Some invitations change everything.
A wedding invitation ushers us into a joyful celebration. A job offer invites us into new opportunities. A simple “come and see” can open our eyes to something we never expected.
But there is one invitation above all others that transforms lives: the call to discover and deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ.
As a church family at First Free, our mission is clear: to love God and love people, making disciples who make a difference. But how do we live that out? How do we, as ordinary people, step into this extraordinary calling?
It begins with our first vision goal: to declare and demonstrate the power of God’s Word, inviting people to know Christ and grow in Him.
The Power of God's Message
In the fourth century, a brilliant but restless man named Augustine of Hippo found himself at a crossroads. He had sought fulfillment in philosophy, pleasure, and personal achievement—but none of it satisfied his deepest longings. Then, in a moment of desperation, he heard a voice singing: “Take and read.”
He picked up a Bible and opened to Romans 13:
"Let us walk properly as in the daytime... put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh." (Romans 13:13-14)
That moment changed everything. God’s Word broke through Augustine’s confusion, revealing the beauty and sufficiency of Jesus.
His story is not so different from ours—or from the countless people around us searching for meaning in a noisy, chaotic world. The invitation remains the same: Take and read. Come and see. Discover and deepen your faith in Christ.
So how do we live this out? Let’s explore four key ways: Declaring, Demonstrating, Discovering, and Deepening.
Declaring: Sharing the Good News Boldly
When Peter preached at Pentecost, he wasn’t a polished public speaker. Just weeks earlier, he had denied Jesus out of fear. But something had changed. Filled with the Spirit, he stood before thousands and proclaimed the gospel.
And what happened?
"When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said... ‘What shall we do?’" (Acts 2:37)
Peter’s message wasn’t impressive because of eloquence or strategy. It was powerful because it was centered on Jesus—His death, resurrection, and offer of new life.
We don’t have to be expert speakers to declare God’s truth. We just need to be faithful. Whether it’s a simple conversation with a coworker, sharing a Bible verse with a friend, or encouraging a struggling neighbor, God’s Word carries the power to change lives.
Who in your life needs to hear the good news?
Demonstrating: Living Out the Gospel
It’s been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Declaring the gospel is essential—but our actions must align with our words. Jesus said:
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Think of the Good Samaritan, who didn’t just talk about love—he demonstrated it by stopping to help a stranger in need.
I think of those who serve on our Funeral Luncheon Committee. It's not just the luncheon food, beverages, and decor that provide comfort to grieving families. The heart of compassion behind these gestures means to most.
How might God be calling you to demonstrate His love this week? Maybe it’s listening to someone who feels unseen, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a kind word to someone who’s struggling.
Discovering: Inviting People to Encounter Jesus
The gospel is not just a message—it’s an invitation.
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He didn’t shame her for her past. He simply invited her into something better:
"Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst again." (John 4:14)
Her response? She ran to tell everyone in her village!
People won’t discover Jesus unless someone introduces them to Him. And today, people are searching for meaning in all kinds of places—social media, self-help books, endless distractions.
Where are the modern-day “wells” in your life? A coffee shop where a barista knows your name? A workplace where a coworker confides in you? A neighborhood gathering where relationships form?
Who in your life needs an invitation to discover Jesus?
Deepening: Growing in Faith
Faith is like a tree—it needs deep roots to thrive.
Paul encouraged the early believers:
"Continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught." (Colossians 2:6-7)
Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional time in God’s Word, prayer, and community.
Maybe for you, deepening your faith means:
- Committing to daily Bible reading
- Joining a small group
- Prioritizing prayer
- Serving in a new way
Whatever it looks like, don’t settle for surface-level faith. Jesus invites you to go deeper, to experience His love and grace in fresh ways.
Where Is God Calling You?
As we look ahead to the next ten years, our vision is to see people forgiven and set free to flourish in Jesus Christ.
This begins with declaring and demonstrating God’s Word—inviting others to discover and deepen their faith.
So let me ask you:
- Is God calling you to discover Jesus for the first time?
- To deepen your faith in a new way?
- To declare His Word with boldness?
- To demonstrate His love through action?
Wherever you are, God is inviting you to take the next step.
And when we say yes, He does immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.
Let’s walk forward in faith together.
An Invitation
This Sunday, we’ll be diving into this vision even further. Whether you join us in person or online, we’d love to have you be part of the conversation.
Because this isn’t just a church vision—it’s an invitation to life in Christ.
Will you step in?