales in comparison to winning hearts for God, one person at a time.

Richard concludes by encouraging the congregation to volunteer and serve, finding their God-given space within the church. From greeting at the door to teaching Sunday school, every role is vital. This act of service not only fulfills God’s purpose but also exemplifies humility in action.

The success of a community is deeply rooted in the strength and presence of its fathers. Communities with strong, involved fathers thrive, while those with weak or absent fathers often struggle with rebellious children and immature adults. Fathers play an essential role in shaping the future of their families and, by extension, their communities.

Christian fathers are called to lead their families toward a relationship with God and away from sinful desires. The impact of a father on his family is profound, and this influence can be for better or worse. The concept of "monitored freedom" is vital in this leadership role. Granting children freedom before they are wise enough to handle it is irresponsible. Instead, fathers should gradually allow their children more freedom as they demonstrate responsibility, stepping in to restrict that freedom when necessary.

One father's personal experience illustrates this principle well. As a child, he was excited when his parents told him he no longer had a bedtime, only to quickly lose that privilege after staying up too late playing video games. This early lesson in responsibility paved the way for more significant freedoms later on. By the time he turned 16, his parents told him he was no longer accountable to them but to God, whose discipline is more severe (Hebrews 12:6). This transition was crucial, providing a framework for managing freedom responsibly by the time he reached college.

Freedom is a precious yet dangerous gift from God. It requires careful management and accountability. God's discipline, while severe, is an act of love (Hebrews 12:6). This divine model of parenting is a guide for earthly fathers, who should also discipline their children out of love. This discipline helps children learn to manage their freedom and grow into mature, responsible adults.

Many young people today struggle with this concept, often rebelling without understanding the true value and responsibility of freedom. Loving fathers monitor their children's freedom, guiding them to maturity. This mirrors the way God disciplines and guides His children.

Fathers must take responsibility for their children's actions. This responsibility reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus, who took on the sins of humanity. Fathers should lead their homes with the same selfless dedication. When children face consequences for their actions, fathers should be involved, whether by making their children accountable or, at times, stepping in to help bear the burden themselves.

The empathy that fathers feel when their children are hurting is a God-given trait designed to motivate them to help. However, fathers often need a reminder to stay engaged and not turn their backs on their children, as it is easier for them to distance themselves than it is for mothers.

The statistics are clear: fatherless homes significantly impact society. One in four children is raised without a father, compared to one in forty without a mother. Absent fathers weaken communities. God designed the family unit with both a mother and father to lead children into a mature relationship with Him. This partnership is crucial, and when fathers fail to fulfill their role, the entire community suffers.

A significant shift occurs when children marry. According to Matthew 19:5, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This transition marks the beginning of a new family unit, independent yet built on the foundation laid by their parents. Parents must build strong relationships with their children when they are young to ensure a lasting bond that encourages their children to return home for holidays and special occasions.

The time parents have with their children is limited, and building a strong foundation early on is crucial. Fathers should engage in daily activities that reinforce their relationship with their children and their faith. This might include daily discussions about Jesus, playing together, expressing love, reading, eating, and working together. Consistency in these small, everyday actions builds a lasting foundation.

The extended childhood of humans, compared to other animals, underscores the importance of this developmental period. Fathers should not underestimate the long-term impact of their consistent, daily efforts in guiding their children. The ideal is a salvation story where children are gradually brought to faith by their parents' teachings, growing into their beliefs over time.

Proverbs 22:6 provides guidance: "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." While this is a proverb and not a promise, it offers valuable wisdom. Parents should prioritize directing and training their children, understanding that this is a hands-on process. Supervision from a distance is insufficient; active, engaged parenting is necessary to guide children effectively.

The role of fathers in the family and community is of paramount importance. Fathers are called to lead with love, discipline, and responsibility, mirroring the example set by God. By building strong foundations and actively guiding their children, fathers can ensure the success of their families and communities. The impact of a father’s leadership is profound and lasting, shaping not only the present but the future as well. Fathers must embrace this role with dedication, understanding the significance of their influence and the responsibility it entails.

Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 4 - Fathers Lead? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

Lindsay Lundvall, a dedicated school counselor at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, shares her journey and insights into becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. Married to Shay and mother to two children, Skyin and Breen, Lindsay grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, in a strong Christian home. Attending church every Sunday was the norm, and Christian morals and values were deeply instilled in her from a young age.

Lindsay's story highlights her lifelong struggle with people-pleasing. As the youngest of three children and the only granddaughter, she developed a desire to be liked by everyone around her. This need for approval grew over time, especially during her high school and college years. Despite avoiding the typical party scene, she found herself deeply involved in Christian organizations like Campus Crusades for Christ and Oasis, a church outreach program for college students.

Lindsay’s faith began to solidify during her college years, and she became acutely aware of the Proverbs 31 woman—a model of a virtuous and capable wife. However, she found the chapter both intimidating and unachievable. Like many young Christian women, she viewed Proverbs 31 as a daunting to-do list, feeling immense pressure to live up to its high standards.

Instead of seeing Proverbs 31 as a checklist, Lindsay learned to view it as a guideline for living out her faith. The chapter can be broken down into five key themes: integrity, hard work, productivity, faith, and beauty.

Proverbs 31:10-12 says, "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Integrity is about moral excellence and being uncommon in a world that often values conformity. The entire book of Proverbs aims to teach wisdom, discipline, and the ability to make right decisions, even when they are unpopular.

Proverbs 31:13-15 highlights the hard work of the virtuous woman: "She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls." While the specifics may not be relatable today, the essence is clear: sacrificial giving for one’s family. Whether working inside or outside the home, God calls us to give our best in every endeavor.

Proverbs 31:16 says, "She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard." This verse, along with Proverbs 31:21, which states, "She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes," calls for using time wisely, planning for the future, and being productive with the resources God has given. This productivity extends beyond the home, impacting workplaces and friendships.

Proverbs 31:25 proclaims, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." This verse challenges women to be so grounded in God's word that they can face life's challenges with confidence and trust. Leading in faith is not solely the husband’s role; women too are called to actively participate in spiritual leadership within their families and communities.

Proverbs 31:30 asserts, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." In a world constantly dictating standards of beauty, true beauty is found in integrity, hard work, productivity, and faith. These qualities reflect the inner transformation God is working in each person and will outlast physical appearances.

Lindsay’s journey illustrates the difference between pressure and accountability. While pressure leads to feelings of inadequacy, accountability fosters repentance and change. Extending grace to oneself is crucial, recognizing mistakes and learning from them. For instance, Lindsay's daughter, Skyin, learned from a mistake in a softball game, which serves as a reminder that mistakes are part of growth.

The journey to becoming a Proverbs 31 woman is part of the broader path of sanctification that all believers walk. Perfection is not achieved overnight, but through daily following Jesus, believers are refined and made better. When the world’s standards make people feel inadequate, it’s essential to remember that Jesus has already paid the price, and God’s grace is sufficient.

For those feeling overwhelmed by the call to be a Proverbs 31 woman, it is helpful to focus on one area of struggle. Seeking the guidance of trusted friends or family members can provide insight. Just like the fruits of the Spirit, mastering all these qualities at once is not expected. Jesus was perfect, and He empowers His followers to grow in these areas.

Be uncommon and resist the world’s standards. Each day, choose to pick up the cross and face life’s battles with Jesus by your side. The journey to becoming the women God has called everyone to be is ongoing, but with God’s guidance, it is achievable.

Did you like Lead Like Christ – Week 3 - Proverbs 31? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.

Have you ever wondered how to follow God’s direction? How do you know what God wants you to do? Today, I want to help you figure out how to discern God’s direction, how to be led by the Spirit; not necessarily to be led by your spirit, but by God's Spirit.

Say this with me: Relationship > Religion.

Technically, based on the current definition of religion, Christianity is a religion, but in practice, it's much more than that. Christianity offers us a relationship with the God of the universe.

In religion, God says:

But this isn't how God works. In a relationship, God says:

Today, we're talking about being led by the Spirit, and outside of an intimate relationship with God, that's hard to describe. A relationship with God is powerful, largely because of the presence of the Holy Spirit. He's not just a power we leverage; He is a person we know. There are a few authors that have been impactful in my life, but their impact is limited. Why? They’re not here. I forget what they wrote or I hear something that contradicts them and doubt them.

When it comes to living the Christian life, the Bible is our map. Have you ever gone to a hotel, and when you check in they give you a map of the city? I love those things. They've got the cartoon landmarks on them, but when you're in a new city, they're hard to read. So what does the concierge do? They use their pen to point you to things on the map. They’re a guide. For us, the Holy Spirit is our guide.

I like a concierge who tells me the best restaurants and landmarks I need to see, and that's a small picture of what the Holy Spirit does for us. He guides us to the good life and keeps us from danger. Because we are created in the image of God, we intuitively know what is right and what is wrong. Now, sometimes we convince ourselves of lies, but without the influence of lies, we know right and wrong.

There’s a passage in Romans where Paul is talking about his battle with sin. The great apostle Paul had not removed all the sin from his life, and he says:

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25, NIV)

To which religion says, “Try harder. Be a better person.” It gives a list of rules: “delete your Netflix account, smash your cell phone, stop drinking alcohol, turn control of the bank account over to your wife.” And maybe you need to do something like that, but the answer Paul is looking for isn’t a rule. It’s not a what. It’s a who: Jesus Christ our Lord.

I need someone, not something. How does God deliver me? With a map, through a guide. The Holy Spirit does more than tell me what sin is. There’s something beyond what's morally right. Most of us don’t usually wrestle with questions about what is sin. We wrestle with “what is best? What is wise?”

There are a million right things that I can do. God never told me I have to marry Darci or I would be sinning. I could have married another girl without sinning. But I didn’t just want to avoid sin. I wanted to do the best thing. Because He is omniscient, He can show us the wisest thing to do. Jesus said:

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” (John 14:15-17, NLT)

That's Scripture. That's the Bible. It's a map that shows us what is right and what is wrong. When we talk about being a Christian, we don’t talk about obeying Jesus. We talk about following Jesus. Do we obey Him? Yes. Because we follow Him. It’s all about the relationship.

If you could ask God a question about your future or about a decision you're making, what would you ask Him? When you pray and ask God for guidance, what are you usually thinking about? We've all been there. We don't know which job to take, which person to date, which Chiefs jersey to buy. David prayed that kind of prayer:

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 25:5, ESV)

Have you ever asked God to lead you, and it just seems like He's not responding? So you wait and wait, and it just seems like He's not there? The Hebrew word that is translated as wait here is the word kawa.

Kawa = Wait

Actually, over time, the word wait has changed meanings, and it's not a strong translation of kawa anymore. A better definition of the word kawa is intertwined.

Kawa = Wait = Intertwined

Imagine doing a three-legged walk. What would happen if one person wants to go alone? But when they’re in sync, that’s kawa. When we kawa with God, when He pauses, we pause. When He runs, we run. If there’s part of you still going your own way, you’re not in tune with the Spirit. That chapter in John concludes like this:

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26, NLT)

Sometimes we think being led by the Spirit is only about getting quiet and waiting for a good feeling, but for me, the Holy Spirit’s leading is more practical than that. He uses Scripture. He uses wisdom. And often, the Holy Spirit also uses people to lead us:

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” (Proverbs 19:20, NLT)

Don’t try to discern the Holy Spirit alone. Ask wise advisors for help. After you completed your PSA, you were assigned a spiritual advisor. Email your advisor and ask for advice. If you don’t have a spiritual advisor yet, go do a PSA.

If you want to be led by the Spirit:

Here’s something that has worked for me. If you still don’t have clear directions, go back and do the last thing you know God told you to do. Darci is different. She’s tempted not to move on, so the advice she needs is “just do the next right thing.”

Jesus didn’t feel at peace in the Garden of Gethsemane. He just did the last thing the Father told Him to do. When people talk about what God wants them to do, I often hear people say, “I don’t have a peace about it.” Well, you might not. Don’t rely on a feeling. Our feelings lie to us.

Here’s the truth about being led by the Spirit that people don’t want to hear:

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)

Living a life led by the Spirit is living a life of obedience. We don’t do what feels good or what we want to do. We do what God tells us to do. If you want to be led by the Spirit, but you can identify a part of your life that is not aligned to God’s instructions, bring that in alignment with Him.

Most of us have settled in one area or another. We’ve allowed there to be a part of our lives that is not obedient to Christ, and we start to allow Satan to lie to us and tell us we can’t bring that area of our lives in alignment with God. But that is a lie. It is a lie that can keep you from fully becoming the person that God created you to be. I’m not judging you. I’m still working on these areas in my life too, but we can’t give up.

Do you have a secret addiction? Are you allowing hate or jealousy to control you? Or are you living a life on mission? Are you serving, giving sacrificially, loving your neighbor?

Being led by the Spirit is about fostering a deep, intimate relationship with God, allowing His presence to guide you in every aspect of your life. It's about obedience, wisdom, and intertwining your life with His will. Let’s seek His guidance together, through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel, and live the life He has called us to.

Remember, the journey of being led by the Spirit is ongoing. Stay connected with God, seek His wisdom, and let the Holy Spirit guide you every step of the way.