There are many Christians who have the illusion that they are in the game by going to church, but the real game is out on the streets. The purpose of the church is to share love and good works. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Peter explained the good works that Jesus did. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” If we aren’t doing the works that Jesus did, who are you following? “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
Jesus tells us that we can do the things He did. If it wasn’t possible, He would have never mentioned it, but He did. Many downplay this by trying to convince you that this isn’t for today. They do this because they tried it and it didn’t work, making their experience greater than Jesus’s. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments.” My question to you is, are you willing to get into the game? “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” This may be out of your comfort zone, but you are in Christ. Going out on the streets is not a try it and see if this works. If you go out with this mentality, you are already defeated before you go out. Loving people on the streets is a lifestyle. It’s never about your performance. Who cares about that? You show God’s goodness wherever you go. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” Jesus told His disciples to go into the world. He didn’t tell them to go to church and make disciples. “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Now here’s the question. Do you believe it or not? Your actions prove what you believe. “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” All you need is a heart that believes, and you are moved with compassion and mercy.
I pray that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened to this. You will get into the game. It’s not about just purposely going out and doing this. I find the best is this, as you go, show mercy and compassion on anyone you pass by. Be blessed, my friends.
