Currently, we are
studying through Matthew’s account of the Beatitudes. Listen here. As we’ve been discussing,
each of the eight Beatitudes describe for us the character of a true believer
and follower of Jesus Christ. It’s all about having the right attitude about Jesus
and His kingdom. This series is a great lead-in to helping us examine and
evaluate who we are as
Christians and who we
are as God’s people, the church. Scripture teaches that we are to be about Loving
God, Loving Others, and Making Disciples. Our staff
has adopted that as our Vision Statement for Green Hill. That is who we are as
Christians and as a church. The question then becomes, how do we go about doing
that? It begins with growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ. We need to make
sure that we are growing and maturing in our faith.
I recently heard a quote
from Pastor Johnny Hunt who said this, “When you’re full of Jesus, you can
serve Him more accidentally than many do purposely.” I believe he’s on to
something. When growing in our walk with the Lord becomes the all-consuming
focus and passion of our life; when we realize that Jesus has not just given us
life, but that He is our life (Colossians 3:4); when we find ourselves
hungering and thirsting for righteousness, then we will serve Him faithfully and
obediently. We will accomplish more for the kingdom by accident (so-to-speak)
than many do on purpose.
I really believe that
when growing and maturing in our faith becomes the driving passion of our life,
we won’t have to search to find Sunday School teachers, committee workers, and
outreach/mission volunteers. In fact, we won’t have to encourage people to
faithfully attend worship, tithe to the work of ministry, and use their gifts
and talents in service to the Lord. You can’t make people “want to” obey and
serve, you just have to pray and ask the Holy Spirit of God to arrest their
heart and affections for His purpose and His glory. When that happens, a love
for God will result in a desire to grow and mature in faith.
As your pastor, my
desire is to lead our church in the pursuit of Loving God, Loving Others, and
Making Disciples. This is the foundational purpose of Green Hill University. I
want to encourage everyone to participate in up-coming GHU courses; Discover
Green Hill and Bible Study Basics which begin Sunday, September 7th.
These courses are designed to help us lay a foundation for growing and maturing
in our walk with the Lord.
It’s a joy and privilege
to serve as your pastor and to grow with you in faith. Let us continue Loving
God, Loving Others, and Making Disciples.
Serving and Growing
Together,
Pastor Brett
