What’s Ahead?
WHAT’S AHEAD?
By
The Psalmist declared, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Following the Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, April 27, I rejoiced in our God who binds our hearts together in Him. The following summarizes my thoughts which I felt God put upon my heart to share at this meeting with the family of Leominster Assembly of God. My message, Vision Quest—2008, explored the exciting possibilities ahead for us as we seek God’s guidance and direction. To put it simply, God’s vision is a “picture” He gives us of a future (where we are to go) which is different than the present (where we are now).
I believe the vision for every person at Leominster Assembly of God involves transformation and change. Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, chose men and women in order to transform them. This process is called discipleship and involves two basic components—coming and going. The transformation process begins by responding to the call of Jesus, “Come, follow Me” (Matthew 4:19). We must repent (or turn from our sins and “self-lordship”) and follow Jesus, learning to know Him and following His ways. Following Jesus concerns not only our personal change process, but it also involves others.
In the Great Commission, Jesus gave us His mission statement. He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). A person that truly follows Jesus also seeks to influence others to follow Him. The question I ask myself is, “Am I allowing Jesus to work through me to influence others to know Christ and follow Him?” It is not enough to know I am secure in Christ and on my way to heaven. I desperately want others to know the joy of Jesus and the future glories of Heaven.
Our vision motto is: “Letting Christ change us and our world from the inside out.” For Christ to change us means to see life and people the way Jesus does. Will we change by becoming strong disciples who seek to witness to others and encourage them to become strong disciples?
The vision of Leominster Assembly of God is not just about a bigger organization or building projects. These become necessary ingredients in the mix only because of inner health and growth. Yes, we are introducing plans for the expansion of our present facility; however, the propelling vision resides in the power of dynamic discipleship.
Would you explore some questions concerning your call to follow Jesus and to make disciples? The vision of Jesus for your life and this church requires us to honestly assess where we are right now and reach for a different future. As a disciple of Christ, are you in love with Him? Is He your “pearl of great price”—your greatest treasure on earth? Are you prioritizing your life to enhance your relationship with Jesus? Does Christ get quality from you or just “leftovers”? Do you have other believers with whom you explore the Word of God and share the joys and struggles of life? If you come regularly to this church, that’s great, but are you involved in a small group of believers where friendship and fellowship can grow? Jesus and His disciples showed us the way.
What about your relationships with non-believers? Are you influencing them by being a good worker, having a positive attitude, and respecting every person? Also, do you share your faith with younger Christians? If they are missing from church or a group meeting, do you call or connect with them?
As a church we have made progress, but Jesus is calling us to follow Him into a future of greater love and discipleship. We can change. We must change. What’s ahead depends on which direction we’re going.