Last words to Focus One 2012
This was my graduation challenge given to the Focus One class of 2012 on June 16th, 2012. My hope is that it would be helpful to you as well. For you alumni of RMC/Focus One, my hope is that it would be a fresh reminder.
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I have a hard time in moments like this because we know that more is caught than taught. You've sat through hundreds of hours of chapels, classes, focus groups, scripture study classes, bible classes, life groups, exclusives, etc etc etc.
I have a hard time because i know that human nature will encourage you to lump this challenge with those hundreds of great ideas. I also know that we are educated far beyond our level of obedience. We could not read another book, hear another sermon, listen to another teaching and still have plenty to work on for the rest of our lives just from the notes you've taken these past 10 months.
But that's just it isn't it? Information is far different from transformation. It's far less about how much you can consume or how much you can cram into your mind saving apologetics to argue someone into the kingdom or facts for some grand game of Christian Trivial Pursuit.
Information and knowledge only have as much value as your ability to implement them into the way you live. Knowledge left unapplied is knowledge wasted. So the question isn't how much can I memorize, how much can I experience, but how much can I implement?
What you live out is what you believe. Everything else is just talk.
You've heard over the last 10 months the faith of the staff and of the leaders around and above you. For the past 2 decades, you've heard the faith of your parents, grandparents, and pastors. But, let me ask you now, what is your faith? The time has come for you to put the rubber to the road and work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Borrowed beliefs have no power. -James black.
This is not the time for the faith of your parents or pastors. Has this faith become yours?
- Has the Word become like honey to your lips?
- Has time with the Lord become that unique familiarity of a friend, yet the awe of the living God?
- Has worship become the only response you could have in light of such a faithful God?
- Have you gone from borrowed beliefs to a walk with Christ?
The bible was not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives. -DL Moody
"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." -Jim Rohn
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Whether you have come through RMC/Focus One or not, I want to challenge you to take a fresh look at your walk with God. Are you implementing what you say you believe?
If not, don't over think it.
Start now.