The past several weeks we have been taking road trips to the various churches that Paul visited and/or wrote to on his several missionary journeys. This past Sunday we found ourselves traveling to Rome. Our theme on Sunday was all about things that separate and things that connect.
Think for a moment about all of the things in life that cause separation - whether it's something as serious as a divorce, as painful as the separation of muscle tissue resulting in a severe injury or a tool that is used in the separation of nails from wood - the concept of separation is all around us.
The bible talks pretty clearly about this idea of separation in Romans 8. Paul clearly states that there is NOTHING of this earth that can cause us to be separated from the love of God in Christ. This is the joy of the message of the gospel. As a pastor I am always trying to think of creative and unique ways to state this truth - but I think the message here is sufficient.
If you're looking for some silver-bullet type of religious experience, then biblical Christianity is probably not what you're looking for. If you want to be responsible for your own eternity, then this probably isn't for you either. But if you are able to rest securely in the fact that Jesus died and rose from the dead so that when God looks at you He sees His perfect child...if you are happy and content with the work of Jesus being all that you need for this life and the life to come - then I welcome you to journey with us through the bible as we uncover the CONNECTION we have in Christ.
Jesus is our connection to heaven, forgiveness, eternal life - to God Himself. Being connected is a great feeling.
Here are some thought starters: What things cause you to feel most connected? When you know that someone has your back - how do you feel? Who in your life can you connect to Christ? And how are you going to do it?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Livin' Up 2
This week's title may seem a little obscure but bear with me. Last night I had the opportunity to talk with a man named Steve. To make a long story short, Steve has opened a wellness center here in Marysville called - Livin' Up 2. I have been working out at this place for a little over a week now and didn't really know what the name meant until last night.
By about midnight the concept of Livin' Up 2 really sunk in. Steve asked the question, "Do you feel that you are living up to your potential?" For many of us, we really don't know how to answer that question. I believe that much of the population of the United States doesn't even know what their potential is - much less live up to it.
This caused me to think - how does this idea of Livin' Up 2 correlate to what we're doing at church? In a way, we are inviting and even challenging people to live up to their potential. And again much like the physical side of wellness - many don't know what their spiritual potential is.
Jesus is clear about our spiritual potential. All things are possible through Christ who strengthens us. This means that with the power of Christ in our lives, we are able to do anything. YES - ANYTHING!
But how do we access that potential? The long and short of it is that we must rely on God to overcome our weaknesses. This is easier said than done - but in order to live up to our potential - God has to take the wheel sometimes and we need to quit backseat driving.
So the question naturally follows - are you living up to your potential? If so, please share with me how you feel you are able to do this. If not, what is the first step that you are going to take to get yourself UP to your full potential?
Blessings to all of you as you move toward your full potential in all aspects of your life.
For those of you who want to learn more about Livin' Up 2 Wellness Center - click HERE!
By about midnight the concept of Livin' Up 2 really sunk in. Steve asked the question, "Do you feel that you are living up to your potential?" For many of us, we really don't know how to answer that question. I believe that much of the population of the United States doesn't even know what their potential is - much less live up to it.
This caused me to think - how does this idea of Livin' Up 2 correlate to what we're doing at church? In a way, we are inviting and even challenging people to live up to their potential. And again much like the physical side of wellness - many don't know what their spiritual potential is.
Jesus is clear about our spiritual potential. All things are possible through Christ who strengthens us. This means that with the power of Christ in our lives, we are able to do anything. YES - ANYTHING!
But how do we access that potential? The long and short of it is that we must rely on God to overcome our weaknesses. This is easier said than done - but in order to live up to our potential - God has to take the wheel sometimes and we need to quit backseat driving.
So the question naturally follows - are you living up to your potential? If so, please share with me how you feel you are able to do this. If not, what is the first step that you are going to take to get yourself UP to your full potential?
Blessings to all of you as you move toward your full potential in all aspects of your life.
For those of you who want to learn more about Livin' Up 2 Wellness Center - click HERE!
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