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Faithful Christians

What are we rebuilding? Let’s focus here on rebuilding the Church, the hope of the world. The church is an essential part of renewal and revival. So how do we do this?

FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS 

What does it truly mean to be a faithful Christian? Faithful Christians love their neighbors sacrificially, and the truth is that as much as we love our building and our services, we can be faithful Christians even without those things. 

TAKE ACTION: Take some time and think about what it means to be a faithful Christian, even apart from some of the ways we’re most accustomed to thinking about it (viz. political engagement, Sunday services). What might it look like to rebuild church in this next season? 

REACHING YOUR COMMUNITY

Halloween weekend is coming up, and that comes with some amazing opportunities to reach out to your neighbors. If you’ve never started your Front Yard Mission, this is a great opportunity to do so. And if your FYM is already thriving, you can build even more!

TAKE ACTION: Head over to the new FYM blog and read the latest post, “5 Ways to Love Your Neighbor this Halloween.” 

A GOOD PRAYER TIME:

Take a few minutes to read the following verses. Let the truth of who you are sink deep into your heart and take root. Come back to them any time you start to feel disqualified, ashamed, or unworthy to join in Kingdom work:

  • Romans 6:6-7. The “old” us was crucified with Christ and we are no longer bound to our past. 
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17. The “old” us is gone. We are made new.
  • Eph 1:3-14. This is who you are in Christ, no matter what your past mistakes or present circumstances, or future worries may look like. You are not disqualified- you are chosen. 
  • Eph 2:10. Remember that you are purposed for good work! God has a plan and purpose for exactly who He made you to be 

TAKE ACTION: Take 10 minutes each day this week and pray for these things:

  • Pray for renewed confidence in your identity in Christ as a new creation
  • Pray the Holy Spirit would reveal places where you are allowing your past or present fears to keep you from living the full life the Father wants for you.

This week, as you talk to God in your quiet time, you can listen to these worshipful songs:

Posted by Bret Mavrich

5 Ways to Love Your Neighbor this Halloween

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There's likely no better opportunity to love your neighbors than at Halloween! Your neighbors come to you, you get to show them kindness, and everyone’s wearing masks! But how can you do that? Below are 5 ways you can love your neighbors generously, creatively, and safely--all while having some fun in the process.

 

  1. Get out in your Front Yard! We talk about Front Yard Mission a lot. This is the time to be literally in your front yard. Avoid the bottleneck around your front door by setting up in your front yard, maybe with a fire pit or some lights to make it festive. Remember the grown ups too! Put out some hot beverages and snacks for the adults as well. Let your front yard be a meeting spot where you can show hospitality to all who pass by. 

  2. Be Generous! Kids know which houses give out the full-size candy bars. Be the house that is known for being generous. Skip the fun size, and go full size. People will know, and remember. 

  3. Be Intentional! With COVID, people may not be sure how to do Trick-or-Treat this year, or may not want to do it all. What a bummer if kids have to miss out. Someone needs to start the conversation, so why not you? Talk to your neighbors, or post on the neighborhood group about Trick-or-Treating plans. It may spur people on to come up with their plan. 

  4. Be Safe. People will obviously be concerned about safety this year. So get creative! Some ideas: Make sure everything is well lit. Supply hand sanitizer. Use a table out front or even a clothes line to distribute the candy at safe distances. And of course, mask up!

  5. Have fun! Bringing neighbors together for some much-needed connecting and fun is a gift we could all use. Kids, pets, costumes and candy can all set the stage for a great evening. You’ll be loving God as you love your neighbors. 

With a little planning, Halloween can become maybe the best day of your Front Yard Mission this year! 

For some more ideas, watch this short video with Steve Lutz and Jonathan Weibel:  https://youtu.be/uyyPtv4G6yo

 

Posted by Steve Lutz

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