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Oftentimes, we struggle to form a cohesive understanding of the purpose of the church. Do we place our efforts and resources towards fulfilling The Great Commission solely? Do we send every member on an overseas mission trip? Do we knock on doors of our neighborhood to proclaim salvation through Christ? The following is an excerpt from John Piper’s book, “Let the Nations be Glad!”:
“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever. Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal of missions. It’s the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white hot enjoyment of God’s glory. The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God.” When we get worship right, missions, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, family, etc. come into right perspective. Take time today to offer a moment of private worship adoring Him because He is worthy of our worship. Roger Sharp "Until the Whole World Hears" is more than just a catchy Christian mission phrase. It's a lifestyle that says, "I want to feel the heart of Jesus and see the world through His eyes. I want to be His hands and feet. I want to live a life that leads people to Him."
This Sunday, Parkside Fellowship will begin a week-long global mission emphasis revolving around the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This emphasis is not just about writing a check; nor, is just about praying for our global missionaries......that's the easy part. The hard part is making a personal commitment to join the harvest. Every farmer wants a harvest. His eyes see an empty field that is overgrown with weeds and covered with rocks. But his mind sees his field covered with strong, healthy crops. And the promise in his mind, not the problems before his eyes, takes him into the field to work. First he breaks up the hard dirt, so the seeds can grow easily. Then he plants the seeds. As they grow, he pulls out the weeds that try to choke the new plants. He makes sure they have enough water, and he protects them from birds and bugs. He does his part, knowing that only God has the power to make the seeds grow. When the time is right, the farmer goes into the field, gathers the fruit of his harvest and takes it to his storehouse. There, he collects new seeds for the next planting season--more seeds than he started with. So his harvest grows greater every year. This is the parable of the harvest found in Matthew 13. For generations, farmers or what today we call missionaries, have been preparing and spreading the seeds of the Gospel and now, more than ever, they need harvesters to go out into the fields and harvest the seeds that have been planted and are now ready to be harvested. In Matthew 9, Jesus displays true emotion as he looks out over the crowd that has gathered to hear him teach and turning to his disciples says, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." What field might God be calling you to go and join the harvest.....if only for a week or two.? All must Pray.....Many will Give......Some will Go. Join us this Sunday, as we ask God to show us our role in the harvest. One easy role is to make a personal commitment to invite one person, who doesn't know Jesus, to our Christmas Eve service, which takes place at 4:00pm. Who is God placing on your heart to invite? FYI.....don't forget tomorrow's (Saturday) Young @ Heart Christmas Party. It takes place from 2:30pm to 4:30pm in the Fireside Room. See you Sunday......or Saturday. Pastor Doug |
Our PastorDoug Boyd - Sr. Pastor Archives
February 2023
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