As I get to know more people at Harvest Austin, I am encouraged to see the love of Jesus at work in a community of people who have experienced his transforming grace. As we noted during our recent Family Chat, love is a defining mark of those who follow Christ, and it’s how the world will know we belong to him (John 13:34-35).

Another way to say this is that the gospel creates a culture as Jesus changes lives by his Spirit. How are we doing at advancing a “gospel culture” at Harvest Austin? As I’ve said before, I’m grateful to see this already happening, but here are some thoughts to help us excel still more (I’ve adapted these from an article by Ray Ortlund on building a gospel culture):

• Gospel culture creates a place where it is safe to be honest about your weaknesses and sins. Because of our prideful instincts, none of us relishes the thought of confessing sin and weakness to each other. But Paul understood that it is through our weaknesses that the power of Jesus Christ becomes evident in our lives, and so he learned to boast in his weaknesses! Of course, we don’t boast about our sins, but when we confess them to one another and share our weaknesses, we get to boast in a gracious and faithful Savior. Are you learning to be honest with at least a few people about these things so that you can be encouraged with the truth of the gospel?
• Gospel culture creates an environment where “love covers a multitude of sins.” Not that we ignore sins that damage the reputation of Jesus or contradict the gospel (like demeaning others, lying to one another, etc.), but we do learn to react in love and patience with the little things people do (or fail to do) in our family that fall short of fully embodying the gospel. As Ortlund says, “it is not a question of which sins irritate me personally but which sins change the face of Jesus in the world.” Do you react more out of personal irritation or insult than out of a loyal love for Christ and his reputation in the church and the world? Do you need to grow more in loving others when they fall short?
• Gospel culture creates relationships where we honor one another intentionally. Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:10 to “outdo one another in showing honor.” Do you remember to look for spiritual growth in others? If you see it, do you take the time to say so? Do you look for ways to honor those that God has placed in your life as spiritual family through words and acts of love and service?

Now, where does this kind of culture develop, primarily? In our small groups, of course! (I mean, you knew that I was eventually going to talk about small group participation, right?) This is why your active, authentic participation in small group is critical to the mission at Harvest: because gospel culture is rooted in the everyday body life of Christians who are striving to follow Jesus together.

If you’re not in a small group yet, contact the church office and let’s get you connected to the culture of the gospel of grace. You’re missing the best part! And if you haven’t joined The City yet, you’re already missing out on communication within your small group and with the whole church. For example, did you see the prayer request for Lauren Vandenhouten on Tuesday, posted by Marge Bruss? Or the need for moving help posted by Ryan Renteria on Wednesday? If not, you need to get on The City quick!

So many wonderful things are happening at Harvest because God is at work here. Let’s continue to build a gospel culture together!

Andy Snider | Director of Discipleship

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