It's Good to be used.

I just got back last night from the Exponential Conference in Orlando.  Exponential is a church planting conference that strives to equip churches and pastors to plant more churches.  Studies show that the best way to reach new people for Christ is through church planting.  The theme this year at Exponential is “Made for More”.  The conference focused on challenging pastors and leaders to mobilize their church for greater impact in our communities.

Going back to the story of Creation and the Fall in Genesis, the conference shares of 3 key losses that can happen in the Church and our lives.

1. A loss of identity and relationship.

Our core sense of being is altered and our disconnection from God causes a shift in our understanding of identity. We are left with an identity crisis that wreaks havoc and produces unhealthy desires. 

We are left asking the question, “Who am I created to be?”

1. A loss of purpose and mission.

Before the thief’s deception introduced sin into the world, work was joyful and full of meaning. As a consequence of sin, work became toil. Instead of our activity flowing seamlessly from our life with God, it took a different turn. We lost the joy God intended for us to experience in work.

We are now left asking, “What am I made to do?”

1. A loss of place and position.

The curse was moving day, and it wasn’t good. We became captive to time and isolated from eternity with God. The joy of the perfect environment gave way to an environment that was physically and spiritually hostile.

Finally, we are left asking, “Where do I fit?”
 
This conference has helped to reinforce what we do at Renew Church to help people Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose and Make a Difference.  In the past, I had a tendency to hesitate to challenge people to acts of service, but even as I write this and think about Sunday’s sermon: 

“It is good to be used.” 

There’s no greater feeling than knowing that you did something for someone that could have an eternal impact on their life.  We want everyone that comes to Renew Church to know that they share in the privilege AND responsibility to make an eternal impact.  God has blessed us personally with unique gifts that can literally change someone’s life…but you must be willing to take the step. 

I just had a conversation this week with a guy on our “Renew Crew” and he told me of friend that needed help, so he went over to his house and said, “I’m going to pray for you”.  He said he wasn’t even sure what he was doing or how he was going to pray… he just did it.  He also shared how he wanted to stay home but he knew that he had to go help his friend out. And HE DID IT!  That is what “being used” is all about!  Just be willing to let God use you and He will take care of the details!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10

I know that the “Your Story” series is sort of over… but this Sunday might be the best week of all!  Come check out what we have planned and hear some stories of life change that might just change your story!  Don’t miss out!

Also, after the 10:30am service we will be hosting our Growth Track in the Art Classroom.  During this session, we will do a DISC Analysis and Spiritual Gifts profile that has helped so many on our team find their purpose and begin to really make a difference!  Join me!  (Food and Childcare provided.)
 
Pastor Treavor     
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P.S.  Don’t forget that we lose an hour this Sunday! Get some sleep and be there by 10:30!  We will have a cup of coffee ready for you! 😊
 
ONE MORE THING!  If you missed last week’s sermon, click here to listen to our brand new podcast that started this week!