Six:Eight

A conquering Roman General would lead his captives on display through city streets filled with incense. Paul uses that imagery concerning us, saying we are Christs captives spreading everywhere the aroma of Jesus! Can we view ourselves in such a light being responsible with our calling?

We only have the moments before us to make a difference in someone. Acting wisely & graciously making sure our conversations are seasoned with salt is necessary to reflect Jesus & see change.

Paying attention, being welcoming to others opens the way for the Gospel to flourish - who needs attention around you? Live as wise people out of the purpose to which God’s called His people!

If church matters, then Six:Eight matters, and if it matters, then you matter!

From the beginning of Christ’s ministry He began to choose people to continue the work of kingdom building. He chose, equipped & called them. They came under his Lordship & experienced a life set apart for holiness, fidelity & faithfulness. That continues today, the wonderful call to live the life of Jesus in worship in all ways in order that His Glory would be shown among all people!

It’s not about us, it’s about God’s Glory & God’s Mission. We unify under Jesus for the sake of this unique calling which rises above all the blowing winds of teaching & emotion in culture!

We begin a 4-week series on Why Church Matters today. And we begin by seeing that the Church matters because it represents Jesus - and in that, our whole perspective gloriously gets turned on its head!

James Cordrey, author, speaker, and leader of Intentional Warriors ministry, shared a message about how God's playful nature, displayed in many of Jesus' interactions with his disciples, invites us into a place of true rest and grace. James refers throughout his message to The Message version of Matthew 11:28-30 the text of which is

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Do we live with the end in mind in delayed gratification for the sake of Christ in the world? Or, do we mask our desire for instant gratification in the loose fitting shirt of Christian Culture? Hard questions!!

Our final leadership lesson comes from Paul to Timothy training him to live in grace, modeling & multiplying the life of Christ in others!