We celebrate the grand opening of our Centre for the City ministry and dedicate the additional facilities we’ve added at our Central Campus for all our ministries as a church.
Deuteronomy 6:12 says “…be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Moses said these words to His people because we tend to forget and go away from God’s very best for us. When we remember what God has done, when we face a challenge, we do not lose heart because our faith grows, and we know God is faithful and leads us then and now.
Things We Must Not Forget:
- God’s Faithfulness. Over the last 66 years, God has used CSC to impact thousands of lives for Christ in our city, nation and around the world. All the prayer and sacrifices were the foundation for all God is doing now in and through our church.
- Being One Church in Many Locations. All campuses have the same vision and mission, we meet for worship, we meet in community groups, and we are committed to living the way of Jesus and being on mission for Jesus in our neighborhoods, at work, school and elsewhere.
As One Church,
- our staff are not alone but are part of a larger staff team.
- we are able to minimize ministry duplication.
- we pray for, support, celebrate and help each other in ministry.
- we all give to the same ministry and mission fund.
- we also minister to and provide support for specialized ministries like people with disabilities, ministry to new Canadians, to the poor, the lonely and the needy.
- The Mission Christ Has Called Us To. Buildings matter as tools to accomplish our mission as stated in Matthew 28:18. We are to seek, love, serve and introduce those in our sphere of influence who are far from God to Jesus (Luke 19:10, John 20:21).
3 Major Priorities in Jesus’ Life:
- Relationship with His Heavenly Father (Matthew 22:37). Jesus regularly met with His Heavenly Father to pray and receive His Father’s direction for the day. We are called to do the same, to come to Jesus in prayer.
- Pursue Relationships. Jesus longed for companionship with others to do life with and carry out the mission He had been called to. Likewise, we desire to be in relationship with others, supporting and encouraging one another to be who God made us to be.
We are challenged to adopt a Christlike mindset that seeks to serve the church rather than looking for what the church can do for us. When we focus on others (serve, pray, care), we find friendship and community.
- Pursue Mission. Jesus’ mission is to seek and to save the lost. We also share the same purpose, which is to introduce Jesus to people who don’t know Him personally.
Let’s examine our life and ask the question, “Is what I’m doing really worth giving my life to?” Are we pursuing Jesus with all our heart, soul and mind and the mission He has called us to?
May we, like those who have gone before us, step out boldly in obedience to His call and leave a legacy of faith for all those who come behind us in our living, serving and giving.
- What material thing are you most thankful for? Why?
- How do you remind yourself of things you need to remember?
- Deuteronomy 6:12 says, "...be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." Why is it vital to be reminded of this? What are ways we continually remember? What are ways God reminds us of Him?
- How has God been faithful to you?
- Jesus' 3 priorities are His relationship with His father, His relationship with His community and God's mission. What is God saying to you regarding each priority? Which one needs more focus? What changes are needed to pursue what God is saying to you? How can your group encourage you?
- What practical steps can you do to reach out to your neighbors, get to know them, and share Jesus?
Personal Reflection
How would you answer these questions?
- Is what I’m doing really worth giving my life to?
- Am I pursuing Jesus with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength?
If you answer yes, then invite others to join you in celebration. If you answer no, ask God to give you the wisdom, resolve, and boldness to change your life.
The Word (NIV)
Deuteronomy 6:12
...be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Luke 19:10
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 20:21
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Matthew 22:37
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This Week's Writers: Jorel Quemuel, Mark Eckstein, Alfred Samson, David McMillin