Thursday, January 26, 2012

Blessing


We GATHER in community to build one anther up so we can GROW into mature Christians who are equipped to GO multiply the work that Christ, the Ruler and King, is doing to restore His world. This is the blessing of all nations, that the world would be blessed through Abraham and reconciled through Christ making the link all the way to us through faith.  We are a part of something huge that will last forever!  How will we pass this Blessing on to our family, church, community and world?

Read Gen. 12:1-3 and Gal. 3:14 in preparation for Sunday as we kick off Missions Month. 

Don’t forget to attend the Souper Bowl family event this Sunday after church.  Everyone is invited.  Proceeds go toward the Access.

See you Sunday,
Alex

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Great Commission


“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18b-20 (NIV 1984)

In preparation for this Sunday, read the passage above three times taking time after each reading to reflect.  The first reading, look for a word, phrase or idea that jumps out at you.  The second reading, ask God what He wants to speak to you about this word, phrase or idea.  The final reading, ask God what He wants you to do in response to this word, phrase or idea.

It is my hope that God will speak to you though the reading of His Word.

See you Sunday,
Alex

Friday, January 13, 2012

Keep Growing

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col. 2:6-7 NIV)  

Have you received Jesus as Lord?  The word Lord means master, leader, ruler and the one who commands us.  When we receive Jesus as Lord, we have a different source in which we draw our direction in life.  Something changes in the way we view the world.  We shift from a self-centered approach to life to a God-centered approach that spans beyond this life. The shift goes from me building my little kingdom for my sake to building into something bigger, growing the kingdom of Jesus for His sake. I would like to challenge us to be a part of the bigger story, using your gifts and influence to build an everlasting kingdom for Jesus our Lord.


It is always encouraging to hear the story of others who have made Jesus Lord of their life.  Check out these stories http://www.iamsecond.com/ 

This Sunday we are looking at the growth aspect of our vision statement….. Grow intentionally, transformed by the love of Christ and others.  Come ready to be challenged and hear from people just like you who are growing in their walk with Jesus.  Read Colossians 2:6-10 in preparation for Sunday.

See you Sunday,
Alex

Friday, January 6, 2012

Bring it!

Happy New Year!  What will this year be known for?  I hope after hearing Eric last week you are inspired to take a step forward for the sake of Christ and His Church.  Just like Jesus sent the 70, He also sends us out this year as he does every year.  We will make this journey together as we Gather, Grow and Go.

This week I will begin a series on our “Three G” approach to ministry at Wabash Friends Church.  Why would we gather in a grace filled community?  Is the church community something worth the investment of our time, talent and treasure?  I believe the community Christ calls us to is worth our investment.  I believe this community to be one of the greatest blessings God has given us.  I believe the local church is the hope of the world.   Join us the next four weeks as we challenge each other with the “WHY” behind what we do at Wabash Friends Church.

Read Eph. 4:11-16 and Act 2:42-47 in preparation for this Sunday. Investing in your walk with Jesus means a higher yield in your spiritual growth.  We are asking you to bring it! 

Take advantage of the electives launching this Sunday at 9:15am.   
  • Paul Cochrane and I are teaching a class for those exploring Christ, stuck in their relationship with Him or just want to get back to the basics.
  • Dave Phillips is teaching a class on sharing your faith with others.
  • Dan Dyson is teaching a class about Jesus found in the book of Mark.
  • Eric Dale is teaching a class on our perspectives in missions.
  • Scott Makin is teaching a class on living out everyday faith.



See you Sunday,
Alex