The Fellowship of the Mat

Rob Campbell from The Joel Comiskey Group writes....

Four faithful friends…a paralyzed man…God’s healing power upon Jesus… and a house (with some roof damage).

The house was packed — people everywhere. Jesus was in the house. Four faithful friends had carried their friend– a paralyzed man– to Jesus. I wonder how long they journeyed through the town? A few blocks– or maybe a mile or two? They must have experienced a little bit of frustration not being able to get into the house. Ingenuity prevailed.

They ascended the house’s outer staircase and landed on the roof. Quickly, they removed the tiles eventually breaking through the roof. “Sorry for the dust and debris my friends, but we’re on a mission.” It was now elevator time. In this day, homes in Capernaum were– let’s just say– elevator free. The faithful four attached ropes to each corner of the mat and meticulously lowered their friend right in front of Jesus. What an suberb entry, eh?

Luke 5:20: “Seeing THEIR (emphasis mine) faith, Jesus said to the man, `Son, your sins are forgiven.’” You do see that word `THEIR,’ right? The paralyzed friend did nothing except cooperate with the ride through town on a mat and the elevator stunt. Yet, his sins were forgiven. But, there’s more.

Luke 5:24: “Stand up, take your mat, and go on home, because you are healed.” You can finish the story. Indeed, as everyone watched, the man jumped to his feet, picked up his mat, and went home praising God.

Consider this scenario as a cell gathering. What do you think the members present would be talking about on the way home? Were they murmuring because the child care was haphazard… the coffee was too weak… the “talker” was back and wouldn’t be silent for more than two minutes at any given time… the worship seemed flat? Not exactly. “Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe. And they praised God, saying over and over again, `We have seen amazing things today.’” What a cell gathering!

Some questions to ponder:
When you were on the mat, who held a corner for you?
Are you holding a corner for another right now?
Is the Lord’s healing power heavy in your midst?
Are your cell members gripped with wonder and awe?
What remodeling needs to take place in order to get the hurting and needy in the room?
What mat do you need to leave behind?

As a conduit of God’s care coupled with faith in Christ, grab a corner of the mat and let’s see Him change lives.

I hope you enjoyed and were challenged by this as much as I have been. There is nothing quite like being there for one another! That's what are cell groups are all about. Are you helping carry someone's mat or do you need to humle yourself and allow the others in the group to carry you to Jesus. We need to keep looking outside our circle as well and see the harvest that is ripe and ready. Until next time..... Michael

A Japanese Birthday

Today I had the privilege of meeting with a young man who has been attending our church. Recently he checked the yes box at the end of one of our services, indicating a prayer to receive Christ. Asking me to follow up someone like that is like asking a fish if he wants to swim in water! One of my passions is helping people affirm their decision for Christ and helping them take the first steps as a Christian. When I opened my heart on June 15th 1983 no one was there to help me. I was so excited about my decision for Christ I learned much on my own. Looking back I would have loved if someone spent time with me to encourage me in my new found faith. I would have loved to meet and ask questions of someone, anyone!

What a wonderful experience I had today hearing the story of how he came to the United States six years ago (New York City) and he didn't know any English. Talking with him today I was amazed at how fluent he had become. This young man had no spiritual background at all before coming to the United States. He entered Salisbury university this year and one of the students from a class invited him to Allen Memorial. She had been telling him about her relationship with Christ and inviting him and he was interested. The first time he came he said he heard rock style music and was so impressed and excited because he actually could relate to it. He loved the messages that were easy to understand. The people were loving and friendly. But most of all he had a desire to learn about Christianity.

As I talked with him today I discerned that he didn't understand the free unconditional gift of salvation. He saw it as something he was heading toward and eventually he would arrive. I took him through steps to peace with God and after a explanation I invited him to pray to receive Christ which he did eagerly and willingly.

He is now going to go through the booklet called "Live" the first step in our equipping track process! I am longing for the day when all of our leaders and cell members are trained and equipped to win and mentor people just like this.

I have been leading people to Christ since my salvation in 1983 and I never get tired of having the privilege to help someone else. I want to see him grow into a discplemaker himself and perhaps he will lead the rest of his family and multitudes to Christ! Pray for Hidi and ask God to speak to this new child and help him to be all God created him to be! Happy Birthday Hidi!