What are God's Purposes? |
40 DAYSOFPURPOSE A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE CAMPAIGN |
October 12th through November 23, 2003 |
This campaign is all about the Kingdom of God, fulfilling His agenda in His world. Nothing brings more glory to God than having His churches, small groups, and His people fulfilling His purposes. Because |
40 Days of Purpose is about God's Kingdom, |
it is much bigger than any individual, church or denomination. We must work together "to serve God's purpose in our generation." (Acts 13:36) |
Copyright 2003, by Macedonia Baptist Church, Norristown, PA 19401 |
Macedonia Baptist Church Norristown, PA 19401 Focused on God's Kingdom as we "build the church of God, one disciple at a time." Byron L. Craig, Pastor / Teacher Phone: 610-279-6240 Email: mbc40days@email.com |
Why are we doing this? We are doing this to "gain a Fresh Perspective." It is not enough to identify or write a mission statement to be effective. There must be an intentional process for members to engage in the five biblical purposes for them to grow spiritually. We recognize that there are different levels of commitment in our church and different needs. There are five different people groups in Macedonia right now: Community - Those living around our church that never or occasionally attend Crowd - Those who attend our church regularly, but are not members. Congregation - Those who are committed to both Christ and membership in our church family. Committed - Those members who are serious about growing to spiritual maturity. Core - Those members who actively serve in ministry and mission in our church. Each group has unique needs, motives, problems and POTENTIAL! The goal is to turn an audience into an ARMY. How are we doing this? We are going to achieve this by applying the following five principles: Unified Prayer - The Bible says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." Prayer must precede this journey. Concentrated Focus - the entire church - every age group, ministry, small group and service - focused on God's five purposes for our lives. All extraneous meetings and emphases will be eliminated for six weeks while we concentrate on this one thing. Multiple Reinforcements - During the 40 days, the truths about God's five purposes for our lives are repeatedly communicated in five ways: + A weekly message by our Pastor + A personal daily devotional reading + A weekly Scripture memory verse + A weekly small group or Christian Education lesson + A weekly email / notice of encouragement Utilizing this method, the same truths are taught in different formats allowing the truths to sink deeper into hearts that is essential for any permanent life change. Behavioral Teaching - Biblical preaching teaches people to be "doers of the Word, not hearers only." Each of the eight messages during the 40 days of Purpose is designed to call people to specific commitments and spiritual habits that are part of godly growth. Exponential Thinking - This is thinking so big that it demands that you depend on God to see it happen. This type of thinking stretches your faith, creativity and dependence on God. What is the significance of 40 days? The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days to be a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days. - Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain. - Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai. - The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land. - David was transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge. - Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal. - The entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave them 40 days to change. - Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness. - The disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection. What does this mean to me? This journey is designed to help you answer the most basic question of life: What on earth am I here for? During these 40 days, each member will rediscover God's five eternal purposes for our lives: - Worship - We are planned for God's pleasure! If you think worship is all about singing, think again! Discover the full-orbed idea behind worship, and begin to practice real worship during the Campaign. - Fellowship - We were formed for God's family! If you haven't joined a small group or participated in a Sunday School class yet, you will have a chance to connect with one for six weeks to study the five purposes in community with others. - Discipleship - We were created to become like Christ! If you need encouragement to grow by developing the personal disciplines of daily Bible reading and scripture memory, you will fin inspiration during the Campaign as you read along in the Purpose Drive Life book, and memorize a weekly scripture verse about each purpose. - Ministry - We were shaped for serving God! If you haven't discovered where you can use your gifts and skills to serve others, you'll have a chance to explore opportunities and get plugged into a ministry that needs you. You will also be challenged to think beyond where you may be comfortable, and to have a servant's heart. - Evangelism - We were made for a mission! If you feel fearful or ill-equipped to communicate your faith to others, you will learn how to share your own story, and develop an effective life mission statement. You'll have a chance to investigate the various missions and outreaches our church is involved in, and see where you might like to serve. What can I expect after completing this journey? After completing the 40 Days of Purpose you should expect to see: - Center - your life on God, not yourself and live a lifestyle of worship for the glory of God, because we were planned for God's pleasure. This begins you complete surrender of you life to Christ. - Connect - ith other believers who experience real fellowship, because we were formed from God's family. - Cultivate - spiritual maturity and godly character, because we were created to become like Christ. This includes developing the habits necessary for spiritual growth. - Contribute - something back by using your gifts in ministry because we were shaped for serving God. This includes discovering your ministry and finding a place in service of Macedonia. - Communicate - God's love to others and develop a heart for the world, because we were made for a mission. |
The PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE Macedonia Members are requested to purchase their copies at Macedonia Baptist Church. Others may order online below: |
"What on earth am I here for?" "What is my purpose?" Those questions confront each one of us. According to Rick Warren, author of the award-winning Purpose-Driven Church, the answer is found in God. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God's plan for us on earth. The Purpose-Driven Life takes the message of The Purpose-Driven Church and shows us how to apply it to our individual lives. By first understanding God's plan for our lives, we can then see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God had in mind for us. Written in a devotional style, The Purpose-Driven Life is divided into 40 short chapters that can be read as a daily devotional, or studied in small groups. |
For Information: Phone: 610-279-6240 Email: mbc40days@email.com |
40 DAYSOFPURPOSE A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE CAMPAIGN |
Join a 40 Days of Purpose Small Group! October 12, 2003, our 40 Days of Purpose Campaign begins, and one of the most impacting aspects of the Campaign is the Purpose Driven Life Small Group Bible Studies. We have a wonderful array of Host Homes, and now is your chance to join a group! Bring a friend and discover the answer to the question, "What on earth am I here for?" This is a great way to connect with friendly people, try out a small group for six weeks, and gain a deeper understanding of God's five purposes for your life. If you need additional information or would like to join a Small Group, telephone Macedonia Baptist Church @ 610.279.6240 or Email us @ mbc40days@email.com. |
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