I was reading Acts this morning while I sipped my joyful latte. As I read Acts 8:4-8, I could not help but love how scripture proclaims, “much joy came to the city” after Philip shared the Gospel (and the Spirit moved in the community.) Makes sense, since the Gospel is “good news” after all.
Think about those ramifications…A church…brings joy…to a city…BECAUSE of the Gospel!
How can we bring joy to our cities because we proclaim the Gospel?
1. Help end local poverty. (sorry, I had to do that)
2. Bring freedom to the oppressed.
3. Help the community recognize the spiritual dimensions to life, which happens when the Spirit moves.
4. Bring purpose and meaning to life as we expose the city to redemption, hope, evil and spirituality?
5. Fight dualism, as we proclaim the Gospel, we also realize the importance of the spiritual and physical realms, we don’t only preach, but we restore!
I truly think churches in Austin like Soma, Austin City Life, Austin New Church and Austin Stone (among others) are becoming known for what they do outside of their Sunday services. They are bringing joy to Austin by what they accomplish outside the so-called “four-walls” of the church. They are active in their community and the city knows it, feels it and now maybe they almost expects it. I love it!
What are you doing to impact your city and bring joy that only the gospel can bring?
Your very generous to us a Soma to list us as a church renewing the city. We genuinely love this city and pray for it’s renewal regularly. I thank Jesus for what we have seen and am pumped for our future in Austin. Thanks bro for your prayers for us.