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Why in the world are we here?. Dave Brereton RBC December 30, 2012. Science. To survive and to reproduce To contribute to the multi-billion year process of evolution, natural selection. Philosophy. 250 best-known writers, philosophers, writers intellectuals
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Why in the world are we here? Dave Brereton RBC December 30, 2012
Science • To survive and to reproduce • To contribute to the multi-billion year process of evolution, natural selection
Philosophy • 250 best-known writers, philosophers, writers intellectuals • Dr Hugh Moorhead, published their answers in 1988. • More honest…if you discover it, let us know!
Boxing Day (Week, Year) • North America only has eight per cent of the world's population, but consumes one third of the world's resources and produces one half of the world's garbage!
Calgary Herald December 29, 2012 on Spirituality in the High School Classroom • “Are we allowed to wonder?” • Teachers discussing spirituality with their students have to do so under the radar. • Based on what they are being taught in “science class” do they have any purpose or meaning? Are they allowed to ask? • “It’s the elephant in the room.”
Richard Rohr – “Adam’s Return” • 1. Life is difficult • 2. You are not that important • 3. Your life is not about you • 4. You are not in control • 5. You are going to die
God “…when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” Ephesians 1:10
Jesus “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4
Mahatma Gandhi's Mission: • Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day: • I shall not fear anyone on Earth. • I shall fear only God. • I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. • I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. • I shall conquer untruth by truth. • And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.
Alexandra Stockdate • My mission is to teach children to love Jesus, to love one another, and to love learning.
Apostle Paul “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:2-3 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21
Good Questions to get you started: • Why are you here? • On your tombstone…she ___, ___ and ___; mission accomplished! • What three things are you most passionate about? • What fulfills you the most? • Where do you want to be in 5, 10 or 25 years? • Your biggest strengths and weaknesses? • 514 705 6823
Why are we here? • “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Col. 1:16-17
Why are we here? • Repent and Believe - John 3:36 • Make Disciples - Matt 28 • Bring God’s Justice - Matt 6:33 • Cultural Impact - 2 Cor 10:5
Conversion Evangelism • “Repent and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19 • “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Act 16:31
Making Disciples • “Observe the commands of the Lord, walking in obedience to him and revering him.” Deut 8:6 • “…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matt 28:20
Justice Impact • “This is the fasting I have chosen; to loose the chains of injustice…to set the oppressed free.” Isa 58:6 • “Seek first God’s kingdom and its righteousness (justice).” Matt 6:33
Culture Collision • “My justice will become a light to the nations.” Isaiah 51:4 • We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5 • Its about God, not us. Col 1 • Generosity accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ. 2 Cor 9:6-15
Micah got it! “…the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Happy New Year !!! “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.”
Personal Mission or Purpose Statements texted to me during the service • To bring glory to God by empowering others, through education, to pursue purpose driven lives • Promote His glorious name and His redeeming love widely, deeply, passionately and authentically. • I'm here to serve God and enjoy him forever. • Short: To worship Jesus in everything I do. • Long: To try everyday to be more like Jesus that I may be a living testimony to those who know and don't know him, in order to be an example. • We are to be Ambassadors of all nations. My mission is to be an Ambassador for the people in the Greater Montreal area. • To glorify / serve God and love Him forever, continually being mindful of Jesus, others then me. • To show God's love to others by cultivating relationships -- with family, with other Christians, ALSO with non-Christians in my community. • To know Christ and become his friend