A Purpose to Go

"For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel." 1 Cor 9:16

"...but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts" 1 Thess 2:4

I heard a great message from the church I've been attending here in Montana about missions that I felt would be good to share with you all. The pastor submitted that missions is not some far off journey into a distant land but a responsibility of the local church, boldly stepping out into the community and beyond. It was good to be reminded that we are stewards of the gospel, we have the priceless privilege of bringing hope to peoples lives that they would never find in the world around them. We reach people because God has plan for their lives.

There is this cool story in the bible where Jesus feeds 5000 people with just 2 loaves of bread and two fish. This in itself is amazing but it is interesting to focus in on the small sacrifice of the boy who offered his lunch. This boy was willing to give all that he had to see what Jesus could do with it and was able to see it feed 5000 people! This causes me to look at what seems to be my small life and wonder, What could God do with my sacrifice? What do I have that I could give? We need to stop and remember that the mission is more important than we are. When Jesus uses people miracles happen. He creates opportunities but also creates the provision to meet our needs. He will use any willing vessel to accomplish his work. God has given us everything we need to get the job done.

This message got me excited for our upcoming outreach to Spain, France and Hungary. From the world's perspective this trip just seems foolish. Who are we to think we can bring change with the little bread and fish we have? After being reminded of God's ability to use willing people to accomplish his work I was filled with such an expectation to reach the lost in these countries. The truth is, once its all said and done it comes down to Heaven or Hell. Eternity with God or eternal damnation. I hope that this sobering truth will bring passionate urgency to our lives today.

And because I'm in a Worship school...I wrote a song about it!

A Purpose to Go

Spirit of God make your home in us

anoint us by your grace

give us a sense of purpose

that we may be one

We will go

And we will proclaim the good news

declaring liberty to the captives yeah

and the blind, they will see

not by strength but by your Spirit working in me

"I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" Romans 1:16

Living with purpose

-Jer