What Will Change?

Author: Mark Fenstermacher
April 23, 2021

Will anything change?

Will there be any movement in breaking free from the unhealthy and dysfunctional patterns of the past, for example, after our time in worship and our focus on the texts that tell us God wants to give us a new name? Will we “step out of our boots” and walk towards the Creator?

Will anything change?

That is a question that sometimes tip-toes into the mind of the preacher in the middle of a sermon: will what we are doing in this moment lead to change in the next? It is the same question a teacher or a coach must ask as they work with students and athletes: will what we are doing in this moment lead to change in the next?

Before we leave “The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life” in the rear view mirror, I want to invite you to let what we have learned change our lives forever. I want to invite you not to just be hearers of the word but doers also (James 1:22)!

Here is the challenge—the opportunity—for each of us. You can find these listed on 163 of Adam Hamilton’s book:

• Pray/worship- 5 times a day and worship weekly. (He suggest praying in the morning, at meal times and at bedtime.)
• Read/study - 5 verses of the Bible daily and study the Bible in a small group (at least for part of the year).
• Serve - 5 acts of intentional kindness a week and look for a way to serve with others.
• Give - 5 acts of generosity towards others each month, and develop the habit of giving generously to God through Christ’s church. (Buy someone’s coffee, tip a waiter especially generously, buy groceries for a community pantry, etc.)
• Sharing - let others know (in a humble, genuine, loving way) you are a Christian and invite 5 people to church this year.

Like most good teachers and preachers, Adam tries to keep it simple and so will I: look at your hand and count your fingers. Remember the number 5. I believe with all my heart that if we each would commit ourselves to these essential soul practices, we would change. The church at 1203 East 7th would change. And the world would change.

What will change?

Will you join me in The Walk as we commit ourselves to 5

• Moments of prayer each day,
• Verses of scripture each day
• Acts of intentional kindness a week,
• Acts of generosity a month,
• Invitations to others to join you in worship/your small group?

If our moments together in worship don’t lead to lasting change, then whatever eloquence and inspiration there is becomes nothing more than a “noisy gong or clanging cymbal.” 
God can change us.

We can change the world.

Look at your hand and count to 5: we can do this!

Let the change begin.

I am blessed to serve with you,
Pastor Mark

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