(Reflections from the message on Sunday – May 15, 2016)
“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” John 13:15-17 NLT
We have just finished a series of lessons on how to love people in spite their resistance to coming to church. Researchers have discovered that the number of people in our country who do not attend church regularly (80%) are somewhat alienated from the fellowship of God’s people. They see church people as judgmental, know-it-alls, hypocritical and that God, Himself, is irrelevant in the world today – at least the way they view the world. So, how do we put these 4 Acts of Love into practice?
First, let’s review the lessons:
- Love with Radical Hospitality, telling others “you are welcome just as you are; we are not judging you.”
- Love with Fearless Conversation, saying “your thoughts and your doubts are welcome; we’re listening.”
- Love with Genuine Humility, communicating that “we’re all in this together.”
- Love with Divine Anticipation, testifying how “God is moving in my world.”
Now, let’s hear from scripture and be challenged:
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” 16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Romans 10:14-17 NLT
As believers we are given the spiritual DNA to move toward reconciliation by a loving Spirit that compels us to act accordingly (2 Corinthians 5:19). If we have the heart of Christ then we will respond to the desire for others to be in the kingdom of God. The work may be ours, but we are not alone. It is Christ in us, who challenges our commitment and provides the wisdom and the understanding to work with the timing that also comes from Him (Galatians 2:20).
This past Sunday we were able to hear from a man, Dusty Selig, who models these loving acts with the guidance of the Lord Jesus. He shared his experience and how he has used his past to bring the love of Christ into the hearts of those in prisons or on the street. Here is a list of places where Dusty serves:
The Plainfield Correctional Facilities – He offers a time to answer any question that the inmates (average 75) may have regarding anything about God – he is the Answer Man.
The Marion County, C.C.A. Jaill #2 – Dusty preaches on Sunday and has been given the opportunity to hold a service for 50-60 inmates on Tuesday for those who cannot attend on Sundays.
Plainfield Heritage Trail Correction Facility – He teaches Authentic Manhood, holds an Answer Man session in a housing unit (12 inmates), mingles with the inmates during lunch time and then conducts a class on the Bible; all this in one day. He also conducts a Sunday service for 200 men (aver.).
RDC (Receiving Diagnostic Center Prison) – Dusty serves as chaplain. His normal duties include passing out bibles, offers pastoral care and coordinates other religious activities in the facility. Average monthly attendance is 640 men (each month there is influence on all 2875 inmates and staff that will only be counted in the kingdom).
The Wheeler/Lighthouse Missions (Indianapolis inner-city rescue missions) – Each Wednesday night Dusty conducts a worship service (75 – 150 men each week in each facility). Many come to know the Lord each week.
The Baptist Center (Indianapolis downtown) – Dusty and Karen provides breakfast for the men and women at the center one Sunday each month. They actually got up at 3:30 this past Sunday to serve breakfast before coming to our worship service.
Home Bible Studies
Highways and Byways Homeless – His services include personal evangelism, and personal servant to the individuals he meets – dispense luggage, provide overcoats, hats and socks.