Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Sacramento

We usually try to stay away from big words, but this one, Incarnational, best describes how we feel about the Christian life. The word comes from the Latin and literally means “in flesh”. Theologically, it refers to Jesus taking on humanity for the rest of eternity so as to better identify with and restore his creation. Today’s church, Jesus’ body on earth, has for the most part lived so heavenly minded that it is often of no earthly good. It gathers behind closed doors, usually in buildings that are mysterious, misunderstood and often very costly, to do and say things the average unbeliever does not understand and might run from. Unfortunately for many, this is their only view of visible Christianity.

On the other hand, being an Incarnational Christian means, being one who, though not “of the world” is definitely “in the world”. Jesus was routinely found among the least, the last, the lonely and the lost. He readily ministered to those in his neighborhood and the market place. He appeared more comfortable eating in someone’s home than teaching where the Pharisees gathered.

We desire that our personal lives, in everyday circumstances (home, family, neighborhood, workplace, marketplace) be Incarnational. We desire to be naturally supernatural in public places and settings. We strive toward blessing people before they belong and drawing them to belong before they believe. We choose to see people as potential friends rather than converts. As we live incarnationally, the Father does the drawing of people to himself. He also quickens our spirit, when it’s right, to speak a word in season that will help the unbeliever along.

We gather for community celebration, yes, in a building, but a building dedicated to being used Incarnationaly. Our desire is to encourage and rejoice with one another concerning the Incarnational life. The gifts of the Spirit can be expressed and matured while in this safe setting. The sharing of meals, stories of our daily lives, disappointments and joys, personal prayer requests and simply socializing is easily accomplished as we spend time with each other in our homes.

Our vision is to be Change Agents for spiritual and natural transformation in the Sacramento region and wherever we are. We think that is also being Incarnational.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 pm and is filed under Articles.