Dear Northside
I have been challenged of late on the issue of telling people about Jesus and the Good News. Our world is full of darkness and bad news. People are desperate for good news for light.
Live Prepared
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors. But does your list include you? As followers of Jesus, we are called to… “…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15.
Our theme this year is “Being followers of Jesus: Obeying His commands” (John 14:15). We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded us unless we are also observing His commands ourselves. Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His love, joy, and hope to transform you. As this happens, your life becomes an act of worship that reveals His hope within you. When you live like Jesus, people are drawn to Jesus in you. As you worship Jesus with your life, you will be able to honestly say that Christ in you is your hope and glory—and people will believe it because they will see the evidence. They might not like who you are or agree with what you believe, but they won’t be able to find a logical reason to hate you when your life is centred around loving people the way Jesus loved you.
So as you go about each day, aim to live with gentleness and respect toward everyone—and let Jesus’ joy, love, and hope permeate your heart, mind, and relationships.
It is hard obeying Jesus’ commands. But today is Pentecost Sunday. The day when the Holy Spirit is poured out and now dwells in every follower of Jesus. God now gives you the power to be obedient – we do not do it in our own strength. Let’s be thankful for God’s great love for us and for pouring our His Spirit into our hearts (Romans 5:5). Let us continue to “Walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16 & 25).
We hope you are excited about the current preaching series and would love to hear how God is using it to transform your minds (Romans 12:2). The same goes for the Genius of One course that is running in our Sundays@11 ministry. We continue to look for people willing and bold enough to give their testimony in one of our services. How has God used His church here at Northside to transform you – the way you think, act and speak? Please contact Sarah Cross if you have a testimony you wish to share.
Thank you and God bless, Pastor Gary