GOD USES HIS WAYS TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES
- Key Verse
- "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.'" 1 Corinthians 1:31
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Central Truth
God uses people and circumstances the world considers insignificant or foolish to accomplish His will.
Reflections
A word of praise for the Lord’s work in Dallas, Texas:
In 1977, about 50 people banded together to start Park Cities Bible Fellowship, later to be renamed Fellowship Bible Church Dallas (Fellowship Dallas). Not many of the initial members had money. None were famous. The vision of the founders was to start a new church to bring the message of Jesus and the redemption He offers to the Park Cities area. For the first several years, the church met in temporary facilities. Not impressive, by the world’s standards. It had very little staff and grew only to 120 members in 3 years. In 1980 over half of the members were seminary students and spouses.
Then with financial help from truly unexpected sources, Fellowship Dallas purchased its first property, built its first building, and hired the two individuals who would lead the church for 24 years. The world would have said there was no way this could have been done. But by God’s might and will, the first building was built. The church grew. God began to bless more and more individuals who became a part of Fellowship Dallas, bringing some to faith in Him through Jesus, and many others closer to Him, encouraging us all through teaching of scripture, worship and Christian fellowship. God’s word of redeeming grace was spread to California, Colorado, Arkansas, New England, Minnesota, Alaska, and other places by members of Fellowship who launched their ministries after a time here. Missionary work has gone on, locally and world wide, at least partially because of the support of our Church.
This, His work, has been accomplished not because of great minds and influential people at the church, but primarily because all of us of ordinary stature and position in life have purposed to do His will, not ours.
God has truly used the weak and foolish (as the world sees it) to accomplish His purposes at Fellowship. Praise His name, and His name only!
Discussion Questions
1. Do you believe that God can work through you, irrespective of your position in life or the possessions you own?
2. How have you seen God work in ways that the world deems insignificant?
3. What can God do through you, right now, in a way that you will give glory to God for how He works?
Richard Ford
April 14, 2010 06:15 AM
Bruce, I thank the Lord for your faithful surrender to Him and how He has used your personal and church life to bring glory to Him.
Harold
April 14, 2010 07:05 AM
Interesting and pointed application of the text, Bruce. Thank you.
Gary Brandenburg
April 14, 2010 07:38 AM
I once read that all men and women are ordinary. The extraordinary are the ones who know it. Thanks Bruce for 33 years of trying to "keep it ordinary" so that God could do extraordinary things through Fellowship.
delia
April 14, 2010 08:36 AM
Amazing how God's timing is revealed,as we continously seek affirmation that we are on the right path; this is so perfect.Right before our journey on May 2nd.! Thank you for encouraging us to continue in the path that God lead Gary in, so we may follow!
Mitzi
April 14, 2010 04:35 PM
Thank you for the great reminder of this church's roots, and the fact that it was ordinary people with a willingness to be used. Thanks for the example of your faithfulness, Bruce.
David
April 15, 2010 07:41 AM
Bruce, thank you for your beautiful faith in our Lord. Because you and others chose to stay "ordinary" in the world's eyes and continue to give God the glory...I now have the privilege to call Fellowship my home. Thank you Jesus for my beautiful church family!!!!