We are a people on mission, moving out in ever-widening circles to change our world.
We talk a lot about the people at radius, and being on mission. We talk a lot about ever-widening circles and how we can reach more people. But let's not forget about what the people who are on mission, moving out in ever-widening circles are trying to do. We are trying to change our world.
What does that mean?
When I read about the early church in the book of Acts, I see a group of people committed to creating an environment where change is possible. I see a group of people who had a genuine encounter with Jesus and who were laser focused on sharing that experience with others. I see a group of people on mission.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This small, but mighty group moved outwards in love and compassion, telling people about what Jesus did for them and forever changing the course of human history. The work they did re-directed the great Roman Empire and the message of forgiveness and salvation spread all over the world. And despite some very dark times that came as a result of that, the truth of the message persisted. And now, two thousand years later, lives are still changed by that message every day.
What I love about Radius is that we are just the same as that small, but mighty group. They did not possess any special skills that we do not possess. They do not have any special knowledge that we do not have access too. Their experience with Jesus was not any more profound than how our savior works in our lives today. What sets them apart is their willingness to give everything they have to a cause.
In order for us to maintain our focus on our mission, we created at our very beginnings, a set of core values. These core values guide us in making decisions about the direction of Radius, and help us to maintain that laser focus on what God has called Radius to do.
Changing our world is no easy task. It cannot be done by any one of us, but each of us have a personal responsibility towards the mission.
"To change our world" means we actively seek out a relationship with God so that he might work in us to reveal areas where we need to grow, where we need to learn, and where we need to unlearn. It means dealing with our hurts, habits, and hang ups. It means showing kindness and forgiveness and grace to our neighbors. It means regularly connecting with our creator through prayer and reading his word.
"To change our world" means we connect with other people who are on mission and encourage and strengthen one another by sharing our stories and praying together. It means showing up on Sunday and worshipping along side other believers and reaching out to new new friends.
"To change our world" means we give back to God a piece of what he has give us. It means supporting your home-church and giving to organizations that are dedicated to improving our world. We do this with our money and with our time.
"To change our world" means we step outside our comfort zone in order to be obedient to God and to reach those who are hurting and lost. It means loving God and people with all our heart, mind, and body. It means forgiving those that have hurt us, and asking for forgiveness from those we have hurt.
"To change our world" means we use the gifts and talents God has given us to glorify his name and further his kingdom.
"To change our world" means we stop trying to bend the world to our will, get out of God's way, and let him work out his plan in our lives, in this city, and around the world.
When we allow God to change our world, the world is changed.
Gather with us this Sunday and come see how we are doing our part to change our world. Perhaps God's called you to join the mission.
