The secret is out! Wait a minute! The secret has been out…for a long time.
My sermon theme for 2015 is FREEDOM! You can read about it here.
To a still-decimated Christmas break crowd 🙂 , I shared five expectations I/the people at OVCF can expect this year. I took them from Chuck Swindoll’s book The Grace Awakening and modified them to fit my situation. Here are those five expectations:
1. I believe you can expect to gain a greater appreciation for God’s gifts to you and others. We just spent two holidays focusing on God’s gifts to us. One of His greatest gifts if often overlooked-His grace. Let no gift be overlooked.
2. I believe you can expect to spend less time and energy critical of and concerned about other peoples’ choices. While we need to focus on the needs of others, we need to spend less time critical of them. We need to turn the spotlight of God’s Word inward and see our own choices. Getting a grip on GRACE will make us less petty.
3. I believe you can expect to become less judgmental and more tolerant. Be careful how you see this one. Sin is still sin and we must not give in or become more tolerant just because someone says we should. We need to be less focused on externals and desire a deeper, more authentic faith.
4. I believe you can expect a giant step toward spiritual maturity. I am not saying that as one superior because I feel like a dwarf to some. But I can attest to the giant leap forward in ’94-’95 when I read a book called Wisdom Hunter (a review is coming) and the subsequent drive to learn more about grace.
5. I believe you can expect God’s Word to be peeled back like an onion, and along with that, your own life. One layer at a time the Bible will shine its light on you.
Those were the five expectations for 2015. I have encouraged the folks to keep the study sheet in front of them and pray for these to happen. December 31 will find a different people than January 4th. Why don’t you join us?
My next post will be a living, breathing example of grace extended to me just this past weekend.
Sounds like an awesome set of truths to unpack and beat into folk’s heads! I look forward to reading about your approach, your thoughts, and your results.
Hopefully there will be unpacking but not beating…least not too much. 🙂 Hopefully the result will be a good one.
I like it, Bill. I think we set our expectations far too low. They should be high.
thanks Larry. I hadn’t really given that much thought. Great perspective.
Hi Bill! This is wonderful! And it’s so positive and hopeful too. Of course, I’ll join you on this wonderful path in 2015. I look forward to your wisdom, and to the reactions of your flock too. I’m sure they are excited to take this trip with you too.
Happiest of New Years to you and yours my friend!
Ceil
I welcome your “joining me” Ceil. Any wisdom I have will be a “shared” wisdom. It will come from other sources as well as any I may have. 🙂 Praying for a good new of JOY for you.
Great expectations, indeed! Count me in! 🙂
Welcome Martha! 🙂
Too many people have fallen by the wayside in their faith through a focus on being critical of others. I’ve seen it happen to close friends, and it’s a painful reality. Focusing on needs is so key in this instead of focusing on other people’s choices, appearances, etc. Also, when I find myself getting critical of others, it’s always an indication of something “off” spiritually in my life. All of the expectations are terrific, btw, but this one jumped out to me.
I agree Kari. We tend to look at others and either feel superior or feel inferior. I can also agree with your “off” statement. It should be a wake up call.
Hmmmm, I’m expecting this to be a great year for OVCF. Love the sound of your heart my friend!
Nice to know someone hears it beating Jay. Especially someone whom I look up to.
Great words and such truth, Bill! I am convinced that the learning of the real meaning and depth of GRACE is crucial to living the Christian life. When we know we need it, did nothing to earn it, long to receive it, and finally accept it – well, then God can get to work!!
GOD BLESS!
i agree Sharon and I am hoping that a year long study will allow people to live in freedom.
Would prefer to sit in your church and listen but will settle for reading and listening online.
I would be honored if you would be here Betty. I would love to hear and meet you and Ace. I will look forward to any input you might give.
#5 is what excites me most. I hope the same for all of us!
That is what I want Loren.
Sounds fantastic. Very excited about living in Freedom (even more!) (Inside joke, but very serious) 🙂
I wish you guys were here my friend. ‘Course you already know that.
For those who don’t know: Peter & his family are a vital part of OVCF. Stephanie’s mother is going through chemo in Nashville, TN so they are temporarily living there. And for the inside joke: they live in Freedom, IN. 🙂
I believe!!! Preach it preacher… I’ll turn the pages!
I think you can do as good a job as me Floyd. I’ll turn your pages.