VICAR
Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well, that You are in a good state after a Christmas rest, and that You are well-prepared for 2023.
Your To Do List may be refreshed and You may have replaced Your wall calendar but how is Your faith?
From the very start of his movement, Jesus has used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Starting with a group of uneducated misfits, Jesus launched his Church, and it’s been changing the world since. In Acts 2:42-47 we see the first Jesus followers engaging in everyday activities that transformed Christians and the world around them. Here are just a few ways to consider activating your faith and bringing lasting change, expanding the Christian movement in our corner of the world.
1. Gather with other Christians on a regular basis
This one may seem obvious, but we can’t be the church if we don’t spend time as a community. When we gather we talk to God through singing and responding to His Word. We also encourage one another as we come together- whether in person or online. Simply coming to a weekend gathering is a vital way to contribute to our community.
2. Build relationships with people in all areas of your life
Since Jesus launched his movement it’s been all about relationships. A great way to be active in Jesus’ movement is by connecting with others to grow to become more like Jesus and to care for one another. In fact throughout the New Testament there are over 100 “one another” commandments or examples that show that we are stronger together. Someone needs you to help them grow and the truth is you need others who can help mentor you as you seek to follow Jesus.
3. Make time to find a place to serve
If you choose not to use your gifts, you and others are missing out. Ephesians 2:10 tells us why: “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” God gave you unique talents, passions, and perspectives to build into his movement. Unique means one of a kind. No one can contribute exactly like you, so whatever God has put inside of you, use it to help us introduce people to Jesus and together fully follow Him.
4. Consider investing in the mission of Jesus
The Apostle Paul reminds us that we should give not out of reluctance or compulsion but as God has guided us (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Since Jesus launched his movement, it’s the generosity of his followers that has allowed the good news to spread and for the Church to do good in the world. Let’s not let up on contributing in this vital way of advancing Jesus’ movement.
5. Introduce people to Jesus who don’t yet know him
From the very first days of Jesus’ ministry, people were introduced to Him through a personal invitation. Jesus’ first disciples became followers after Jesus invited them to “come and see” and they followed His example (John 1:35-46). Time and time again, we hear stories of life change that start with a simple invitation. Your invitation may change a life, so make the ask. Share a social media post, call, text, or have a face to face conversation and a friend, family member, neighbour or co-worker to join you.
Have a wonderful Sunday, a year full of Truth and joy. God Bless You All.
Almighty Father, I thank You for granting me the strength to remain faithful to You always. Today I rejoice, for my heart is filled with joy – pure joy for simply being Your follower. Though sometimes I may waver, I know that at the end of every day, You are always waiting for me to come home to You. I shall continue to praise Your name until the end of my days. Everything I lift up to you. Amen.