We have a choice: we can become a social club where we all look alike, talk alike, and feel good about ourselves when we leave a Sunday service.  Or we can, "let [our] light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven."

In Christ, all things are new but just to be sure and put it to rest, have a talk with Jesus. He’s always available.

Know when to fight and when to withdraw.  Know when to get away to renew.  Our Savior cares about souls and bodies, so don’t withhold asking Him about anything.  Begin with what you have and trust Him to do the rest.  God just might do the miracle through you.

Point people to Jesus.  The gospel is lived, yes.  But the gospel (the good news) becomes the gospel when spoken.

Don’t be surprised if God begins to refine our church so He can use us to breathe life into our city.  God’s love is refining and life-giving.  God’s love will not flow through you until He changes you.

God loves people that don’t love Him back…and so should we.

Church, there is a purpose.  God has given us a mission, but God has also given us a specific calling.  There is a purpose, there is a call, there is a power greater than me.  God’s calling is worth giving my life to.  God is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think or can even imagine.  What if we lived as if that were true?

The only way to receive grace is to admit you need it.  Crush the idol of self-righteousness: “God owes me.”  Crush the idol of faith in religious practices: “God will do things for me.”  Crush the idol of secret sins that keep us from coming back.  Those sins we love so much we won’t let go of.  “I need this to satisfy.  I need this.”  You need grace.  The only way to encounter grace is to admit it, believe it, and crush anything that keeps you from it.