Pastor Wayne Cordeiro
November 27, 2011 - W1148

It is good to remember the history and heritage of this church.  Over 16 years ago a group of us got together because we had the desire for God to use us.  Things have grown exponentially but I see the same spirit and heart as in the beginning.  Back then we simply made it up as we went along and it was fun.  If you are obedient to God, He will light your way. There was a time when I received a message that all the hugging at our services was too much so I thought about trying to eliminate that practice.  But I realized that some people don't get hugged at all except at service.  One family said that hugs started their family healing. I felt like God was speaking to me.  Pastor Wayne's vision sparked other people's visions of serving God. Doing Church as a Team has become a slogan but it is more than that - it is a way of life.  It is releasing your unique God-given gifts as part of team of people with different gifts to serve God.  Rejoice that we move on and are much closer to the dream that God intended for us.  This is a mother church designed to be a birthing church.  There are 100 children churches around the world.  Leaders - we call them, build them and send them out.  Carry that spark and pass it on to the 2nd generation.  Relay races are won or lost in the passing of the baton.  We will abandon all for the sake of the call.  Pastor Rod said that the only way we can press forward to become the people God has created us to be is by first abandoning the old—old lifestyles for the sake of the call. In the closing remarks, Tim Savage was asked what he would tell God’s people or really anyone if it were his last day on earth.  His response was, “I think it boils down to what is most important in our lives.  So for the students out there it’s not your grades or for the athletes out there it’s not the sports championship, or those in the workplace it’s not the success in your career or even your families but your relationship with Jesus is all that matters.  It’s about taking Jesus as God’s Son and making Him your personal Lord and Savior. I used to think that it would be a blessing to the church if I served but now I know that it is a blessing to me to serve the church because I get to know Jesus.  It was in serving that I got to know who Jesus really was.  So, my encouragement to you would be number one turn to Jesus and make him your personal Lord and Savior, and number two get out of the stands and come down to the playing field and serve Him with all your heart and you will be blessed more than you would bless.”  It begins with abandoning ourselves.  Who is Jesus to you in your heart?  Maybe you’ve never received Jesus into your heart.  Maybe you’ve been to church or maybe different kinds of churches  or you’ve explored religions but today Jesus by His spirit is prompting you to believe that Jesus is the way-- your way. He is the truth-- your truth to know the Father.  If that is you, pray this prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your only Son Jesus to live and to die on the cross for my life for my sins, and dear Jesus thank you for being obedient to the cross, and I welcome you into my heart. Forgive me of my sins.  I confess you now as my Savior as my Lord come into my life and change me.  Make me a new person from the inside out. I give my heart to you. I am a child of God.  In Jesus name.