LGLP

Greg Matte summed up our daily ministry to the world in his sermon last night. He spoke from Acts 17: 16-21, of Paul's venture into the depths of citylife. Though plagued with every common misconception to man, Paul neither dilluted nor detracted from the message of the gospel as it shared it with everyone he encountered.

At camp, we talked about loving God and loving people (LGLP), the basics of the Christian life. Last night was the meat of loving other people - specifically non Christians. He spoke of having "vision" - the desire to know god more fully - & "venue" - the path on which the vision is walked. For Paul - the two intersected at all moments of his life, even when he was "waiting for [Silas and Timothy] at Athens." From the good friend on the phone to the man handing us our burger - just like Paul, we all encounter these types of people everyday.

1) The Potentials - "Jews and the devout persons" - those we know have a desire for good, but just need the good news shared with them; the interior needs a change - the exterior may seem pretty great

2) The Passersby - "those who happened to be there" - taking the time to ask if the waitress needs prayer or if the guy on the street corner wants to talk can make all the difference in their life; showing that we care is the door to evangelism

3) The Pleasure Seekers - "Epicureans" - those who just want to know where the next physical high will come from; when you understand who you're talking to, you can understand how to talk to them; the seem far off - but they seek satisfaction like everyone else

4) The Prideful - "Stoics" - those who are hard on the outside; they think they have all the answers and never admit to being weak or wrong

In our efforts to be the church, identifying to whom we're ministering is a huge step in actively engaging in our communities. We can value God's love, but until it is actively showered on those around us, it is simply a concept in our minds. We truly must interact to impact the world. If we stopped to take a snapshot of our lives, there would be people all around us. The only question is how we will view them. Will we see people as scenery (those just there), machinery (those there to serve us), or ministry (those we're here to serve)? It is up to us to see others as God does: objects of love.

Paul's love resulted in people wanting to know more about the "strange things" he had to say. He goes on to share with them in their own cultural language, Greek literature. He was involved in every aspect of culture, yet unshaken by it. May we do the same as we engage non-believers on their level of cultural relevance. That is effective ministry. Though the results were varied, but Paul effectively discharged his duties as an evangelist. The rest is up to God's work in the hearts and lives of men, and in God's sovereignty I take comfort.

Whatever the venue, may our vision to see God magnified in our lives shine through to ALL those around us. LGLP.