This Sunday, we kick off a new series and vision campaign called Beyond, which coincides with the news of our new full-time facility. I will be introducing the vision of Beyond as well as lots of information about this new facility and the investment that we’ll be making to make this vision a reality. Here are 5 reasons why I’m excited about this series:
1. I rejoice when I think about the power of the gospel to change lives. Beyond is really a dream that we could continue to be an agent of radical life-change through the power of the gospel. Not through techniques or tips or self-help advice with a little Christian lacquer — but through the bold, direct, hope-giving proclamation of the gospel. This is the kind of life change I’ve experienced, the kind we are seeing in our ministry and the kind that our community needs.
2. I love how we have a God that is so focused on reaching lost people. Mission (the sending of God’s people to seek and save the lost) is not just one part of the Christian faith — it’s a central part. God is a missionary God who goes BEYOND the comfort of heaven to take on flesh in the person of Jesus and seek and save the lost (Luke 5:23). Then he sends his people out to do the same. Why? Because God loves saving sinners. Jesus said, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). We get to now join God in his mission.
3. I am thrilled about the plans that are developing for this new facility. This new facility will provide worship space on Sundays (for about 500 adults) and multi-purpose space throughout the week, making our church the first medium-large sized church in the southeast edge of the Valley with a facility. I think God will do wonderful things in this space, and I love how the drawings and design are coming together (just wait until you hear about “The Box”)!
4. I look forward to seeing God provide miraculous answers to prayer. This facility will require financial sacrifice from everyone who calls Second Mile Church home. I can’t wait to hear the stories of how God provides for people who step out in faith and trust him with their financial commitment.
5. You and I need moments that remind us of our utter dependence on God. We are always dependent on God, whether we realize it or not — after all, he graciously provided the air that’s in your lungs right now. But sometimes God allows the circumstances of our lives and the desires of our hearts to be so beyond our control that we remember that we desperately need him. To see the kind of ministry and life change that we dream about actually happen will take much more than a well-organized campaign and a building. It will take the unparalleled power of the Spirit of God.
With this in mind, will you join me in praying that God’s Spirit works in an undeniable way through this series?
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