Dave’s Monday Blast July 20, 2020
What is our goal as INTENTIONAL men of God? Essentially it is to be a part of a movement of culture-changing Christians. The verse that best defines the Men’s Ministry at Auburn Grace Community comes from (1 Chronicles 12:32) “Of the Sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do…”.
In 1 Peter 4:7 -11 we learn that the “end of all things is near…therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of us must use whatever gift we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
In this text God makes an urgent call to clarity, love, open heartedness and service to others, all powerful antidotes to stress, oppression, racism and distrust that are so prevalent in our culture today. Although written two centuries ago, we see that God’s word is always relevant and timely for our times. Clearly God anticipates what we need to hear. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we study the Scriptures and we study the culture of our faith and secular communities.
As we interpret and apply His Word, we learn to see through God’s eyes and heart and to speak His truth and love to the opportunities and needs of our times. This is our version of the Tribe of Issachar.
Paul challenged the Colossians to be prayerful, watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2 – 6). Like Paul, may we pray that the Holy Spirit will make us compassionate, clear, creative and courageous in all our conversations with our culture for God’s glory and the good of all who desperately need Him. This is missional. Missions are not something we do. Missions is a way of doing everything. It is a way of living. It is a witness to His presence and work in us.
