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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
I've noticed in my own life, and even in the lives of other 'mature' Christians, that we sometimes tend to lose our focus and purpose. We get so wrapped up in our church activities, events, programs; we get so used to our circle of friends; we get very comfortable and we begin to say..."Well, this is the way we've always done it!"; and our focus begins to get blurred and our purpose becomes hazy.
Serving Jesus and introducing as many friends as we can into a personal, intimate relationship with Him - - this is our focus! That is our purpose!
Therefore we must do WHATEVER IT TAKES to reach our community and the world with the Good News of a loving, gracious, forgiving, compassionate Savior!
It's not . . . hymns vs. praise choruses.
It's not . . . the King James Version vs. the New Living Translation
It's not . . . whether you serve communion before or after the sermon.
It's JESUS!!
Whatever it takes to point this confused, hurting society to the open arms of Jesus Christ!
Bill was a college student and a brand new Christian. One Sunday he visited a church near campus. He walked in wearing flip-flops, tattered jeans and a t-shirt. The service had already started, so he walked down the aisle looking for a seat...but no one scooted over to make room for him or welcome him. Finding no where to sit - - he sat down cross-legged on the floor...right in front of the pulpit!
The church family became noticeably uneasy. Then...from the back of the church, an elderly gentleman, a long-time church member, got up and with his cane slowly made his way to the front. Every eye followed him. The minister paused and there was total silence. As the old gentleman approached Bill, he dropped his cane and with great effort lowered himself and sat down beside him so the young man wouldn't have to worship alone.
Wow!
Paul wrote that Christ, being equal with, set aside His reputation, and became obedient, even to death - the ultimate act of humility. (Philippians 2:6-8)
You see, Jesus Christ came to us in our loneliness, to forgive our sins, and to teach us a new way to live and worship.
When we learn to think as Jesus thought...we will begin to see people through the same eyes as that elderly, godly man did.
May each of us learn to 'lower ourselves' for the benefit of others - - so that they will see Christ!!
"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from
Choking can be Hazardous to Your Eternal Health
Read Article »He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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