Growing together in Christ…as we Venture out! But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Venture out. Take Jesus with you. From the very beginning, this has been part of Christians DNA. Go out and tell. This verse from the first chapter of Acts is the outline for the whole book. It is a story of the early followers of Jesus venturing out to share the good news of new life in Christ. Part of growing together in Christ is our desire to share what He has done for us…and in us…and through us. Often this requires us to “venture” out of our comfort zone. Think about it… Where would we be if the disciples and apostles had insisted on staying in Jerusalem? What if Peter and Paul had waited for people to come to them so that they could preach to them. You and are part of this adventure we call the body of Christ because they ventured out. And wherever they went, they took the good news of Jesus with them. Christ in them…the hope of glory. What might it look like for us to venture out? No, I’m not talking about going and standing on the street corner and evangelizing (though there are some who are called to do just that). Where are you already out and about, and how might you gossip the gospel as you go? Christ in you…the hope of glory! Let’s venture out together…and take Jesus with us! Blessings, Matthew+
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. (BCP p. 101) | 
