Life on Mars ContentConviction, Confession, Change and Covenant Can Come from Community
By Mike O’Dea, Mars Hill Theology Response Team
One of the first verses that I learned when I first became a Christian almost 30 years ago was Hebrews 10:25 which tells us not to “….forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…..” I always thought that meant to go to church on Sunday. Maybe that is because I grew up as a Catholic and not going to church was a mortal sin and if I died with that sin on my soul I would go to Hell, according to the nuns.
When I became “born again” I soon realized that Jesus paid a torturous death on the cross for me and I am forgiven for all my sins, past, present, and future. I also started going to church on Sunday because I wanted to, not because I had to. So I did not give much more thought to the issue of assembling.
Praise God that He providentially sent me to Mars Hill in December of 2004. He also providentially sent me into a community group in a short time. (I will share that experience of being 63 years old among 25 twenty to thirty year olds at a later date.) Anyway, before long I saw the importance of the assembling of believers for more than just Sunday worship. In two plus years of attending, leading and/or hosting community groups I have witnessed tremendous spiritual growth among God’s people. No doubt conviction, confession, change and covenant can come from other than community groups, but I am convinced (another “c” word) that it is the most efficient and God directed way.
That has been confirmed recently as we have seen and heard from pastor Mark’s preaching through the book of Nehemiah. Look how the Hebrews, when they came together in community to hear God’s Word; they proceeded to be convicted to the point of confessing, changing, and covenanting with God to (1) obey Scripture, (2) lead their families, (3) worship God and (4) to give generously.
In those two years I have seen people draw close to Jesus and to one another. I have seen people really buy into the mission of reaching Seattle for Jesus. I have seen people get saved. I have seen many changed lives. I have even seen three of our people mature and grow to become full time employees at Mars Hill. I have seen two pairs of godly people meet and become active members and get married. And, I have seen almost all those community group folks become members and give of their time and money (most of them don’t have much) to the church or to the needy in our number.
Since most of them are 1/2 my age or less, I consider them to be my kids. Therefore my favorite verse applies: “I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4) Thank you Jesus for the Mars Hill Community Groups and our elders that minister to them. Amen.
What a wonderful tribute. Thank you!
Julie
Mike,
There are no human words that can describe what God is doing in and through Mars Hill and through POPPS!! Praying for the CG leaders, elders, and decons, that the Lord would bless them. I thank God for you ALWAYS!! May you grow in the grace of the Lord and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It’s neat to see where God has brought me in the last 7 years. I find myself in a similar place, financially, but, by the grace of the Lord, I am in a better place to take responsibility. God is transforming me from the inside out and helping me to learn how to love, accept love, and forgive in and through community.
Love in Christ,
Sincerely,
Emily
Mike:
As another “older” guy, I echo your sentiments about coming to love and care for those “kids” (Hey - sorry guys! That is not a prejorative comment…) in our CG. I also agree that INTENTIONALLY assembling together outside of worship is an important part of living out my faith. I have been blessed in many ways, and have plenty of “friends.” What I didn’t have, prior to coming to Mars Hill, was Community. At least not the kind that asks something from me in exchange for what I have been given, praise God. Great comments, Mr. O’Dea.
Shalom!
Great to find this site! — i was in search of how to change and found the infamas Mars Hill [frm. th yr. of Olivias'(my daughters') B-Day]
2) Timothy J s’ artical re: current missions [Excelent artical!]
Finnally, my faviorite teacher from a child, Mike Wilkerson.
Shalom and blessings!
Maybe i should be coming to your group, Mike? Then i wouldn’t be the token ‘old guy!’ :)