PASTOR’S CORNER

E-mail:  Good-Shepherd-LCMS@hotmail.com

Dear Ones,

 

“It’s not about you” begins Rick Warren’s well read book The Purpose Drive Life.    After reading the first line, I almost slammed it shut.  That is, until I read the next sentences.   “The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your own happiness.  It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.  If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God.  You were born by His purpose and for His purpose.”

Let me tell you what His purpose IS NOT:

In a world of about 6.5 billion people, 155,000 die every day.

93,000 of those who die every day go to Hell because they DO NOT BELIEVE IN JESUS.

23,250 die every day never having heard of Jesus.  (“How can they be saved unless they hear?” ^Rom.10:14)

90% of Christian congregations in America are plateaued or declining. (Did you know Africa has nearly twice as many Christians as America?)

18.7% of Americans worship on any given weekend.

Locally, from 2000 to 2005, Florida and Georgia grew at more than 11%.  In that same time, the Florida-Georgia District of Missouri Synod Lutheran Church (of which we are part) LOST 2.4%.

Good Shepherd has grown since 2005 thanks to God’s Grace and to the Glory of His Name.  (“It’s not about you either, Pastor”)  We have grown in worship from an average winter attendance of fewer than 100 to more than 180.  So what’s the problem?

By the time you read this, 744,000  more people have died without faith; without hope; without Jesus Christ.  Hell has 744,000 new and permanent residents.  That is neither God’s purpose nor ours. 

We’ve come a long way since Pastor Zender preached “Don’t look back!” at my installation as your pastor.  We haven’t looked back other than to learn from our mistakes.  Instead of being in reverse gear, we are in forward gear. 

Now the questions are:  “Where are we going?  How many people are going with us?  When will we get there?”   It’s not about you; it’s about the 155,000 that will die tomorrow.  How many of them do you know?  Call them and tell them you’re going to Good Shepherd.  Invite them to come along.  We’ll ALL celebrate when they get here!!

 

             “Simplistically yours”

             and as always, “Love you …”

                                       Pastor Phil

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Good Shepherd’s Voice

                  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  John 10:27-28

November, 2008      

 

ber, 2007

Volume 46