General Session 2

Speaker: Efrem Smith
Efrem is a pastor of an extremely ethnically diverse church in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Colossians 3:1-5... Set your mind on things above:

• We look at this passage as a plea to get sinful things out of our life, but maybe we need to guard to make sure our minds aren't set on the things of this earth that are good.
• Efrem gave one of the funniest explanations I've ever heard concerning his love for Krispy Kremes.
• In ministry, it will be tempting to set our minds on people, programs, budget ideas... yet we need to get our eyes on Christ.
• He told a great story about Adrian Despres, a friend of his, and a friend of NMC (I know, more name dropping). He and Adrian were at a restaurant together. Adrian was talking to the waitress about Jesus. He ripped his napkin into a bunch of pieces and told the waitress each piece represented a part of her life, one piece her job, one piece her boyfriend, one her family, and so on. He asked the gal, "If you could have God take control of one of these areas, which one would it be?" The waitress said that was dumb, and of course she would have in take everything. He handed her all the pieces and said, "If you want that, you can have it. We'd be glad to tell you about it." He and Efrem led her to Christ.
• We compartmentalize our faith way too much.
• FOR GOD TO BE REVEALED THROUGH US, HE MUST FIRST BE REVEALED ON US AND IN US.
• I should smell like God. The stench of his love, mercy and truth ought to be all over me.
• Matthew and Luke are the earthly genealogies of Jesus. John is the the heavenly divine genealogy of Jesus. In the beginning, HE WAS.
• Do not limit the fullness of God in you, on you and through you.
• "It's quite simple... Jesus wants to love the hell out of ya."

A very inspiring talk. A lot of reminders that I am able to take part in the greatest thing this world has to offer. The movement of the Kingdom of God here on earth.