Sunday 8th March 2015 - Gospel Feet - Brian Nish

GOSPEL FEET/SHOES INTRODUCTION Last Sunday we had several waves of the Holy Spirit and a challenge through the word about exchanging our shoes for gospel feet Luke 4v18-19 – The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because the Lord has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted; To proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord Isa 61v2-4 - To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations… The prophecy of Isaiah 61 describes the deliverance of Israel from exile in Babylon – but its ultimate fulfilment is found in Christ and the church In Luke 4v16-21 Jesus reads out Isaiah 61 and then boldly claims to be the promised Messiah – and His defined ministry here is the essence of the good news of the gospel of the kingdom of God In Luke 9v1-2, Luke makes it clear that this same ministry was given to the early disciples (who were a microcosm of the church) - and ultimately to the entire church (Acts 1v1-8) Therefore, the church today should be following in the footsteps of Jesus and the early church, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God! THE CHURCH In the beginning – the church was very evangelistic (Acts 2v40-47…and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved) In times of revival – the church becomes very evangelistic – as people are touched afresh with the love of God The church today – is slowly but surely reaching out more and more – but there’s still room for improvement?? • The church isn’t just here for its own benefit – we are not a stamp club – a golf club – a knitting club – or any other kind of club • The church isn’t just here so people can be cared for, comforted, coddled, and have their needs met • In Math 22v37-38 you are told to love God – and love your neighbour – as yourself • As the seed of Abraham (Gal 3v14) we are called to be a blessing to all the families of the earth • We are called to the same ministry of Jesus and the early church WHAT CAN WE DO Roger Forster of Icthus Church used to say we need to reach out on three levels: Words, Works, and wonders WORDS Standing up for righteousness and truth whenever necessary Speaking words of love and encouragement into people’s lives WORKS Expressing God’s love through acts of kindness (shopping, cutting grass, serving in some way) Getting involved in Street Pastors, School Pastors, Springs Family Centre, or some other organised group or programme WONDERS As you go about your daily business - be on the alert for opportunities to share Jesus – to pray for the sick – to bring a word of knowledge and prophecy Make it your lifestyle – don’t wait for an organised programme! Be bold – in a loving way, not in a reckless way! ISAIAH 61 Allison