Published: October 20, 2008 02:21 pm            

Why are we here?

Have you ever asked the question, “Why am I here?” Well, we’re going to look at what God had to say to some of His people who were in exile in Babylon. Read Jeremiah chapter 29 for our text. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 20, tells us if we belong to Jesus Christ we are not of this world, but rather ambassadors for Him in a strange land. And as ambassadors, we must ask ourselves, “Why are we here?”

First, from our text we see we are here because GOD SENT US HERE. In verse 4 and 7, God says “I have sent you here!” We need to recognize that God has placed us where we are for a purpose! It is no accident you live in this community and are part of your particular local church. God has a plan and He’s working out that plan! Even though at times we may feel like foreigners at our workplace or in our neighborhood, in God’s sovereign plan, He placed you there!

Second, we are here because GOD HAS SENT US HERE TO BRING GOD’S BLESSING to the Pella community. In verse 7, God told His people to “seek the welfare of the city” and to “pray to the Lord on its behalf.” This is a call for us to actively pursue ways to “bless” the people of this town. We are called to earnestly pray for opportunities to minister God’s grace and kindness to them, asking God to show us His plan for ministry. If ministry is to take place, it will occur because God’s people are praying and finding His heart and His methods for ministry! An interesting thing happens when our focus is on blessing others. Verse 7 also says, “in (the city’s) welfare, YOU will have welfare!” We will experience God’s blessing and provision in our lives as we bless others in His name. Are you discouraged? Go encourage someone else! Are you in a financial crisis? Give to someone else who is struggling! You see, God honors obedience, and if we are to see God’s blessing in our churches, we must make it our business to extend God’s blessing to the hurting people of Pella...and by the way, they are everywhere!

Third, we are here TO REPRODUCE OURSELVES. In verse 6 we read, “multiply there and do not decrease.” God calls us to be fruitful, bringing in multiplied numbers of “spiritual children” into the family of God! And that requires an increase in our effectiveness by seizing opportunities to reproduce our lives in others. Matthew 28 says making disciples is to be a natural part of our lives “as we go” about our daily routine! Church growth is not measured by the number of people attending church. Rather it is measured by the number of people coming into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ, and the number of people growing and maturing in that relationship as a result of the effectiveness of that church’s outreach!

Friends, if we’re not influencing this community for Christ, we’re failing miserably! God has a plan for your life and mine...and for our churches. It’s a plan to take Jesus to the people and bless them! That’s why we’re here!

        

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