'After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.'" Acts 4 : 29 - 30
These two verses are only a small part of the passage discussed at large group. Acts 4 : 23 - 37 is a wonderful passage about the power of the Holy Spirit and the boldness of Gods people. I read passages like this and wonder if this is the life we are called to. Sometimes when I read the bible, I read it as a story, as history, instead of a description of what our lives could be.
This passage is about Peter and John, two normal guys preaching about Jesus, getting released from prison. After this persecution and warning against more preaching, they choose to continue sharing about Jesus. We are not getting thrown into jail because of what we believe or because we meet to worship on Tuesdays, but there is still fear of rejection from our friends because of what we believe. Peter and John, in spite of this fear, decide to push on and look for more; for more power and for more drama.
And so they asked God to come and give them more power. They asked him to move. And he did it! Amazing things happened and they built a really strong community that was one in heart and mind. This community really empowered them to more. They were able to face the threat of jail together. They were bold together. They supported each other completely.
We can be tempted to say that God only moved and communities only existed in this way during bible times. That this is just a thing of the past and it's not really achievable now. And to be honest, I think this is part true. Our prayer meetings are great but they never end with the ground shaking. But I don't think as a community we've asked for God to move in this way.
It's kinda scary to think of what could happen if we did.
I think one step towards asking God to continue to move onto our campus is to be serious about our vision as a fellowship. We desire for every person on campus to hear about God and to be able to make an educated decision to follow him or not. But there are lot of obstacles in the way of that vision. There are lot of people here. What if they don't want to be friends anymore? And what if they have questions we can't answer? (my number one fear!!)
I desire for our community to step into these fears together and to invite our friends to God Answers next week. This is one night that some questions will be answered; one place to reach many people. I believe God will use this night to move in the hearts of our friends seeking more. He's going to show up. I want to be there, I want you to be there, and I especially want the curious and seeking to be there.
God Answers
November 16th 7:30 pm
Ballroom A
godanswers.ivcf@gmail.com
How can we trust the Bible?
Aren't science and faith a contradiction?
How can you say that Jesus is the only way?
What is the Christian stance on sexuality and homosexuality?
If God is good, and all powerful, why do evil things exist?
What about women...Isn't the Bible against women?
Invitations are still intimidating, but we were given some helpful guidelines to make the process less scary.
1. Pray
Pray for you, your friend, boldness in inviting, and open hearts for receiving.
2. Mention It
This isn't an invite. This is just you mentioning the event and about how excited you are.
3. Pray
again
4. Invite
"Remember that event I mentioned the other day? ..."
5. Pray
Again!
6. Invite
This is an opportunity for you to check-in. See how your friends are feeling about the invitation.
7. PRAY
AGAIN!!!!!
I know inviting friends is scary. I have 4 people that I continue putting off inviting out of fear. But in reality, the worst thing that could happen is they could say no. And that's not a big deal. But I would love some accountability! Would any of you be willing to commit to inviting friends to this event with me?
As you can see in the invitation process, praying is important. So start praying for your friends and for yourselves, and for people like me that are scared. If you have people that you would like prayer for, just mention it in the comments.
I'm excited to see God move!!
