February 2005

“Got Purpose?”

This February we are taking part in the personal growth campaign "40 Days of Purpose". This opportunity is one that I hope all will take part in. It is my prayer that all youth and adults will join a small group and read the book Purpose Driven Life. It gives you an opportunity to dig deeper in your faith and grow in your friendships here at community. As we begin this 40days we will ask and answer three basic questions.


1. WHAT DOES GOD WANT? MY WHOLE LIFE.

"Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God."Rom. 6:13 (NLT)

"This is what the Lord your God wants you to do: Respect the Lord and do what he has told you to do. Love him. Serve the Lord your God with your whole being." Deut. 10:12 (NCV)

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matt. 6:24 (NIV)

"In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Pr. 3:6 (LB)


2. WHAT DOES IT TAKE? DISCIPLINE.

"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." 1 Tim. 4:7 (NASB)

"Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit." 1 Tim. 4:7b (LB)

"Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress." Heb. 12:1b (NLT)

"Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but there is need of only one thing and Mary has chosen the better part...'" Luke 10:40-42 (NRSV)

"God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." Phil. 2:13 (TEV)


3. WHY SHOULD I DO IT? THE CROSS.

"He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Cor. 5:15 (NIV)

"Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness." Eph. 1:7 (GW)

"Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him." Rom.12:1 (GW)

"We beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us!" 2 Cor. 6:1 (Msg)

"Lord, I have heard the news about you; I am amazed at what you have done. Lord, do great things once again in our time; make those things happen again in our own days." Hab. 3:2 (NCV)


Now is the time to ask some good questions about what you see as your purpose on this earth. God has a purpose for every one of his children. Let?s have some fun talking and seeking God and his purpose for your life.

Below is the Event Schedule for the 40 Days of Purpose –

February 4 - 12 hour Prayer Vigil – at church "12 noon to 12 midnight"
February 5 – 7:00 pm Kick- Off Event at Upsala School Auditorium
February 6 – Week 1 - "What on Earth Am I Here For?"
February 13 – Week 2 - "Worship"
February 20 – Week 3 - "Fellowship"
February 27 – Week 4 - "Discipleship"
March 6 – Week Five - "Ministry" Ministry Fair Sunday -11:15AM-11:45AM
March 13 – Week Six - "Evangelism"
March 20 – Week Seven - "Commitment" Celebration Sunday

Small Groups will meet during the week and on Sunday.
Sign up today by calling 573-2672 .



Pastor Craig