Thoughts from Pastor Dave: October 25, 2004

Developing Carl's Character

     In our last episode, I left you pondering the four principles that I believe scripture directs Grace Baptist Church to inculcate in the life of Carl. Those principals are:

1. Carl needs to know God personally (see Matthew 28.19-20)
2. Carl needs to love God whole-heartedly (see Matthew 22.37-39).
3. Carl needs to learn to love others (see Matthew 22.37-39).
4. Carl needs to invite others to know God personally (see Matthew 28.19-20).

     “So, how does Grace help Carl develop a character that reflects these principles?”

     In 1995 Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church, wrote a book entitled, The Purpose Driven Church. If you have read that book you will recognize many of the thoughts in this and my succeeding article. With an open acknowledgement of debt to Warren’s thinking and practice, let the plagiarism begin.

     In this World Series season, our attention is drawn to our American pastime, so it is apropos that Warren chooses a baseball diamond to represent the goal of the life of Christ’s disciples.

     Getting Carl to first base represents a Commitment to Membership in God’s Family; moving Carl to second, a Commitment to Christian Maturity; Carl advances to third by a Commitment to Ministry; and Carl slides into home with a Commitment to Missions. Using this paradigm, let’s examine more closely the skills needed to attain each base.

     As Carl senses God’s call in his life, there are certain things that he must know in order to respond to God personally.

• A clear understanding of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
• How to study the Bible.
• How to spend time with God in prayer.
• The spiritual discipline of giving.
• The importance of a nurturing fellowship within the church body.

     TO BE CONTINUED...

     For His Glory,

      Pastor Dave

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