Multiplying Ourselves in 2011

This past Sunday we spent some time focusing on the vision for our church in 2011 based on the first chapter of Acts. If you missed it please listen to the message on the Sequoia site. In these important words of Scripture penned by Luke under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we see a faith community that Connects to God, Grows with Others, and Serves the World. These early believers become friends with God who are forever changed by the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. These believers are also committed to one another, growing in friendship and maturity as they yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit in character and conduct. We also see them embrace the mandate of Jesus to “be His witnesses”, to proclaim and demonstrate the grace of God, in their city, their region, and beyond. These early followers serve and give of themselves unselfishly because they have experienced the “Kingdom within” – the overwhelming transforming power of God. But what I find most striking about these early believers is that they multiplied themselves in the lives of others. They were “multiplying disciples” in that they were people who were disciples who helped others become disciples, who in turn multiplied themselves in the lives of others etc.

This is the heart of who we want to be as a people at Sequoia in 2011 – we want to multiply ourselves in the lives of others. So how can you be a multiplier this year? If you have a relationship with God how can you help someone else connect to God? Maybe it starts with having a conversation or inviting them to church. If you have grown in your relationship with God how can you pour your life into another person this year to help them mature in Christ? If you are serving, giving, or leading how can you help someone else serve, give, or lead so others are empowered and blessed by the gifts of the body. Let’s commit to multiply ourselves this year and believe that God will do amazing things in us and through as we give ourselves away for His glory!

Blessings, Pastor Ryan

PS. I will not be with you the next two Sundays because on the 16th I will be away with Joshua on a Father/ Son hockey getaway. The following Sunday (23rd) I will be in the Dominican Republic with our Sequoia Mission Team. I look forward to being with you again on January 30th. Pastor Rick will give an important message on Jan. 16th entitled Why Sequoia? and Pastor Donna will start a new series entitled Reality Jesus on Jan. 23rd. You won’t want to miss either service!