If the vision becomes reality, we will change the world, because God will have changed us.

I really think that God has led us to something powerful in the first of our five vision statements, Extraordinary servants know God intimately. The other four (Extraordinary servants do God's work diligently, invite others eagerly, raise children purposefully and love each other compassionately) all flow naturally out of the first. They are all grounded in the spiritual lives of those whom God is transforming by his grace, those who know him intimately through the love relationship made possible by Christ on the cross.

Let's know God, and the rest is just the details.

Here's the way we have put it in the vision statement:

Extraordinary servants know God intimately. Mount Calvary is a place of spiritual growth where the Holy Spirit transforms those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as Savior and Lord. People here know God's Word and Bible study opportunities that are faithful, relevant and life-shaping are abundant. We are a praying church and praying people and we regularly see the evidence of our dependence upon God. Worship, praise and thanksgiving are a daily lifestyle for us and our weekly time of dynamic worship is the center of our corporate life. The power of God at work in us day by day gives us confidence and hope to face any challenge, knowing that by God's grace we will prevail.

It saddens me that God's people, by and large, are missing out on the great adventure of life that our loving Lord has in store for us. So many Christians are still drinking milk when meat is available. So many Christians struggle with doubt and confusion, with worry and temptation that is unnecessary.

God wants his children to live lives of victory, power and significance, but so many of us seem to be satisfied to go wandering through life just hanging on. Too many Christians settle for a nice job a nice home and a nice retirement plan hoping to slip quietly into heaven unnoticed.

I wonder when we will wake up to realize that life is not just about passing through. Life as a child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ is about making a difference, about changing things.

I spend way too much of my time trying to infuse a little bit of encouragement and hope into the lives of people with an underdeveloped spirituality. Sometimes the church becomes a spiritual emergency room where the most critical cases get the most attention. People who have been believers in Christ for their entire lives should not be so easily tossed around by the hardships of life.

Jesus said, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord," and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete" (Luke 6:46-49).

I don't know about all pastors, but I suspect that what I find true for me is true for most. We spend most of our time helping people clean up after the flood hits. We spend not near enough of our time and energy helping people to build solid foundations.

During January, the season of Epiphany, I want to talk to you about planning and working for a life of spiritual growth and discipleship. God alone works for our salvation. Saving faith in Christ is a gift of God. But in our spiritual growth, God calls us to participate in the use of his instruments for growth, the Word and the Sacraments. There is no secret to spiritual growth. The answer to the question, "Why are some so strong in their faith and others so weak?" has a simple answer. Those who rely on God to work in them through the Word and the Sacraments grow and become solidly grounded in the faith, experience the work of the Holy Spirit and the benefit of his gifts and are made useful for service to others.

Those who don't do not.

Are you okay? Make a quick decision here. Put this down and get angry with me, or read on. If you are offended, that's fine. I'm only speaking the truth as God is showing it to me. If you have no designs for growth in your faith, just call me when the flood hits and I'll do my best to help you. That's a promise. You can put this down and go back to whatever you were doing. If you believe God has more in store for you than you have experienced thus far in your life, keep reading.

Oh? You're ready for more? Let's continue!

There are others of our church who should also put this down and get on with what you are doing because you are already involved in a dynamic plan of spiritual growth. I look up to you as my guides and counselors and I learn so much from you. I hope that my ministry to you is of mutual benefit. To you I say, "Keep on, soldier! Study, worship, pray, serve, grow as you have been! Tell me what you're learning!"

Others of you who are ready for a journey of growth, I want to challenge you to join me for an important study.

Dr. Waldo Werning, a Lutheran pastor calls his Bible study, The Spiritual Travel Guide, a study that "takes you on a journey of faith to bring profitable growth and change to your life, beliefs, values, and goals and possibly even the direction you are going. Think of this Bible study as a power-food that fuels you for lifelong adventure with Christ. You will be shown your credentials, passport and visa for travel in this foreign country called Earth. This Travel Guide is a map for going on the Great Adventure of life in a relationship with the living God and with fellow Christians. It presents the music of the Gospel and Word to explode within the believer to give spiritual health and strength that impacts upon all of life."

Beginning next Sunday during Bible hour at 9:15 AM, I will begin to explain what this Bible study is about and what it can do for you. If you're interested, let me know, especially if the time is bad for you. Call me today at 968-2360 or at home, 822-3539. Leave a message. Maybe we can get a second group at another time.

But don't delay. If you've been through this study before and need something else, talk to me. We can make another plan. If you've been through the Spiritual Travel Guide before and want a review, that's fine. Join us.

Pray about your decision. There's no time like the present to begin. If you need a ride or help with child care, speak to me. But let's do this together.

My dream for you is that you would know the fullness of the joy and love and peace that Christ has to give. This study could be a great step forward.

I'll be praying for you, and I look to hear from you and see you on the 6th of January. It's going to be a great adventure!