Send Me: Loving the World Outside Your Door

Hi, friends! Today we are taking our conversation one ring wider–talking about the relationships believers have with the world outside their families and churches. We talk about how relationships inside the home impact interactions in the world, and how the church in general is called to look outward and notice where it can serve those who do not yet know the love of Jesus.

So where has God put you? What relationships has God given you? You have a vocation, a unique role and responsibility that loves and serves your neighbor because God wants to love and serve your neighbor through you. Sometimes that looks like mercy, cooking, a coffee date, a ride to the store, or even just a moment to sit and listen. Other times that means confronting a sin or walking through a heartbreaking trial.

In all circumstances, God has called us to join Him as He ministers to people through us. When it is easy, He is there. When it is hard, He is there. It can be overwhelming, but we who are in Christ never have to fear being left to our own devices. His invitation to participate in the world is an invitation to experience just a taste of the immense love He has for all mankind. It is His gift to us.

ALSO:

–When and ways to pray

–Monica doesn’t let Bonhoeffer boss her around

–Treating people without flippancy

–What vocation really means

–The benefits of friction

–Keeping politics in its proper place

–Notice, Ask, Act

References:

–John 9:1-12

–Ephesians 6:10-13

–2 Corinthians 5:16-21

–“Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

–“A Simple Way to Pray” by Martin Luther

–Blurry Creatures podcast

–Live Free Podcast

–“Tactics” by Greg Koukl

–Mere Christians podcast

–”The Weight of Glory” by C.S. Lewis

#HolySpirit #evangelism #vocation #prayer #Jesus #GodtheFather

An Exercise in Being the Church

(*Sorry everyone for the new puppy (Rosie) interruptions and chewing noises I couldn't edit out.*)

When you hear the word “church” what comes to mind? A building? A room? A person? A job? An activity? A childhood memory? A feeling?

When the Bible mentions church, it uses the image of a bride made holy, and wholly enjoyed by the bridegroom. Or a body where each member is cared for, loved, and free to serve its fellow members.

It is a community where sorrows, frustrations and joys are shared. Where needs are met and forgiveness is extended. It is not solely committed to the comforts of its parishioners, but it is a training ground for our daily walks with God in a world that can wear us down.

It’s a hospital, a war room, a kitchen table and so much more.

Church is a blessing to the world and itself, and it even blesses God. We stand as ambassadors of Christ, pushing back darkness and carrying God’s light into dark places.

So what does that look like in your corner of the world? And why do so many local churches settle for less? So glad you asked. We will be talking about that today!

ALSO:

—Decent reads for road trips

—Praying in your favorite place (even if it’s only in your mind)

—Personal Trainers v. Physical Therapists

—What to look for in a church

—How football games look a lot like churches

—When the answer to your prayer is “Soon”

References:

—Ephesians 4 and 5

—“The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans

—“The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

—“My Husband’s Wife” by Alice Feeney

—The Ramsey Show

—John Mark Comer Teachings podcast

—Blurry Creatures podcast

—“The Vision of Ephesians” by N.T. Wright

—Lesson 28: Growing into a Mature Church (Ephesians 4:11-13) | Bible.org

No Place Like Home: Crafting and Cultivating a Space Centered on Jesus

What makes a house a home? What makes a home “Christian”? What are its markers? Is it the Bible verses on the walls? The mom in the kitchen? The dad in the garage? The kids playing outside? Is it their choice of education? Or policy on screen time? Or household budget, diet, or weekly schedule? Or is it more?

The world wants us to label ourselves and others, to define our Christian home by some arbitrary, man-made criteria instead of the posture of the hearts within its walls. But we don’t want a world-driven home. We want a Christ-centered home.

So what is a Christian home? Well that’s what we are discussing today.

ALSO:

—Being a woman in the 1500’s

—When to submit and when to step in

—Homes that look like heaven

—How does Jesus want me to treat this person?

—Three specific ways to nurture and protect your family

References:

—“I Like Me” documentary about John Candy

—“Last One Laughing” TV show

—Ephesians 5:22-31

—Matthew 19:10-12

—“Crowded Table” by The Highwomen

—“Home Alone”

—“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” podcast by @drfrankturek

—Kirk Cameron podcast @kirkcameronshow on “Dangerous Questions”