Where Is God Leading? (Part 3) |
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How does a faith community discern when and where God is leading them in ministry? A good place to begin is with the words of Jesus in the His final days on earth. A previous blog looked at two passages; here are two more. With each instruction, the direction becomes a bit more specific.
In Luke 24:46-49 Jesus says, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” This clarifies the good news they are to share: Jesus died in our place so we could repent and be forgiven of our sins; He rose from the dead so we could experience a life of victory. But before the disciples could begin proclaiming this message, they needed one more thing: the power promised by God. Which leads to the fourth and final Scripture.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus lays out a strategy for the disciples to follow: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Begin where you are, says Jesus. Be witnesses first at home, in your community, and then move out from there as God continues to open doors for ministry.
Review the four Scriptures (this blog and the previous one). Think about the directives Jesus has given His followers. What are some practical steps we can take to fulfill the mission and vision that God has given us? I’ll share a few with the next blog.
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