Joining God in His Work

Roll with the punches.

In the words of the great theologians 38 Special- hold on loosely.

Proverbs 19:21 HCSB

21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.

I do not believe there has a been another time in US history, where the church of the Lord Jesus has had to adapt so quickly to such massive and unexpected change and limitations.

I know I never have seen anything like this, nor did I dream that I would.

God is never hindered nor surprised

Matthew 16:18 HCSB

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.

This applies to your personal life

This applies to the mission of the church

God allows hindrances to get us to go

Matthew 28:19–20 HCSB

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 8:1 HCSB

1 Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.

For years I preached that the emphasis of the local church was on its going, not just on inviting people to come.

I am looking hard at ways for us to put this into practice.

We are already doing some things. Mission center aid. School supply collection. Bed builds. I want to find ways to partner with our schools.

But I also want to remind you that the GOSPEL is what people need. Look at this next part.

God hinders in order to redirect

Acts 16:6–10 HCSB

6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in Asia. 7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, bypassing Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 During the night a vision appeared to Paul: A Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to evangelize them.

Romans 1:13 HCSB

13 Now I want you to know, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now ) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Notice verse 10. evangelize them. preach the good news to them. Romans 1.13 fruitful ministry (souls)

We’ve got to remember these driving truths:

We need a sense of urgency: We are dealing with a pandemic. The church has to be more concerned about people dying and going to hell. I am praying that a sense of revival urgency permeates our church and our churches.

We need to speak to people about the Gospel. Preach the Gospel, and since it is necessary, use words.

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