At one point we really don’t even need to say it, because it’s what every church should be doing, and we already know it, but at another point we need to keep being reminded that that is what we are on about. It’s all too easy to get side-tracked.
We’re on about introducing Jesus, not running an organisation. We want to focus on changing lives, not making people comfortable. Focus loses its clarity, doesn’t it? Vision leaks!
It really doesn’t get any simpler than “Introducing Jesus; Changing Lives.” If you need a reminder on the whole vision check out http://www.menaianglican.org/information/vision/ on our website.
“Introducing Jesus” puts it well because it’s about a friendship, not a philosophy or a set of values. We want people to find the peace,forgiveness, love,challenge and adventure that comes with walking through life with Jesus. We don’t want to win them to our cause, or adopt a philosophy. It’s about a person.
And changing lives? Walking with Jesus is all about change. It’s bringing people out of the darkness. It’s bringing lost people home to God. It’s helping people grow more to be the way He made us to be. It’s all about starting again. It’s about growing a big heart and a wise mind. It’sa bout broken people being put back together.
It’s not necessarily about becoming a TV evangelist or knocking on people’s doors. It’s about doing all we can do to make introductions and help people make the next step. We can all do that. It’s often all about being a link in the chain, even one small link.
So what are YOU PERSONALLY doing to introduce Jesus and help Him change lives? Or how have you been helped to know Jesus or had your life changed. Let us know. Add your comments here and tell us your stories. It’d be a great encouragement. I look forward to reading your comments.
Thanks Bruce,
ReplyDeleteI don't think we can ever be reminded too much about our purpose here on earth through the Vision. The world is extremely clever at hiding the truth and does everything it can to do so. I've always liked the bumper sticker you see from time to time that says "Where will you spend eternity?". It's simple and thought provoking. So is our vision.
Having lost my job last year and working from home on a contract basis, I've found time to go back to basics. At the age of 54 it's not a bad stage in life to wonder what on earth this thing called life is all about. I've questioned my faith, church, God and life's purpose. I've gone around in circles, explored philosophies, discussed alternatives with mates and at times simply stopped considering anything other than the practical things that need to be done on a daily basis as a husband and father. Through all of this one message rang true for me. God is real. He exists. He loves me. He loves everyone. He wants us to love him. He gave everything he treasured to make a way for us to do just that.
So I value hearing our vision over and over again. It helps to remind me that in spite of my current circumstance, no matter what my circumstance, even if some employers on earth have decided I'm not wanted, their is a greater "CEO" who has a job for me. Who wants me to tell the world about him using the gifts and talents he gave me.
Never stop talking about it Bruce. The message is getting through.
Cheers
Thanks for sharing your story with us Pete D. I'm sure that it will be helpful and inspiring to others.
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