Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a...

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Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) * God has cleared a path for YOU!

Transcript of Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a...

Page 1: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Does God have a plan for your life?* Is there a reason for your existence?

* Are you here for a purpose?

* Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869)

* For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

* God has cleared a path for YOU!

Page 2: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

God’s Plan for Your Life* Psalms 139:16b (Page 467)* All the days ordained for me were

written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)

* Psalm 139:1-4 would indicate that God pre-knows our every word and action.

* Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (NIV)

Page 3: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

God’s Plan for Your Life* You have a future.* Ephesians 1:4-5 4 For he chose

us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- (NIV)

* Predestination does not necessarily equate to predetermination.

Page 4: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

God’s Plan for Your Life* As I understand Scripture, you have a

choice (2 Samuel 24:12; Proverbs 1:29; 16:16; Isaiah 7:15; 56:4; Acts 6:3; 15:25; 1 Peter 4:3).

* Joshua 24:15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (NIV)

Page 5: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Where Am I Going?

* I. Individually: (as a person)

* A. It will conform to His general will for all people.

* B. It will match who you are and how you have been molded by Him.

* II. Corporately: (as a church group)

* A. Our Mission.

* B. Our Vision.

Page 6: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Where Am I Going?

* How do I determine where it is that God desires that I serve?

* A. It will conform to His general will for all people (i.e. treat others as being created in God’s image . . . that you seek to share the Good News of Jesus Christ).

* B. It will match who you are and how you have been molded by Him.

Page 7: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Finding Direction

* In God’s Image.

* In Need of a

Savior

Who Am I?

Why Am I Here?

Where Am I

Going?

* Follow God’s

General Will for

All.

* God’s Special

Will for

YOU.

S. H. A. P. E.

Page 8: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Looking at the Grid:

* S = Spiritual Gifts – How has God gifted you. (Take a spiritual gifts test).

* H = Heart – What interests you? What bothers you?

* A = Abilities – What are you good at?

* P = Personality – Are you outgoing or quiet? Do you enjoy people?

* E = Experience – Your background.

S.

H.

A.

P.

E.

Page 9: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Feel like you still need help?* 1. Seek the counsel of others.* Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of

counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)

* BUT then, be willing to listen!* 2. Start serving (Mark 10:43-45).* As Christ came to serve, we are to serve.* When serving, we discover our purpose.

Page 10: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

One of the Best SHAPES:* God is looking for F.A.T. people.* F = faithful.* A = available.* T = teachable.* Make yourself available and then be

faithful.* Most importantly, be teachable.* Listen to others? If you are serving where

called, others will notice & comment.

Page 11: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Do you know your purpose?* My life mission statement:* To magnify Christ, to minister to my family,

to multiply His church, and to mold a generation to follow Jesus one person at a time.

* Be a person on mission.* Fulfill God’s calling on your life.* May you hear the words, “Well done, good

and faithful servant . . . enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21, 23 - NKJV).

Page 12: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Where Am I Going?

* We have asked it of us as individuals.

* We now turn our attention to this church.

* Why do we exist? What is our purpose?

* In general, we exist to follow God’s calling and to serve Jesus Christ who is the Head of the Church.

* Our purpose grows out of God’s purpose for every church (i.e. six pillars).

Page 13: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Mission:* Our key verse: 2 Corinthians 8:9 (Page 862).

* For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (NIV)

* Our mission statement: Connecting the Riches of Christ with the Realities of Life.

Page 14: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

* Vision grows out of our biblical purposes (the pillars) and the mission statement.

* It is a look into the future to see what God can do through His church when it operates in accordance with God’s will.

* The desire is to dream big dreams for God, to have Him stretch our imaginations as to what can be accomplished for His praise (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Page 15: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

1. To reach the . . . * un-churched

* de-churched, &* fed-up-

with churched with the joy of a personal relationship with

Jesus Christ.

Page 16: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

2. To create captivating worship that draws people to Jesus and challenges them to mature in Him.

* Authenticity:

* Balance:

* Creativity:

Page 17: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

3. To model the message of Christ through caring community.

* Reach Out --- by creating a community presence.

* Reach In--- by providing a place for healing and hope.

* Reach Over --- by welcoming people from all walks of life.

Page 18: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

4. To give as it has been given to us.

* Giving will be modeled by the church.

* We give as others give.10% breakdown10% breakdown::

4% to Conf. of Churches4% to Conf. of Churches2.5 % to Mission USA2.5 % to Mission USA

1.25 % to C.E.F.1.25 % to C.E.F.1.25% to R.T.C.1.25% to R.T.C.

1 % to Local Needs1 % to Local Needs

Page 19: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

5. To generate a church multiplication movement through the birthing of new churches.

* Church planting (birthing) will be a part of the DNA of the original church.

* The goal is to plant another church.

Page 20: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

6. To energize and equip a generation in service of the Savior one person at a time.

* To disciple new believers and old in their relationship with Christ.

* Small groups will be fostered.* One-on-one ministries will

change lives for Jesus. * Training events to promote the faith.

Page 21: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

7. To train dynamic leaders for the 21st century.

* Training sessions will be provided

* Internships will be encouraged.

Being able to train leaders Being able to train leaders will keep the church on will keep the church on

the cutting edge of the cutting edge of ministry.ministry.

Page 22: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

8. To involve all members in service for the Savior.

* Ask for one hour a week to God’s work above regular service time on Sunday.

* Connect gifts, burdens (passions) and talents to match needs within and without the church.

Page 23: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Our Vision for the Future

9. To leave a lasting legacy of faith.

* Not just one generation but multiple generations will be impacted for the gospel.

* The legacy is not in buildings but in the rebuilding of lives for Jesus.

Page 24: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

We want to give our all for Jesus . . .

* Colossians 3:23-24* 23 And whatever you do, do it

heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (NKJV)

Page 25: Does God have a plan for your life? * Is there a reason for your existence? * Are you here for a purpose? * Ephesians 2:10 (Page 869) * For we are God's.

Join with us as we seek to fulfill God’s Mission for us!

* As you fulfill your mission for Christ, you enable us as a church to fulfill our mission for Him!

* May we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter or our faith (Hebrews 12:2-3)!

* Video: Footsteps.