God has expectations of us. Does this surprise you? It shouldn't. In the letter to the Hebrews we find this word of instruction, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10) God has been planning to use your gifts, talents, passions, and experiences since the foundation of the world. He expects much from us because he has given us much. (Luke 12:48)
The problem for most of us is that we don't realize who we are in Christ Jesus so we don't expect much from ourselves or from other Christians. We accept casual attendance, weak prayers, selfish attitudes and shallow giving because we set our sites too low. We mistakenly think that getting saved is all that the Christian life is about when getting saved is only the beginning of all that God has in store for us. We fail to realize what we have been saved to do. God's plan for us from long ago was not for us to live like everyone else in our culture and occasionally go to church. He has strategically positioned us to be his ambassadors to a lost and hurting world.
At my church we truly believe that God has high expectations of us. They are realistic because He promises to empower us and equip us for the tasks He assigns. As a result, we have created a climate of expectation within our church family. We expect each other to pray for our church, our city, and our world. We expect each other to attend worship, Bible study, and fellowship events. We expect each other to give financially to the work God has given us to accomplish and we expect each other to serve where God has gifted us.
I believe God wants every church to create a climate of expectation for its staff and membership. I believe He has much in store for Third New Hope Baptist. Let's not set our sites too low. Rather, let's expect God to do amazing things in and through us as we commit our lives to him. Thanks for the hospitality and kindness you have shown me. Pastor John Schmidt
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3 comments:
Dear Pastor Schmidt,
First I want to thank you for taking the time to visit our church and sharing with us the wonderful teachings on how to become a good Christian. It has been particularly helpful for me. I have been a member of Third New Hope for about 6 years. However, until Pastor Branch and the Church began discussing this Transforming lives program, I knew something was missing but did not know what it was. While I know I have so much further to go, I believe I am on the right path. Thank you again
This has been an eye opening experience for me this pass two days, I can hardly wait until Friday. Thank you Pastor Schmidt in advance for being real and making it plain for all to see that we are all " a work in progress" and throught the reading and teaching of the "treasures of the transformed life" we can be a better people, and a better church. I believe when a family of faith gathers together it is right and good.
Pastor Schmidt,
You have truely been a blessing to our church. I want to thank you for using your gift of teaching and preaching to spread the word amongst our congregation. I have truely enjoyed making a new brother in Christ. Many blessings to you and your church. Let your church know that your new family love all of you.
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