Last night was our annual “E412 Awards” honoring some of our 3000+ small group leaders who are making disciples in offices, homes, and coffee shops all over Metro Manila. (E412 is short for Ephesians 4:12.) After recognizing and honoring our small group leaders for their ifaith, perseverance, and compassion, it was my turn to give a closing message. Here is a summary of my five-minute message:
It is quite common to bring people to Bible study, to church, to religious activities, and not bring them to God. Bringing friends and family to church and to discipleship group is good, but not good enough.
Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, TO BRING YOU TO GOD. (1 Peter 3:18)
Jesus died TO BRING US TO GOD, not to bring us to church or to heaven. The whole point of getting our sins forgiven is so we can get to God. The only reason to go to heaven is to be with God. Our Filipino small group leaders are some of the best I’ve ever met at bringing people to God. As we have focused on bringing people to God, God has made our church grow. Jesus told us to make disciples. As we do this, He takes those disciples and builds His church. If we try to build the church, we will be in His way.
