BE BOLD! In Your Mission and Service

Missions and service is without doubt one of the greatest strengths of our congregation here at Gadsden First. It is extremely evident that Matthew 25 is written into the fabric of who we are as a church and as followers of Christ. Every time a need arises from an organization in our community or an individual who walks through our doors, our church seeks to feed, clothe and provide for that need. It is an absolute blessing, and an inspiration, to be among such compassion and generosity.

This Sunday, Pastor Andy and I will be co-preaching, continuing Pastor Sam's sermon series and calling our congregation to BE BOLD IN MISSIONS & SERVICE. Without doubt, we have rich and fertile soil upon which to scatter the seeds of the Scripture; open and caring hearts upon which to breathe the stirrings of the Spirit. On Sunday, we will dig deeply into a very familiar text, because as we prayed asking God how He desires for us to BE BOLDer than we already are for missions and service, into the trenches with the Good Samaritan is where God led us.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:33-35
33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.'

When the Samaritan saw the need, he was moved with pity and responded to the need, and he did so in an extremely BOLD way. In a risk-taking way. In a messy way. The Samaritan stopped what he was doing. Took pause on his own plans. And he went to rock-bottom with the man in need. The Samaritan's clothes got dirty, and probably a little bloody. He got sweaty and tired lifting the wounded man, and then traveling the rest of the road on foot. He freely and generously gave of what he had to provide for his needs. And the most amazing thing he did -- the BOLDEST things he did -- was that he left the tab open. He pledged to help again, and help more - whatever would be needed.

What does it look like for us to do Missions & Service in the church this way? In our daily lives this way? To give people an open tab on our help? An open tab on our care? An open tab on our availability? An open tab on our hearts?

Will we BE BOLD like the Good Samaritan?

In Christ,
Carrie Jones
Associate Pastor of Children & Families