Planted: With Purpose
How Can I Experience a Full and Meaningful Life
Pastor Bart Blair delivers a sermon detailing his spiritual journey through four influential churches, leading to the founding of Bear Creek Community Church. He begins by describing his childhood church, where he learned Bible stories but struggled with a legalistic view of God. His faith transformed at Bethany Community Church in Maryland, where he first understood the concept of a personal relationship with Jesus.
The pastor then recounts his experiences with two church plants: Grace Community Church in Mississauga, Ontario, and Grasslands Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta. These experiences prepared him for planting Bear Creek Community Church, a decision made after the loss of his son Ephraim. Pastor Blair shares how God redirected his focus from memorializing his son to making Jesus famous.
The sermon then shifts to explaining the purpose of Bear Creek Community Church: to help people experience a full and meaningful life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Blair breaks down this statement, emphasizing the importance of serving others, experiencing God personally, and finding abundance in relationship with Jesus rather than material possessions.
He outlines five characteristics of God's kingdom:
1. People over possessions
2. Service over power
3. Humility over status
4. Mercy over judgment
5. Love over law
Pastor Blair contrasts these kingdom values with the cultural priorities of North Texas, which focus on possessions, power, and status. He cites several Bible verses, including John 10:10, Matthew 6:19-21, and Philippians 4, to support the idea that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than worldly success.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of living as kingdom citizens in a counter-cultural way. Pastor Blair encourages the congregation to:
1. Pray for someone who doesn't know Jesus
2. Serve someone selflessly
3. Invite someone to church gatherings
He stresses the church's goal of creating an open and welcoming community where people can find hope and a spiritual home in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Blair concludes by previewing an upcoming sermon series on the book of Jonah and reminding the church of upcoming events, including Bible studies and a Super Bowl gathering. He closes with a prayer, asking God to help the church be effective ambassadors for Christ and to continue growing their community.
Throughout the sermon, Pastor Blair weaves personal anecdotes, Biblical references, and practical applications to illustrate the importance of prioritizing a relationship with Jesus and living out kingdom values in daily life.