Not A Fan-"An Open Invitation"

For the next 3 days, I plan to share a paragraph from the book, Not A Fan, by Kyle Idleman. During these posts, I hope to encourage and challenge our thoughts and actions based on the selected paragraph. I would encourage you to pick up the book and start reading. I have actually included it as part of a Sunday School class I am teaching.

It's important to understand that the grace of God doesn't simply invite us to follow . . . it teaches us to follow. Just because Matthew left his past behind and started following didn't mean he was perfect. Far from it. Even after we decide to follow Jesus, we continue to need his grace for the journey. There are plenty of days where I find myself living as a fan, but each morning I receive the same grace-filled invitation that Jesus spoke to Matthew: "Follow me." (Idleman, 125)
As I read these words today, I was reminded of the "Amazing Grace" we sing about. Grace is not just for the person far from God, but is needed moment by moment for each of us. We see in these words how important it is to stay connected to God. We also notice that Jesus did not seek perfection. So, why then, do we try and act perfect when we gather with other Christians? Let's be real and admit our need of grace rather than strive so hard to be perfect. This would truly change the world's view of Christians. And let us always remember the all are invited to follow Jesus. We too can respond to the same invitation given to Matthew.

Check back tomorrow for another paragraph about passionate pursuit.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sermon Notes-"Transitional Thoughts"

Introduction: As I was thinking and praying about what to share during my final sermon on staff, I began to think of the transition that I am making as well as the church.   We as pastors have been consistently focused on three priorities over the last several years: prayer, worship and equip.   So, even though I may no longer be on staff in a few weeks at this church, as a member of this church I believe just as strongly that Hesston MB needs to continue to be about these priorities in the days ahead.   However, the more I prayed about it, the more I realized that to get to these priorities, we as a church also had to make some transitions so that is why I am entitling this message “Transitional Thoughts”.   Transition is defined as “the process or an instance of changing from one form, state, activity, or place to another.” Educate to Equip- Ephesians 4:11-16 ·          What is the difference?   o    To educate the focus is information; to equip the focus is transformation o
Read more

Sermon Notes "Plans" based on Acts 10:24-48

Introduction: I would like you to think about the word “plans”. Write down on your bulletin some plans you have for: this week, summer, your future, etc.   I am a planner so I love to know what is going to happen.   Yet we also need to keep in mind a Scripture from Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” We are going to see from the story of Peter and Cornelius, two great leaders who had plans yet God had a different plan and purpose for them and for others. Prepared- vs. 24-29 ·          Vs. 23-24-Peter and Cornelius have visions (10:1-23) o    Peter is told not to call common what God has made clean (15). As Peter is trying to figure out what it means, some men come and find him. o    Cornelius is told to call for a man named Peter and is given his location and he sends his servants to find him. o    Peter makes preparations and goes to Caesarea, Cornelius gets ready for his guests and invites his close fr
Read more