Dear First Family and Friends,
Jesus has told us to go everywhere and introduce Him to everyone we meet. It's recorded in Matthew 28:20. But what do we do after we go?
Jesus has another imperative for us, another command, another invitation: "Instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you."
(The Message)
Don't just leave the folks you meet high and dry. Form relationships. Become friends with them. Show them how to live. Teach them the ways of Christ. Introduct them to the beauties and riches of a relationship with God throught faith.
You see, this isn't a one-time event. It's not a special weekend evangelistic effort to blanket your neighborhood. It's not a shotgun blast of tracts or pamphlets or simple words. It's a lifstyle.
Day after day after day. Jesus calls us to get into the world and get busy getting the word out. To transfer our knowledge, our understanding, our relationship with the Lord to others. that means being with people. Spending time with them. Encouraging them to do the same thing with others in their own sphere of influence.
Sounds like a huge job? It is a huge job!! But Jesus promises us that "I'll be with you all the way to the end of the ages." He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us as witnesses of His Gospel. He has given us a family of faith, His Chruch, to offer multiple and varous opportunities to grow in our faith and to spread that Good News around.
The new Vision Statement of First Presbyterian Church is
GATHER, GROW, GO...TO THE GLORY OF GOD.
The church doors are open, our hearts and arms are open to receive you, to equip you, and to encourage you to be that witness the Lord is calling us to be.
A blessed New Year for one and all.
Billy T. Lowe