A friend of mine
was sharing about a great Youth ministry he led a few years ago. He told me
their success was achieved by concentrating on two things: service for the Lord
and Outreach (witnessing). The willingness of the students and leaders to get
out of their comfort zones enabled them to grow both spiritually and
numerically. They were able to grow because they were following the words of
Jesus 2000 years ago when He was asked about the greatest commandment. Jesus
said to love God with all you have, and your neighbors (the world) as yourself.
Loving God is serving
Him, and you cannot show love any better than to tell someone about that love
shown through Jesus Christ. For God so
loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. And whosoever believes in
Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. The truth and message never
changes – only the methodology of accomplishing it changes.
In the last year at
Hopewell we have tried to implement these truths to reality in individuals,
families, community, and around the world. We have seen some accept salvation
through Christ for the first time, and witnessed many lives transformed in
living more for Him. According to the Great Commission the church is to make
and grow disciples. As we enter into a new year let us focus on doing
church Jesus’ way, regardless of the cost. I know that change is hard, but the
reward is great. God wins in 2019!
Amen?
