Embracing Challenges: The True Meaning of Being on Fire for God
Today, I want to talk about being on fire. Friends, when things catch fire, they make the news. Just this Friday, three of the main train arteries going into Paris were hit by arson attacks causing mass disruptions on the French train network. Saboteurs also attempted to knock out the Lyon-Marseille line, but that attack was foiled. These are the four main train lines going into Paris. Signal boxes connecting Paris with major cities to the northeast and southwest were damaged by fires in a massive arson attack. Whoever planned this knew the disruption would get some attention. Repairs will be going on all weekend. The fires will affect 800,000 passengers. This comes as Parisians take long summer breaks and as the capital city hosts the Olympic games. And so the point is this: when things catch fire, they cause disruption, they command attention, and they make the news. I believe the Lord wants to remind us all again today that this is what the mission of the church looks like. The mission of the church is to catch fire, cause disruption, command attention, and make the news.
Embracing Challenges
This week will not be without challenges. Why? Because where there is mission, there is rivalry, jealousy, comparison, fear, paranoia, and opposition. We often accuse Satan of getting in the way of mission, but we can also get in the way of mission. And so, we have to leave our fear and insecurity, comparing ourselves with others at the cross. Forgive each other daily, keep short accounts. Why? Because these things pour water on the fire of God and stop us from being on fire in our lives if we let them get in the way.
Let’s remember this week what being on fire looks like. It’s like the train fires in France that have hit the Olympics. It’s like Paul’s fiery command that caused a demon to leave a young girl and release her from slavery. Paul said, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” At that moment, the spirit left her.
Conclusion
Being on fire disrupts. Being on fire commands attention. Being on fire makes the news. As you go out this week, be aware of the spiritual battles you might face. Embrace the challenges and know that God is with you every step of the way. This week, let’s aim to be the church that disrupts, commands attention, and makes the news. Let’s be on fire for Jesus and watch how He works through us to impact our community and beyond.
We have a massive opportunity to make news this week with the good news of Jesus. As ambassadors for Jesus, be good news people. Create good vibes and support each other. Love one another and be united in your mission. This week, let’s be the church that profoundly challenges the spiritual atmosphere and presents an alternative narrative for youth and life.
As a church, let’s get behind this week of Holy Pursuit in prayer and announce some good news in the heavenlies. Let’s look forward to the testimony/good news that’s going to come back next Sunday. Let’s all learn again from these amazing young people about what being on fire and making the news looks like.
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