Your Turn

​There’s something simple yet profound about how faith is passed down through generations—without us, the next generation won’t know what we know. The church exists today because those who came before us chose to invest in others, ensuring that faith in Jesus didn’t stop with them. Now, it’s our turn.

The Power of Legacy

Growing up in Kalgoorlie, a small town with a surprising number of McDonald’s restaurants, I learned an important lesson: the present is built on the foundation of the past. McDonald’s didn’t just appear one day; it grew because of decisions made decades ago. In the same way, the church we see today didn’t just materialize—it exists because of faithful people who invited, served, and gave so that others could experience Jesus.

A Movement That Changed the World

The early church began as a small group of people who believed in a risen Jesus. They had no brand recognition, no institutional power, and faced opposition from the Roman Empire and religious leaders. And yet, they thrived. How? By devoting themselves to learning, spending time together, praying, and caring for each other’s needs (Acts 2:42-47). Their commitment was so compelling that, over time, an empire that once persecuted them eventually embraced their faith.

What This Means for Us Today

The early church did three things that changed the world, and we are called to do the same:

1. Invite – Someone invited you. Maybe a parent, a friend, or a pastor helped you find your way to faith. Who can you invite? A simple invitation could change a life.
2. Serve – The early believers served each other and their communities. Today, many people serve in various roles at our church—welcoming guests, leading worship, helping in kids’ programs, and much more. Serving isn’t just about filling a role; it’s about growing in faith and making a difference.
3. Give – The church thrives because of those who give strategically, making it possible to support ministries, help those in need, and share Jesus with more people. Because people give, our church—and churches around the world—can continue to spread the gospel.

Your Turn
Faith isn’t meant to stop with us. It’s our turn to invite, serve, and give so the next generation can experience Jesus just like we have. If you’ve felt stuck in your faith, maybe it’s time to step back into what made the early church so powerful.

Application Question: Who in your life can you invite, serve, or give to this week so they can experience the love of Jesus?
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Let’s take our cue from the early church and pass on what we’ve been given. Because someone once did it for us, and now—it’s our turn.

Author

Josh has been on staff at Lesmurdie Baptist Church since 2018. He is married to Marnel and they have 4 children together - Azaliah, Ezra, Zoelle, and Zion. What drives Josh is seeing people put their faith into action so Jesus can change lives in the here and now.

(This article has been written with the help of Chat-GPT for research and editing)