Dave’s Monday Blast – December 4, 2018
Many of you have followed the story of John Chau. The Vancouver, Washington native who was killed last month by members of the Sentinelese tribe in India. What ever you think about his evangelistic strategy, his passion for the lost is noteworthy. Before he stepped out of the boat that had been hired to bring him out to the Island, he wrote this note: “You guys might think I’m crazy in all this but I think it’s worthwhile to declare Jesus to these people.” Then he added: “Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed – rather please live your lives in obedience to whatever He has called you to…”
Intentional Followers of Christ know what they have been called to do – share the good news. St. Francis of Assisi suggested the following strategy to get that done: “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” Paul affirmed that wisdom in Romans 10:14, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
The gospel is literally the “good news” that Jesus died for our sins and calls us to repent of them and trust him as our Savior and Lord. These are cognitive facts that must be communicated to be understood and believed. Those who understand and believe them have a moral duty to share them with those who do not. I believe this is what motivated John Chau.
2 Corinthians 5:14 reminds us that it is the Love of Christ that compels or motivates us to love others enough to put them first. As Christians, when we fail to love God supremely, we fail to love others rightly. We love others best when we love God most because God is love (I John 4:7 – 8; 11). Augustine noted that rightly ordered love was a virtue and disordered love was a vice. As beings created by the God of love, we naturally love and slowly become that which we love. The weight of our love carries us, causes us to do that which we do. In obedience, let us love those whom God loves.
I grieve for the family of John Chau, but trust that his sacrifice and commitment to love those whom God loves will some bear eternal fruit. That, of course, is God’s business…ours is to be faithful to His missional mandate found in Matthew 28. During this Christmas season hearts are open and sensitive to the Christ child. Take advantage of the opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to church. We have a wonderful Christmas Concert on the 8th and 9th of December with JJ Heller; events like this provide a easy invite pathway to exposing folks to the gospel. Consider gifting someone(s) with a ticket to the concert. Tickets are purchased online through our website for $20. The concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. but our courtyard opens at 6:00 p.m. for live music and wonderful refreshments. Of course Pastor Phil has a wonderful sermon series planned for December including two lovely Christmas Eve services at 4:00 and 5:30 pm.
