The Minister’s page

“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  Romans 12:2

Friends,

Above is the motto verse for our congregation this year.  As you will know, we considered this verse in depth through January and discovered that God wants to renew our thinking.  As we pray, read and meditate upon the Bible we find our thoughts being remoulded by God’s truth, rather than being squeezed into the mould of this world. This leads to a transformation in our lives, making us more like Jesus.  Then we will be able to discern and follow God’s plan for our life - His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Communion with God leads to transformation.

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As I write this, we begin a Sunday sermon series to consider again our purpose statement which reads:

To bring people to Jesus through Fellowship, to develop them through Discipleship, to equip them for their Ministry in the church and life Mission in the world, and to glorify God’s name through Worship.

The aspects emphasised above are the core values or ingredients which, when blended together, describe our vision for Gillespie.  Each of these values can spur us on to be all that God wants us to be as individuals and as His people together.

For example:

1) God wants me to be a member of His family (which is a personalised goal of fellowship).  Following Christ is more than just believing - it’s belonging (Ephesians 2:19).

2) God wants me to be a model of his character (a personalised goal of discipleship).  Becoming like Christ is the biblical definition of “spiritual maturity” (1 Peter 2:21).  Maturity is measured by lifestyle, not learning.

3) God wants me to be a minister of His grace (a personalised goal of ministry).  God intends every believer to have a ministry, that is to use their gifts, talents and opportunities to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).

4) God wants me to be a messenger of His love (a personalised goal of evangelism).  We are to plead with unbelievers to receive the love He offers - to be reconciled to God.  There are only two things you can’t do in heaven that you can do on earth: sin, and witness to unbelievers.

5) God wants me to be a magnifier of His name (a personalised goal of worship).  Note the first commandment: there is an inborn urge in every person to worship - if not God, then something else.

The church provides things that cannot be found anywhere else in the world:  worship helps people focus on God; fellowship helps them face life’s problems; discipleship helps fortify their faith; ministry helps them find their talents; evangelism helps them fulfil their mission.

I am excited to see where God will lead us as a people (and as individuals) as we reconsider (or discover) these core values.

God bless you abundantly,

Iain

12/2/2012