We often hear, “I am praying for you.” Are those empty words? It depends on who is saying them.

Each local congregation is an expression of the hope of God in Jesus Christ. When we do not use the gifts and resources to testify about Christ, we miss our reason for existence. A congregation that has derailed from its purpose must be confronted with the glorious truths of the gospel. Only the good news of God's salvation can set a wandering church on the right path.

Devastation, heartache, pain, suffering. Those words associate with the world that we know and leave us with a longing for something more. As you see the devastation around you, does your heartbreak? As you look at the twisted trees and missing forests, do you wish that disasters never happened?

God's purpose for us is his mission. God's mission is to bless the world through his people. God has set his affections on us so that through us, he can use our lives to reveals who he is. We are the fabric he uses to weave a tapestry of grace.

Perhaps the most dramatic rescue mission of WW2 is one you've never heard of. Towards the second half of the war, American bombers were sent over Southern Europe to cripple the oil production of the Nazi war machine. Flak from the German anti-aircraft guns cut through most of the American planes forcing many of the airmen to bail. As the crews parachuted down, many expected to be captured or killed.

Criticism usually comes when someone with a bold new idea tries to implement that idea. Those who are brave enough to try something new should be ready to receive criticism. Often, how we receive criticism can expose areas of weakness. Perhaps this is the reason more of us are fine plodding the well-worn paths.

A Legacy church is one that has existed for some time (preferably a century or more) in the same town or district who, since its beginning, has consistently served its community by reminding them of Jesus. The legacy a church has is a gospel legacy.

From a study of 2 Timothy, I give 20 characteristics of a legacy church.

At FBC Newnan, I have the privilege of preaching the Mid-Week service. Preparing for the last sermon in our series this coming Wednesday has given me the opportunity to reflect back on the ground that we have covered. Here is a list of the sermon titles and their Scripture reference.

"I have never done anything that terrible," some might say. They’d be right. We have all done worse. We were responsible for the death of the only perfect one who ever lived – Jesus the spotless lamb of God who came to take away our sin. And this one taught us to pray for forgiveness, and he who taught us to pray for forgiveness will forgive. 

Jesus used Jonah to teach us about his own life. Jesus is God’s mission; Jesus came on a mission for you and for me. In what ways can we learn Christ from Jonah?