13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. (Mark 3:13-15 ESV)

Hopefully you have heard us say often at Logos Community: Gospel in and Gospel out. This scripture above rings true with this process. This is foundational for any Christian and Christian community!

Gospel In (Discipleship from Jesus) Gospel Out (Be On Mission)

Mark explains why Jesus called the 12 disciples in these scriptures. Mark says, "so that they might be with him.." and then “he might send them out...". Christians, we have been saved so that we can grow in Christ and that we may reach people with the Gospel that they may be saved just like us into the body of Christ, a community of believers who love God, love each other, and love the lost! Gospel In and Gospel Out ALWAYS!!

You cannot have one without the other. You cannot grow in your faith and not constantly be reaching out to the lost or you cannot be missional and not growing in your love and relationship with Jesus. We are at war not in a time of peace. Let us not forget this! Our purpose and source of strength comes from our Creator.

Our church's health depends on us living out this model through the power of the Holy Spirit. Other believers need to see us living this out and then be taught by us how to replicate it. THIS is how we will make change in the RGV and the world. Join me in prayer that God may reveal us our sins that we may confess and repent where we have failed at one or both of these. Pastor Tom and I both believe 2012 is going to be a big year and that always means the stakes are higher for failure. It begins right here, brothers and sisters, in our community. Let us get serious about this.

Gospel In (Discipleship) Gospel Out (Mission)