“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

It is not the job of the church to change the world. The church does not have that kind of power. God never asked the church to change the world. That has never been our calling.

What God does call the church to be the world that has already been changed by Christ. God calls the church to be a changed community. That is our calling.

And when the church lives that calling out – when the church demonstrates a world that has been changed by Christ:

• No longer dominated by worldly philosophies, political ideologies
• No longer ruled by consumerism and materialism
• No longer shaded by prejudice
• A world where all sinners are welcome to receive God’s grace and be transformed by God’s love
• A world where God’s children take care of one another’s needs
• A world where burdens are shared by others
• A world where love, grace, forgiveness are the rule
• A world where people live for the glory of God by giving and serving God’s church and God’s people

When the church lives that calling out, the church sticks out like a sore thumb in a world of hurt and pain. And when the church lives like that, God’s light will so shine that others cannot help but be drawn to and end up glorifying the Father in heaven.

Wow! What a world that would be.

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:40-42).

One of the distinguishing marks of a disciple is their eagerness to share with others the good news of Jesus.

Think about it…is there anything better in the universe than the gospel that God loved sinners so much, that God could not imagine spending an eternity without you or me in it, so God sent his only Son to die for our sins and rise again from the dead to give us new life?

The first thing that Andrew did after meeting Jesus was to tell his brother about him, and bringing him to Jesus so Simon too could meet Jesus for himself.

Little Church and Lakewoodgrace would you be intentional about inviting people to meet Jesus for themselves? How will people know about Jesus unless you invite them.

Some find coming to church in person a little intimidating. Share with them this “Verse of the Day” that shows the way they can join us online.

In fact, I encourage you to consider sharing these “Verses of the Day” regularly with friends and family who might be encouraged by them.

God is doing some great things at the Little Church and Lakewoodgrace. I can’t think of another place I would rather worship, serve, give than our church.

God is doing great things. Let people know.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

As our nation votes and awaits the results of the presidential election, would you join me in praying for our country? Pray that both parties and candidates are able to receive the will of the people of these United States. Pray that there is a smooth and peaceful transition for the new administration. Pray that our country will move on from the election to bringing healing to our land.

There are few things more powerful and more effective for change than prayer.

A devout Catholic, Queen Mary, the queen of the Scots saw the power of prayer that was sweeping through Scotland because of the prayers of a protestant named John Knox. She is purported to say, “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than the assembled armies of Europe.”

Join me in praying for our nation.

The Little Church and Lakewoodgrace is entering “A Season of Great Anticipation and Expectation.” God is up to something great. No one knows what the future holds. But, God does. Will you join me in praying for the future of God’s ministry through the Little Church and Lakewoodgrace?

I am asking you to join me in the hard work and ministry of prayer on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 as we lift up prayers for the world, our country, our city, and our church.

God promised – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Join me in prayer. Wednesdays at 6:15pm.