People were put on alert and advised about a tsunami on the Oregon coast after an earthquake struck in the South Pacific. Water surges were forecasted from California to Oregon. As a result, the Coast Guard put out broadcasts and patrolled the coast, warning about the possibility of a tsunami producing strong currents and waves. Certainly, the ripple effect of the earthquake is remarkable.
There is a similarity in the earthquakes that we can create in our personal lives to the earthquakes that cause havoc throughout the world. It is surprising how easily our actions impact others. History reveals how behavior can be likened to the ripple effect of an earthquake. Look at the history of the Church. Throughout the ages, the Church . . . the ecclesia . . . the called out of God . . . has had the task to impact the world with the hope of Christ.
Most likely the Early Church did not fully understand the ripple effect and the ultimate impact it would have on the world. The thing is . . . Philippians 2:1-3 suggests there was some kind of faction that took the focus of the Philippi Church off of Christ.
The Apostle Paul specifically addressed the letter “to all the saints” . . . delineating the message to be for all Christ followers at Philippi.
[ Thanksgiving ] Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons . . . Philippians 1:1
The letter to the Philippians made it clear that we are called to be Christ-like . . . to serve . . . and to impact the world through the strength of Christ, ( see Philippians 4:13).
We either reflect or deflect Christ . . . producing a ripple effect . . . impacting the world one way or another.
A decision must be made . . . what will your ripple effect be on the world?
Worship: Nicole C Mullen: Call on Jesus
Pray: With You, the Church will be the hope of the world.
Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . to impact the world for Christ,
Pastor Kerrie
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ InterAct: Bible Study~Kick Start Your Day