Thursday, November 09, 2017
God at work in South Carolina
So a few weeks ago I was in Florence, South Carolina preaching in a Hope for Life event for churches in and around the Pee Dee region. Here are a few of the things that really made me happy.
Lots of fellowship between congregations that don't always do things together. I think they will now. Didn't agree on everything but did come together on what was important for this event. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and was raised. That we are crucified with Jesus in baptism and raised to new life. And that we have to tell our family and friends that good news.
Loved that there were lots of different ages, colors, and economic status in the same place.
Met several that had recently been baptized and were their with friends they had invited.
The last night almost 1/4 of our crowd were visitors.
Since I left I have heard stories that inspire me.
The lady who went to visit a friend in ICU and told her where she had been. Got a chance to tell the story of Legion and Jesus. The friend made her show where it was in the Bible so she could read it for herself. Even asked her to pray with her.
The homeless man who came every night. He was first invited by a policeman he met when he was sleeping in a car. The Christian cop fed him, listened to his story, and invited him to come. And he did.
Loved seeing the preachers of the participating congregations leading the effort. Inviting their friends, setting up studies, preaching good news sermons.
I don't know what all is going to happen over the next few weeks and months. But I know this...
God is using his people to tell the good news of his son. And he will give the harvest.
Lots of fellowship between congregations that don't always do things together. I think they will now. Didn't agree on everything but did come together on what was important for this event. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and was raised. That we are crucified with Jesus in baptism and raised to new life. And that we have to tell our family and friends that good news.
Loved that there were lots of different ages, colors, and economic status in the same place.
Met several that had recently been baptized and were their with friends they had invited.
The last night almost 1/4 of our crowd were visitors.
Since I left I have heard stories that inspire me.
The lady who went to visit a friend in ICU and told her where she had been. Got a chance to tell the story of Legion and Jesus. The friend made her show where it was in the Bible so she could read it for herself. Even asked her to pray with her.
The homeless man who came every night. He was first invited by a policeman he met when he was sleeping in a car. The Christian cop fed him, listened to his story, and invited him to come. And he did.
Loved seeing the preachers of the participating congregations leading the effort. Inviting their friends, setting up studies, preaching good news sermons.
I don't know what all is going to happen over the next few weeks and months. But I know this...
God is using his people to tell the good news of his son. And he will give the harvest.
