|
by Denis Beausejour, 5/08/05
Series: A Church Even I Could Join!
This message includes the The Purpose Driven Movement Vision declaration.  Listen now.
Message: #4 A Church that Builds Fruitful Christ Followers
Refresher - The Five Key Purposes for our Church (and every Christ-follower!), based on the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) spoken by Jesus, and seen in the early church (Acts 2:42-47):
a. Worshiping God in spirit and in truth, with gratitude
b. Serving People as we would ourselves, with generosity
c. Introducing Jesus to those around us, with intentionality
d. Building Christ-followers that are fruitful, with care
e. Enjoying Community in Christ forever, with unity
Introduction to Purpose #4 - Building Christ Followers
1. Our motive and goal: to present one another "perfect in Christ" as we fulfill the great commandment and the great commission given by Jesus (see insert)
2. Our role: active seeking and availability to God and the work of His Holy Spirit
3. Our method: "Life on Life" - apprenticing ourselves to become like Jesus through His Word, Spirit, and People, as life-long learners and teachers
4. Our benefits: fruitfulness for eternity
5. Our next steps: The Master's Plan: "Life on Life"
Prayerful assessment
Seeking a Paul - someone to build into us
Seeking a "Timothy" - someone to build into
Saddleback Church: The Purpose Driven Movement Vision
Angel Stadium Declaration - April 17, 2005 by Pastor Rick Warren
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering, I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say:
However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
|
