Pastor Jonathan's Monday reflection:

"And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7 (ESV)

There are so many things that we rely on to get by, and most of them are not what actually helps us survive and succeed. Both personally and in the church, we look for the latest fad, the mystic root, or the obscure manta that will bring growth, perseverance or profit. It turns out we are really just spending time looking in the wrong places for answers that are already given in the gospel.

I will be so bold as to say the gospel, the news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, is all you need to survive and it is all the church needs to thrive. But don't we need just a pinch of this, or a dash of that to add on top of it? No. At least not according to what we read in Scripture.

Over and over again life is brought back to the reality of the gospel, the church is called to serve one another in light of Christ, the individual is called to remember their identity in Christ. So let's do that. Let's commit to keeping the burning center of the church, the power of God for salvation, the gospel.

Let's not for a second be distracted by lesser things in our proclamation. Let's determine to be motivated only by the grace of Jesus for life. And let's make him famous.

This will take all of us. Each and every one that calls Reservoir their family, to set aside some things we used to hold dear - and only you know what those are. It will mean we all labor together, invest together, and make much of Jesus together. They will know we are his by our love for one another.

As we do it, the word of God will increase and even the haters will become obedient to the faith - they will believe in Jesus.

Lord, help us experience your power in the gospel. Help us become the family you desire to glorify you. Give us the wisdom and strength to give up the things that won't get us to where you want us. Amen.