Rick returned from a 3 month sabbatical this week. He spent his time in the sermon reflecting on the experience. He realized again while he was away how desperately he needed the gospel as much as any other person at Imago Dei. The most important thing for us to do as a follower of Christ is not to share our faith. It is not to go oversees and serve Jesus. It is not going to bible college. The most important thing to do as a Christian (in the fullest sense of the word) is to believe that God loves you. Amazing as it sounds, this is an easy step to start skipping while we do lots of other “christian” stuff. As soon as we skip the most important step, we get onto the ugly route of religion. We start trying to earn God’s approval...or worse, other people’s approval. It is much easier for all of us to be needed than loved. As Rick re-enters into his role as our leader, he is calling us to remember the most important thing: God loves you!

Galatians 2:20