God never drafted you for you to idly sit on the sidelines. God created you with a purpose for a specific purpose! Somehow, we naturally know that we we’re not here just for ourselves. There is an innate sense built into us that we were created for something bigger! But how do you figure out what your purpose is so that you can begin to live it out? In the second week of our series DNA, Pastor Stephen looks at what the Bible says about how you can discover and live out this purpose, and how living out the purpose God created not only helps you grow in your faith, but helps others along the way.

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MESSAGE NOTES

Phi Tau: Free Dive into a kiddie pool; First Saturday – all the wings & Mountain Dew

Once you’re in, you’re fam. You don’t have to work your way up. You’re treated like a bro.I went on to get really involved in the fraternity. I became the Chaplain. The MOO. I planned our retreats. I found a role there.

DNA: Here at Grace we say that once you join, you are family. We believe that there is a role for you to play. And the more involved you get here, the more passionate you will be about God. And the closer you will grow with this community.

Last week, we discussed how God has a purpose for your life.

10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [Ephesians 2:10]

God has this plan for your life and you can find it in the Bible. We don’t adjust our lives to fit the Bible to fit our lives. We adjust our lives to fit the Bible.
And it doesn’t stop there. It goes further than that. That’s what we’re talking about this week. Because God has a place for you here in the church. And a role to play.

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (The church as a whole – everyone plays a part)

13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. (cultural lines are crossed here; Sox & Y).

The church is the one place where you can have nothing in common with someone and share everything. Red Sox and Yankees fan. South Shore/ North Shore. Together.

But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. (we are diverse; interdenominational) [1 Corinthians 12:12-13]

Our common ground is Jesus. That is the strongest common ground you can have with someone. Even if we look different and have different passions and tastes, Jesus is the strongest glue between us. He’s like the gorilla glue of relationships.

China Trip: KFC; Because we were baptized into one body, we have so much in common.

18 Our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. (He’s talking about you) 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.”The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” [1 Corinthians 12:18-21]

You have all been uniquely gifted to help contribute to the health and
growth of Grace Church.

God has a role for you to play here. You are a part of the body. God has given you
specific gifts and passions and a unique personality to contribute to the mission.

Examples: Katy (Café); Teresa (Kids); Browns (Photography); Safety Team; Sullivans
They’ve each found a role.

They’ve found something they love to do.
Here’s the deal. You can put in the bare minimum and just show up, but that’s what you’ll get out of it. You’re just watching the game. You get what you put into it.
Dan: You have to do more than just show up; You have to get involved
Jesus wants you to get off the bleachers and put on a jersey. Because he has a spot
for you on the team.
Jake: I’m so glad he invited me to play a part
Puzzle: Each of you is a puzzle piece

If you aren’t involved in the role God has for you, it’s like there is a piece missing.
The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. (community – live out our purpose together)

2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. (more people to get involved) [Luke 10:1-2]

What’s your next step of involvement? How can you become more involved here?
Check-In Card: This is your opportunity to identify where you are.
Cookout: Are you a guest, friends, or family?
Guest: You’ve been coming, but haven’t come to a First Steps Lunch/ Meet and Greet
Friend: You’ve come to our First Steps/ Meet and Greet. You feel comfortable here.
You’re attending regularly.
Family: Saved, Baptized, Agree with the beliefs, Choose to identify as a member
Fridge Friends: Are they comfortable enough to get something out of the fridge?
Closing Sentence: What is your next step?