Why do I exist? Is there more? How do I fit in the story? This year we will consider these and other important questions. Join us this Sunday January 1 at 9 a.m. to sing, pray and start the New Year with a new series through the stories of the Bible entitled, “Knowing God.” Pastor Dean will launch the series by asking “Why do I exist?” as we read and meditate on God’s design for you from the beginning revealed in the early chapters of the Book of Genesis. And, since we are stepping into a New Year this Sunday, we will celebrate with refreshments for all ages after the service!
"purpose" Tagged Sermons
Let’s be honest, “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” is a big ask. Participating wholeheartedly in Jesus’ Great Commission is a big investment of time, money, and energy. So much so that many who do eventually burn out. However, there are also many who endure for years, decades, even lifetimes co-missioning with Jesus. How do they? What sustains them? God sustains them in his great, big MISSION by sharing with them his great, big VISION. And he can do the same for each of us!
In Genesis chapter two, God reveals that his intent for the world has always been a symbiotic relationship between human and sub-human creation. Our original occupation was caring for plants and animals to sustain and multiply life for our enjoyment and God’s glory.
Who are we? What is our purpose? What will bring us fulfillment? We are children of God, created to be in relationship with Him, follow His commandments and demonstrate His character for His glory and our joy.
We don’t suffer without reason. Because, when we suffer, people see our hope amidst it and are intrigued. When they ask about the reason for our hope, we have an opportunity to share our faith in Jesus. Are you prepared to share?
We believe disciples follow Jesus, are changed by Jesus, and join Jesus in His mission of love. But when we are working in His mission, we often find that loving God and loving one another is easier than loving our neighbors, especially when fishing for people. Perceived failure in sharing the gospel well, both past and present, can be discouraging, but we trust that Jesus is not done with us. Just like Peter, we trust that the more we follow Jesus, the more He will change us to become effective fishers of people, giving us immense purpose and hope.
The subject of calling can be a confusing one. In common vernacular we talk about “finding our calling” and it mostly has to do with following our dreams. Many of us can feel a sense of angst if we haven’t “found” it. But if there’s a calling, then there is a caller. And if there is a caller, our part is listening…
Paul forsook comfort as he traveled to many places, spiritually invested in lives, and did ministry that looked a lot like the ministry that Jesus did. What compelled Paul to live such a radical life? – Jesus as King. The Kingdom: Paul’s burning love for Jesus, heart for other people, and resulting desire to make disciples who make disciples. Will you allow…
There’s nothing like a near-death experience to give one clarity about what’s most important. It’s in this context that Paul got thinking about succession: leaving a legacy, establishing a lasting influence, and investing in the next generation. In this text we see the shift in Paul from being primarily a sower, to becoming both a sower and a weeder/tiller/pruner. So instead of moving on…
Discovering the purpose for which God created us is deeply satisfying. Yet, often others will try to discourage us from becoming all that God intends for us to be and do. After healing a lame man and then explaining to the crowd that Jesus was the source of this man’s healing, some people in positions of authority were “greatly annoyed” and “charged” them not to do these things (the exact things that God had created them to do) any more. How these first disciples responded will expand your view of God and encourage you to remain faithful to His purpose for your life no matter what!