Vineyard Church of the Peninsula
September 6, 2020

“And that’s what it’s all about, Charlie Brown.”*

Bite-size. Simple. A.B.C. Childlike. Our clear, easy-to-follow guide to growth and maturity in Kingdom ambassadorship is, too often, made out to be complex and confusing and convoluted, and with grim consequences. Jesus speaks of us needing to be like little children, accepting his easy yoke, enjoying his gift of Sabbath (which includes the idea of intermission), learning his unforced rhythms of grace. As we’ve mentioned previously, our commission is one of such vast dimension and responsibility as to put us in instant burnout if left to our own pitiful strengths and dim understandings. But we are not alone in these delight- and glory-filled callings, these duties deposited in us in sacred trust. Holy Spirit sustenance and fresh-every-morning mercies and compassion stand us up on our feet and encourage us to keep the main thing the main thing – what it’s really all about.

Three (3) metaphors for our high calling found in Matthew 5:13-16

1. v. 13 – We are commissioned as salt __________________________________________

2. v. 14a – We are commissioned as light ________________________________________

3. v. 14b – We are commissioned as exposed, hilltop cities ________________________

“Joy, not grit, is the hallmark of holy obedience. We need to be lighthearted in what we do to avoid taking ourselves too seriously. It is a cheerful revolt against self and pride. Our work is jubilant, carefree, merry. Utter abandonment to God is done freely and with celebration. And so I urge you to enjoy this ministry of self-surrender. Don't push too hard. Hold this work lightly, joyfully.”
― Richard J. Foster, Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World

*(Linus’ famous line in A Charlie Brown Christmas)