Innovation
By David Branker
I enjoy reading Popular Science . . . the magazine all about innovation and discovery. What starts as an idea over time matures into greater discoveries in science, health, transportation, living and the list goes on . . . This past June featured a Motor-Unicyle. I plan to get one!
Innovation is something we are drawn to because God made us to be creative and to love creativity. We were made in His image and in His likeness. The most innovative idea ever brought to realization happened in the early church.
Jesus Christ chose 12 ordinary men and through these men, the entire world turned upside down, or for that matter right side up with a message of Good News. We know it as the Gospel. It started in a small upper room and the book of Acts tells us it unfolded through waves and waves of large numbers of people believing and turning to the Lord.
The Bible records . . .
Acts 11:21
The power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of people were brought to the Lord.Acts 11:24
. . . And large numbers of people were brought to the Lord.
Notice, twice in just four verses, the phrase is repeated . . . “And large numbers of people were brought to the Lord.” If numbers were not important – as so many assert – this would not even be mentioned once. But have you noticed, throughout the entire book of Acts how often it is mentioned?
Why? Because numbers are important to God. Numbers represent people. Numbers represent souls, and large numbers represent momentum!
Some of us were so dead set against anything that hinted of tradition, that now our untraditional ways have become a tradition unto themselves!
It’s time to ask God for new and innovative ways to continue to reach large numbers of people. The local church should be the “poster child” for creativity as we are the children of the Creator.
So, as I put down this month’s Popular Science book and pick up my Bible, I am looking forward to seeing Pastor’s innovative idea unfold this weekend. Yes – if this is of God – get ready to believe for large numbers of people coming to hear the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our hope is that the momentum we see in the book of Acts continues to unfold in our day!
David
Comments
7 Responses to “Innovation”
Leave a Reply
Maybe you can get this before the Flex conference and we can all see you demonstrate the use of this new toy you plan to get. I myself would love to see you on this.
Pastor Stovall,
Awesome tonight!!!! I am on fire for this and can not wait to start helping with helping others to hear the Gospel.
I am so excited to be a part of a church that has no fear of man nor of breaking “the tradition”. I know alot of times we all get tired and weary but these times of prayer and fasting are so refreshing. I’m reminded of Erwin McManus who said “when we’re optimistic about the future, we find the energy to create it.” I still beleave that this will be the greatest year the Church as a whole has ever seen! Keep up that creative edge! Amber and I are on board where ever it takes us and where ever Celebration needs us!
Get that cycle while I am visiting you from Africa because I would like to ride with you!! Hey Pastor David you are right, God loves people. We do have a great work before Jesus comes back, to preach the gospel. If He tarries we must see many numbers come into the kingdom. What a great and exciting work!! Dixon
This is so true Pastor David. Remember the saying “Necessity is the mother of invention”. This caused me to think about the fact that we have been commissioned to take this “Gospel” to people. This requires us to realize that it is very necessary that we are able to impact our community, our city, our friends and family with the Good News of Jesus. It is that very “necessity” that should compel us to look for creative ideas, for fresh ways to see huge impact made for God.
Peter and the others were thinking in terms of reaching all the jewish people. The apostle Paul was thinking in terms of reaching “the gentiles”. They were always thinking big. So it makes sense to me that we should do no less.
Let us know when you get the new Motor-Unicyle, I want to bring my video camera along to capture the very first ride. :o)
Wayne
The movement we read about in the book of Acts continues today. Yes, the times and the culture we live in may be different than the 1st century church, but God never wants to stop reaching people that are lost by the masses. Maybe God would just happen to use ordinary men and women who allow themselves to step out with the boldness and creativity of the Holy Spirit to partner with their Pastor to see a massive wave of people to get saved and begin to live the “God first life”. On a side note, I can’t wait to see you on your new motor-unicycle…but please don’t retire your purple turbo charged KIA mobile!
Can’t wait to see you riding on one of those things. Well said Pastor David, I am so excited about all those that are coming to know the compassionate ,powerful and incredibly creative God that we serve. May many be brought to the Lord this weekend!!