Ever meet someone who makes engages you from the very first moment?  It's as if they have known you their entire life and consider you one of their closest friends.  Sometimes we encounter those people who never seem to meet a stranger.  But then there are others of us who are more reserved, quiet, shy, and who are not comfortable with people beyond their immediate circle of influence.  In the kingdom of God both are vital.

In considering Jesus, we find that @ times he was outgoing to crowds and strangers, and then @ others he was more reserved and withdrawn with a select few.  But in all cases, He used His life to connect people to His Father!  As we discussed yesterday in the sermon, Jesus connected with people from all walks of life, and He used whatever opportunity He had to meet their greatest need, the need for a living relationship with His Father!

In case you missed it, I encourage you to go back and look at how Jesus dealt with people.  There is deep meaning for us today as modern day Christ Followers @ Calvary!   Look again below at the lives we discussed yesterday, and you can see how Jesus turned them around!  Why?  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life! (John 3:16)

1. Wedding @ Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11) – Celebration of being with Christ


2. Samaritan Woman (John 4:7-42) – The Kingdom of God has No Boundaries

3. Healing the Royal Officials Son (John 4:46-53) – Faith In Christ Leads To Life

4. Healing of the Lame Man (John 5:5-9) – Christ Has the Power over Life

5. Feeding the Multitudes (John 6:5-14) – Jesus is the Bread of Life

6. Forgiving the Adulteress (John 8:1-11) – Jesus is the Truth that Sets People Free

7. Sight Given to the Blind Man (John 9:1-7) – Jesus is the Light of the World

8. Raising Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-45) – Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life

9. The Greatest Fishing Trip (John 21:1-11) – Jesus Makes us Fishers of Men

As you can see, we are all in the business of being Christ followers.  We are all people people, even if we may not think of ourselves as a people person.  The point is, we must use whatever moments and influence we have to draw those around us to the only one who can change their lives.  WE VALUE PEOPLE BECAUSE JESUS VALUES PEOPLE!
 
~Michael~ 
 

I'm pumped about tomorrow @ Calvary. We launch into 2 awesome discipleship ministries to help everyone connected with the Calvary family begin a deliberate growth process in their walk with Christ. Tomorrow morning is the beginning of JUMPSTART! That is our worship and growth ministry for children that will be going on while all the adults are in "Big Church." There is an incredible team of talented individuals who will be leading all children through some awesome small group lessons and a high energy worship experience with their friends. Be sure to get the kids checked in by 10:30! They will not want to miss a moment.

Also we begin our Life Groups! We are pulling out all stops (and excuses...lol) to provide an opportunity for every adult of every age to connect with other adults in walking the Christ Life. We will begin a jouney through the book Crazy Love that will challenge each of us to understand the power of God's love. The groups meet in a variety of time frames and venues, so it should be easy to find the opportunity that best helps you connect with other people for growth and ministry. No one of us can walk the Christian life alone, so make sure to find your place with a Life Group.

P.S. Speaking of family...way to go Jimbo and Audrea! They now have a new member in their house...Mr. Charles Cash Stewart. He was born on 9-9-09, and he is a great looking baby! I'm thinking we need to go ahead and start recruiting him for LSU football...he is a big boy...and they could use all the help they can get...lol. Love you guys!

~Pastor Michael~