I've called the sermon series Being Church on Purpose. You've all heard the old axiom that if you aim for nothing you'll hit it every time (an axiom that seems to be attributed to Zig Ziglar). It's easy for us to become a bit aimless in life; we go about our daily business and the urgent needs that arise, but we often forget about the big picture of our lifelong goals and purpose. Well, the local church can struggle with the same issue. Week after week we have worship, we gather for various programs and activities, and we try to keep things going. But in the midst of all that activity, I think churches can be lulled into a bit of a purpose slumber; churches forget what they are really supposed to be about; they lose sight of Jesus' vision for the Kingdom of God; they lose steam on the mission of God. That's why we're taking this month of September to focus our eyes and hearts on the purpose that God has given to First Presbyterian Church, Fresno: to engage together in Christ's work of making disciples for the redeeming transformation of our city and world.
If you've missed either of the past two Sundays, I hope you'll take some time to listen to the sermons online. And, I hope you'll make a point of being in worship these coming few weeks as we continue to examine the biblical foundations for our purpose. In October, I'll be starting a new sermon series on the book of Joshua called Moving into New Territory.
There are a few important opportunities for us to engage together in the coming weeks that I want to bring to your attention.
- For the next two Sundays (9/21 & 9/28), during the Education Hour (9:40), I'll be teaching about baptism. Baptism has been part of the Christian movement since the beginning, but it has been the source of much disagreement in the church for the last 500 years. I don't plan to unravel all of that in a few hours, but I do plan to discuss our Reformed view of baptism. If you've ever wondered why we practice baptism for adults and children, or why baptism is always connected with church membership, or if we have something against immersion baptism, or what we believe baptism is about, this two week class is for you.
- On Friday evening, September 26, we've decided to gather for a worship and prayer service. It will be in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. I believe that this is an important time for prayer together as a church. My prayer list, under the heading of First Presbyterian Church Fresno, is full of important needs: the Harabedian family, our students, the new Children's Ministry Director, leaders for Community Groups, growing deep and wide, etc. And my prayer list about needs in our city and world is also full of important local and global needs. I know I'm not the only one who is sensing that there are many needs to be lifted up to the Lord. Let's do that together. Please mark your calendars for Friday night the 26th. Let's worship and pray together.
Today, as I met with other pastors from downtown Fresno, I was deeply encouraged by the work the Lord is doing in our city through His Church. May you be encouraged today as well. Christ is building His Church, and nothing - not even death - is going to stop Him.
Blessings,
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