Gerry van der Wende: We have a job to do!

We Have a Job to Do!

July 7, 2013
Luke 10:1-2

READING

- Luke 10:1-11, 17-20

INTRODUCTION

It was around 1983 years ago, in the spring or summer
Jesus was speaking to a large crowd of people, his disciples
Jesus had a lot of disciples, not just the twelve
Each of them had qualities Jesus recognized, and he chose them to represent him
He gave them the tools and the authority to use them
Then he sent them out, to prepare the way for his coming
They did go, and they actually did all that Jesus had asked of them
They prayed for people and they were healed!
They preached effectively!
They set free people who were oppressed by demons!
They return with joy, in verse 17, and Jesus who sent them out was himself full of joy (v21)!
When we are fulfilling our God-given task, there is joy and fulfillment!
We have been called to complete the same task!

PROBLEMS IN SUSANVILLE

Drug addiction is rife
Alcoholism is a huge problem in this town
These lead to violence in families and on the streets
Many families move to Susanville, to be closer to their husbands in CCC or High Desert State Prison
There is a sense of hopelessness, unemployment, inability to get over depression and anxiety
This is known as a prison town, and this town itself is in prison
These are people we associate with each day
They are colleagues at work, they are our fishing buddies, they are our classmates at school, the people we hang out with
They do not know the answer to their problems
So they sink deeper and deeper into their addictions
But we have answers to give them
We can give them hope for change in their lives
We too have been called to prepare the way of the Lord

OUR VISION

During the last year, God sovereignly grew this church from a low point of 22 attenders, to the mid 60s today
He increased our numbers by 40 people, and gave us hope for the future
But his intention for us is that we go out and labor in the harvest
It is our task, our job, our calling, to reach out to our community, and show people the way to Jesus
We may think, but pastor, I could never do that
How do you think the 70 felt when Jesus sent them out
One moment they are listening to Jesus, he gives them an assignment, and then the meeting is finished, and what do they do now?
But Jesus gave them the ability to do the job
He gave them the gifts, and they went out doing what Jesus did
We are going to do the same.
I am expecting that by the end of this year we will have 80 people sitting in this service
And at the end of next year, I am expecting in faith that there will be 120 people in this church
The kingdom is a growing entity. The fields are white to harvest.
There is no reason why this church should not be filled to the brim
So I am setting a target for our church
I know that it is not about numbers
But there are so many hurting people out there needing Jesus
Jesus sent us out
John 20:21 – Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, I am sending you
During the coming weeks, I will be outlining a strategy which will help us perform this task

WATCH BILLY GRAHAM VIDEO

INVITATION

If you would like to be a part of this crusade against the darkness, please come forward now
We will pray for you and you will receive power to do the job Jesus has given you
We will go out into the highways and byways and invite people to the marriage supper of the lamb
And God's kingdom will grow in Susanville!

Gerry van der Wende