Here are a few good quotes from chapter 5 of the book “Life on Mission” which our Wednesday morning men’s group is going through right now. These quotes caught my attention this week so I thought I’d share them with you.
“Author Tim Chester says, “The secret of gospel change is being convinced that Jesus is the good life and the fountain of joy. Any alternative would be the letdown.”
When we recognize the true value of something it changes the core of what we believe and who we are. The “being convinced” part of understanding the gospel is what motivates us to live life for Him rather than choosing the alternatives this life throws our way.
“So the gospel is the starting point, the sustaining point, and the finishing point of all mission – to all of life.”
Without the correct starting point, sustenance and finishing becomes an impossibility. However even once we start well, it is unfortunately way too easy for us to get off track and lose perspective and perseverance along the way. Staying focused on Him rather than us is the key to living life on mission.
“As Louie Giglio stated, ‘Sin doesn’t make us bad, sin makes us dead. The gospel doesn’t make us better, the gospel makes us alive'”
Remember that it is not about living a happy, easy going, stress free life! It is the eternal difference of life and death. Sure there are blessings but there is also persecution and struggles (John 16:33). The point is that we are no longer condemned to death but are alive in Christ!
“But we don’t stop at our sin. There is great news for those who recognize the hopelessness of their state, those who with Isaiah cry, ‘Woe is me!’ That news is the boundless hope of grace.”
…Ah the struggle of guilt! With our perspective and starting point being the gospel we can easily turn to beating ourselves up, which renders us less effective in spreading the gospel. Rather the acknowledgement of Woe is me is to continue on in grace and work with Him to live a more holy life!
“Your community and the people God puts in your path need to be exposed to people who are holy, forgiving, generous, caring, and alive”
As we look at the community around us – your daily influence – it is easy to see the need for holiness, forgiveness, generosity, caring, and being alive! Be these things to those around you this week rather than waiting for someone else to show this example!
