One of our core values at Freedom is "IMPACTING, positively influencing the world for Jesus." We believe with all of our hearts that the gospel needs to be expressed in our words and actions and that it is our responsibility as those who have been transformed by Christ to tell others about Him.
Admittedly, this value always proves to be more challenging than the others. It seems easier to CONNECT with God and others and to TRAIN to think and act like Jesus. These values certainly require thoughtful action and a growth mindset but are also more about our choices than others. When it comes to expressing our faith in the world around us, it takes more intentionality. We have to pray for opportunities to share, boldness to speak, the heart of Christ in us to love as He loves and the courage to sacrifice for the gospel (time, resources, reputation).
Still, we press forward. It's okay if thinking about ourselves is more natural than not as we step out in this area. We are learning and growing, having our minds renewed daily, learning to stay in step with the Spirit and obey the commands of Christ. We will continue to pray and step out in faith. We will keep bringing the need to share the gospel to the forefront of our minds, learning to see where He is at work and following His lead. Right, church?!
IMPACT is an attitude of the heart as much as an action. From our posture to serve the world around us, we believe that God shows us the "what".
That's the heart behind supporting our missions partners. We choose to look beyond our walls, beyond our city and beyond our country and sow finances into ministries that are also striving to make an impact with the gospel.
We have our 2023 Missions Giving Plan up on our website and you've likely heard us talk about it on a Sunday morning. Head over there and find out where we believe God is calling us to make an impact outside of our church building.
Additionally, over the course of the year, we'll have a few opportunities to give to tangible needs in our community. Our hearts and ears are open for what these might be and we'll be ready to mobilize when the need is presented. (For a great testimony about this, check out a post in our CP Facebook Group from The Pregnancy Centre.)
We believe it's vital that our faith isn't kept to ourselves. This news is just too good. Without impacting being added to our connecting and training, we risk being ingrown, all about ourselves. Besides that, James says that our faith that isn't set to action is dead. (James 2:14-26)
Let's walk boldly into 2023 with the intention to make an impact for Christ!
With faith alive,
Pastor Tracy
THIS SUNDAY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 @ 10am
MIXED MESSAGES
Shape Up
Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!
10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+Church Online)