Faith Community Church Of Hopkinton

Life is a race with a finish line.  When we die, we face God to determine how we finish.  The choices we make while running the race of life affect whether or not we receive the crown of life God offers.  Those who have surrendered their lives to Christ will receive the crown of life.  Those who do not, will not receive the crown of life.  Every Christian is called to bring that message to people.  Some are particularly gifted in sharing their faith.  They have an unusual effectiveness.  Most people do not have the same giftedness, they work hard to gather up the courage to share their faith in a manner that is compassionate and effective.  When we work together as a church, we can help one another in fulfilling this call.  We can give, pray and serve in such a way that we contribute to a vibrant life-giving church that God works through to change lives.

The mission God has given us - alleviating suffering, effectively preaching the Gospel and leading people to a transformative relationship with God - is impossible for us to achieve on our own.  Fortunately, God has promised to help us.  He partners with us by giving us the resources we need to succeed.  One of the most powerful resources He provides is prayer.  God has promised to hear our prayer and respond. Only God can reach into a soul to enliven it.  Only God can reach into the heart and mind of a person to influence them to act.  Only God can fight spiritual forces to protect and strengthen His people against their attack.  Christians need to come together and pray in particular for God's Spirit to lead them, empower them and guard them so that they can achieve the mission He has given them.  When we dedicate ourselves to prayer, God will move in us, through us and around us to change the world.

Last April, we were shocked when two young terrorists committed atrocious acts of violence that changed people's lives.  As Christians we should be compassionate but not surprised when evil strikes so visiciously.  Christ promised that we would have trouble in the world (even being betrayed by family and persecuted by opponents).  Instead of responding with fear, shock and anger, Christians should be motivated to engage the world with a passionate commitment to mission.  When we surrendered our lives to Christ, we became part of a team dedicated to continuing Christ's work in the world.  Christ came to alleviate suffering, preach the Gospel and provide a means of restoring our relationship with God, our Father.  He calls us to do the same.  In this message, we will talk about the importance of dedicating ourselves to expanding Christ's work in the world around us.