Upgraded

I plugged in my phone and there was a message that an upgrade was ready to be installed. I let it install the upgrade and then spent some time learning about the changes. They had added some new features and made improvements to some old ones. The upgrade to my phone is a new and improved version. I like upgrades.

I was flying back from Louisville with my daughter a few years ago. As we checked in for the flight the airline representative told us that there were extra seats so she upgraded us to first class for free. The seats were wider and softer, the food was better, (an actual meal with a sandwich and a salad), the service was better, and the mixed nuts were served warm in a special cup. We got to the same place at the same time as the cheap seats but it was a much more enjoyable flight. I never had flown first class, and have not since then, but now I know why they called it an upgrade.

Reading through the book of Revelation there is a lot said about the ultimate upgrade that is waiting for us. We will have a new body, a new place to live, (Jesus called it a mansion), and more wonders than we can imagine. In Heaven everything will be provided, “no longer will they hunger; no longer will they thirst…and God will wipe away every tear form their eyes.” (Rev. 7:16-17).

I had no idea what first class was like until I experienced it for myself. I just knew it was an upgrade and when it was offered to me for free I did not hesitate to accept. Heaven is the ultimate upgrade and it is offered to everyone for free. There are no cheap seats to Heaven. Jesus chartered a flight and paid the way for all His followers. We only have to accept God’s plan to upgrade our life and get on board.
Bro. Robin

On Mission

What does it mean to be a missionary? Simply put, a missionary is sent to go and tell. A missionary is sent by a local church on a mission to go somewhere and tell the people there about Jesus. We go because we love Jesus and that is what He told us to do. Our vision statement says we are “The Church Across the Street and Around the World.” Our mission is from Jesus.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the mane of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (hcsb)

The Great Commission is for every Christian. How we carry it our may be different for each of us. But we are all called to be on some kind of mission. We are all called to go and tell.

This summer a lot of us are either going on a mission or preparing to go on a mission. Some are going to distant places like Iowa, or the Dominican Republic. Others are staying closer to home working with our summer ministry, a small group, or a Sunday school class to do ministry. Many stay at home and support those who are going with financial and material support and with prayer. Everyone can do something.

Are you on mission if your church is on mission? Not necessarily. Being on mission is deliberate. If you are called to be on mission you deliberately go and tell. If you are called to support you must deliberately give to missions. If you are called to stay and pray you must deliberately pray for those on mission daily, and for those lives they touch.

What is your mission this summer? Being on mission is active participation in the Kingdom of God. Be a missionary. Go and tell!
Bro. Robin