This month our series is entitled: Game Time
Our series has to do with the purpose that God has attached to every one of our lives and the existence of Grace Church.
We read in Matthew 28:18-20 that our purpose is to be a disciple maker. This implies that we are to become more and more like Jesus in terms of our character qualities and lifestyle priorities.
Luke 6:40

Grace Church began using the idea of a baseball diamond nearly two decades ago. This illustrates the process of making disciples.
We've identified four core character qualities that summarize the life of Jesus and the early church, and fulfill both the Great Commandment and Commission.
These qualities are the foundation on which all of one's Christian faith should be established.
1. Loving - God and people wholeheartedly
2. Learning - About Him and His will for your life
3. Living - Purposefully and passionately according to a Kingdom agenda
4. Leading - Others to do likewise

We've developed a booklet called the Game Guide that helps you to evaluate each of the four qualities listed above. You can assess where you are and gain measurable action steps for positive growth in your attitudes and actions. This is crucial for spiritual growth!

Today we are going to look at God's Mission for your life. Illustrated on the baseball diamond, this is the movement from the Dugout to First Base.
This is where the groundwork for the quality of LOVING takes root and sprouts.
Today we'll look at five key stages that are necessary for a person to begin a relationship with God and have their life transformed.
These will help you evaluate your life and equip you to talk with others about the Lord.

First: REVELATION of God's love and man's need.

According to Scripture, we are ALL sinners.
1 John 3:4
The penalty for our sin is separation from God.
Romans 6:23
Hebrews 9:27
At this point all looks lost. The revelation of God's love and man's need is clearly stated in the Bible:
Romans 5:8
Titus 3:5a

He loves, He pursues, He reveals Himself to us in nature and through His Word. That makes God's mission possible in our lives.

Second: RELATIONSHIP with a follower of Christ.

Going to those who don't know Christ as their Savior is an expectation of those who say they are Christians.
John 17:18
In the Bible, Christians are often described as God's witnesses, ambassadors, and messengers.
Romans 10:14 [MSG]

Third: REALIZATION of God's holiness and our helplessness.

Luke 15:11-20 - story of the Prodigal Son
When a lost person hears the Story (God's Story of Jesus and our Story with Jesus) it's as though they are presented with a mirror where they can see their true spiritual condition. Once we have talked with someone about the Lord we allow the Holy Spirit to convict and challenge them. We can pray, maintain ties with them, and encourage them.

Fourth: REPENTANCE from a selfish and sinful lifestyle.

The word "repent" means to turn around. Literally, "a change of attitude that results in a change of action."
Repentance implies a willingness to forsake our previous way of life, thinking, and behaviors.
Luke 15:19-20
True repentance comes from within and cannot be forced upon someone.

Fifth: RECEPTION of Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

Salvation is not about adding Jesus, Church, God, the Bible to your life and agenda. It is a transfer of ownership which is evidenced by a change of life priorities and submission to a new authority.
Biblical belief is much more than simple knowing...it involves trust.
Acts 16:31
When Jesus is our Lord, salvation is the result.

Ask yourself the question, "where am I at?"
You are either in the Dugout or in motion toward First Base.
If you can point to a time when you entrusted your life to Jesus as Lord, then you are truly at First Base.
If you are still seeking to discover God's Mission for your life, please be sure to pick up a Knowing God Personally booklet at the Welcome Kiosk when you leave church.