Welcome to this week’s reflection on our "Make a Difference" series. This week, we’re diving into the heart of our mission as followers of Christ: making disciples. Using Acts 1:8 and John 1:43-46, we’ll explore what it truly means to invite others into God’s rescue mission. At 10:04, our vision is to help all people discover and deepen their faith in Jesus, and this message serves as a reminder of how we can do that, starting right where we are.
Growing up, I experienced the urgency and joy of a rescue mission firsthand. My brother went missing during a Boy Scout trip, and the fear we felt as a family was intense. But when the community rallied together to find him and he was brought back safely, the relief and joy were overwhelming. This experience is a powerful metaphor for what it means to bring people to Jesus. There’s an urgency to find the lost, but there’s also incredible joy when they are found.
In the same way that my family and community banded together to search for my brother, we are called to be part of God’s greatest rescue mission: finding those who are spiritually lost and bringing them to Jesus. This is not just a one-time task—it’s a lifestyle of making disciples. Acts 1:8 reminds us of our role as witnesses, starting with those closest to us and spreading outward.
This call to discipleship is beautifully illustrated in John 1:43-46, where Jesus finds Philip and simply says, "Follow me." What’s striking about this encounter is that it’s Jesus who seeks out Philip. This is a reminder of God’s prevenient grace—His love and presence that reach out to us even before we realize we need Him. When Philip meets Jesus, his first response is to find Nathanael and tell him about Jesus. This is what we mean by found people find people. When we experience the life-changing love of Jesus, it compels us to share that joy with others.
Nathanael’s initial response, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” shows skepticism that many of us can relate to. But Philip’s response is simple and powerful: “Come and see.” We don’t have to have all the answers; we just need to invite others to experience Jesus for themselves. This invitation is key to our vision at 10:04. The best way to deepen your relationship with Jesus is help someone else discover theirs.
Discipleship isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey. Jesus never stops leading, and we must never stop following. As we follow Him, we grow in faith, and as we help others find Him, we fulfill our calling.
As we approach National Back to Church Sunday on September 15th, I challenge each of us to think about who we can invite to join us in worship. Remember, found people find people. Here are a few ways you can put this message into action: Start a meaningful conversation using the tips in the evangelism tool we passed out Sunday. Share a meal with someone—it’s often during these simple moments that deeper conversations happen. Finally, extend hospitality by inviting someone to church and taking them out for lunch afterward. Show them what biblical hospitality looks like through your actions and generosity.
Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you be more intentional in helping others discover their faith? Let’s embrace the opportunity to make a difference together. As Philip invited Nathanael, let’s go out and invite others to "come and see" the life-changing love of Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor John Joiner
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