Our church is doing the "Just Walk Across the Room" Bill Hybels' 4-week study.
"Grander Vision Living means saying yes to people.
It means accepting people with the heart of the Father.
Grander Vision Living means that people are the highest value in life."
*I'm inserting at this point, "After Jesus..."
"People with Grander Vision Living allow nothing to be higher in value than people."
*I'm inserting at this point, "After Jesus..."
"People with Grander Vision Living possess the ability to focus on the fact that every single person they meet is a child of God and is worthy of being redeemed."
*I'm inserting at this point "children of God" are born again into the family. Before salvation they're not children of God.
"People who experience Grander Vision Living have the heart of God for people.
They tell people that the door to the Kingdom of God is open to everyone.
Access is granted. You are welcome here in our fellowship.
Come in and join us. Love, acceptance, and grace await you.
Grander Vision Living means asking the question everyday,
"What’s next God? What do you have for me to do?
Whom can I radically accept today as I wait in joyful anticipation for all that’s to come.""
The pastor today told the story about Matthew, the tax collector.
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth.
"Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with Him and His disciples.
They had a party.
The pastor today also told a story from Tony Campolo.
(Note: I don't care for TC's politics (unless he's changed), nor some of his theology, but it's a good story.)
He was in Hawaii at an overnight coffee shop when some prostitutes came in.
One mentioned it was her birthday the next day and that she had never had a party in her 39 years.
Next night Tony, with the coffee shop owner's assistance, threw a party for the prostitute.
A touching story. A true act of kindness.
Can we be kind without seeking anything in return?
Can we do kind things, then leave the results with God?
Or is there more to it?
I don't just want to smile.
I want people to ask me why I'm smiling.
I'll tell them it's Jesus.
Stab them with a tract, then speak through the wound. (Just kidding.)
Or is it consistently being obedient to His prompts,
trusting Him to "make something out of it"? (Dead serious.)
Years ago one church member said,
"We aren't ready for a whole bunch of new Christians to come in."
We waited for years to be ready.
That church closed.
When are we ever ready?
A friend recently died at age 52.
She touched a lot of people.
There were lots of people at the funeral I didn't know.
She lived "the life" in people's faces.
Her own unique style, unashamedly in love with Jesus.
No, it's not just being kind.
Give a glass of water in Jesus' Name,
but by God's grace and in His timing,
let's make sure they know it's being given... in His Name.
I don't know what it is that makes me love you so
I only know I never want to let you go
cause you've started something
Oh, can't you see?
That ever since we met
You've had a hold on me
It happens to be true
I only want to be with you
It doesn't matter where you go or what you do
I want to spend each moment of the day with you
Oh, look what has happened with just one kiss
I never knew that I could be in love like this
It's crazy but it's true
I only want to be with you
You stopped and smiled at me
And asked if I'd care to dance
I fell into your open arms
And I didn't stand a chance
Now listen .....
I just want to be beside you everywhere
As long as were together..... I don't care
cause you've started something
Oh, can't you see?
That ever since we met
You've had a hold on me
No matter what you do
I only want to be with you
-Dusty Springfield