Shane Simmons
Pastor, Auburndale Life Church
It is one of
those topics that most Christians have a view point on one way or the other. It
is amazing how fast stereotypes develop. I must admit I was one of those who had
preconceived ideas as to what Purpose Driven means. Then I read the book!
Shane Simmons, Pastor
Auburndale LIFE Church
 |
Rick Warren says in the cover... You are not an accident. Even before the universe was created,
God had you in mind, and He planned you for His purposes.
That sounds a lot like what my dad and my Father-in-law had preached to me all my
life. Both pastors in traditional Spirit filled churches!
Here are the five purposes that are given, as the foundation of what Purpose Driven
is all about
1. We are planned for Gods Pleasure - God wants us to have a Lifestyle of Worship.
Pleasing Him is what we were created to do! Worship is not about showing up on Sunday
to do church but rather being the church the other six days of the week.
2. We are formed for God's Family - This was an easy one for me because I love a
good Party! One of the reasons so many people do not find church attractive is because
we have turned church into anything but a Party. I think being in The Presence of
the Holy Spirit is the best time I have here on earth.
Jesus
said...They would know how much you love me by how much you love each other.
3. We are created to become like
Christ
- I think the most important thing we can do as Christians is focus on
Christ
! The Scripture says Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. Discipleship
is a toll road! While it cost to travel on it is much harder to get lost because
we are always stopping to pay another toll and get new directions.
4. We are shaped to serve God - Ministry being with us! The opportunity to serve
is all around us.
Paul
says in Corinthians that even though I am free I make myself a slave to everyone.
The emphasis here is on making us servants. Seek to serve, serve to lead and lead
for life. Not our life but the new life the everlasting life the one that really
counts.
5. We were made for a
Mission
- Each of us have uniquely qualified to reach our world. NO one can do what God
intended for you to do! That's how important you are! There are people in each of
our lives that are just waiting for us to step up to the plate and get into the
game. We have all been called to make disciples!
Proverbs 19:21 says.... Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lords
Purpose that prevails.
I finish where I started on the inside cover of
Rick Warrens book... He writes ... Self help books often suggest that you try to discover the
meaning and purpose of your life by looking within yourself but that is the wrong
place to begin. You must begin with God your creator and His reason for creating
you. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will
never make sense.
Shane Simmons
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