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Breaking and Building

This weekend, I had the humbling, beautiful experience of joining with other women in our area to network and fellowship. Northside is hosting a conference this year, and one of the things God has laid on my heart is our need as the Church to break walls to build the body. Consider the Jews after Christ ascended. They couldn't keep the hope and joy God had provided to themselves. Instead, they took Jesus at His word.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19-20)

The fact is that the building you serve in and worship in is NOT the Church. If your pastor is preaching this gospel, YOU are the Church. I wonder if we still take this commission seriously. It becomes so easy to think that our pastors, missionaries, and other workers in ministry will cover this mission. Friend, WE are responsible for this mission. The saddest thing to watch is a group of people profess Jesus and do nothing to bring sinners into His kingdom.

So as we gathered this weekend, I was heartened to hear what others are doing for the kingdom. Let me be clear: we don't have to all do the same things! In fact, if we want to have impact on more people, we shouldn't all do the same thing. At the end of the day, if we are pointing people to Jesus, that's all that matters. God will take care of the rest. To know that there are sisters in my community hungry for the same thing and seeking to bring in those who need Jesus was just what I needed to believe that we can take our town for Christ. We can experience a move of God that our tri-county area hasn't seen in years. But it won't happen until we are willing to break down the barriers and go outside of the church building.

What will you do today? Maybe it's time to have that tough conversation with your Christian friend so that you both can move past differences and start seeking God's kingdom on earth. Perhaps you can volunteer with a ministry outside of your congregation that tugs at your heartstrings. Jesus is coming back soon. Let's strive to leave a kingdom legacy.

© 2024 Jill Cook. All rights reserved.

Flourish (Northside Ladies Ministry) is hosting a conference in October! 
We'd love for you to join us. Register now at Flourish '24!

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