Jesus Wasn't a Homebody
I was thinking today about how to reach out to more people and for them to know that our church is here for them. We have wonderful events at our church, don’t get me wrong. We have picnics, yard sales, even National Night Out events for 
the last two years. So, I’m thinking how to reach out…reach out… reach…out… Then it hit me. We have great things happening at church, but if you don’t come to our church, how are you going to know? That’s when it dawned on me, Jesus wasn’t a homebody. Jesus travelled always. He didn’t stay in one place and expect his word to just make to everyone by just what others said on his behalf. Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Really, he had many disciples and followers and yet he himself went across the waters and the land. Even when faced with peril. Look what happened when Jesus went to Bethany. So if we are to be like our Father and do as our Savior says, why do we act as if there is a ball and chain connected to our church doors and ankles? We wear that 50 foot chain and reach out as far as it will go. Is that enough? We’ve been delving into Acts and studying his first preachings after being changed by Jesus. He went from place to place, without planes, trains or automobiles. For every good deed he did for Christ, it seems prison and threat of death was never far behind. He was even heckled by demon possessed girls and jealous leaders. Yet, he kept going, mostly in the night and in a basket, but he never stopped reaching out. Sometimes we can see people outside of that reach, but fear to use the key God gave us to unlock ourselves and run to touch another soul that needs a Savior.
Yes, God wants us to worship Him in the house of the Lord; yes he wants us to fellowship with other like-minded people. What in Jesus’ teaching or acts suggest that we fellowship with only other saved folks and pray from afar that the unfortunate souls who haven’t been blessed enough to know Him yet. I truly believed that it warmed God’s heart to see his children going out and spreading the word. I imagine He rejoices as much as we do when His children reach out and that in turns snatches another soul from the pits of fire! Do you think that we as Christians now days have become complacent? Do you think we can do more for God?
Posted on 08/22/2009 9:15 AM by contessa
National Night Out
Last night as many of us Evangel goers know, was National Night Out. This event was a collaborative effort by Evangel Assembly and Orlando/Broad Rock Civic Association. But it was God truly blessed this event! It was a wonderful success! Neighbors showed up, children had fun and everyone ate! We had some official visitors too! Reva Trammell stopped by, which was really great considering she had several other stops to make. Dawn Page of the 8th District School Board came as well and she brought her two sons! We has some other familiar faces from the 2nd Precinct; Officers Jernighan and Greene. They enjoyed the ribs and fixings.
Members of the church like Maryann, Keith, Rachel & Katherine help set up the event in the hot sun! Thank you! The food seemed like the main attraction. Oh the food.... mmmm, food! Tony and Richard grilled hamburgers and hot dogs! Ribs and Shannon's yummy cheesy chicken casserole! Rosetta's homemade potato salad and Pastor Marsha's awesome macaroni salad! There were plenty of juice boxes, Capri Suns, soda and water for all! We even had frozen icees and cupcakes. God truly blessed this event with plenty of food for everyone!
Lots of new faces came as well as good friends and family! The children had a great time looking for items in the scavenger hunt and their mouths all a glow with light up toys! They ran off their goodie bags, sugar rushes and went home happy and exhausted!
Thanks to everyone who stayed back and helped clean up. With everyone pitching in, everything was back in order in no time! If you were there, you saw first hand of what a good time of fellowship that was had by many! If you missed out on the opportunity to come, you'll just have to wait for the movie!
Thank you Lord, God for keeping your hands on this event and letting your Spirit fellowship with those who know you and allowing Your presence to be seen at work for those who may not know you yet.
Posted on 08/05/2009 8:33 AM by contessa
