To Boldly Go! #1: Pray and Give -- 041112

Tonight we started our new series for the month called: To Boldly Go!  Over the last six weeks we have talked about a survey of the Bible.  For those of you here last week we talked about the epilogue, that Jesus was returning but that we have jobs until He returns.  One of those jobs is what this sereis is about: To Boldly Go!  We are called by God to be active "amabassadors" in our world, tryin gto get people to get back into a good relationship with God.  This mission is given in 3 parts by our denomination: Pray, Give, Go.  We will be talking about Pray and Give tonight because they both focus on other who are doing the mission already, then next week we will talk about us going on the mission personally.  The third week we have a special speaker who has just gotten back from going. 

Paul, a missionary in the arly church writes this to Christians ina  church and I think missionaries today would ask the same.  Ephesians 6:19-20.  We are to be praying boldly (which means without fear) for our missionaries.  Asking God to help those who are on the mission to accomplish their calling, and help them accomplish it more effectively.  it is a big responsibility, but it is worthwhile and needed. 

2nd Corinthians 9:6-13.  We are to give boldly (without fear) to our missionaries, so they can do their job more effectively.  This passage gives us several things to keep in mind with our giving:  #1.  Give generously.  #2.  When we give generously, God helps us out and rewards us, so that we can give even more.  #3.  We should determine what we are to give, and give it cheerfully not out of guilt or coercion.  #4.  Not only does your giving help the missionary it brings others closer to God.

You are a vital part of this mission to Boldly Go and change our world, and the first part of that is to give and to pray! 

I give tonight: C+
Favorite Moment: Easter Egg Challenges

The Greatest Sci-Fi Novel #6: Epilouge -- 040412

Tonight we finished off our series about the Bible by talking about the epilouge, not that there will be a new Bible written, but rather that Jesus has promised He would return.  An epilogue is the final part of the book that ties up loose ends and plants a seed for a coming sequel.  It gives you a sneak peek at what is coming next in the overall story, and it is supposed to keep you engaged until the next book arrives.  Acts 1:6-11 gives us the epilogue.  In it Jesus tells his disciples they are now to go into the whole world, with the Holy Spirit's help, and preach the good news.  Then he ascends into heaven and it is foretold he would return the same way he left.  This is the sneak peek into what is to come.  We don't know when Jesus will return (mt. 24:36) but we know everyone will know it when he does (mt. 24:23-27).  This will be at the end of the world as we know it, and the beginning of eternity with our destiny of choice.  So we know He is coming and we wait in eager anticipation.  2nd Peter 3:10-14 tries to keep us egaged until Jesus returns.  It asks the vital question: How we ought to live?  It answers by saying holy and godly lives, doing what he has called us to do.  We are called to be transformers.  Situational Transformers (taking care of those in need and standing up for justice), Soul Transformers (converting people), and Self Transformers (purifying our lives).  Are you excited for his return?  What will you do in order to be ready?  What will you stop doing and start doing?  What will you do in order to help yourself not lose focus on his coming? 

I give tonight: B
Favorite Moment: Taking communion together