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Powhatan Mennonite Church P.O. Box 220, 3540 Old Buckingham Rd. Powhatan, Virginia 23139-0220
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What In the World Are We Here For? by Preston Nowlin Philosophers,
historians, sociologists and anthropologists have studied that question
scientifically. Theologians and other religionists have asked the question from
a religious standpoint. Those of us
who are not trained in these disciplines often ask ourselves the same question.
We go on quests to find ourselves or to find the purpose of life and we
dig in areas moral and immoral to find the answers. All
of these quests overlook the fact that our Father in Heaven has been gracious
enough to give us the answer to the question to “reveal the mystery that has
been hidden to the ages,” which is Christ Jesus in us, our hope of glory.
So often we have, in our turn, obscured His answer to the question by
thinking and speaking in religious talk, which sounds good but gives little
direction. Of
course, when we don’t know our purpose in life, our lives have a large element
of meaninglessness. We wander from
pillar to post trying to find a place to go to work, but we find none.
Or we find some fad, some wind of doctrine that blows us to and fro and
we call it being a Christian or being a good person or being relevant.
Then when we stop for a moment and review our whirlwind of activity that
still, small voice speaks to our heart and says, “You’ve missed the
point,” and we go to work all the harder to try to satisfy the still, small
voice. Pastor Tim called that
legalism in his sermon last Sunday. It
is deadly and it can smother us. So,
what then? Do we wait for some
inspiration from on high? Do we
redouble our efforts? No!
We stop and together listen to the Lord as He guides us by His Word.
When we come together in one accord and seek the Lord through His Word,
we will find Him and His answer to the question,
“What in the world am I here for?” Our
Spiritual Leadership have called for just such a time for us.
During the forty days from October 2 to November 17 this fall, we are
being called together to answer just that question.
That season is being called “A Season of Renewal and Growth” and we
will center our thoughts on the question, using the scriptures and a book
entitled The Purpose Driven Life by Rick
Warren of Saddleback Church in California. The Purpose Driven Life is not the
answer to the question. Rather it is
a tool we will use together as we study the Word.
It is a powerful tool and I have heard it quoted from the pulpit, in
Sunday School class, at the Saturday morning men’s prayer and in many
conversations. I have been studying
the book for the last six months and it has often guided me to ask questions of
myself to which the Scriptures have given the answers. During
the forty days, most of our fellowship activities will be devoted to this study.
Sunday School classes, weekly Home Group meetings, (Care Groups will not
meet during this time and will start up on January 1, 2006) and preaching will
be based on God’s Word as He teaches us our life purposes. A
prayer group has been formed to seek God’s will for the way we are to work
together in the Season of Renewal and Growth.
Also a communications group is being formed to enable us to be on board
together during the Season. Will
you pray for this Season? Will you
adjust your calendar for maximum participation?
Will you commit to be a part of the fellowship during the Season of
Renewal and Growth? The
“Season of Renewal and Growth” will be under the direction of Pastor Tim
Kennell. I will be assisting him in
planning and legwork. If you have
any questions, ask one of us and we will seek an answer.
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For questions or comments you may email the pastor at timbev2@yahoo.com or the webmaster at hffinc@i-c.net |