When I was in college a buddy of mine told me- “Leaders are readers”. Until that point in my life I was proud that I had escaped High School only reading one book- “Of Mice and Men” by Steinbeck- and only because it was less than 100 pages! His challenge started me on the journey of becoming a lifelong learner. I have learned reading is only a part of the equation. Over the years I have discovered that becoming a learner/disciple (my definition of learner presupposes that you act upon what you know) has many different looks:

• Teachability- (I know it’s not a word- but it is what I want to say). This is an attitude that says I will listen first to understand and later worry about my input or perspective.

• Humility- This may be the biggest missing piece for many. It is the understanding that I can learn from anyone, anywhere regardless of their age, faith or IQ.

• Correctibility- (I know it’s not a word- again who cares!). In my early 20’s I was posed this question that knocked me off my feet: “Hal, when was the last time someone corrected you”, my response, “I can’t remember but it has been a long time.” (I thought, “Cool I have really grown and my life is looking good”). Then he suggested I read the following verses: Proverbs 9:7-9 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. (8) So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. (9) Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. And then the knockout question, “Is it because you are perfect or maybe your friends don’t count you as a wise man?” “Ouch!!!”

When you make the “ouch” response I did- what do you do? That is what we are talking about this weekend- sustainability (I love words ending in “ability”- have you noticed”) of the lifestyle of a Christ-Follower. How to we maintain our growth, direction and momentum? How to we avoid the traps of sin? No one wants to flame out. Plan to be here and improve your learnability by giving attention to your teachability, humility and correctability. If nothing else- you may have learned 3 new words today!!

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I don’t know anything that can jack up our lives more than messed up relationships. Most all of us have had or are having “family issues” because of relationships gone bad. And even more of us have had a “relational blow-up” in our personal lives that has derailed us. This weekend we are continuing our “Healing Choices” series with a message that has immediate impact and application possibilities for everyone in the room. Our topic- “Restoring Relationships”. What is the Biblical plan for dealing with or fixing a broken relationship? What solution or process does Jesus suggest? Plan to be at Sickles on Sunday and bring a friend.

Oh yeah, Sunday Night “Open Door” is at our Home. If you are new to Church at the Bay in the last 6 or even 8 months and would like to meet our staff in a “very informal” setting I hope you will attend

• Where- Hal and Sandy’s Home (email Neal for directions)
  
• When- Sunday from 5pm to 6:30pm
• What- Meet our staff ask questions and connect with some other newbie’s.
• Food- We will have some sandwiches and light refreshments.

We already have over 20 signed up for this Open Door. If you would like to attend please let Neal (Neal@churchatthebay.com)know so we can plan appropriately.

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Did you know that when Jesus Christ forgave you of your sins, His work with you was not finished? He didn’t live a perfect life, die on a cross, and raise from the dead on the 3rd day just to give a “get out of Hell free” card. He wants to know us and grow us into what He has planned for us. You and I know a lot of people who have said they are Christ-Followers and yet nothing has changed- if they were arrested for being a Christ-Follower, their case would be dismissed for lack of evidence. How can that be? Is it possible to have a relationship with the Creator of this universe and stay the same? I think not- and I believe the Bible says “not” as well. A favorite verse of mine is
2 Corinthians 5:17 - This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
When we plant an oak tree- growth cannot be seen on a daily basis, but if measured yearly there is definite growth. I am not saying that we come to Christ by faith and we grow by trying harder. I do believe that we come to Christ by faith and grow by faith. It is true that mushrooms grow up over night and oak trees take time. Oak trees also grow for years and deepen their root systems, whereas mushrooms are here today and then gone.
So here are some challenging growth/transformation questions for you:

• Am I more loving today than I was a year ago?
• Do I care more about people who are far from God today than I did a year ago?
• What changes has God made in me in the last year?
• Am I more generous today than a year ago?
• Am I more forgiving today than I was a year ago?
• And on and on- add your questions.

What if the honest answer to growth, for you, over this last year is no? I would say you are either not a Christ-Follower or you are not abiding in Him.
Here is your homework- read John 15:1-17. This passage talks about how we are to abide in Christ and how He brings about transformation and fruit. God’s plan for every one of us is to grow and produce fruit- How is your fruit looking? Not a Christ-Follower? Why not surrender your life to Him today? By the way, this weekend we are talking about this very subject- How does Christ transform us? Plan to come and bring a friend!

Also… Neal, connections pastor, just talked with the school about our “HOT” Sunday. There response was great and they are making plans so it doesn’t happen again. Sooooo… come on back!

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Many people are asking about what is the next step to sponsor a child… This weekend after the Worship Service we will be signing up. To save some time and expedite the process you can click on the picture below, download the form, fill it in and bring it with you Sunday.

If you have any questions about sponsorship our blog should answer them.

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