THE STARTING POINT (1 OF 4)
by Jerry Watts
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 28:18-20
This content is part of a series.
The Starting Point (1 of 4)
Series: Purpose for a New Year
Jerry Watts
Matthew 22:34-40 / Matthew 28:18-20
(NOTE: I am indebted to Dr. Gene Mimms, Dr. Thom Rainer, and Dr Rick Warren for their writings that assisted greatly with this series of messages)
• As last year has now ended and a new year presents itself, we have met twice to pray and dream about God's desire for us, both individually and collectively. God has placed us here for a purpose, a goal, and a task. My last message was "Introducing Jesus." Someone came up and said, "If I were asked to introduce Him to the world, I wouldn't say anything, just fall on my face. I'm the flip side of the coin." If that approach were taken by all, would people really know who Jesus is? Peter tells us to always be ready to give a "defense" for the hope that is in us. This means that to fulfill the purpose of Jesus in our lives requires us to be pro-active in our witness. The purpose/vision/mission (PVM) of this church can only be accomplished when that same PVM is lived out in the lives of those who claim to know Christ and are members of this body.
• Over the past 20 years there has been much talk, much written, and many emphasis on "Purpose." Rick Warren is recognized as the "Father of the Purpose-Driven Life" and has now written Purpose-Driven Church, Purpose Driven Life, and has authored a study call "40 Days of Purpose." However, as I read the scripture I think Rick only packaged what Jesus demonstrated and has brought it to light.
• There are some "deep-seated" reasons for the need of this type of emphasis in the life of the average church member and church. Allow me to set the stage, consider these truths:
o Churches and Believers have had an easy ride in USA. In fact 50 years ago if you had said that Christmas decorations such as the nativity scene would be ban from public property, we would have probably laughed. Because this nation was founded on Bible principles and religious ...
Series: Purpose for a New Year
Jerry Watts
Matthew 22:34-40 / Matthew 28:18-20
(NOTE: I am indebted to Dr. Gene Mimms, Dr. Thom Rainer, and Dr Rick Warren for their writings that assisted greatly with this series of messages)
• As last year has now ended and a new year presents itself, we have met twice to pray and dream about God's desire for us, both individually and collectively. God has placed us here for a purpose, a goal, and a task. My last message was "Introducing Jesus." Someone came up and said, "If I were asked to introduce Him to the world, I wouldn't say anything, just fall on my face. I'm the flip side of the coin." If that approach were taken by all, would people really know who Jesus is? Peter tells us to always be ready to give a "defense" for the hope that is in us. This means that to fulfill the purpose of Jesus in our lives requires us to be pro-active in our witness. The purpose/vision/mission (PVM) of this church can only be accomplished when that same PVM is lived out in the lives of those who claim to know Christ and are members of this body.
• Over the past 20 years there has been much talk, much written, and many emphasis on "Purpose." Rick Warren is recognized as the "Father of the Purpose-Driven Life" and has now written Purpose-Driven Church, Purpose Driven Life, and has authored a study call "40 Days of Purpose." However, as I read the scripture I think Rick only packaged what Jesus demonstrated and has brought it to light.
• There are some "deep-seated" reasons for the need of this type of emphasis in the life of the average church member and church. Allow me to set the stage, consider these truths:
o Churches and Believers have had an easy ride in USA. In fact 50 years ago if you had said that Christmas decorations such as the nativity scene would be ban from public property, we would have probably laughed. Because this nation was founded on Bible principles and religious ...
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