This week starts our new series, "Lost and Found," based on Luke 15. Luke 14 ends with Jesus telling the crowds that following him will not be easy. They'll have to give up their families, their jobs, even their lives, if they really want to follow him. What are you giving up to follow Jesus? Consider the shepherd from the parable in Luke 15:4-6. Do you think he wants to leave home after a long day of work to go find the one missing sheep? He could get by with 99 sheep couldn't he? As Christians, it's easy for us to get stuck in our "Christian bubble" where we only associate with those who we feel comfortable with. What the shepherd does though is leaves his comfortable life behind and starts scouring the countryside looking for that one sheep. Jesus wants us to feel a measure of discomfort in life. If you can live life day in and day out and never feel out of place, you've missed the point! This Sunday, we'll be exploring this idea of abandoning our lives of comfort to find those who are truly missing.
I hope you all had a chance to hand out your "kisses" this last Sunday as part of our KIA event. Keep your eyes open for the next KIA opportunity coming up! Thanks again to Jamey Ragle for sharing with us this last weekend, I don't know about you, but I'm making a concentrated effort to be more compassionate now. Our world is desperate for some compassion, just think of the difference we could make if we lived compassionately! Small groups are underway but if you still want to get involved, we have room! Contact Jared at jared@newhopeashland.com to find out what groups are available and when. And don't forget our baptism service on Feb. 28th! Let Jared know if you're interested in taking this next step in your faith.
Have a blessed week, NHA!
