Do Outreaches Make Sense To You?

You have been browsing this website and it doesn't make much sense to you – why would one spend so much time, money and resources on visiting other people? Is it just a new (or old) form of religious colonialism? And how can it possibly help those being visited?

A Treasure is involved

There might be a simple reason why it does not make sense to you. Suppose you were watching men digging holes at random in a field. It would also not make sense to you – unless you know their purpose: They are looking for a huge treasure that has been proven to be located somewhere in that field. You might even join them!

Actually there is a simple driving force behind those involved in the outreach actions advertised on this website – a treasure that has been found already, but that needs to be shared. This treasure is the greatest of all – the opportunity to have a personal relationship with our Creator. Those reaching out have discovered that God not only wants to relate to them, but that He wants to give purpose to their lives as He involves them in His plans to bring healing to this broken world. And together with God, they want to share this treasure of knowing Him with others.

Bottom line

So the simple question is: Have you discovered this treasure of a personal relationship with God, your Creator? Or do you only know about Him? If you do know Him, have you discovered His purposes for this world and for yourself?

Where to start

Where does one start when you want to know God and His purposes personally? Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6) So you can start by going to Jesus Christ – simply ask Him to show you the way as you would ask a teacher. God has promised, “You will seek Me and find Me if you seek Me with your whole heart” (Jer 29:13)

Pointers

The following are quotes from the Bible that might help you on this journey – read each one, read the surrounding passage in the Bible, and discover this treasure for yourself! Just remember that it is one thing to read and know the facts, but quite another to go through and obey what God shows you.

•  God created us, loves us and wants to be in relationship with us. God who made the world and everything in it… God so loved the world… (Acts 17:24, John 3:16, Genesis 1)

•  We have sinned and are separated from God as a result. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23, Genesis 1:27-31)

•  Jesus Christ made it possible for the relationship to be restored. Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, is the atoning sacrifice for our sins… He was crushed for our transgressions; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him (Isaiah 53:5, 1 John 2:1-2)

•  We need to make His offer our own, receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour. If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe… If we confess our sins, God will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. (Rom 10:9, 1 John 1:9)

•  This starts a new life in relationship with God. When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being… He gave them the right to become God's children… (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 1:12, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 5:1-2)

•  God gives new purpose to our lives by involving us in His purposes to bring restored relationships to all nations. He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us… Go then to all peoples everywhere and make them My disciples… You will be filled with power and you will be witnesses for Me… (Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9)

Conclusion

You will need to speak to others about what you have read and discovered – to share this and to find answers to other questions that might be in your heart. Ask God (your teacher!) to show you the people that can help you. You may also want to look at the Internet web site www.christiananswers.net

For an excellent overview of God's plan to reach this world and your part therein – attend the Perspectives Course (info: dedicon-at-global.co.za)

And remember: To know God and His purposes is not an event – it is the beginning of a new journey through life and thereafter – a relationship – a life treasure indeed!