J2 and Atmosphere of Heaven!

Editors Note: Today we are featuring the message of Jon Jones, Worship Director of Atmosphere of Heaven, the worship ministry we advertise on the third Friday of each month. Jon is more than a Worship Leader, and in this post he is writing about his recent missionary trip to Turkey. Just as Jon is more than his music, so the Atmosphere of Heaven worship service is more than worship – for more information about today’s worship service, enter the link on the right, Atmosphere of Heaven!

Turkey Trip Memoirs Part 1Posted in May 13th, 2009 by admin in Simple Revelation
What an exciting trip I and a few worship leaders from my church had! Every time you go to teach or be a blessing, He always ends up teaching you and blessing you! This time was no different…..

The Turkish society is about 99% Muslim. To top that, Christians are viewed as anti-government, rebels, and even CIA agents, with these ideas proliferated by the media! Recently (2007) friends of the church we visited were martyred there. The church is healing and, at the same time, cautious in their proclamation of Jesus. We talked to a young man from the church we visited (probably between 25 & 30 years old, who will remain nameless) who came from America to live there. Even with all that’s going on there he is adamant about declaring the Gospel! He literally goes into mosques and witnesses to people. He says that He has to exercise discernment and “be led by the Spirit.” Here’s a situation where he can be not only talked about but be physically harmed.

Of course Holy Spirit had me look in the mirror and look @ the American Church. We are so laid back, talking to people about God “when it’s convenient,” and even then not giving the Gospel Message. Here are some self examination ?’s…..

1.) How many people have you led to the Lord in the last year? 2 years? 5 years

2.) How many people are you discipling right now? How many have you discipled in the last year? 2 years? 5 years?

3.) Have you told your neighbors about Him? Do you have any type of relationship with your neighbor besides an occasional “hi?”

I know many people out there are trying to find out what their specific calling is. Many operate in their gifts and are comfortable with what is perceived to be their calling. But please know that before any gift or calling, we are ALL CALLED to the ministry of Reconciliation, bringing men and women to Him. The Bible also tells us to make disciples of all men. We have an opportunity to preach the Gospel, to have a voice and proclaim the Truth, to change our country; but the majority of the American church is concerned about themselves, and a “me” centered atmosphere has prevailed… what can church do for me… my family… how can the church meet my needs?????

We must step up and proclaim the Good News. People are dying next door to you. Will you watch them die, when you have the Antidote? Will you be overwhelmed by trying to take on the world, or will you start with 1? Witnessing to 1…. Discipling 1….. Teaching that 1 how to Disciple others… and MULTIPLY!?!?!?!?!?!?

J2

PS There are many resources if you are not sure how to either witness or disciple… Use them…. Comment me and I’ll post an email address…. But don’t just sit there….

PSS Please understand that the rights we now enjoy are being taken away one by one. The voice of the church is under attack and efforts are being made to silence us. We need to fight these efforts… I believe that just as the early church of Acts didn’t do what the Lord Commisioned them to do (Go into all the world and preach the Gospel) but were content to ‘have church,’ they were persecuted and made to do the work of the Lord. I pray that it doesn’t take that for us to do it