Partnering

This year, our church family is examining the topic of “What God wants”. First, we studied the book of Micah to learn the context of our theme verse, Micah 6:8, where God gives us a glimpse into what is good in His eyes. We are “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.”

Next, we moved to the New Testament book of James. In this letter, that reads like a series of “tweets”, the half brother of Jesus demonstrates the practical nature of a faith that works. It is a vibrant faith lived out in a group of followers of Jesus. God has a lifestyle for us to enjoy and emulate to others.

Now, in the fall of 2018, we learn that God wants us to enjoy a life of partnership. We usually think of what God wants of us. While that is important, it may be better to consider what God has for us as the basis on which we do something for Him. So, in the next 3 months we will look at what God has for us and how that helps us do what He wants of us.

Imagine that you have a family business. You, your spouse, or siblings invest time, energy, and money into this endeavor. As your children reach the age where they can participate, they join you in the joys and opportunities of operating your own business. As they mature, they become full-fledged partners. Further growth and expansion are possible.

“What God Wants” is like that. He has embarked on a great endeavor by creating all things so that He might bless all of humanity through His mercy, grace, and love. As owner and Lord, He superintends all things. Since God enrolled Adam and Eve as stewards of the earth, He has been enlisting people into His expanding Kingdom work. He calls us to be partners in His family venture of gathering a people to be His own possession and spreading His loving and righteous reign on earth.

Our relationship with Jesus is an intimate one of mutual abiding. It is also a partnership in which we work together. According to John 15:15, because we are Jesus’ friends, we can know God’s business, or what He is doing. Our Lord calls us as His people into a partnership with Him and each other. “What God Wants” is for us to partner with Him in this family business, community project, and kingdom endeavor.

September through November we will engage the following ten aspects of partnering with God. Based on what He brings to the venture, we can have a meaningful life together!

Because God

1. Is trustworthy, we can have confidence
2. Reveals Himself, we can enjoy relationships
3. Provides hope, we can have expectation
4. Empowers us, we can be faithful
5. Transforms people, we can be optimistic
6. Loves, we can love God
7. Shows mercy and grace, we can love others
8. Advances His plan, we can live with purpose
9. Will right everything, we expect a good ending
10. Is making all things new, we can enjoy eternity