Romans 15:1-7 We are all in different places in our spiritual journey as well as in every other aspect of our lives. We are not in competition with one another since it is God's will that all of should have the victory and be "more than conquerors." The idea is not that we succeed at the expense of or in spite of others, but in striving to build up those around us, we find ourselves being built up in the process. Paul says that, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak." Verse 1. We are not all strong in the same areas. The human tendency is to brag on our strengths and at the same time be very quiet about the things that we are still struggling with. When we find someone weak in the areas our strengths we tend to be quick to point that out; but when they are strong in the point of weakness, we downplay the importance of that attribute. We need to be "one team", "one family" or if you will, "people with one heart." I can build you up with my strengths, and you can build me up with yours. I can help you overcome your weaknesses and you can help me overcome mine. Jesus Christ becomes both the model and the goal. The purpose is that with one heart and one mouth we glorify God. All the experiences and admonitions we find in the Scriptures were put there to teach us, to encourage us and offer us hope as we keep on keeping on. Together we can all arrive at the goal victorious in Christ, while at the same time through our cooperation we can be a beacon to a lost and dying world. In order for folks to want what we have, we need to have something that they want. Together, in Christ, we can offer real hope and a life style that works, has answers, meaning and direction.
Pastor Al's Vision for Praise Baptist (Circa June 2011)

I believe this describes my vision for the church - It has been the underlying theme of my preaching and teaching and is the burden of my heart.

People with One Heart