Grander Vision Living

Becoming a “Just Walk Across the Room” people causes us to look at the bigger picture …

Thousands of years ago, He lived out this “Grander Vision” concept — prioritizing people above all else, seeking out potential in everyone He met, and taking action to draw them toward His Father.

When Jesus Resurrected He basically said, What I’ve done, I now want you to do! Abandon your lesser visions in favor of living life the way I intended . . . with one eye on me, one eye on the people I love, and a heart that beats fast for kingdom-building activity.

Are we living in the light of reality that the only things you can take to heaven are the people whose lives you touch! Throw your one and only life — all of your energies, your resources, your passions— into making a difference with people, and you will one day say, ‘Now that was a life well-lived!

At its core, Grander Vision Living means allowing other pursuits to fall away in order to focus on the priority that is nearest to the heart of God. And when you choose to pursue the Grander Vision, you will be partnering with God in the most magnificent mission imaginable: FINDING people far from God, RESTORING what’s broken, and RECLAIMING what’s His.

This Sunday we’ll gather together to sing, pray and proclaim the riches of God’s Word as we consider how to be a “Walk Across the Room” believer. So many stories are being born of people far from God coming to faith as believers take steps of faith in loving and sharing the Good News!

Hermitage Campus:

8:15 Small Group Bible Study

9:30 Worship Service

11:00 Small Group Bible Study

Rayon City:

9:30 Small Group Bible Study

11:00 Worship Service

The Power of Story

When we honestly look around at the impact the Christian community is having on a world full of people far from God … what do we see? Churches on every corner. A lot of religious activity. Christian movies … bookstores … music … and gathering places. But how much of that is impacting a world separated from God’s love?

When believers communicate the Gospel … how is it received? Do we truly communicate with blessing or with judgement? Do we give a list of do’s and don’ts or is it more about grace and mercy?

Words are powerful and the way we use them can bring blessing or cursing. Let me ask you to take a moment before Sunday and read James 3. The tongue is a small part of the body but if we are not careful it can create such confusion and chaos.

This Sunday we’ll talk about the Power of Story. As a believer you have the most powerful story about God’s love to share. You’ve experienced it personally. Remember that day you asked Christ to forgive you and give you a new beginning? It was life changing. It was a moment when God stepped out of heaven into your life. Probably you were brought to this commitment because of God’s love being expressed to you. His love is powerful!

When we tell the story … do we tell it with love? It can be so easy to fall into the trap of legalism. What the world needs to hear is a message of love and compassion. The world needs to see God’s love in action. People far from God have had enough of organized religion. In fact in a recent study 50% of those interviewed said they were turning away from organized religion but were still looking for God and described themselves as religious.

This Sunday we will discus The Power of Story. You have a story to tell. Let’s encourage one another to combine the power of words with the power of the Holy Spirit to communicate God’s unconditional love to a world full of people far from God but are searching for the truth.

See you this Lord’s Day …. learning to tell His story of love!

Hermitage Campus:

8:15 Small Group Bible Study

9:30 Worship Service

11:00 Small Group Bible Study

Rayon City Campus:

9:30 Small Group Bible Study

11:00 Worship Service

For more information about Hermitage Hills you can go to www.hhbconline.com

Living in 3D

Walking into the Zone of the Unknown can be a terrifying step of faith. One that most believers never seem to pursue. We love our comfort zone – same friends … same group … same people. But, Jesus calls us to live our lives in the unknown – to be a believer who looks for opportunities to make new friends and to build our lives around new relationships that bring strength, comfort, joy, and challenge. Remember this temporary life is all about people. But the longer believers walk by faith, it seems the more they insulate themselves from others.

Jesus was sitting at a well one day and a Samaritan woman came out to get some water (John 4). He had a long day already of walking but took the time to engage this woman in conversation. To her surprise … Jesus spoke to her and that just was not supposed to happen. Jews had no special place for Samaritans, especially a woman. But the heart of God is clearly seen as Jesus compassionately converses with this woman and begins to share with her the need for an eternal water that will completely quench her spiritual thirst.

To her amazement … she asks Jesus why he’s reaching out with a hand of friendship. His response is connective and compassionate. Even though her life was full of mistakes … men being one … His love for her was everlasting. He longed for her to connect to the Father’s forgiveness and a spring of thirst-quenching water. He could have remained silent. He could have just rested. But no … He gives us an example to follow. People who are far from God need others who have a genuine relationship with God to be compassionate enough to walk across the room. To leave the comfort zone of the normal and take a step of faith that will allow believers to do what Jesus did … build relationships for life.

This Sunday we will continue our Biblical study of Just Walk Across the Room. This week we will discuss “Living in 3D”. What will it take for believers to be about their Father’s business?

If you live in the Nashville area, let me invite you to attend one of our services:

Hermitage Campus – 3475 Lebanon Pike – 9:30 AM Worship Service

Rayon City Campus – 309 Rayon Drive – 11:00 AM Worship Service.

For more information about Hermitage Hills Baptist Church go to www.hhbconline.com