Church Take-Out

Today, I waited in an empty room for an appointment with someone. I looked up at the fluorescent light in the ceiling and it hit me: (The light didn't hit me. A light bulb went off in my head. Just had to clarify!)

Seriously, here's what I realized: We need to get back to the Greats. What do I mean? The Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission. Have you considered the Greats in God's Word?

As a young person, I speak for many of my generation: Authentic love in action catches our attention more than the biggest high-tech attraction. Many churches today think we need to copy the world to reach it. But it's the opposite: copy the Word and God will reach the world.

Outreach is to reach out ... not in. It's not about "What do I get out of church?" It's about "How do I take church out to the world?" We need to be enjoying Jesus in church and then taking it out to the world.

When I'm at a restaurant, the portions overwhelm me. Just ask people close to me: I usually clutch a take-out box when exiting the eatery.

That's the way it needs to be at church — feed on God's Word and then take It out to the world!

Last Sunday, I heard God's Word at church. (This alone remains something to treasure. So many countries attempt to muzzle Christians!) I savored the Holy Spirit's guidance of the guest speaker. Amongst other amazing insights, he spoke about the way God is moving in different countries and the need for revival in America. Have you prayed for revival for your country today?

Let's remember to view things from God's perspective: Let's share our Treasure with the lost and rejoice when the lost souls are found! (Wonder if you’re not found yet? Come to Jesus. Accept Him now because later may not come.)

Seriously, if our churches overflow with active love for people, people will overflow our churches. Let’s get back to giving back to God all the glory, honor, and praise. Instead of coming up with a better coffee brew for our church coffee shops, let’s come up to Jesus and receive His living water. When we concentrate on staying concentrated, we’ll see good things happen as the Good News takes action.

When I was interviewed on a national news broadcast, someone at the studio seemed shocked that I wasn’t so focused on getting more money and fame. The person instead seemed interested in what made me different. One word: Jesus.

Let’s let God’s Word have the final word in our lives. Let’s share Jesus. Yes, today let's pray and obey the Greats. It’s time for church take-out.

The Greatest Commandments:

"Jesus replied, 'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

The Great Commission:

"And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'” (Mark 16:15)

Copyright © Stacie Ruth Stoelting 2011, used with permission.