Peculiar start to this letter to say the least. I was thinking back to a statement I heard as a little 7 year old boy. President John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Why I recall that statement made 58 years ago is more than a stroll down “memory lane”. The Holy Spirit is applying those words to a message for the church today.
The country latched on to that phrase like no other. Coins had inscription on them, plaques were designed and circulated being quoted everywhere. Today I sense an application to the church, “ask not what your church can do for you – ask what you can do for your church.” There is great truth in that statement.
I feel the church has lost its edge. Perhaps much of its own making. For so long the church has focused on meeting people’s needs. Temporary fulfilment, such as economic, social, health and the like are wonderful until the need has been met. Thank God for incredible prosperity!
However, once met, that devotion, commitment, volunteerism and financial support diminishes. Sad to say, some say, “I’ve out grown my need of the church.” Consequently the gospel becomes irrelevant to a culture that easily draws people away.
The Church is the platform for the Gospel. Good News to hurting, angry, confused, and lonely people. Life rains on the just and the unjust. How valuable is forgiveness to all ages. The Gospel gives me the courage and the peace to live a contented life. The Gospel tells of a future for our youth. A place for dedicating our babies, marrying our partners and burying our dead, and reassuring us, life doesn’t stop at the grave! The Gospel begins meeting all of humanity’s needs with …confronting our sin, forgiving it and healing all the weakness brokenness brings. And the Lord God Almighty is worshipped for He is Worthy!
Israel’s prophet Elisha met a man who lost the head of his ax having dropped it in the river and sunk. When the man cried out to the prophet…the prophet cut a stick, placed it in the water and the iron head floated. The man recovered his edge.
The church needs to recover its edge. Its edge is sharp when its people are focused on what really counts. “Ask not what your church can do for you – ask what you can do for your church!”
See you there…
Pastor Greg
Fall schedule gives us plenty of opportunity to sharpen our edge…
9am Sunday School for all ages / 10:15 Worship Service
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