Commissioned by the King

I have begun appreciating the Pilgrim radio station. I used to think it was just boring, weirdo teachers and terrible Christian music. But then I actually listened and now I'm listening to it daily. One day I was driving home and heard a message by David Platt (His voice is so recognizable since we all kept seeing this video!). And one of the points of his sermon really connect with how Benjamin and I have been feeling lately. The sermon is titled, "Commissioned by the King" and is on Matthew 28, you can listen to it here.

The idea is that we have the power of God living inside of us. The power of God! In us! Platt asks "But why? Why would God place His power in us?" So that you would be an example of the gospel everywhere and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). So why can't we just bring people to the church to hear our pastors speak? Our buildings cannot hold the city. We would constantly be building bigger and bigger buildings. That's millions and millions of dollars on buildings. Platt says, "Wouldn't it be wiser . . . " for the 4,000 or so people attending Brook Hills (Who are filled with the power of God!) to leave that building every Sunday and to go out into the city and to make the gospel known. To make the gospel known to people that wouldn't come to a church building or that Platt would never have the opportunity to meet himself. The people we sit next to and live next to and go to work with. This way, this power is attributed only to the Spirit of God. Not a building or an eloquent pastor. It is only and fully the Spirit in us, moving through us, and changing lives.

I feel that this is much wiser than spending millions on new buildings. To equip our congregations to thirst for the power of God within them and to go make the gospel known seems much more wiser and much more personal. I haven't thought too much about it all but I feel really passionate about this. I think the reason why is because I fail in this area. I flat out fail. I've come to realize that the closest unbelievers in my life are my co-workers. I'm truly not giving and sacrificing and being a part of someone's life in order to help them see Christ. And I want to change that. I want to be pouring in to someone. I don't want to live a comfortable, and fairly well boxed in Christian life. I mean, my flesh wants to but my soul longs to affect people's lives. I'm praying for boldness and for the Spirit to refresh me and refocus me.

Platt also says that this mission is not based on who we are or what we can do. This mission is based on who Jesus is and what He will do in and through our lives. I acknowledge the power of God within me and I pray for the Spirit to move in and through my life to affect others.