03.01.06 thequest email UPdate

thequest family,

This week, I started reading All About Jesus--the Single Story from Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

Today in my reading, I was struck by the exchange of John the Baptist with the Jewish religious leaders. John never claimed to be something he was not. They pressed him to see if he was the Messiah, and he said no. They asked about if he was Elijah, and he said no.

In desperation, these men asked John, "Who are you? Give us an answer..." John replied clearly and concisely, " I am the messenger who is calling out in the desert, "Make the way for the Lord straight."

John was ready to give an answer. He knew who he was. This struck me because in our planning meetings for thequest leaders, we have been asking the same question: "who are you?" Our team has some clear answers on who we are. We each have a special shape--not just physically but in how God made us--our abilities, personality, gifts & passions. In fact, Ephesians 2:10 says,

"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." (NLT)

God has given each follower of Jesus their shape. The key is uncovering that shape and doing those good things that he planned for you!

As we asked each person on our leadership team, I'm asking you "Who are you?" How has God made you? Are you doing the good things that He has planned for you?

John the Baptist knew who he was, and God used him in a special way. God wants the same thing for you....


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I want to encourage everyone in our family to pick up All About Jesus and read it as we draw close to the Resurrection season. If you are here in Columbus, just connect with your house church leader or myself and we'll get you a copy. If you are part of our extended family then here's the link for where you can buy your own...or a case to pass on to others as well!

To encourage you and yours to stay on track, I put together a little reading plan that will help you stay on track to get it done in 5 weeks. I'm guessing when you get started, you won't want to put it down!

You can check out those reading plans here at http://www.thequestcolumbus.com/allaboutjesus_read.html or

the PDF http://www.thequestcolumbus.com/AllAboutJesus_reading.pdf

It's ALL ABOUT JESUS!

Press on,

Mike

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