First thing to understand, God created us for a reason. What is our Purpose? First thing to understand, God created us for a reason.

What is our Purpose? “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

A Model of Growth 1 – Learning (Childhood) 2 – Growing (Adolescence) 3 – Maturing (Teen/Young Adult) 4 – Walking (Adult) 5 – Teaching (Experienced)

Why Do These Matter? - They give us a sense of where we are - They give us a sense of where others are - It creates a metric to measure our growth, and assess where our needs are, where we can grow more.

Purpose vs Calling Purpose is Universal We all are to learn, to grow, to worship; We are all to walk out the instructions of God, to pursue a relationship with Him.

Purpose vs Calling Calling is Specific Some are called to lead worship, to lead prayers, to teach, to speak prophecy, to minister, to preach, to be missionaries… These can be, but are not always, life-long; they can be periodic or for a season in our lives. The have the same underlying purpose, but with specific focus.

What it looks like My Purpose Is… To Speak as He spoke (John 12:49; Matt. 28:19-20) To Do as He did (John 13:15,17) To Walk as He walked (1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:2) To Love as He loved (John 13:34-35) To Lead as He led (Matt. 5:16; Rom. 8:13b-14) To Serve as He served (John 13:12-17)

Connections Everything is about connections Relationships, community, family – all built on connections.

Connections Start Simple Some Examples: The Oak Tree The Torah Scribe Our Torah Scroll

Challenges in the Modern World - Fast-paced lifestyle - “Microwave” Culture - “Disposable” Society - Social structure is scattered and isolated - Technology is both our biggest blessing and greatest curse - Social Media Reality

Challenges in the Modern World

Challenges in the Modern World

Countering the Culture Some ways to counter these influences Unplug; Take time out; Sabbath Focus on our Walk Our personal relationship with God Our personal interactions with other people Ministry must be built on these.