Imitate Jesus Christ

June 19, 2014

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Eph 5:1-2

Jesus loved to create opportunities for people to experience real life. 
Jesus loved to create opportunities for people to experience a safe place to wrestle with God's truths versus culture's truths. 
Jesus loved to create opportunities for people to experience God.
 
We see this in every journey Jesus brought His disciples on. After Jesus healed so many, while challenging their thinking, He fed them miraculously. Jesus made the most of every opportunity to show the love of God, to talk about the love of God and to let people experience the love of God.
 
Paul challenges us, all believers, to imitate Jesus by doing similar things. In other words, God wants us to intentionally provide opportunities for people to experience, discuss and learn about God's love. Throwing a free picnic is a very strategic opportunity for us to imitate Jesus. 
 
When we do this... 

• we have the opportunity to build better brother and sister-in-Christ relationships with each other.
• we have the opportunity to grow in character by serving others.
• we have the opportunity to invite our FAB 5.
• we have the opportunity to go door to door and invite the 1,000 homes surrounding us.

I have invited my FAB 5 to both of the picnics we have thrown so far, none of them have come yet. One of them just gave me their cell phone number so I can send him our address. It looks like he might come this time. This is one step closer for him as I ask again and again and wait patiently for God to move. What has been your experience in inviting your FAB 5?

Paul continued to instruct Christians, "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." Eph 5:15-16
 
Let's make the most of our neighborhood picnics by praying, inviting FAB 5, risking to go door to door, showing up to serve, build better bro and sis in Christ friendships with each other, build relationships with each other's FAB 5 and 1,000 homes who show up.
 
Thanks for being on Jesus' mission together. It is exciting to see what God will do to transform us and to rescue others.

Pastor Chris