The Blessings of Doing
October 9, 2009
After Jesus served his disciples by washing their feet, he commanded them to follow his example by serving one another. Unlike some of his other teachings that would make little sense until after his resurrection, there was no mistaking the meaning of this command. It was as understandable as the water and towel that Jesus used to wipe the street dust off their sweaty feet.
What follows Jesus’ command is a stunningly simple truth that we need to hear throughout Mission and Mercy Month. “If you know these things,” Jesus clarified, “blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).
I have had at least three conversations this week where a fellow believer recounted being blessed by putting into practice something he knew he should have been doing. I’m sure you have had the same thing happen. We know things. We know lots of things. But we do not experience the actual blessing promised until we do them.
While I do not pretend to know exactly how you should put your knowledge into action, let me share three opportunities this month that could bring blessings into your life as you act upon what you know.
Prayer for Streetlight Phoenix
This Sunday evening, October 11th at 7 PM, there will be a prayer gathering for StreetLight Phoenix at First Christian Church of Phoenix (6750 N 7th Ave). We will focus on this ministry during the last week of October, but this opportunity for corporate prayer with believers from other churches gives us a strategic way to serve the girls who are exploited in our city (for more information seehttp://streetlightphx.com).
Ravi Zacharias at ASU
On October 28th, Ravi Zacharias will be joined by other Christian apologists for an event at ASU entitled “Is Faith Delusional?” This is a significant opportunity for bolstering your understanding of how to share the gospel in our culture. More importantly, it could be a fantastic event to invite skeptical unbelieving friends to attend. Tickets are free but required for entrance, so e-mail Gabe (gabe@whittonavenue.org) if you would like us to get you tickets (seehttp://www.rzim.org/asu for more information).
Neighborhood Outreach
The final and perhaps most exciting opportunity follows up on last Sunday’s focus on our neighborhood. On Saturday, October 31st, we will host a neighborhood outreach from 4 – 6:30 PM. The fact that we are doing this on Halloween is very intentional, as it gives the neighborhood children an opportunity to experience the love and truth of Christ. Please plan to be a part of this outreach and to help with cooking, games, or simply interacting with our neighbors.
May God bless us as we do the work of serving one another with his love!
Pastor Chris