How a gift is wrapped may indicate something about the giver! Givers may want to show you how much they care about you, so they take time to make the gift attractive and impressive. On the other hand, some givers have neither the talent nor the patience for such a thing, so they present a gift that looks rather mundane! How a gift is wrapped does not determine its value, however! A thousand-dollar gift has the same value whether it is placed in a shoebox or wrapped with beautiful paper.
I have a gift for you, a spiritual gift! It is an opportunity for a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ! This gift is wrapped in the trappings of the Alpha course that we do try to make attractive and easy to open. However, let me be clear: it is not the trappings of the Alpha course itself that is a panacea for everyone in the church. Rather, it is the gift of the Holy Spirit who enlightens us, who makes light what was dark and leads us into a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ! How this happens in the Alpha course is amazing! It is a ministry opportunity more exciting than I encountered in all 40 years of my fulltime pastoral ministry! That is why I am willing to give my time to direct the Alpha course and share this gift with anyone who may be willing to receive it!
If you feel a spiritual vacuum in your life, or if you are searching for a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ, I invite you to unwrap the gift presented by the Alpha course. This 10-week course held on Monday evenings from September 21 to November 23, 6 – 8:15 pm, demands a chunk of your time, I know, but your life will be greatly enriched! It is non-threatening! You will neither be put on the spot to answer questions nor be expected to know your way around in the bible!
Here are some testimonies from past participants:
- My faith has grown so much! I’ve learned so much about myself, my faith and my love for Jesus.
- Alpha made me want to dip back into the Bible.
- I have fewer problems with tough questions now.
- I was a doubter but now I am interested and committed.
- I have a stronger relationship with Jesus.
- I had a questionable faith w
- With a longing to find a purpose in life; through Alpha my life has changed for the better.
Sign up here for the dinner and Alpha course, or use the registration form in the Alpha brochures at church. Pray about it, tell a friend, attend together, share on Facebook, use hashtag #TryAlpha, etc. It begins with you - I hope you unwrap the gift!
Written by: Ron Freimark, Alpha Coordinator
No comments:
Post a Comment