"Change the World" Recovering the Mission and Message of Jesus January 8, 2012 until we get done! Using Mike Slaughter's text of the same name, we're digging deeper into our missional calling. We call ourselves Christians, followers of Christ, so we must be about the work of learning Jesus' heart and doing what he would be doing if he were physically present today. Quoting the last paragraph of our text's introduction: "The business of the church is to engage and empower disciples of Jesus in meeting the needs and closing the gaps of disparities for the least of these. The world will see the relevancy of the gospel when the people of Jesus fully embrace and live the biblical mandate to love like Jesus. John Wesley called it the demonstration of "social holiness". The church too often suffers from a numbers neurosis. Let's quit worrying about the numbers in the pews and begin to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our homes, our communities, and the outermost places of the world. It is time for the church to rediscover and reclaim the message and mission of Jesus!" "Financial Peace University" September 11 through December 4, 2011 "A Life God Rewards" "World Changers: Live to Serve"
February 20 through April 3, 2011 2,000 years ago, the greatest World-Changer who ever lived walked the
dusty roads of Galilee and changed the world...forever. 200 years ago, a man named William Wilberforce took a stand against the slave trade in England and changed his world…forever. Today, you have a chance to change your world...forever! Your influence on the world begins and ends with you, and the decisions you make to invoke positive change. People often want to make a redemptive difference in our society. Given your personal circumstances, how can you effect real change like Wilberforce did some 200 years ago?Not everyone is called to do something of that magnitude, however we all can do something simple at home, at work, at church, in our communities and, if some choose, in different parts of the world. At the same time, we all need to do something bigger than ourselves to effect real change. The KickoffOn February 19th, we will kick off our study with Dinner and a Movie where we'll fellowship over dinner, then watch the film, "Amazing Grace." Following the film, we'll enjoy a brief discussion and introduction to the seven-week class.The Book We will use the book, "World Changers: Live to Serve" during this study. In this encouraging and inspiring book, Bob Beltz and Walt Kallestad identify the seven characteristics that helped William Wilberforce change the world and show how they apply to you today: Pardon - Seeking atonement for past mistakes. Purpose - Finding direction in our lives. Passion - Uncovering a lifetime of motivation. Power - Drawing on the Ultimate Power Source. Partners - Getting help from like-minded people. Prayer - Asking God for what we need. Persistence - Pursuing our goals relentlessly. The StudyIn this study, we will use the wisdom of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount to explore the life, faith, and vision of the great 19th century British reformer, William Wilberforce. Wilberforce believed that he and his circle of friends were called by God to pursue two "great objects:" the abolition of the slave trade, and the reformation of society. After decades of defeat, the slave trade was finally abolished, and along the way, Wilberforce and his friends launched more than 65 social reforms including the first animal welfare society, the first Bible society, free education, and laws to protect children and reform prisons. Upon completion of the study, our class will participate in a "Serve Day Project" to put our faith and our new-found knowledge to work.What "great objects" are you most passionate about? What would it take to be a word-changer in your work, church, and neighborhood? This study is for anyone who wants to make a difference in their world, but needs encouragement or direction. Changing the world is easier than you think! One person at a time! Join us! |
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FaithKeepers Sunday School Class
Subpages (1):
The "Helping Hands" of Peaches Skinner
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