Family First, 25 March 2018
Family First
D6 Series— By Faith Alone
Galatians 6:1-10
Series Overview: The purpose of this series from the book of Galatians is to emphasize the vital role of faith in our lives.
Big Idea: Personal responsibility and mutual accountability are necessarily in following Jesus in community.
Introduction
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word…church? For many, it’s a building. People often say they are “going to church.”
It is described in the Bible as a body. Like the human body, it is comprised of many different parts which ideally work together to form a healthy organism.
In the book of 2 Corinthians, it is described as an army, fighting not against people, but spiritual powers.
The church has been called the Bride of Christ.
The word “church” actually comes from the Greek word ekklesia which means “assembly” or “called-out ones.” Today we’re going to look at another metaphor for the church: a family.
For some, family is a positive word, denoting love and safety. Others find the word somewhat troubling, stirring negative memories and emotions. Regardless, I think we would all agree families can be messy, at times, because they involve people and relationships, which can be complicated.
Today we’re looking at several important instructions from Paul to the Galatian church, the family of believers in the city of Galatia in modern day Turkey. While they were written two thousand years ago, there are timeless truths we must learn and apply.
Today’s passage has what appears to be four random thoughts:
- Bearing burdens
- Sharing with one’s teacher
- Sowing and reaping
- Doing good
Furthermore, we’ll see an interplay between personal responsibility and mutual accountability, both necessary in family life.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
We could spend the whole morning on this verse. First, we see Paul’s family reference, using sibling language. Obviously, we all sin. Some sins are very visible and even public, such as sex-trafficking pastors. Others may be completely unknown except to God, such as greed. Actually, many of my sins are not even things I do, but things I fail to do, such as caring for the poor or spending quality time in prayer. The word “caught” indicates a known indiscretion. We are all susceptible to sins which impact not only ourselves but others in the family. There’s great hope for the fallen as it says they are to be restored gently…by those who live by the Spirit.
Many years ago, there were two televangelists who were caught in sexual sin. They were both pastors in the same denomination and were asked to go through a process of restoration. One refused and promptly returned to the airwaves to protect his $140 million-a-year ministry. The other submitted, spent time in prison, and wrote a book entitled, “I Was Wrong.” Needless to say, I was disappointed in the first and was glad to see the second man restored.
We all sin and fall short of God’s glory, but through Jesus all of our sins can be forgiven, washed white as snow. And although the process can be messy and time-consuming, restoration and redemption are possible. Hallelujah!
But note the second sentence. This seems to refer to the age-old sin of pride. Tragically, it has been said the church is the only army which shoots its wounded. I’ve heard so many stories of people sinning, repenting, seeking restoration, yet receiving the condemnation of other so-called Christians. I confess I find it so easy to fall into pride and self-righteousness when I see others sin, which is what Paul is warning against. The religious were quick to pridefully demonstrate their own goodness in the midst of restoring the sinful. When I hear of moral failure, I must remember, “But by the grace of God so go I.” We are to help fallen soldiers, not give them further blows.
In the past, there was a literal seat in which some missionaries to Kenya sat those who had sinned. While the practice may have had good intentions, it sent the wrong impression to those sitting on the ordinary seats. Were they any less sinful? Not in God’s eyes. Furthermore, no missionary ever sat in the sinner’s seat, perhaps indicating a lack of humility. Love the sinner, hate your own sin.
It is worth noting Matthew 18 here, too. Jesus taught
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
In other words, no gossip. Period. Don’t tell me—or anyone else—about someone else’s sins unless you’ve first gone to them in humility and found no resolution.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
I love this verse! The law of Christ is the law of love. Our law is following Jesus and submitting to the Spirit. If we connect it to verse one, the restorer not only addresses sin, they help the person avoid it in the future…mutual accountability. I need you and you need me. You may need to restore me today and tomorrow I return the favor. We are mutually sinners and saints. Burdens here may refer to sin, but the word burden literally means a stone or heavy weight carried for a long distance. It could refer to financial burdens, the pain of divorce, cancer, or any hardship.
This is a challenge for us in our individualistic culture. People are often unwilling to ask for help due to pride. Others are often unwilling to help due to their own selfishness or busyness. When we carry each other’s burdens, when we love and serve one another, when we restore one another when we have fallen, we are submitting to the Spirit and following Jesus’ teachings and example. As we will see, this mutual accountability does not mean we do everything for them, but when help is needed, it is communicated and provided.
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. (Galatians 6:3)
Don’t you love the English translation? Don’t think you are something when you’re not! That’s pride again. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and we’ve been blessed with some tremendous gifts, including freedom, wealth, health, and most of all salvation. Apart from God’s grace, we are nothing but dust. To God be the glory!
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. (Galatians 6:4-5)
We are to take personal responsibility for our actions. We are to carry our own load. The Greek word, phortion, referred to a soldier’s pack. Paul sees the Galatians as soldiers of Jesus, following Christ rather than taking pride in achievements through competition or comparison.
Comparison is deadly. God gives us all different gifts and callings. You might have been given ten talents while someone else is given one or two. You may have been blessed with a stellar education while another person never finished elementary school. Maybe you can sing like an angel while someone else can only make a joyful noise!
One day every person is going to stand before Almighty God and give an account for how they lived, what they did with their talents, how they loved their neighbor. Judgment Day is coming for all of us. Imagine standing before God and giving an account of what you did in this life, how you used your time, your education, your freedom, your money. It sounds downright frightening to me because although some may consider me to be a good person, good isn’t good enough for a holy God. One strike—one sin—and you’re out…except for those who have repented and believed in Jesus Christ.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Jesus died so we can live. He paid the price for our sins. His death and resurrection grant us mercy, the ability to escape punishment. Followers of Jesus on Judgment Day (Rom. 2:6-16; 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:8; 4:1-5; 2 Cor. 5:10) can point to Jesus and say, “He paid the price. He let me off the hook. I deserve death, but I claim mercy because of Christ.” That’s what Paul’s been saying throughout this book of Galatians, it’s about faith, not works. It’s about have a relationship with King Jesus, not religion.
But we must be personally responsible for our lives, our attitudes, our actions. Remember, we are saved by faith, but works naturally flow out of a Spirit-filled believer who has repented and surrendered to Jesus Christ, and we will all be judged by God. He is both holy and loving, just and gracious. We will stand before God someday, and live before God today. On Judgment Day, each of us is responsible for our own load, our pack, our life.
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. (Galatians 6:6)
This is one of a pastor’s favorite verses! Most believe this is referencing financial compensation, a perfect opportunity for me to say thank you again for the pleasure of being your pastor, of serving you, of preaching, of discipling our current and future leaders. It is not always easy or fun, but it is a joy to serve you, family.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7)
God cannot be mocked. He will judge disobedience…and reward righteousness.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:8)
I think that’s pretty clear. But like gardening, the harvest in our lives is rarely instantaneous. It takes time…and perseverance.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
The Galatians were losing their passion, perhaps overwhelmed by the legalism and religion that caused them to focus on themselves rather than on concern for others and worship of God. Brothers and sisters, don’t give up!
Some of you have been praying for decades for your prodigal sons and daughters. Don’t give up!
Others of you have been engaging in spiritual conversations with family and friends for years without a breakthrough. Don’t give up!
Some of you have been battling pain and sickness for as long as you can remember, yet you continue to volunteer and serve others. Don’t give up!
Perhaps God has been telling you to disciple people who are not growing in their faith as quickly as you desire. Don’t give up!
To all of you who invest in our children and youth—and surely grow weary—don’t give up!
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
To understand the context, doing good here may mean giving to the Jerusalem famine relief fund project which Paul was overseeing. Nevertheless, these words have deep meaning to us today. We are to do good to all people, regardless of who they may be. Goodness is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
But he concludes by emphasizing the church. We are commanded to love our neighbor, but family first. The early church depended upon one another. They were communal. They did life together. In fact, Acts 2 tells us
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, (Acts 2:44-46)
This is difficult in our commuter culture where we need cars to visit one another. Our family has people from 34 zip codes! Nevertheless, I love hearing stories about small groups banding together to serve someone in their group who is struggling. I’m delighted to see meals delivered to church members in crisis. It thrills me to hear of people working together to repair a home or shut ins visited from within our family. One of my favorite things about First Alliance Church is the second offering we take on the second Sunday of the month to give to our benevolence fund. Countless family members have been financially blessed by our church generously doing good to one another. I must add one of the best ways to do good is to pray. We have some incredible prayer warriors in our family and I can’t imagine where we’d be without them. Thank you!
So What?
Our responsibility to hold each other accountable and to bear one another’s burdens demonstrates how God established the church to make disciples and transfer the faith. (D6)
There’s an abundance of applications to this text, many of which have been stated. I want to conclude by talking specifically about our family, First Alliance Church. We’re not a perfect family. We sin and need restoration. We offend one another—hopefully unintentionally—and need reconciliation. We are commanded to love, to serve, to help, to be generous. We are to resist the temptations of pride and gossip. When concerns arise, we are to believe the best, ask for clarification, and seek understanding.
While we’re talking about family, personal responsibility, and mutual accountability, I want to apologize for poor communication, specifically with regard to Claro and TUI. I want to provide you with brief updates.
First, Claro Coffee Bar. We launched Claro as a way to love and serve our UpTown neighborhood, extending hospitality, facilitating conversations, and creating a bridge between the churched and unchurched in our community. We have seen people join our church family as a result of Claro. Countless lives have been impacted not only by fantastic drinks and edibles, but through spiritual conversations on both sides of the bar. Just this week one of our church leaders said, “I’m so grateful for Claro” before sharing a moving story that led him to tears.
Although there remain some in the area who have chosen to boycott the only coffee shop in UpTown because it is a part of our church, most of our neighbors greatly appreciate us and our investment in the neighborhood. We have created jobs. We developed an abandoned storefront. Many say we serve the best coffee in Toledo (I don’t drink coffee, but I’ll take their word for it!). Our reputation in the community has been enhanced through Claro, developing trust. Last month the UpTown Association thanked First Alliance Church at their annual meeting for being one of the valued pillars of UpTown.
Claro is developing a loyal following among Toledoans, but it continues to struggle financially. Andrew admirably stepped up in January to manage Claro and try to reduce the losses. The Claro Business Team and Elders have had numerous discussions about how to maximize ministry and profitability. We are exploring a variety of options and need your prayers—and patronage—as we seek God’s will. We believe God led us to launch Claro, He provided a miracle last fall when we almost had no choice but to close, and we believe He will guide us in the coming days.
Garth: Toledo Urban Impact update
Why would a church open a coffee shop? Why is TUI involved in a theater company? The family needs to grow. All families need to grow. Without babies, families die—literally.
Family, I love you. Please let me know how I can serve you. Family first. But we also need to welcome new members into the family. Praise God the last two years we have baptized new believers, but I long to see the 500k souls in our community reached. Most are not coming, so we are commanded to go and make disciples, whether it is at Claro, a backyard BBQ, listening to a co-worker in need, attending a neighbor’s party, volunteering at Rosa Parks or the After School Klub.
Pastor Soper, in the Mission 119 audio devotional and app, said the key verse in the book of Luke is
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
We are never to use pressure or guilt or treat people like projects, but if Jesus is good news to you, it should be natural to want others to experience the abundant life He offers. We are not selling religion, we are inviting people into a relationship with the Creator which gives meaning, purpose, hope, joy, and love.
Closing thoughts
Credits: Some ideas from D6, Hippo/Africa Bible Commentary Series, The NIV Application Commentary.
You can listen to this message and others at the First Alliance Church podcast here.
D6 Series— By Faith Alone
Galatians 6:1-10
Series Overview: The purpose of this series from the book of Galatians is to emphasize the vital role of faith in our lives.
Big Idea: Personal responsibility and mutual accountability are necessarily in following Jesus in community.
Introduction
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word…church? For many, it’s a building. People often say they are “going to church.”
It is described in the Bible as a body. Like the human body, it is comprised of many different parts which ideally work together to form a healthy organism.
In the book of 2 Corinthians, it is described as an army, fighting not against people, but spiritual powers.
The church has been called the Bride of Christ.
The word “church” actually comes from the Greek word ekklesia which means “assembly” or “called-out ones.” Today we’re going to look at another metaphor for the church: a family.
For some, family is a positive word, denoting love and safety. Others find the word somewhat troubling, stirring negative memories and emotions. Regardless, I think we would all agree families can be messy, at times, because they involve people and relationships, which can be complicated.
Today we’re looking at several important instructions from Paul to the Galatian church, the family of believers in the city of Galatia in modern day Turkey. While they were written two thousand years ago, there are timeless truths we must learn and apply.
Today’s passage has what appears to be four random thoughts:
- Bearing burdens
- Sharing with one’s teacher
- Sowing and reaping
- Doing good
Furthermore, we’ll see an interplay between personal responsibility and mutual accountability, both necessary in family life.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
We could spend the whole morning on this verse. First, we see Paul’s family reference, using sibling language. Obviously, we all sin. Some sins are very visible and even public, such as sex-trafficking pastors. Others may be completely unknown except to God, such as greed. Actually, many of my sins are not even things I do, but things I fail to do, such as caring for the poor or spending quality time in prayer. The word “caught” indicates a known indiscretion. We are all susceptible to sins which impact not only ourselves but others in the family. There’s great hope for the fallen as it says they are to be restored gently…by those who live by the Spirit.
Many years ago, there were two televangelists who were caught in sexual sin. They were both pastors in the same denomination and were asked to go through a process of restoration. One refused and promptly returned to the airwaves to protect his $140 million-a-year ministry. The other submitted, spent time in prison, and wrote a book entitled, “I Was Wrong.” Needless to say, I was disappointed in the first and was glad to see the second man restored.
We all sin and fall short of God’s glory, but through Jesus all of our sins can be forgiven, washed white as snow. And although the process can be messy and time-consuming, restoration and redemption are possible. Hallelujah!
But note the second sentence. This seems to refer to the age-old sin of pride. Tragically, it has been said the church is the only army which shoots its wounded. I’ve heard so many stories of people sinning, repenting, seeking restoration, yet receiving the condemnation of other so-called Christians. I confess I find it so easy to fall into pride and self-righteousness when I see others sin, which is what Paul is warning against. The religious were quick to pridefully demonstrate their own goodness in the midst of restoring the sinful. When I hear of moral failure, I must remember, “But by the grace of God so go I.” We are to help fallen soldiers, not give them further blows.
In the past, there was a literal seat in which some missionaries to Kenya sat those who had sinned. While the practice may have had good intentions, it sent the wrong impression to those sitting on the ordinary seats. Were they any less sinful? Not in God’s eyes. Furthermore, no missionary ever sat in the sinner’s seat, perhaps indicating a lack of humility. Love the sinner, hate your own sin.
It is worth noting Matthew 18 here, too. Jesus taught
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
In other words, no gossip. Period. Don’t tell me—or anyone else—about someone else’s sins unless you’ve first gone to them in humility and found no resolution.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
I love this verse! The law of Christ is the law of love. Our law is following Jesus and submitting to the Spirit. If we connect it to verse one, the restorer not only addresses sin, they help the person avoid it in the future…mutual accountability. I need you and you need me. You may need to restore me today and tomorrow I return the favor. We are mutually sinners and saints. Burdens here may refer to sin, but the word burden literally means a stone or heavy weight carried for a long distance. It could refer to financial burdens, the pain of divorce, cancer, or any hardship.
This is a challenge for us in our individualistic culture. People are often unwilling to ask for help due to pride. Others are often unwilling to help due to their own selfishness or busyness. When we carry each other’s burdens, when we love and serve one another, when we restore one another when we have fallen, we are submitting to the Spirit and following Jesus’ teachings and example. As we will see, this mutual accountability does not mean we do everything for them, but when help is needed, it is communicated and provided.
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. (Galatians 6:3)
Don’t you love the English translation? Don’t think you are something when you’re not! That’s pride again. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and we’ve been blessed with some tremendous gifts, including freedom, wealth, health, and most of all salvation. Apart from God’s grace, we are nothing but dust. To God be the glory!
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. (Galatians 6:4-5)
We are to take personal responsibility for our actions. We are to carry our own load. The Greek word, phortion, referred to a soldier’s pack. Paul sees the Galatians as soldiers of Jesus, following Christ rather than taking pride in achievements through competition or comparison.
Comparison is deadly. God gives us all different gifts and callings. You might have been given ten talents while someone else is given one or two. You may have been blessed with a stellar education while another person never finished elementary school. Maybe you can sing like an angel while someone else can only make a joyful noise!
One day every person is going to stand before Almighty God and give an account for how they lived, what they did with their talents, how they loved their neighbor. Judgment Day is coming for all of us. Imagine standing before God and giving an account of what you did in this life, how you used your time, your education, your freedom, your money. It sounds downright frightening to me because although some may consider me to be a good person, good isn’t good enough for a holy God. One strike—one sin—and you’re out…except for those who have repented and believed in Jesus Christ.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Jesus died so we can live. He paid the price for our sins. His death and resurrection grant us mercy, the ability to escape punishment. Followers of Jesus on Judgment Day (Rom. 2:6-16; 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:8; 4:1-5; 2 Cor. 5:10) can point to Jesus and say, “He paid the price. He let me off the hook. I deserve death, but I claim mercy because of Christ.” That’s what Paul’s been saying throughout this book of Galatians, it’s about faith, not works. It’s about have a relationship with King Jesus, not religion.
But we must be personally responsible for our lives, our attitudes, our actions. Remember, we are saved by faith, but works naturally flow out of a Spirit-filled believer who has repented and surrendered to Jesus Christ, and we will all be judged by God. He is both holy and loving, just and gracious. We will stand before God someday, and live before God today. On Judgment Day, each of us is responsible for our own load, our pack, our life.
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. (Galatians 6:6)
This is one of a pastor’s favorite verses! Most believe this is referencing financial compensation, a perfect opportunity for me to say thank you again for the pleasure of being your pastor, of serving you, of preaching, of discipling our current and future leaders. It is not always easy or fun, but it is a joy to serve you, family.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7)
God cannot be mocked. He will judge disobedience…and reward righteousness.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:8)
I think that’s pretty clear. But like gardening, the harvest in our lives is rarely instantaneous. It takes time…and perseverance.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
The Galatians were losing their passion, perhaps overwhelmed by the legalism and religion that caused them to focus on themselves rather than on concern for others and worship of God. Brothers and sisters, don’t give up!
Some of you have been praying for decades for your prodigal sons and daughters. Don’t give up!
Others of you have been engaging in spiritual conversations with family and friends for years without a breakthrough. Don’t give up!
Some of you have been battling pain and sickness for as long as you can remember, yet you continue to volunteer and serve others. Don’t give up!
Perhaps God has been telling you to disciple people who are not growing in their faith as quickly as you desire. Don’t give up!
To all of you who invest in our children and youth—and surely grow weary—don’t give up!
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
To understand the context, doing good here may mean giving to the Jerusalem famine relief fund project which Paul was overseeing. Nevertheless, these words have deep meaning to us today. We are to do good to all people, regardless of who they may be. Goodness is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
But he concludes by emphasizing the church. We are commanded to love our neighbor, but family first. The early church depended upon one another. They were communal. They did life together. In fact, Acts 2 tells us
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, (Acts 2:44-46)
This is difficult in our commuter culture where we need cars to visit one another. Our family has people from 34 zip codes! Nevertheless, I love hearing stories about small groups banding together to serve someone in their group who is struggling. I’m delighted to see meals delivered to church members in crisis. It thrills me to hear of people working together to repair a home or shut ins visited from within our family. One of my favorite things about First Alliance Church is the second offering we take on the second Sunday of the month to give to our benevolence fund. Countless family members have been financially blessed by our church generously doing good to one another. I must add one of the best ways to do good is to pray. We have some incredible prayer warriors in our family and I can’t imagine where we’d be without them. Thank you!
So What?
Our responsibility to hold each other accountable and to bear one another’s burdens demonstrates how God established the church to make disciples and transfer the faith. (D6)
There’s an abundance of applications to this text, many of which have been stated. I want to conclude by talking specifically about our family, First Alliance Church. We’re not a perfect family. We sin and need restoration. We offend one another—hopefully unintentionally—and need reconciliation. We are commanded to love, to serve, to help, to be generous. We are to resist the temptations of pride and gossip. When concerns arise, we are to believe the best, ask for clarification, and seek understanding.
While we’re talking about family, personal responsibility, and mutual accountability, I want to apologize for poor communication, specifically with regard to Claro and TUI. I want to provide you with brief updates.
First, Claro Coffee Bar. We launched Claro as a way to love and serve our UpTown neighborhood, extending hospitality, facilitating conversations, and creating a bridge between the churched and unchurched in our community. We have seen people join our church family as a result of Claro. Countless lives have been impacted not only by fantastic drinks and edibles, but through spiritual conversations on both sides of the bar. Just this week one of our church leaders said, “I’m so grateful for Claro” before sharing a moving story that led him to tears.
Although there remain some in the area who have chosen to boycott the only coffee shop in UpTown because it is a part of our church, most of our neighbors greatly appreciate us and our investment in the neighborhood. We have created jobs. We developed an abandoned storefront. Many say we serve the best coffee in Toledo (I don’t drink coffee, but I’ll take their word for it!). Our reputation in the community has been enhanced through Claro, developing trust. Last month the UpTown Association thanked First Alliance Church at their annual meeting for being one of the valued pillars of UpTown.
Claro is developing a loyal following among Toledoans, but it continues to struggle financially. Andrew admirably stepped up in January to manage Claro and try to reduce the losses. The Claro Business Team and Elders have had numerous discussions about how to maximize ministry and profitability. We are exploring a variety of options and need your prayers—and patronage—as we seek God’s will. We believe God led us to launch Claro, He provided a miracle last fall when we almost had no choice but to close, and we believe He will guide us in the coming days.
Garth: Toledo Urban Impact update
Why would a church open a coffee shop? Why is TUI involved in a theater company? The family needs to grow. All families need to grow. Without babies, families die—literally.
Family, I love you. Please let me know how I can serve you. Family first. But we also need to welcome new members into the family. Praise God the last two years we have baptized new believers, but I long to see the 500k souls in our community reached. Most are not coming, so we are commanded to go and make disciples, whether it is at Claro, a backyard BBQ, listening to a co-worker in need, attending a neighbor’s party, volunteering at Rosa Parks or the After School Klub.
Pastor Soper, in the Mission 119 audio devotional and app, said the key verse in the book of Luke is
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
We are never to use pressure or guilt or treat people like projects, but if Jesus is good news to you, it should be natural to want others to experience the abundant life He offers. We are not selling religion, we are inviting people into a relationship with the Creator which gives meaning, purpose, hope, joy, and love.
Closing thoughts
Credits: Some ideas from D6, Hippo/Africa Bible Commentary Series, The NIV Application Commentary.