I have been away from the diner for a long time, and it is great to see you all again after my vacation at Howard Hospital and Holy Cross Rehabilitation Center.

Our last discussion involved transformation of a person as he gives himself totally to the Father and His Son.

We covered the concern that some of us have that we have become lost in the world’s culture and therefore have lost our voice.

We learned that some are willing to send money for global ministries, but when it comes to glocal (local) ministries some are afraid that they will be politically incorrect if they speak of our Master to someone.

Personally, I want to be spiritually correct.

The questions are not how many people come to the 9:30 service as opposed to the 11:00 service or is the music the type we appreciate, but rather how can we find our evangelistic voice?

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Finding our Evangelistic Voice

You see, Jesus proclaimed that we are to be “salt” and “light” in our world and I fear that some Christians are flickering lights.  We need to be salt in our character before we can be effective as light.

The image of salt and light speaks of the eagerness to get out the message of Jesus Christ.  Transformation means we are to recapture the salt and light concept that Jesus lived.  We need to mirror Jesus in how we live.  The question is how does the church (people) fit into glocal evangelism?

Is the church the only true vessel for the kingdom of God?

No, but it is the local practical expression of it and it is the most underutilized vehicle for expanding the kingdom.

Instead of attempting to change society by more religious workers, we ought to focus on utilizing and transforming people who are already on the inside sitting in our pews.  If we are to truly be kingdom centered and truly transformed, we would not be fearful of sharing our faith within a perverse world.  We are to have faith not fear.  We need to overhaul our evangelistic life.

Can following Jesus ever be private?

No!  We as the Christian community must make a connection with the outside world.  For the most part community means different people.  The world itself means common unity.

I think the church today has confused community with socialization.  We come together for worship and let ourselves be a community.  The idea to me is to take that message and proclaim it to the surrounding community.

Connection is crucial

Connection is crucial to using your evangelistic voice in your glocal church (your Jerusalem).   Hebrews 12:1-3 indicates that the gospel proclamation is personal not private; it is a picture of connection.  Connection helps us with our call as Christians and that reflects the kingdom.

Glocal missionaries cause Glocal Impact

Glocal impact is where we challenge every member to serve the community locally and glocally.

Therefore the church is to be ready to serve God as the glocal missionary in order to have a glocal impact.  The Church (community unity) can have everyone be part of the action.

Is Transformation Possible?

Transformation is possible because we are in an interactive relationship with God,  accountable with other believers, and responding to ministry opportunities.

If we were all transformed, perhaps the church could turn the world right side up.

Next time we shall look at Renewed and Revived.

In His

Lou