Because of this I am excited that Sunday we will look at the 3rd essential of our ParkwayHills LIFEgroup, which is, "Spiritual Growth." For certainly I know that if we are to be really 'transformed in Christ', this can only occur by our being personally related to God through Christ, and continue as we encounter TRUTH through His Word, build RELATIONSHIPS with each other, GROW together in knowledge, grace and service, and as we INFLUENCE others with what we have because we, well.... have it.
Brad fixed a leak in my pool this week. Brad graduated from Lewisville High School in 1991, and has been in the pool repair or plumbing business ever since. He and I talked both times that he came - not a lot, but enough. Enough for me to know his wife's name, the age of his son, where he lives and what his dreams are. He also learned that what I do as a career is a calling, and that I absolutely want to see him come to faith in Christ. When Brad and I parted the other day, I prayed for him - out loud and standing in my back yard. Of course he thanked me for the prayer, but for you who are reading this today I simply MUST add this - I did not earn the right to pray for him because I was the customer and he the vendor. No, not at all. It was because I took the time to listen to Brad and learn of him so that he might learn of someone else from me.
Which brings me to this, I think that real spiritual growth - the kind we all should have - produces influence. Not an influence gotten from power, but an influence that stems from grace. Influence that loves, that saves, and that cries from the cross as loudly today as it did 2000 years ago, 'Father forgive them', for they really 'just don't know'.
Till Sunday, then -
Pastor Sam
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