The Missionary Christian Contd. - Pastor Chris

Every Christian ought to be missionary but it so happens that this is not the case. We are not of this world, we are pilgrims on earth. While we are here there is a job to be done and we have to do it.

What's the reason for growing?
People grow from childhood to adulthood. Responsibility makes an individual a man or woman in the real sense of the word. Maturity is for responsibility and no one can claim to be an adult if he/she is for responsibility. Maturity is for service, maturity without serving is not normal.

When a person comes into Christ, Christ aims to build that person. As the word/message comes to the church, the word builds every person at the level they happen to be and as such everyone is built. 1 Cor12:27 says,

"All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it."

Every person in the church is a necessary part of the body of Christ. Every person in the church should function in the church. Just like the natural body, sometimes some parts of the body may not be functioning properly because it's sick in some way, in the same way some people do not function in the church. The only 'explanation is that the person is a sick part of the body of Christ but a part nonetheless.

How do we get to know each other in the church?
We get to know each other when we work together. God wants us to relate to each other by function. He desires to work with us at whatever level we are at. He did this with Abraham in Genesis 18:17-33
As matured people God desires to discuss the future. He can't discuss with children as it's not easily discernable.

Psalms 67:2 May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.

It's our responsibility to tell everyone about the saving power of Jesus Christ. Jesus came and just before leaving he told the apostles to wait for power from on high. He didn't want them to go because they heard, or were excited or felt like it. He wanted them to go with divine power because then failure is not possible, results are assured and the prayer of David above is answered.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Remember, you are a necessary part of the body of Christ. Go on and take your place. For the full message contact Christ Embassy Bermondsey on the telephone on 0207 740 7700 or by email on christembassy@cebermondsey.org.uk