So Much More to Do

Many would think that with modern technology the whole world already knows about Jesus. Many have chosen to follow after him, some have not yet made that choice, but surely everyone knows about him. It is shocking to discover that so many still haven't even heard of the one who came to save them for eternity. Estimates range around two billion people that have not even heard the message of hope that Jesus brought to earth. Millions more have heard and chosen to ignore or simply not respond. If you have a heart for these people I encourage you to be on the hill this Sunday morning and to also check out www.u4theu.com website.

Changing Lives on the Hill

I get so excited about the change that I see in people's lives when they start to really get it about Jesus.  Early in His teaching He told his followers that they were to the light of the world and that a town built on a hill could not be hidden.   I love that our facilities are built on a hill on the east end of Shelbyville.  It is a reminder to me now every time I drive "up hill" to the building that we are here to make a difference and to be seen by men as a place where life change happens.   This new art work is just a reminder that we are all somewhere on the path to following Christ.  Some are just getting started and others have been running for a while, but we are all on a journey.  "The Hill" is just a stop on the journey, because our ultimate destination is heaven.

I also love hearing the stories of change that Jesus has made in people's lives.  I love it when part of the change happened on the hill.  I hope some of you will write about your change and add it to this blog.  I was introduced to a website last night by someone who is really growing in Christ on the hill.  He told me about www.iamsecond.com .  I really like the name, but I LOVE what is documented on the website.

Also if you have been touched by the ministry of Christ on the hill in east Shelbyville we have window stickers that you can put on your vehicle that might provide an open door to share about Jesus with someone.  We have them available at worship times, but if you have moved and want one let us know and we will send them to you.

So many lives have been changed, I can't wait to see what is around the corner.

Follow Me

What would our faith communities look like if those that claim to follow Christ really did?  What if believers in Christ, really found the heart of Christ and began to live like they say they believe?  I think people would follow!

While he was here on earth people were drawn to Jesus.  They were amazed by his miracles and teaching, but the show will only draw a crowd for awhile.  What kept the crowds coming was his love and compassion.  He had compassion on people and thought of them as sheep wandering aimlessly without a shepherd.

Wasn't it amazing to see Philip go find his friend Nathaniel and tell him to just come and see, check this guy out for yourself.  He was motivated out of love.  What about the woman at the well?  Jesus kind of busted her and her living arrangement.  Today he would have been labeled as intolerant or a hater, but she heard it different.  The Bible tells us she ran to the town and told everyone, you've got to come meet this guy.  He knows every thing about me and still genuinely cared.  The Bible says the town responded and was changed because of her testimony.  Matthew was a hated tax collector, but when Jesus accepted him and changed him the first thing he could think to do was throw a party for all his tax collector buddies so they could experience the love of Jesus.

It isn't that hard to see the difference that Jesus made in people's lives by sharing in their lives.  When he left to go back to the father and told his friends to "Go about their business and while they were doing it to MAKE DISCIPLES" it wasn't a stretch because that is exactly what he had been doing for three years.  Disciples are believers or members, by definition they are followers.  Not talking about what Jesus would do, but doing it.  They didn't have to be told to share their faith, they couldn't help but share their faith it just came busting out of them.  He was the original DISCIPLE maker!  He knew how to share in people's lives in such a way that they knew he really cared.

I love the model that Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 11:1.  It is a simple challenge.  "Follow me (become a disciple) as I follow Christ (the original disciple maker)."  What if we all made that our motto, "Follow me, as I follow Christ."  It gives HIM all the glory as we follow HIM and share HIM  with others.