When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God, he was speaking of the world as it should be. Included in his teachings are his expectations for us as his followers. In this series we will look at how to close the gap between where we are spiritually and where Jesus has called us to be. Each week we will look at specific practices that will provide a roadmap to deepen the spiritual vitality of all Asbury members so we are more fully engaged and flourishing in the Christian life.
Since the beginning of time, humans have offered their crops, their animals, even their children as sacrifices to God. Until…Two thousand years ago—in a shocking reversal—God offered a sacrifice to us. Understanding the magnitude of what God did for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus should elicit a response. But what should that response be and what does it mean for our spiritual growth?
We all believe exercise is good for us, but we don’t always head to the gym or go on a run. But to get in shape we have to exercise. We have to get off the couch and do it. And, isn’t it easier when we have someone to keep us accountable? The same is true of our faith; we can only get so far on our own.
Nothing causes us to depend on God more than pushing through our inadequacies to help other people. When we serve in a ministry we take personally, we experience God’s power and faithfulness.
When Jesus’ earliest followers invited people to come and see him, they weren’t trying to explain something. They were inviting others to experience someone. A living example is better than a lengthy explanation. If people don’t like what they see in us, they won’t come and see with us. But how do we know who, when, and why to offer an invitation?