Toongabbie Anglican Church Blog

Weekly Blurb

Vision and focus

Sunday 27 January, 2002 · Posted by Neil Atwood

We always associate new year with resolutions - promises that we make to ourselves, and then break just as quickly! This year was probably no different for you, but I want to suggest that we do make this year a little different - at least as far as our Christian life is concerned.

Philip has alluded to our desire for a fresh vision and focus for our life as a community of God’s people, and now this year is upon us, it’s time to move forward!

This week and next, we will hear from Archbishop Peter Jensen as he challenges us as evangelical Christians to have a 'deep impact' in our community for the gospel.

That will be followed by an exciting sermon and Bible studies in Romans - the letter that Paul wrote that absolutely overflows with passion for the gospel and its preaching. All good in itself, but hopefully, some of that passion will rub off on us - but what can we do to help make that happen?

First, let me say that you can be passionate about the gospel even though you consider yourself quite unlike Paul in terms of your spiritual gifts. The passion Paul has comes from his understanding of the power the gospel has - power to save people and transform lives. We can share in this passion because hopefully, we know of that power in our own lives!

Secondly, we can commit to reading and studying Romans, encouraging each other week by week in church and our study groups. This fellowship in learning together is a powerful tool God can use to build us up and equip us for the work he has prepared for us.

Thirdly, well this is actually the most important, which is why I've saved it until last: Prayer. That doesn't sound very 'active', but it is vital and we'll be setting up some structures shortly to help us all pray more effectively. In the meantime, be assured God is wanting to use each and every one of us in the ways he has gifted us, to further the cause of the gospel. Pray that he would. Pray, and commit to making yourself available to him and ask that God will bring many people to himself through the power of the gospel!

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