The representative from Calcutta Mercy shared that it was founded in the 1970’s. He stated,
”We need to win India now.” Why? India is the most populated country in the world (1.5 billion people). It is one of the largest trafficking countries, has the most Hindus and in twenty five years will have the most Muslims. The caste system is also part of the culture. To help counteract these issues, Calcutta Mercy feeds 10,000 people a day and educates 32,000
children a year. The representative thanked Faith Chapel for its continued support, and he
prayed for our church.
Having a mission representative speak on the heels of the Commission Conference is powerful. On Friday night Francis Chan spoke of God’s love for Israel and that His love is evident from Genesis to Revelation. On Saturday Jimmy Darts explained how a generous spirit can impact others. And Kellie shared her story as a Christ follower in the Middle East. This conference was the platform for several families to be commissioned to serve the LORD in several countries and even in Coronado.
Pastor Josiah pointed out that Jesus laid His life down to show us how to live. “We are not
permitted to sit idly by,“ he said. “We need to be other focused.” With that Pastor Josiah
reminded FC that our mission is to culture like Christ; our vision is Jesus; and we are His
Beloved not Jesus’ employee.
The lesson from last week’s sermon in breaking barriers was about how the disciples “left
everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:11 (NLT) They were going to be fishers of men. “The
more we gain His heart, the more our hearts grow for people.” For people are on Jesus’
heart.
Jesus and the disciples traveled to Capernaum. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue and taught. “The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.” Mark 1:22 (NLT) Jesus confounded the people because He spoke with such authority. Do you want to talk to King David’s brothers who saw and cowered at the sight of Goliath, or do you want to speak to King David who was holding
Goliath’s head by the hair? “Often times adversity is a great indicator of the potential you’ll
walk in.” And adversity opens up the heart. Our biggest challenge is that the time is short, and we need to be doing our Father’s business.
In the synagogue Jesus encountered a man possessed by an evil spirit, and the man shouted,
”Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have
you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One
of God!” Mark 1:23 (NLT)
Jesus admonished the man to be quiet and commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. The spirit obeyed Jesus and left the man. Jesus was not about words only but was a man of action. Jesus was not just talking about new things, He demonstrated them. “Action speaks louder than words.”
Also the demon possessed man called Jesus “the Holy One of God” which was true but the
spirit in which it was said was not respectful or adoring. Jesus cut the spirit short. “The spirit
you have, matters more than what’s coming out of your mouth.” As a Christ follower, you
have the Holy Spirit indwelling you, interceding for you and convicting you of sin. How blessed
you are!
God was moving everywhere Jesus went. In Matthew 4 we learned that Jesus went all over
Galilee. He taught in the synagogues and healed people.
“News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon
began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their
sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or
epileptic or paralyzed-he healed them all.” Matthew 4:24 (NLT)
He preached. He healed. “Everything He did is an example to us.” Our job is to be obedient.
Pastor Josiah shared an example of his tio’s (uncle’s) obedience. After accepting Jesus as his
Savior, his tio went to the hospital to pray for a badly injured man, but he could not get in to see him. As he was walking out, he stopped and shared Jesus with a woman, whom he eventually learned, was married to the injured man. Tio was allowed to visit the man and shared the love of Jesus with him after which the man accepted the LORD as his Savior. He died the next day. Later his tio discovered that the man and he served in the military together. What a mighty God we serve! He makes divine appointments for us, for which we must all be ready.
On Saturday at the conference Jimmy Darts stated that we live in “green light Christianity.” What does that phrase mean? If the LORD urges you to speak to someone, pray with a friend, be generous with someone, do it. Jesus did just that. A leper approached Jesus, bowed down and begged for healing.
“‘Lord,’ he said, ’if you are willing, you can heal me and make
me clean.’
Jesus reached out and touched him.’I am willing,’ he said.
‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared.”
Luke 5:12b-13 (NLT)
Jesus broke the tradition of staying four cubits away from lepers. He saw the man’s great need, touched, and healed him with a word. Jesus said He wanted to heal the man, and He did. We need to look at His lifestyle and live on mission, go through the green light.
An important part of Jesus’ life was His time with His Father. “Before daybreak the next
morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” Mark1:35 (NLT) Praying
to the Father was a regular part of Jesus’ life. That is another action that we should emulate-to have private time with our Abba Father-to hear His voice, worship Him, sit at His feet. You are His Beloved, and He is yours. Seek after Him daily. “Private devotion sets the table for public influence.” Before you do anything, you need to prepare, and part of the preparation is spending quality time with the Father. What a privilege. “Come close to God, and God will
come close to you.” James 4:8
The Paramount Point is
a) be praying. When Jesus was praying, He withdrew Himself to have
some private time with His Father.
b) be giving. When you give your treasure, time, testimony and talent to the LORD, may it be
with the right spirit and intention. Invest in souls!
c) be obedient to what God is calling you to do.
May we pray, give and obey to be salt and light in this broken world.