A few weeks ago, I went on a work trip to visit a church in Texas so I could tell their story. The day there was amazing—so many lovely people who dearly love the Lord, and whose lives have been positively changed by engaging with the Scriptures through The Gospel Project. A short while later, I spent about three weeks combing through all of the material we filmed, and it was brilliant. (Seriously, I can’t wait to share the finished product with y’all soon.)
As I watched the raw footage, making my notes about what to use and where I found myself thanking God. The church’s leaders have a singular goal: to see their congregation grow in Christ. To see people far from Christ become disciples, and disciples become disciple makers. To know Jesus better and to make him known. And every person who spoke with us said the same thing: focusing on Jesus, focusing on the gospel, matters because the gospel changes lives.
This is why I love baptisms. I love hearing how Christ has been at work, and how the Holy Spirit has given new life to people who have encountered Jesus, and why I love telling my own very complicated of coming to know Christ. It’s why I love good theology and helpful songs, and even really great curriculum. When I focus on Christ, it makes me want more of Christ.
It doesn’t matter how old we are, or how long we’ve been in the faith. There will always be more work that the Holy Spirit is going to do in us as we set our eyes on Christ. When we are captivated by his beauty and say along with John the Baptist, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
That’s something I pray we never tire of. It’s something I pray we all fight to hold onto. Focusing on Jesus makes us want more of Jesus and transforms us to be more like Jesus. Read the Scriptures with this in mind. Pray with this as your goal. Keep your focus on Jesus, because when you do, it changes everything.
