QIC: Cinnamon

Pax: miss Pac-Man , wee man , NJ, Band Aid, foxy, Ginger, mr Rogers, dipstick, pinto, Cuomo, web, Pom Pom

Disclaimer: ✅

Warm-up: Prayer

The Thang: Scattered!!!!

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

Acts 8:4 ESV

With the last year of churches having to close their doors on Sundays and suspend all large group gatherings, it is vital to leverage these circumstances for the Kingdom. This is an opportunity for advancement of the Kingdom in us personally, among us corporately, and in our communities where we live.

The early Church was scattered for different reasons than us today, but we can learn from them what to focus on in these moments. Here are some practical things the “scattered church” can do while they are not gathering or not gathering at 100%.

1: PRAY

Pray individually. Pray together with your family, F3 Brothers, and neighbors. The early church devoted themselves to prayer. They were a “pray first” people. When they encountered a difficult situation and didn’t know what to do, they prayed. Do you feel anxious or overwhelmed? Good! This situation is bigger than you. Now pray to the One who is in control of all things.

2: SHARE THE GOSPEL

When the church scattered in Acts, they took the Word of the Lord with them. God used their fierce persecution as a means to take the gospel to places it had never been. Our current circumstance is an incredible opportunity for the gospel. People are coming face to face with their own mortality. They are asking the BIG questions about life. They are more open to speak on these matters as a result.

Ginger shared a very impactful story here for each of us to consider. He said he’s in the market for a refrigerator. He said that he’s more likely to take the word of his neighbor on which fridge to buy. He’s trust their word over the word of the salesperson. This is also true for the Gospel. People will trust our word and be more open to our story versus that of a pastor or church leader when it comes to The Gospel. Ultimately it’s your pastors job to preach the gospel and speak of God’s goodness, but people will more likely trust us.

3: SHOW HOSPITALITY

Invite your uninfected neighbors over for dinner. Drop a meal off to infected neighbors, friends, and fellow church members. For goodness sake—share a roll or two or three of toilet paper! Share your disinfectant wipes and sprays. What an incredible opportunity to share the love of God. When we were unlovable, God welcomed us into His family and fully reconciled us to Him through the person and work of Jesus!

4: LEAD YOUR FAMILY IN WORSHIP

Parents—be the spiritual leaders of the home and

lead your family in a reading and study of God’s Word. Sing hymns and spiritual songs together. What an example this season can be to your kids! Just because we don’t gather doesn’t mean we stop being the church. The church isn’t a building. It is the people. We are the church.

Bonus: 5: Lead your family to Easter services.

COT:

Prayers for Squatter, his M and their little fella.

Prayers for Tugboat, his M and their little fella.

Big Worm, his wife and his sister in law