Why Are We Here Why Are We

Why Are We Here?

Why Are We Here?

Each Individual is created for a Reason Psalm 139: 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139: 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

What is that Reason - Our Mission? Matthew 22: 36 -40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? ” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. ” This is our Mission – to love God and to love our neighbours. So when we are doing our mission we are being missional.

Who is our Neighbour?

My Bad Example 1) My level of interaction – zero 2) Insights from Jamaican Dave 3) A great day – Off to the Dump

Bradford Stats Population +30, 000 Growing 4% per year (province is growing at 1. 5%) The largest household group is households with children – 48% (higher then provincial average) 20% of the population is 15 or under (17% is the Ontario average) Portuguese population is 7% of the total Conclusion: Bradford is growing fast and the primary growth group is young families

So if our neighbourhood is Bradford – which group should we be focused on?

But why do we need to focus – shouldn’t we be focused on everyone? • Jesus knew the power of focus – his ministry was focused on the Jews • Even the disciples were focused on the Jews. • Mathew 10: 5 -6 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. • The Garden Hose vs Power Washer – you choose • Limited resources demand priority calls

OK – But where do I start? BBC events that are designed to help you get experience to become more Missional God in the City Events.

God in the City The Vision: To create congregational opportunities to bless the young families of Bradford. So that individuals can learn how to be missional and bring those skills to ministries that God leads them into. Strategies: 1) Partner with other churches in town to create a calendar of events that bless the community 2) Partner with the town to bless the community

Events • • • Family Fun Fest (Community Church) Great Give Away (BBC) Be the Blessing (BBC) Sportscamp (Presbyterian Church – was BBC) Carrotfest (town)

A verse to confirm Romans 15: 8 b If you love your neighbour, you will fulfill the requirement’s of God’s law. The interesting thought here is – if you love your neighbour as yourself – it prevents you from breaking the commandments 5 - 10. 5. Honour your father and mother 6. Thou shalt not kill 7. Thou shall not commit adultery 8. Thou shalt not steal 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbour 10. Thou shalt not covet

But What about my Needs? Observations on How God works : 1) When I focus on my needs – they never get met – in fact I discover more and get more stressed and distracted. 2) When I am in pain – emotional, physically , mentally etc. – that greatest healing comes from helping people who are in the same place. Makes no sense to me but it is true 3) God blesses us when we do his will – I don’t mean stuff gets added to our pile in heaven. It happens right now. • If you tithe you have a much greater chance of having financial stability • If you help others if has an positive effect on your health and well being • When you pray for people – especially your enemies that peace you receive is real • When your forgive people it improves you emotions and health

We Need to Be a Positive Force The Church for too long has been the source of rules – and we have seen our role as pointing out moral issues and faults. It is time to love like Jesus did, build up your neighbour – join him in his effort, share in his pain, support him. The Holy Spirit can convict people – Let’s let people see how amazing life in Christ is!!! General Colin Powell "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. "

So Are you Ready for the Tough Questions? How Many Friends do you have that are not Christians? Do you spend time with them regularly? Would they call you for help if they were in Trouble? - Greg Bauer

More Tough Questions 90% of Church Growth happens from people at a church inviting their friends to come. When was the last time you invited a friend to church or a church event?

More Tough Questions We just finished Family Week and we created the be a Blessing Event to Lead to that week. The final step was to do something for a neighbour or non-christian friend - Did you do it?

If you Feel Stuck A couple of truths that can unblock you: 1. You don’t have to wait for an apology to forgive. 2. It is not other people’s job to love you – it is yours Remember the verse love your neighbour as yourself

Applications 1. Join God in the City Team 2. If you did not complete your Be the Blessing activity – DO IT 3. Start connecting with neighbours – maybe start by waving hello 4. Start thinking about – How could I be A blessing to a young family. 5. Join the God in the City Events

Conclusion We often don’t stop and think about the biggest questions in life. One of the bigger ones is Why Am I Here – if you believe in evolution it is easier, Because if everything is here by a big cosmic accident then the questions is irrelevant But there is a deep nagging in our soul that tells us there is more to it then a cosmic Accident. Every Soul is placed on earth with a divine purpose – we are uniquely made and Supremely important. We don’t need to struggle with self –esteem – you see that fact when you open yourself up to God’s love. You are worthy of creation and worthy of love so don’t disagree with God!!! We are the eyes, hands and feet that help others understand that. Let’s be what God wants us to be