The Important Stuff

"...praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:47

O.K. So I broke my rule and quoted a verse of scripture standing alone, without the context sentences before, because the verse starts right in the middle of the sentence. But the points I want to make are contained in this particular verse, and the space on the blog is so short. Perhaps you need to come on Wednesday evening for the full presentation (we're having enchiladas for dinner, you know).

Perhaps you have not yet grasped the fact that the Garden Oaks where our church is located is a much different world than it was 68 years ago when the church was founded, and it is a much different world than it was even 35 years ago, when the decline in attendance and membership that greatly diminished the size of the congregation took root. Property values have climbed, and there is an influx of people moving into the area in what we might call "droves," but they are different in culture and character from the people who lived here "back in the day." Most of them are unfamiliar with the culture of a church, aren't interested in it, and see no need to invest their time and effort to be part of one.

There may be some of you who are asking why God would put us here, at this place and time, surrounded by such a great need, yet at a point in the history of our church where we do not seem to be at our peak in terms of human resources. Churches do sometimes reach a point where they are no longer viable in terms of the ministry of evangelism and outreach. Or so it seems. But with God, nothing is impossible.

Of course, you remember the story of Gideon in the book of Judges, right? Gideon was given the responsibility to deliver Israel from a Midianite invasion. The trouble was, when he called out the men he would need for soldiers, too many showed up, at least from God's perspective. All God wanted Gideon to do was to be obedient. He had already taken care of the rest. When the time came for the Israelites to go into battle, the Midianites didn't even stick around to fight.

We find this scripture in Judges 7:15.

"As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, "Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand."

We need worship that is as filled with the Spirit as it possibly can be, obedience to the command of God to go and make disciples, and we need to pray and ask God to make us instruments in delivering the people around us. We need to be spiritual light to the people who have become our neighbors, those suffering from being beat up by the pain and hurt of the world, and who are real people with real problems who need the answers we already have in our lives. God can use us, as long as we are obedient, willing and spiritually prepared.

Where do you fit in? Join us Wednesday evening, and we might find a place for you. Dinner is at 5:30, and prayer and study begin at 6:30.