"...so they may experience His purpose for their lives."

"...so they may experience His purpose for their lives."

Many people know the first part of the purpose statement we have as a church: "Seeking to be a bridge of God's love to all people." Did you know that's not all? We desire to be a bridge of God's love to all people "...so they may experience His purpose for their lives." God's purpose first and foremost for us is that we call on the name of the Lord to save them (Romans 10:13). But God also desires that we connect with His church family, grow in our faith, serve Him in ministry, worship Him with our lives, and in turn go out on a daily basis looking for ways to be a bridge of God's love to people.

 

It's neat to see those things happening in the life of our church. This past weekend Milo Wilson and seven of our students participated in a 30 hour famine to raise money for World Vision, a hunger relief agency. They also did ministry projects like helping out at Paris Mtn State Park, yard work for a woman who has Lou Gehrigh's disease, and some tasks for an elderly woman who is unable to get out. I had the opportunity to play paintball with some of those students Sunday at Look up Lodge. The picture above is of that day. It was a great time of connection I had with our students Sunday. I am proud of them and the leadership of our student Pastor, Milo Wilson. They are learning what it means to be a bridge of God's love to all people. They are experiencing His purpose for their lives.

 

Our Growth Group semester ends this week and I know two of our groups finished with some great socials. I saw pictures of the Morris Group having a great time of fellowship Saturday night. My Group met Tuesday night for a cookout and the burgers were great. It was a wonderful semester and a time of growth for many. People were stretched as we dug into the books of Isaiah and Micah. I believe this semester has been one of our best in getting people reading, studying, meditating, and applying the Word of God. We are helping them experience His purpose for their lives which is growth!

 

Finally, I can't stress how important I believe Life Transformation Groups are. I met with my partner today and he told me a great story. He and his family were eating out for breakfast this weekend. He and his wife saw a couple at another booth and this couple looked sad. They had an idea. They called the waitress over and asked if they could pay for that couple's meal. She brought the ticket and they paid for the meal and left a Ridgeview card that says, "Just wanted to show you God's love in a practical way." That fires me up! Our people are getting what it means to be a bridge of the love of God. As they share His love, they are experiencing God's purpose for them and that is evangelism. You see, you can't have one without the other. We must each strive to "Know Him and make Him known." Every system is in place to do that at Ridgeview. All it takes is a little obedience.

 

See you Sunday!

Tommy