Life can be fearful at times. How we handle the unknown and possible risks says a lot about the condition of our faith. Fear can drive us to prioritize risk assessment and obsess over financial security and physical health. Earlier in Luke chapter 8, we observed how fear can overwhelm our faith when our eyes look to the storm instead of Christ. But the fact of the matter is that fear is not the only obstacle that challenges your faith. In Luke chapter 9, Jesus turns to his disciples and commissions them to go into the surrounding villages to preach the gospel and to heal diseases. I can imagine for the disciples, it was a whole lot easier to simply follow Jesus around and let him do all the talking. When we speak up and put ourselves out there, we can feel awkward and vulnerable. The disciples not only had to learn to trust the power of Christ in the midst of the storm, but they also had to trust his power to strengthen their ministry and transform hearts. In today’s Christian environment, we have this tendency to share a quick word of testimony and then retreat to the safety of our homes. But genuine evangelism requires engagement that is emboldened by the power and authority of Christ (Matt 28:18). Jesus instructed the disciples to live among the people, to build relationships, and to demonstrate care. The healing power was not simply afforded them to prove the validity of their message, but it’s consistent with the loving, compassionate heart of Christ. As we engage with people, proclaim the gospel, and live the gospel—love them, care for them, and see them as more than just a “soul-winning project.” As you do, may your faith outgrow your love for comfort, convenience, and safety. Be a channel of God’s grace to someone today. And trust the power of the Spirit to transform lives. –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Baptists in America–Fundamentalists vs Modernists (part 1)
10AM: Pastor Nate–A Messiah Who Empowers–Luke 8:9:1-17 (sermon notes)
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