Sermons on Surprise the World
Christianity is a surprising religion. It has changed the world in remarkable ways throughout history simply through Christians living out their faith. More recently, we’ve become afraid of a habituated Christianity, thinking that routines will rob our faith of its vitality. The net effect is that we’ve replaced the habits that surprise the world with habits that mimic the world―and both we and the world suffer for it.
Integrating the five habits in the BELLS model―Bless others, Eat together, Listen to the Spirit, Learn Christ, and understand yourself as Sent by God into others’ lives―will help you spread the gospel organically, graciously, and surprisingly.
Michael Frost, a world-renowned expert on evangelism and discipleship, makes evangelism a lifestyle that is fulfilling, exciting, effective, and easy to live out!
https://mikefrost.net/books/surprise-the-world/
Rev Andrew Hill from the B.U.V. shares about what it means to be ‘sent’ on mission.
Devote at least one period per week to the study of Christ and his work in the Gospels in order to better acquaint ourselves with who he is and how he ‘fished’ for people
Develop the habit of spending at least one period per week listening quietly and intently to the voice of God’s Spirit
We learn how to practice hospitality around the table in order to open doors into the hearts of people, then eventually share the gospel. Eat with three people a week, at least one of whom is not in our church.
Adopt the practice of regularly blessing at least three people each week, at least one of whom is not in our church, through words of encouragement and affirmation, acts of service, and thoughtful gifts. We do not bless people in order to convert them; rather we bless people because that is what we do. We were put here to bless the nations.
Mission is a habit! Whereas we often see our faith being exhibited in action, there’s also a strong case to be made for suggesting it can flow in the other direction, too. That is, our actions can shape our faith.
If we’re trying to live questionable lives, we need to become a godly, intriguing, socially adventurous, joyous presence in the lives of others.
If your neighbours did an analysis of your life, what would they learn about the kingdom? — Michael Frost
