Focus 40 2013 Goes 'Extreme' - Church of God Ministries

Focus 40 2013 Goes ‘Extreme’

Posted January 14, 2013

In All Church of God, Church of God Ministries, Leadership Development

By Carl Stagner and staff

After kicking off in 2011 with more than 700 congregations participating and countless lives being changed once again in 2012, Focus 40 is back! But this year, Focus 40 goes extreme. This year’s theme is set to inspire individuals and congregations to move beyond their comfort zones to love God and neighbor like never before. The question for Focus 40 participants this year may be, Is your love extreme?

Focus 40 begins on February 20 and concludes on March 31. The 2013 prayer and fasting focus will observe the theme Extreme Love, based on the Great Commandment of Jesus. The apostle Paul expressed it this way: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Eph 1:7-8 NIV).

When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment in all of the law, he replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt 22:36-40 NIV).

The Church of God Transformation Team, out of the Strategic Values Connect andGrow, has produced a wide range of resources available to you and your church to help you most effectively observe these forty days of prayer and fasting, culminating in a celebration on Easter Sunday of what the risen Christ has accomplished among us. Together we anticipate experiencing God’s Extreme Love.

Resources and promotional material are available in both English and Spanish at www.chog.org/Focus40. You’ll find downloadable materials for children, youth, adults, and pastors. To help you in your spiritual journey through Focus 40, we have prepared prayer calendars, daily devotionals, a small group study, worship resources, sample sermons, and more!

While you’re on our website, please let us know that you’re planning to participate with us by registering yourself or your congregation—it’s free! You’ll help your congregation sharpen its focus and experience the Extreme Love of our God this Easter season.