Mark van Pletsen gave an encouraging word, reminding us that it is a privilege to gather together at Church, for it is more than just meeting with friends, but with a family. We are all on the same mission, not just spending time together, but like a hospital, we come there for a journey of healing, and like an army, it is our field of victory. A Church without the broken is a broken Church. Yes, doing life together can be difficult and make us vulnerable, and not everyone is perfect, but we need to learn to love each other in all seasons.
We need to start living out ‘Dining Room’ Christianity, where we open up our homes and come together as a community, where no one and nothing is off-limits. God knits us together, where we get to humble ourselves, and where we celebrate and mourn together. A diverse Church has one thing in common: the love of Christ.
To learn how to live, process, and navigate this messy life, Mark offers us a simple strategy based on 1 Peter 4:7-11, written by Peter, who denied Jesus three times and overcame his failure. These five gameplan strategies are:
- The End is Near
Be alert and see the signs as you live with a measure of urgency. This is our wake-up call—not to be anxious but to live with purpose and sound judgment. In 1 Peter 4:7, we are reminded that the end is near. We will always default to anxious and worrisome thoughts, but the challenge is to see our problems through a heavenly perspective and to go to God in prayer. - Keep Fervent in Love
We are reminded in Proverbs 10:12 that love covers over a multitude of sins. We need to have an intense love for others without wavering, especially for our enemies. We are called to love like Jesus and to forgive them time and time again. Grace demands fervent forgiveness, faithfulness, and honesty, but with love. - Welcome the Stranger
Be hospitable and welcoming towards everyone, especially strangers, without complaining. Open your heart to your community, where strangers can become friends. Live with an open-door policy, where everyone is welcomed and cared for. The good news of the Gospel has to go to the street corners. - Give Away the Gift
Verse 10 tells us that each of us has received a special gift which we need to learn to use in serving others. God gifts us each with individual, unique talents and skills that are useful to the community and the body of Christ. It is a privilege and not a chore to be able to give and serve in your community. - All Things for His Glory
To find your true North in life is to live for God’s Glory, in every season and through every challenge. God honours us with success in our marriages, our business, our finances, and our relationships when we choose to live for the glory of God.
Living on the edge means bringing your failures to God and allowing His Spirit to enter the parts of our hearts where we can BE the Church. It is time to knock down the walls that divide us and humble our hearts so we can be moved to compassion for what breaks God’s heart.