(Matthew 25:31-40, Mark 16:15)

Pastor George Dix Jr. began this week's message by reminding us that the Lord has commissioned us to share the Good News and to love one another. Someone is depending on us to be the representative of Christ for them. People have a void in their lives that can only be filled by the love of God. God wants us to be the burning flame for someone who is in serious trouble. The light that shines brightly in a dim dark world. Not everyone who's smiling has joy.

Consider that someone you know, possibly the next stranger you meet, needs "the answer", and your light may be what that person needs. We often get caught up in our own little world. We have forgotten that we are here "only for a moment" and because of that, we sometimes don't put things in perspective. We must be sure that during these "few more days" that we answer God's call when He knocks on our door. For it is written:

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." - (Isaiah 6:8)

Not one of us can afford to ignore Jesus when He calls. Don't get caught up and distracted by the "groove of the day". We need to be on our Father's business.

Why are some of us working so hard to impress others? Jesus came to Earth and was mistreated by his own people. Even some of His closest friends denied and betrayed Him. When the Lord comes back, He's not going to return in obscurity like the first time. His return will be obvious and He will come back in Glory! The only thing that will matter is that we were about our Father's business. Contrary to what you might think, no matter what you have, people will still talk badly about you. Only the things we do for God will last. So if you're in pursuit of "stuff", you'll be in for a rude awakening, because when it all comes down to it, the "pursuit of stuff" doesn't matter.

There are two "Greats" that God gave us:

The Great Commandment

The Great Commission

• "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - (Matthew 28:19)

When Jesus returns, we will be judged on how we followed the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

• Did we love God?
• Did we love our neighbor?
• Did we share the Good News?

Jesus said in Matthew 25:31-40 how he would return and what would matter. When you encounter those in need, minister unto them and help them, and you will have done it for Jesus.

"When I return those who helped others will inherit the Kingdom."

In closing, Pastor George recognized the first group of PASSAGE Partners who are traveling this week to Lousiana to assist in the recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina. Pastor concluded that PASSAGE is about "Global Kingdom Work", and we are called to be representatives of Christ in the world. Jesus has rescued us time and time again. It's now time for us to return the favor. Will we rescue Him?

Quotes of the sermon:

"The Lord says 'When my children are hurting and suffering, so am I. Will you rescue Me?'" - Pastor George Dix, Jr.

Scripture References:

Sunday, October 22nd, 2006

• Psalm 100:5 - Prayer & Scripture (Associate Pastor Eugene "Billy" Phillips)
• Matthew 25:31-40 - "...For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink..."
• Mark 16:15 - "...And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature..."
• Deuteronomy 6:5 - "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
• Matthew 22:37-40 - "The Great Commandment"
• Matthew 28:19 - "The Great Commission "
• Isaiah 6:8 - "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."