An Inspirng 2007

One of the main parts of living an infectious Christian life is that my own relationship with God must be growing. I must be "inspired" by God in order to pass it on to those around me. God has certainly done that for me in many ways this year. To be honest, I'm not sure how inspiring I've been this past year but for the moment I'm o.k. with that. You see in 2007 God did much to inspire me and that has better equipped me to inspire others this year.

One of the ways God has inspired me in 2007 was through some of the people he brought into my life. Saying that sounds kind of funny because several of these people I've never met. Let me give you one example today. For my birthday I was given the Amazing Grace: The Story of William Wilberforce DVD. By far my favourite movie of 2007!

Kirsten and I sat down and watched it again the other night and while I watched it I was reminded of some of the things God had taught me through my investigation of Wilberforce's life. One of the things God challenged me with this year was how essential it is for my relationship with God through Jesus Christ to influence or rather saturate every part of my life.

Christianity is not just what I do in church and with Christians, Christianity is who I am. It affects every thing I do, every relationship I have and every decision I make. At least it should! I said in a sermon a few months ago something along these lines. Church is not just a place where you go to feel comfortable because you're among like minded people. Rather, church is a place where you go to be encouraged and strengthened to live out your faith in a world where you are uncomfortable. True Christianity moves us into the world with a message that is out of this world.

How am I going to do this? I'm going to have a BBQ with my neighbours for a start.

Pastor Brian