Stepping Out of the Boat
This past Sunday the Elders shared our hopeful expectation for the FBC family heading into 2022. We want to be disciples who make disciples, striving to help others find and follow Jesus. In other words, we want men, women, and children to know the good news of who Jesus is and what he has done, and to walk in a posture of repentance, belief, and obedience to Christ in everyday life. May this be our vision both now and in the years to come!
One of the ways we seek to shape devoted followers of Jesus is to implement four key practices of discipleship:
GATHER in Authentic Worship
GROW in Intentional Discipleship
GIVE with Radical Generosity
GO with Missional Clarity
These practices of discipleship help root us deep in the ways of Jesus and help us drink deeply from the well of God’s goodness and love. We really believe that if we live these practices out in our lives, with the help and power of the Holy Spirit, we will become a church that is living out the many “one another’s” that mark God’s people. Our lives will be a demonstration to the surrounding world –in both word and deed–of the great reconciling love of God in Jesus.
For many of us, getting into a rhythm of living out these practices will require getting out of our comfort zones. As one elder shared this past week, the story of Peter getting out of the boat to be with Jesus (see Matthew 14:22-33) challenged him to step into this new year with a greater faith of sharing the gospel with those who don’t know Christ. He challenged all of us to “step out of the boat” of our comfort, our preferences, and our agendas to partner with God on his mission to see all creation rescued and redeemed. It’s a challenge for the church to really live out the life of a disciple in the years ahead.
So, let me ask you a few questions:
-Are you planning on stepping out of the boat this year?
-Where have you been hesitant to follow Jesus?
-What is Jesus telling you through his Spirit, his word, prayer, and his people where you need to gather, grow, give, and go alongside FBC?
-Are you trusting in his love and power to equip you to live a life of joyful obedience for his glory, your good, and for the sake of the world?
Let’s partner together on God’s mission! Praying for you church!
-Pastor Wade
