By Connie Edmonds
March 26, 2008

Read: Matthew 28:16-20 JESUS’ WORDS TO ALL BELIEVERS

THOUGHT STARTER: What do you see as your responsibility in making ‘more and better disciples’? Make a plan and ask church friend to hold you accountable.
KEY VERSE: vs 19a: “Wherever you go, make disciples of all nations.”
CENTRAL TRUTH: God directs us to “go tell” and gives us the courage, opportunity and words to share. Jesus wants more from us than worship. He tells us to go share the Good News.

There once was a sign as you exited our parking lot that read, “You are now entering the mission field”. Every Sunday we were reminded of Jesus great commission to us, and our church mission statement, “to make more and better disciples”.

Our church has been blessed with a large Children’s ministry at both our campuses, and an enormous Vacation Bible school and International ministry. Every fall and summer you hear the cry from the pulpit for more volunteers, to meet the needs of the spiritually hungry that God delivers to us. Hundreds of His lost sheep flood our halls. I am convinced that what draws them here is our love and joy for Jesus.

This year I was especially inspired by a woman who had just begun attending our church. She heard the cry for volunteers and responded. She was nervous, but her new found passion for Jesus inspired her to step up. I wonder if many do not respond because they do not know what to expect. I am glad to tell you that most volunteers are pleasantly surprised at what an unforgettable experience it was and how richly blessed they feel.

St. Matthew members don’t even have to leave town to do mission work. Working for God’s Kingdom, whether it is through VBS arts and crafts, helping Internationals learn American ways, or participating at a Wixom outreach, will fulfill you and feed you in a way that words can not describe. I wish you could all experience that. Jesus command to share the gospel asks us to step out of our comfort zone. He knows we must practice an active faith in order to grow spiritually.

Before Jesus rose His disciples were scared and hiding their faith. When they saw our risen Lord their faith was restored. And when the Holy Spirit came upon them, their confidence soared. They went out telling everyone the Good News, they could not be silenced!

Sometimes we don’t see the fruits of our labor, and we begin to wonder if the little ways we serve our community really matter. In the craziness of VBS, we might wonder if we are making any impact at all. We can’t see God’s great plan, but if we allow Him to use us and serve others, despite our doubts and busy schedules, we will contribute to the majestic tapestry displaying his great love.

One woman I greatly admire, Corrie ten Boom, says it well, “God requires that we show His love. He gives us the love He demands from us. We are channels of His love, not reservoirs. A reservoir can spring a leak, and all the love could be drained away. A channel provides the method for a continual flow from the ocean of God’s love.”

How is it that you allow God to use you to reach His lost sheep?

Think of various ways you can reach out to the community to show God’s love.

PRAYER: I pray that we can all experience God’s guidance for unstoppable and confident faith to do His will. Lord show us how we can be of service in Your kingdom by sharing Jesus’ Good News. Agape.