via TJC
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.”
Revelation 3:7-9
This week is about Legacy, the long lasting impact of all our efforts in our spheres of influence. Today we look to the legacy of our churches and how to build them on rock and not on sand. (Matthew 7:24-27) Have you ever thought: “What do I want my church to be known for now and in the future?” What is your answer? The legacy I want for my church is to consistently bring people to Christ and ultimately heaven using all the gifts of the community in service to that goal.
Growing up, my church had a variety of outreaches into our community. When I was 14, My father, brother and I dressed up as elves while another jolly man from our church dressed up as Santa. We drove around town visiting poor families bringing them the only Christmas presents they would receive that year. The joy on the children's and parents faces was unforgettable. They saw and knew how much they were loved by their church community. Now, twenty years later, I am the father in the story. This past Christmas, my sons and I delivered gifts to the poor families in our community, seeing the same joy as years ago on new faces. I know that experience will have an impact on my sons and is another step towards them choosing discipleship.
My churches legacy is built day after day by disciples attending to the physical and spiritual needs of my community with love and charity while also teaching the next generation the skills needed to pick up that mantle after I am gone. In this way, I can be confident that my church will persevere as a beacon of Christ’s Love until the end of time.
Daily Battle Order:
Talk to your church leadership about what outreach is the most pressing at the moment and prayerfully ask yourself “What do I want my church to be known for now and in the future?”. Is there a way to help with your skills, time or money? Lastly, how can the next generation of disciples get involved with the outreach?
I liked your question, “What do I want my church to be known for now and in the future?” I've been starting on that path by my involvement in my own church and our "fellowship Sunday" which is the last Sunday of the month. My hope is to expand that time of fellowship outside of the walls of our church, certainly more frequently than one Sunday a month. To get to know my brothers and sisters that I come together with. To learn of their gifts and talents and put them to use in our community. I really like the idea of involving the next generation of disciples.