Key Text: Romans 12:14-21
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When was the last time someone surprised you? Do you remember what it felt like to be pleasantly surprised? Did it change the way you viewed that person? Now let me ask you this, when was the last time you were surprised that way by the church, or by someone claiming to be a follower of Jesus?
Christians aren’t surprising anymore. For the most part, the world knows exactly what to expect from us. But what if we changed that? What if we started surprising people again? Can you imagine how the world might be different if we chose to start living surprising lives?
Today kicks off a new season in the life of the church, it is Ash Wednesday, which is the official beginning of the season of lent. You might see a few people with ashes on their forehead. You might hear people talk about giving up something for lent. This year, I want to encourage you to surprise the world. Over the next forty days, I want to share with you five habits you can develop which will help you live on mission with God and surprise the world.
Jesus called his followers to live surprising lives. For example, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well,” (Matthew 5:38-40). It wasn’t just Jesus, the early church also understood God’s mission called them to surprise the world. The Apostle Paul said, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse,” (Romans 12:14). From the very beginning, we were meant to surprise the world. But over the years we have forgotten how to be surprising. I hope you can join us this week as we kick of this new series and dive into what it means to bless someone.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Gordon
5 Missional Habits:
Week 1 - Bless - I will bless three people this week - at least one of whom is not a member of our church.
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