To be honest, I was hoping the Astros would win. I’ve been hoping this ever since…October 25th… when I found out the World Series was happening (yeah, I’m a huge baseball fan! Turns out the World Series started on October 24th...). So I cheered a lot when the Astros made the final out of Game 7. It was an exciting moment, even for a part-time fan like me.
…and now for something completely different…
What has grabbed your attention about our new purpose statement? As you have listened to the sermons and discussed in homegroups, is there one part that stands out above the others. I believe that God has uniquely wired you to be more interested in some things than others, and God as brought you into the community of First Baptist Church for a reason. God has a crucial role for you as we pursue our new purpose. If you have not done so yet, take a few minutes to reflect on our new purpose statement and ask God for guidance on the ways you are uniquely wired to engage in this new season at FBC. Then maybe talk with your homegroup about this too! Oh, and if your life is so crazy-full right now that you didn’t realize we are in an exciting new season at First Baptist Church, then this is especially for you!
Here are a few of my reflections on our new purpose statement. I hope they help you as you consider the role God has for you in this new season at FBC.
We are a community
This means we are for each other. We’re not content to remain strangers, remain isolated, remain in broken relationships. We are for each other. For mutual encouragement, challenge, support, health, and friendship.
Helping everyone
Everyone. Even people who are different than me. Even people I don’t normally hang out with. Everyone I encounter. God invites all people into His community. And we’re here to help God extend the invitation to all people! All. Everyone. Awesome!
Discover faith in Jesus
Because faith in Jesus results in the best possible life. What else can I say? I’ll just say it again. Jesus brings the best possible life to everyone who has faith in Him.
Grow in love for God and others
This is not quick. It takes time to develop the humble, self-giving, strong, life-changing love that God wants us to have. But this love is worth all the work! This love is the answer to everything (read the Gospel of John and the letters of John)! May love be the defining mark of people at FBC.
Live as ambassadors of hope
Wherever we go. Whomever we’re with. Whatever we’re doing. So that hope in Jesus permeates everything!
By the power of the Spirit
Don’t even try to do all of this alone. Jesus is super clear – a branch on a grape vine only grows fruit when it is attached to the rest of the vine (see John 15). Same with us. We will only be able to engage in this new season at FBC when we stay in relationship with Jesus and let the Holy Spirit inspire, strengthen, and direct us.
I am excited for how God is shaping our church.
I am glad to be part of this community with you.
Your brother in Christ,
Neil
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