How to Reach Our Immediate Neighborhood
Dr. Thom Rainer says there are a few steps we can take to reach our immediate neighborhood for Jesus. Let me note, that in Acts 1:8, Jesus charges his followers to take the gospel into the whole world, starting in Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria, and into the uttermost parts of the earth. So, Jerusalem is the starting place. Are we reaching our Jerusalem?
FIRST, pray that God will help you see what His plan is and what He wants you to do. We can conjure up all kinds of feelings and action plans, but if they are not directed by God, they are useless. Remember, Paul had a good idea to take the gospel into Asia, but the Holy Spirit wouldn’t let him. Paul had to do what the Father wanted done first.
SECOND, what is our immediate neighborhood? Is this Elkland, Marshfield, Niangua, Conway, Fair Grove and Strafford? Though Jesus commissioned us to reach out to our Judea, and Samaria, His plan is that we not forget to reach our Jerusalem, our neighbors. Is our immediate neighborhood a five or ten-mile radius of the church?
THIRD, Pray for them! Pray that God will open the doors of understanding and stir their hearts for the gospel. Pray that He will bring us and them together for a divine appointment. Pray for opportunities.
FOURTH, go to them expecting nothing in return. They are not targets or notches on our gospel gun belt. They are people who need the gospel of Jesus Christ. We go because the Spirit within us wants to abide in their hearts too. We go giving the good news, not expecting them to even visit our church or to say ‘thank you.’ Expect nothing in return!
FIFTH, pray for the needs of our neighborhood. As we pray for them, God will begin to work in them, and in us. He will show us what we need to do to reach out to them. Then, and only then, can we begin ministry for them and to them.
Timber Ridge will reach out to Judea, Samaria, and to the utter most parts of our world. But we will also reach out to our immediate neighborhood.