Dr. Luke gives us a confident account of Jesus’ time on earth between His resurrection and ascension. Since God is something we do not have the capacity to handle seeing in His entirety, we are so blessed that He chose to send Jesus to earth in human form. Jesus proved to be resurrected, fully man and fully God during His walk among us. Prior to His departure, we were adorned with the promise to receive the Holy Spirit as we prove to be faithful witnesses to our town, city, state and even the world! A lot of modern day western civilization is offput by the front that church goers can put on. We definitely don’t have it all together and should humble ourselves to be accepting of the rest of God’s flawed children. We have a unique opportunity to share our testimony with them, showing where we were and where God showed up in mighty and powerful ways. In this light, it comes so naturally to share the good news! That is what you are called to in this life. While the day of Christ’s return is so beautifully anticipated, what are we doing in the waiting? I continually pray that God reveals to me His plan in my waiting, that He uses me to touch the lives of those around me and allows me to learn what He has intended for me to learn. Let me keep my eyes upon the Lord so that He may elevate me to the path that He is leading me on.
How does that look for us, as a church? We believe in the up, in and out lifestyle. To primarily worship God, while living in community as the spiritual family He has appointed us to be in and being on mission to reach those around us. Our gatherings are based on scripture readings, diving directly into the Word of God through conversation and prayer, both privately and corporately. We must also lean into the responsibility of intercessory prayer. It is such an act of true Christian friendship and devotion to actively pray for one another. When is the last time you prayed for your spiritual family or even an acquaintance? When is the last time you chose to be vulnerable and ask for prayer? Now is the time to rip off the veil of false confidence. My confidence is in God, alone. There is no earthly being that will control, protect and comfort the way that my Heavenly Father will and has proven to time and time again. Trust in Him and allow yourself to be used in the aggressive pursuit of relationship with the community He’s placed you in.
What did we see the early church doing? Prayer and community. We see the disciples gathered together to act in accordance with God’s will. It would have been easy, at the time, to fall away after Jesus ascended and was no longer physically present to hold these men (and women) accountable for the instructions they had been left with to go forth as witnesses to the world. This group refers back to prophecies that needed to be fulfilled. Judas needed to betray Jesus. Jesus needed to be put to death. Judas needed to take his own life for the disciples to replace his spot in the twelve. These candidates didn’t go around campaigning, nor was it a popularity contest. These men were known to be in Jesus’ presence during his ministry and witnessed His resurrection. In the realm of political uproar we find ourselves in currently, isn’t it shocking to see this group of decision makers pressing into the Lord in unity to request His decision and His will be done. Our election season sure would look different if we were taking this approach with our ballots. Friends, I encourage you, even in times of stagnancy, keep pressing into Jesus. Not only for political influence, but that He would use us all in our waiting and allow us to be obedient to Him.
Obedience to Christ also leads us to the act of baptism, and let me tell you, Sunday made my heart sing. We are so grateful for the witnesses present in joining us for Tina’s baptism this weekend. A little over two years ago, I was looking for every excuse not to go to our discipleship group gathering, but I told the enemy he wasn’t going to win and I went anyway. I walked in the door to see this fabulous lady sitting alone on the end of the couch and, for the first time in my adult life, I very clearly heard God say “that’s the one.” I had no idea what that meant, but in true Samantha fashion I ran with it and found my new best friend. God is so good to us as we respond to Him in obedience! Navigating her journey with God has been such an incredible faith building experience, not only for her, but many of us that surround her. She has proven to be such a strong and powerful woman , growing unshakable faith and inspiring many of ears that hear her. The questions she asks press us all more deeply into the Word of God. The spiritual warfare raging against her was clear proof that God had her on the right track, and the enemy was trying a mountain of maneuvers to deter her. Tina, we are all so proud of you and the dedication you have made to Jesus. You are an inspiration to your family and the spiritual body that is blessed to be around you. Keep playing your trumpet!