Vision - January 2010 Series
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” -- Joel Barker
The apostle Paul also spoke of changing the world.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: ...” -- Romans 1:16 (NIV)
Our God is a world-changing God.
Our gospel is a world-changing gospel.
But could it be that we have reduced the gospel to a mere transaction involving the right beliefs, rather than seeing in it the power to change the world?
Does your faith just consist of believing certain things about Jesus:
- God the Son.
- Born of a virgin.
- Sinless life.
- Substitutionary death.
- Resurrection.
- Salvation by grace through faith.
These are all great things to believe. But how have your beliefs changed you? How have you changed your world because of your beliefs?
Has your faith given you a new vision? Does your life vision include one in which God’s kingdom is coming into the hearts of individuals, one in which those individuals join God in changing the world by serving the needy?
Remember: Vision with action can change the world.
That’s what we’re talking about in this January sermon series. Embracing a vision ... God’s vision for us as a people of God ... a world-changing vision.
That vision is to live intentionally for Christ in this world:
- Worshipping Intentionally.
- Growing Intentionally.
- Serving Intentionally.
- Sharing Intentionally.
This Sunday morning we will examine more closely the vision of changing the world by serving the world. My prayer is that our lives will be lived with intentionality for Christ all throughout 2010. Will you join me in making that prayer a reality in your life starting today?
God Bless,
Gary
P.S. Please do continue to pray for those whose lives have been turned upside down by the disaster in Haiti. One theme that I see over and over in the Bible is how God’s heart beats for the poor, the marginalized, and those who suffer from injustice. I read a quote in Richard Stearn’s book entitled The Hole in Our Gospel that may stir your heart and cause you to pause and think more deeply about such things and such people. The quote listed at the beginning of chapter fourteen in his book reads:
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice
when He could do something about it.”
“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.”
--Anonymous
May our hearts begin to beat in rhythm with God’s heart as we invest time in prayer this week for those whom God deeply loves that are experiencing life in poverty, suffering and injustice today. As we invest time in prayer and in God’s presence, may we then do whatever God leads us to do by His Holy Spirit and in accordance with His Word.
Grow 2010
If you missed the GROW video from last Sunday, Click Here to see how you can Grow Intentionally in 2010. Would you like to find out more about Bible Reading Plans or ABFs, Click Here.
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery can provide a new start for you to deal with life's issues and build authentic relationships. A women's and men's STEP study began meeting weekly on January 10 at 6:00pm near the Chapel in C101 and C103. The STEP groups focus on the 12 steps and 8 recovery principles found in the Bible. For more information or to order your study book, please email Cathy Randles, catrandles@yahoo.com, or Rob Britten, rbritten1@gmail.com.
Joyland and Worship Quest Choirs
The Winter season is starting for our Joyland (PK 3 and PK 4) and Worship Quest (Grades K-6) Choirs! Time is 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Joyland and KDOG hallways. For 6 weeks, our kids will be learning songs for our February 17th program, "How Can I Keep From Singing?" In these fun filled weeks, we will be teaching hymns and worship songs that have made an impact in the lives of believers from years ago to the present day! If you child has not been a part of Joyland or Worship Quest Choirs this school year, you may register online at www.theheights.org/worship.
Free Job Search Workshop
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 (*New Date)
The all-day workshop will teach proven job search skills including finding your job focus, resume critique and development, effective networking skills, 30-second elevator presentation, interviewing techniques, 2-minute verbal resume, and more. Free lunch and materials provided.
Pre-registration is recommended due to limited seating. To register, send an e-mail with name, phone and e-mail address to: jobseekers@theheights.org.
Parent Connection - Ask the Experts!
Save the date of January 25th for the next Parent Connection from 6:30-8:00pm. This is an evening for parents and leaders to discuss relevant issues with a panel of professional counselors and specialists who will be here to answer questions. Come gain insight and wisdom as we hear from our guest experts featuring Paul Meier. You can never start too early in parenthood to gain insight for becoming a better parent. Bring a friend and join us for this panel discussion.
Parenting Class—Save the Date January 27!
Parents, are you ready for some new strategies to improve your parenting in 2010? Jumpstart your year by coming to the KDOG Parenting Class starting January 27 in the east side of the Mezzanine at 6:30 p.m. We will study Kevin Leman’s book, Have a New Kid by Friday. You will leave the class each week with a new parenting tool to utilize in your home. Don’t miss out on this exciting parenting adventure! This class will meet each Wednesday for 6 weeks. Contact Lois Osborne in the children’s office to make your reservation and any childcare needs you have, losborne@theheights.org. The cost for workbooks is $9.00.
Discovery Dessert at Pastor Gary's House January 31
If you are new to The Heights and would like to meet the staff and learn more about our vision and ministries, join us for Discovery Dessert at Pastor Gary's house on Sunday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, visit the information desk in the Atrium, or contact Judy Elkins (jelkins@theheights.org or 972-238-7243).
Chi Alpha Host Homes
Chi Alpha weekend is coming up February 26-28, 2010. Students will stay in more than 30 host homes. There’s still a need for you to volunteer today to be a host home for a small group of students! It’s a life-changing experience! Call THSM today! 972-238-7243 x 249
THSM Beach Camp
June 20-25 will be a huge week in the life of students who have completed 7th-12th grades. We’ll be going to Beach Camp! Join us as we return to Laguna Beach! Cost is $360 and the earlybird special has been extended to January 31st. Invite your friends and visit thsm.org today to get in on the payment plan.
This Week as We Live Intentionally for Christ...
We Will:
- Worship God with Others
- Grow with Others
- Serve with Others
- Share with Others
