Happy Fathers Day!
Summer Youth BBQ at East Fishkill Community Park on Friday June 23rd at 6-9 pm
Take Note: Only one service each weekend during July and August at 10am
Good News For Today!- The Gospel is not just good for you, Like Medicine. But it is good! And even in today’s secular, ultra individualistic culture, it is still good news. It is as relevant today as ever and continues to answer the questions people are asking.
People have an innate need for Identity, belonging and purpose. So, no matter what time we are living in, these questions are so important to answer.
Why do you exist? A question we may ask at certain key times of life, but applicable all the time. What drives you, what motivates you, what directs you?
It is a doubly important question because purpose is directly linked to hope. Purpose and Hope are intertwined. Purpose provides:
1. A Sense of Direction
2. Motivation and Resilience
3. Future Orientation
4. Meaning and Fulfillmnet
5. Overcoming Despair
What is it about the Gospel that is Good News for us today in this area of Purpose? What is it that this new life in Christ offers us that addresses the question Why do I Exist?
He makes us New. 2 Corinthians 5:17, but he also welcomes us into a new Kingdom. Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son
Both Identity and a New reality and way of being (Purpose)
You could say that the Apostle Paul led a memorable, difference-making life of purpose and meaning and hope. What can we learn from Paul’s Discovery of Identity and Purposed
Paul’s discovery of Identity and Purpose- Philippians 3:1-21
You Have
Galatians 1:13-16 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born,[a] and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to[b] me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
Jeremiah 1:4-5 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Purpose is More
Took time for Paul to get rolling in his Purpose
Galatians 1:17-23, 4:1, 4:9-10
Paul was simply living his life as a citizen of heaven in relationship with Jesus.
What should I do? What is my Purpose? God’s Word is Clear
A general calling for all of us: Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Love God and Love Others- Greatest Commandments
Glorify God- 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God”. The purpose of believers is to bring glory to God through their actions, attitudes and choices.
Disciple and Transformation Matthew 28
Proclaim the Gospel. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you
Serve and Minister- 1 Peter 4:10-11. We are to use our spiritual gifts to serve one another
Seek and Prioritize the Kingdom of God. Seek First. Matthew 6
As we seek to live Kingdom focused lives and fulfill God’s general calling, we often find what we are passionate about and purposed for.
What would it look like to make God and His Kingdom the overarching purpose of your life right where I am now?