22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.24 (This was before John was put in prison.)25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.
26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan–the one you testified about–well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
30 He must become greater; I must become less.
31 “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
The crowds are beginning to leave John and heading to Jesus as he begins baptizing as well. When confronted about it John is joyous. His ministry is not in competition. What if we could see everything we did as paving the way for others, and be glad when they both join us and lead us?
v34 – God gives the Spirit without limit. Reflect on this statement next time you’re feeling inadequate.
At Mosaic, no matter who you are, or where you’re from, you are welcome with us. Our hope is that we can create a radically inclusive space where even those who may often feel most on the fringe can also feel a deep sense of belonging.
While technically we do offer ‘memberships’, if you’re not a member, we want to re-iterate that there is nothing you need to do for us to love you or accept you. Our membership provides no benefits or privileges other than additional opportunities to give and to serve.
We try to stress that members at Mosaic are in fact ‘partners’ because they are committed to joining God and participating in actively living a life of faith, love, and hope for the good of the world.
If you’d like to join us as a member and partner, we’d love to have you on board. Feel free to speak to us personally about doing so. You can also find an application form here.
If you’ve already been partnering with us this past year, we want to say a collective Thank You for being a part of this great adventure and taking us thus far! We don’t keep an unending ‘membership roll’ as we understand that people transition to different life stages and communities. We ask that you reflect and recommit to Mosaic as an active Christ-following partner in the community each year. Annual Renewal Form.
We’re currently also making an open invitation for nominations to our leadership team. This entails being an active partner as well as spiritually and strategically guiding our community. Nomination Form
All these forms and more can be found on our partners page. If you need the password or have any questions feel free to leave a comment or contact us.
I was shocked to read Pastor Sandy’s sharing: “Missions Destroyed My Ministry”. It reminds of what’s happening in Mosaic. If you want know how missions destroyed his ministry, please visit this link: http://cmalliance.ca/missionsdestroyedministryp2454.php
Here’s another message that was hard hitting for me that is spoken directly to pastors and church planters but I think it applies to all those who seek to minister to others in the name of Christ.
Our church has scheduled “Community sharing” once a month or more in the whole Sunday service, so do “community sharing” is important, yes…however, sharing can be done by using 10 minutes during worship, or after church, before church, any time during the week night, cell group (has not been set up yet), coffee time gathering ,etc etc . I alway and strongly believed Sunday worship is the day that God pass his words throught Pastor’s mouth. ( Is there any christian not agree !), but definitely we want God’s word on Sunday no matter what, it happening yesterday and same as today and tomorrow.
