If New Life Baptist Church could no longer meet in Moama and couldn’t find another venue to meet in, would the community even miss us?
Would they know if we didn’t turn up next weekend?
Jesus said believers were meant to be salt and light in our communities.
That means we are supposed to have a positive impact in the communities we live in.
If you’re part of another church in Echuca-Moama, what would happen if you lost your building?
Would our communities be worse off for us not being there? Would they miss us?
We are called to make a difference in the world we live in.
The early church changed the world of the Roman Empire by turning it upside down.
They did this by loving each other, which became a witness to Jesus’ compassion to all of humanity.
They fed widows, looked after orphans, healed the sick and lame and cast demons out of people who were possessed.
People knew the church was there.
In the Bible there are numerous ways that can have a positive impact in our society. These are commandments that Jesus has given us and the Holy Spirit wants to help us with.
The first is to love each other. In John 13:35, Jesus says “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
We live in a society that struggles with loneliness and anxiety.
In the church as we love each other we become a part of God’s community where we truly belong.
Loneliness is lessened and that will attract people to our churches.
Another way our communities will be blessed by the church is when the church realises we have a mission that comes directly from Jesus. Matthew 28:16-20 says “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
One of the reasons our communities might not know we even exist is we don’t tell them about the good news of Jesus. All of us have a part to play. 1 Peter 3:15 says “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Can I challenge each of you who attend one of our great churches in Echuca-Moama?
Invite someone who doesn’t go to church to come along to your church’s Christmas services.
Let’s show them we are an integral part of our community and a blessing to the people who are around us.
Reverend Rob Tanner, New Life Baptist Church
17°C