Bursting the Bubble (7/16/17)

Isn’t it amazing how we enjoy blowing bubbles no matter what age we happen to be? A $1 bottle of liquid can keep us entertained for a long time. The problem with bubbles is they typically only exist for a few seconds before they pop. The interesting this is, though, that bubbles don’t burst themselves. An outside force putting pressure on the bubble service pops it.

Last week I challenged us to wrestle with whether or not we’ve ended up in a “Christian bubble.” The four main steps that take us there are:

1) We become Christians. This is a good thing.

2) We become part of the church. This too is good.

3) We become part of the Christian bubble. We quit associating with non-Christians. Evangelism is something the church does. It isn’t something we need to do. Many people start “going to church” instead of “being the church.”

4) We become Jonah. We run away from sharing the Gospel with the lost because we think they don’t deserve it. (more…)

Continue ReadingBursting the Bubble (7/16/17)

Living in the Bubble (7/9/17)

The last words in Matthew 28:16-20 are, 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Let’s look closely at the things Jesus commands his followers to do: Make disciples. Baptize them. Teach them to obey his commandments.

If we’re not careful, we’ll completely ignore this passage at Snake Spring Valley CoB. Right now, our congregation is growing in numbers. This is a great thing. To those who are new to Snake Spring Valley and to those who came back after drifting away, we say, “Welcome! We’re glad you’re here.” However, Jesus didn’t say to grow the church by bringing in people who are already Christians. He said to go out among those who don’t know Jesus and bring them in. (more…)

Continue ReadingLiving in the Bubble (7/9/17)