There is indescribable joy, deep satisfaction and an eternal purpose in dying to ourselves and living for Christ.

Instead of imagining all the things we can accomplish, we ask God to do what only he can accomplish. Yes, we work, we plan, we organize, and we create, but we do it all while we fast, while we pray, and while we constantly confess our need for the provision of God.

The journey begins, though, with understanding what it means to be a christian. To say you believe in Jesus apart from conversion in your life completely misses the essence of what it means to follow him. Do not be deceived.

Consider what it takes for successful businessmen and businesswomen, effective entrepreneurs and hardworking associates, shrewd retirees and idealistic students to combine forces with a creative pastor to grow a "successful church" today. Clearly, it doesn't require the power of God to draw a crowd in our culture. A few key elements that we can manufacture will suffice.

God really is in the business of blessing his people in unusual ways so his goodness and his greatness will be declared among all peoples.

The body of Christ is a multicultural citizenry of an otherworldly kingdom.

We don't have stomachs for the things of this world because we have feasted on the goodness of our God.