There are few things that fill me with wonder like natural beauty. Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and seeing its colours was breathtaking. Watching the sun set on the Pacific at Monterey Bay was glorious sight. Canoeing across Isinglass Lake in Northwestern Ontario and seeing the fish swim near the bottom of this cold, clear, spring-fed lake was unlike anything I had seen before.  Or looking into the eyes of my newborn child and holding them for the first time made me pause and think.

What amazes you?

One of the biggest reasons Christians struggle to share their faith is that we have lost the wonder of belonging to God. Life hums along, schedules fill up, distractions abound, and wonder dissipates. Effective evangelism doesn’t start with more training or programs. It starts with recapturing the wonder.

When reading through Mark’s account of the Gospel, I was struck by this one reality: people who were amazed by Jesus talked about Jesus. Just consider these examples:

“The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law . . . . the people were all so amazed  that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.’” (Mark 1:22, 27)

“He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’” (Mark 2:12)

“So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.” (Mark 5:20)

“Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.” (Mark 5:42)

“People were overwhelmed with amazement. ‘He has done everything well,’ they said. ‘He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.’” (Mark 7:37)

Perhaps we struggle with evangelism because we need a fresh encounter with the wonder of the cross. We need God’s grace revealed to us afresh so that it is anything but ordinary.  Maybe we need to start our day like George Mueller, a man who cared for orphans and shared Christ with many, who said, “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord.”

As we aim to be a missional church, let’s start by being a worshipping church. Do whatever is necessary to make your soul happy in Jesus. Is there a sin to confess? A promise to hold on to? A priority that needs adjustment? A time with the Lord at the start or end of my day?

 

Wanting to be happy in Jesus with you for the sake of Christ’s mission,

Andrew

 

 

In order to help you be on mission with Jesus, here are two things to help you: Create “My MAP” – my missional action plan and missional action prayer:

Missional Action Plan: Make a list today about the things that amaze you about Jesus. Then, consider this question: “If Jesus really amazes me, how should my life change today.

Missional Action Prayer: “Lord Jesus, You came to us while we were yet sinners. Help me not to forget that gracious truth today, and show me how amazing your grace is.”

 

 

 

As we gather for Sunday worship, we want you to meet with God and be transformed by the Word. Prepare your heart by reading the passage and listening to the songs for Sunday.

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