How can we actively support Christ's work in our community today? The Call to Stand With Christ “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30) Jesus draws a clear line—no middle ground. Supporting His work means gathering with Him: drawing people to Him, building up His Body, and pushing back darkness. Seeing the Urgency • Christ’s words frame every choice as loyalty or opposition. • Neutrality equals scattering. Silence or passivity lets confusion spread. • Our response must be active, visible, and fruitful. Gathering With Jesus: Core Commitments 1. Abide in Him • “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) • Daily Scripture, prayer, and obedience keep us connected to the Vine so our efforts carry His power. 2. Share the Gospel • “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20) • Practical steps: personal testimonies, community outreaches, gospel tracts, social media posts centered on Christ—not ourselves. 3. Disciple and Equip • “To equip the saints for works of ministry.” (Ephesians 4:11-13) • Host Bible studies, mentor new believers, teach children’s classes, develop leadership training—multiplying faithful workers. 4. Serve Tangible Needs • “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” (James 2:17) • Food drives, counseling, job-skills workshops, hospital visits. Good works reveal the gospel’s credibility. 5. Cultivate Congregational Unity • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) • Regular fellowship, conflict resolution, shared worship nights. A unified church magnifies Christ’s love. 6. Uphold Truth Publicly • “We are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) • Speak biblical truth on life, marriage, justice, and morality. Write letters to editors, engage civic forums, model gracious conviction. 7. Persevere in Good • “Let us not grow weary in well-doing.” (Galatians 6:9-10) • Results may be slow; trust God’s timing. Encourage each other, celebrate small victories, remember the coming harvest. Learning From the Early Church Acts 2:42-47 shows believers devoted to “the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… And the Lord added to their number daily.” Gathered around doctrine, community, worship, and generosity, they became a magnetic witness. That pattern still works. Personal Next Steps • Set aside focused time with Jesus each morning. • Identify one neighbor or coworker to pray for and engage this week. • Volunteer for a ministry that meets physical needs locally. • Invite a younger believer to read Scripture with you. • Join or start a small prayer group for citywide revival. Encouragement to Keep Gathering Every act of faithful witness, every meal shared, every truth spoken gathers with Jesus. Stand with Him, and watch Him draw hearts, heal families, and transform the community. |
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