Catalyst Track: Reaching the Unreached // Day One

This track comes from Peyton Jones’ book, Reaching the Unreached.

Have you noticed the scandal? The missionary stories recounted by bored Christians are only told in hushed whispers over our coffee like rumors from a strange land. Sure, most missionaries may dress like nerds, but they live like spiritual Jedi. As foreign missionaries unfold the tales of their adventures, such as smuggling Bibles into China, or into Russia before the fall of communism, those in the pew wonder why they’ve never experienced these wonders, but deep down they already know.

Many Christians have never left the garage and taken the hog out for a spin where they could fully open up the carburetor. Maybe they’ve never embraced the Force like young Luke Skywalker and run off half-cocked to save the world from the dark side. Their biggest thrill is rushing into Toshi Station to pick up more power converters. Deep inside, their souls yearn for something more.

Even as leaders, the day-to-day patterns we develop can hinder us from seeing those around us who are in need of the gospel. And habits can lead us to think we can keep living and giving on our own instead of via the abundant power and grace of Jesus.

If your soul IS yearning for something more, take this week to evaluate your own life and heart. 

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Day 1 – The Power Vacuum

 

The Holy Spirit was like the wind. As his first order of business after Jesus’ ascension, he tore through the upper room and lit fires in his followers that turned the world upside down.

 

He’s powerful.

Untamable.

Unpredictable.

 

But what if I told you I could predict where the Holy Spirit was guaranteed to turn up in a profound, unmistakable way? What if I told you I could spread out a map, and stab pushpins into areas I knew the Spirit was raging in a spiritual tempest?

 

Wherever Christians are venturing out of their comfort zone, battling on the front lines, you will find him being faithful to his promise to give us power. He is found at work when they go to places, or do things where they need him to be the God of the book of Acts. A return to first-century risk and mission will guarantee a return to first-century power.

 

Whenever a Christian embarks on mission, they enter the slipstream of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever sensed God speaking through you as you’re talking to somebody about their soul? “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20, emphasis mine).

 

There is a power in evangelism that any Christian, at any time, can experience. God just waits for us to enter into how he’s already working in the world. The Spirit works powerfully, and as believers, we experience a jolt—because we’re doing what we were made for.

 

REFLECT: Answer the poll below.

 

How would you describe the role evangelism plays in your daily life?

 

1. I make a point of sharing Jesus with people who don’t know him
2. I share Jesus with people every once in awhile
3. I want to share Jesus, but I am afraid
4. I don’t have non-Christian people in my life at this time