Friday, November 21, 2014

CONVICTIONS OF FAITH


Matthew 8:14-17        And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

God is at work here among us, in us and through us. A week does not go by that someone says a prayer is answered. The client least likely to succeed in the program confesses faith in Jesus Christ to a staff person. In a matter of days we see the transformation occurring. When the food pantry shelves are empty the evening of a busy day, a truck pulls in the next morning with food to fill them up again. God is good, all the time.

When someone enters the Mission they enter into the Light, Christ Jesus. God is at work in them. They enter a place where truth and grace can be freely received. The journey they have made brings them to our door, a journey only God could have orchestrated, so says the new client.

When they enter the Mission with their sin baggage, we are able to reach out to carry them to Christ. Galatians 5 teaches us to "carry each other's burdens". Our role is to walk with them, not to judge, not to feel superior, and not to take their responsibility. Goal is to help restore them gently. No man can heal a broken heart. I cannot purge him of his addiction. You cannot give him enough knowledge to ensure him a future. Only Jesus can accomplish the impossible.

We bring Jesus Christ, grace and truth, to the work of reconciling people to God. The Holy Spirit is present to teach the truth, open the heart and transform the mind. Jesus reverses the flow of influence between clean and unclean, and empowers us to do the same. Jesus came to turn us into instruments of His grace, mercy and love. We are convinced of these things.

Ministry Scenes

Have The Homeless Become Invisible?