This next Sunday completes our September focus on God’s Power of Purpose.
We’ve asked large questions designed to bring to Light fundamental Truth that frees our lives and glorifies God! We’ve learned from the Blue Zones research what lifestyle habits contribute to healthy longevity – including my personal favorite – those who attend worship 4x/month! Mostly, we’ve (re)discovered how the Power and Peace of the Gospel blesses us and glorifies God!
Here’s where we’ve been.
“Where Does It All Begin?” illustrated the universe itself is purpose-full. Science is discovering Design and Intelligence chase away the darkness of a theoretical random universe. And long before science theorized it God’s Word proclaimed, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. “ – St Paul (Colossians 1.16)
“You Were Created to Become Like Christ!” vividly illustrated our destiny! You want to know what you’ll be like eternally, what your loved ones are like when we’re reunited. They and we will be like Christ! “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” – St Paul (Romans 9.29) This is our destiny, secured and assured!
“You Were Shaped for Serving God” was God’s invitation last week to get us off of our proverbial spiritual couch and do what we’ve been designed to do: move; serve; engage; tend the Garden God has provided! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – St Paul (Ephesians 2.10)
Here’s how we’ll conclude. “You Were Made for a Mission.” St Paul was clear about his. “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. “ (Acts 20.24) Do you have a personal mission? Does it get you up in the morning? Does it stir passion? Does it shape the money you invest? The relationships you engage? Does it keep you from mindlessly going through the motions?
This is not only what the Lord asks us but what he seeks for his church. I’m working at renewing Peace’s vision and mission in anticipation of our annual congregational meeting in November. I’m already praying for God to fill the openings in Church Council with leaders passionate about advancing the Kingdom of God; for everyone who attends Peace to have a sense of purpose here.
I’m praying each of us receive this Gospel gift – to know what on earth we’re here for!
It makes all the difference in the world…
Peace,
Pastor Karl