Simple Question...

This is for those sick creative wacky people out there who I may be able to identify with...

Have you ever came up with something so crazy, so over the top, so far-fetched you thought to yourself, "I am so insane or stupid?"

Just curious...

Oh By The Way

I want to hit 1000 visit and 2000 page views soon. :-) I just thought I would share.

Goals and Shrinking Waist Lines

I am one who always shoots for the next goal or milestone...I am a visionary so I am always looking ahead. It is not just for ministry or life but I find myself doing it all the time. Here are a few examples...

Downloading music for my iPod - I am looking forward to hitting the 4000 item mark, 400 CD, 250 artist mark, and 20 day mark. Hopefully they will hit at the same time but I doubt it. I know I am sick when I think and focus on these things like they are important in life.

This morning at the gym I was on one of the Precor machines the works the legs and the arms...I wasn't going to to stop until I hit 30 minutes, 2 miles and the 300 calories mark.

On my Saturn, I am counting down and looking forward to hitting the 140,000 mile mark. I am not sure what I will acheive with this, but I am looking forward to hitting it.

I am pushing myself to get down to 240lbs and size 38 waistline...the good news I did drop one size in my waist. Yeah!!!!

I am always looking forward to that next milestone to hit in almost everything. Is there anyone else like that out there? Are there people out there who focus on the dumbest things to hit a milestone on? I think I may have a little bit of OCD...but I am not sure.

I am also trying to hit the goal of waking up @ 4:30am everyday...I know I am insane. Sometime I feel rushed when I workout so I want to give myself more time.

Oh well, I just thought I would share this meaningless stuff with you. I do want to know if you can relate with me on this though. Wait I just thought of something else, I always check on is reaching my goal for visits and views to my blog here. I check regularly to see if I am hitting certain marks. Do you think I am sick or what?

Anyways, I will post later on something more meaningful. :-) Have an awesome day.

Later, Chris

Daily Caffeination 3/31/06

An Eternal View of Circumstances

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. - Philippians 1:12

Are your life circumstances advancing the gospel? Can you see the Lord's hand in your life in such a way that all of your life experiences, joys, sorrows, hardships, and training have resulted in advancing the gospel?

Paul was a tentmaker by trade. But he had an overall ministry objective in his business life. That objective left him imprisoned and persecuted at times. But Paul saw these events not as roadblocks to his mission. Rather, they were catalysts to advancing the cause of Christ. Paul's revelation of this kept him from despairing about his circumstances.

One day a little-known pastor who lived in the small African nation of Benin began to pray for his Marxist president. For two years he prayed. Then the Lord told the pastor to go to meet this president and share the gospel with him. The president rejected the gospel, but after another such occasion, the president accepted the gospel and became a Christian. He was removed from power but was discipled by this pastor. Sometime later this same president was elected again. Today that president is now a Christian leader of a nation committed to spreading the gospel throughout his nation. One man - yet millions have been affected by his obedience. This modern-day story is retold in countless lives of those willing to live for a cause greater than themselves.

Are your work and life experiences serving to advance the gospel? What experiences has God allowed in your life that are part of His plan to advance the gospel? Ask Him to help you see your life the way He sees it. Seeing our life the way God sees it will help us avoid discouragement in those times when life appears to be a mystery to us.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Handling Disappointments

Over the last two days, I have been disappointed big time twice. One is out of my control and the other was in my control. I am sure all you out ther has dealt with disappointments or extremely frustrating circumstances but if you haven't I gurantee you will someday.

I have learned over the years to allow things to just roll off my back and just dismiss it (let go and let God, can I be anymore cliche). Yeah sure it bothers me for a little bit, but I try not to dwell on it. Sometimes I am afraid that I get callous to disappointments.

With all this said, these last two disappointments have really been weighing on me, actually I have just been dwelling on them more than I should, I have actually kind of taken the one thing personally. So here is my thought...this one thing can just totally get me down or it will motivate me. I am choosing to allow it to motivate me.

I know you are curious about what these things are, well I really can't share them with you, but they both are in the area my dream and passion. Actually, when I think about there have other things in the last two weeks that have caught me off guard and have caused disappointments. Again, I am choosing to let those things go...because those things are definitly are out of my control. I have been asking God "why" alot lately.

My question to you, the coolest blog readers in the world....How do you handle disappointments?
Yes I know God is ultimately in control and we just need to give over to Him. Do you ever get callous to disappointments? How do you handle them when they come?

I would love to hear your honest perpective on this subject.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 3/30/06

Embracing the Lean Times

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. - Jeremiah 17:7

Have you ever considered at what point a test becomes so difficult that you decide you can no longer trust in God and you must take over to solve the problem? The prophet Jeremiah describes a situation in which the temptation to solve a financial problem can become so great that we trust in man's way to solve it.

This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:5-8).

Jeremiah drew a sharp comparison between the man who trusts in his own effort to solve his problem and the man who trusts in God when he cannot see the outcome. The man who trusts in God bears fruit despite the circumstances in his life. He does not shrivel when the heat comes; in fact, his roots go deeper into God's grace. He continues to bear fruit in spite of his circumstances.

Recently, a friend from South Africa explained to me that whenever a plant lives in an arid climate, the roots drive deeper and deeper into the soil to get the water they need. This forces the plant to develop a root system that is far beyond the normal plant because it is forced to go deeper to gain the water it needs. Sometimes God forces us to go deeper into the grace of His love in order to build a greater foundation in our own lives. These lean times are designed to accomplish this in us. If you find yourself in this condition, ask the Lord who provides the water for our soul for the grace you need today to continue to bear fruit in the desert.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Rythms/Disciplines

Over the last week, I have had two people ask me about my daily rythms/disciplines and yesterday my pastor and I had an indepth converstaion about daily rythm. So I wanted to share with you my fellow bloggers my daily rythms...

Before I go any further, I first want to mention that I believe a life needs to be balanced with the physical, spiritual and the mental, so with that said I try to balance those areas in my life daily. I believe everything is interwoven together and if one area is off balance everything becomes off. So here it is my daily rythm, discipline, routine, or pattern.

Monday - Friday
Physical - Workout @ the gym from 5:30am - 7:00am
Spiritual - Personal devotion - currently OS Hillman: Today God Is First
- Family devotion with my wife - currently Max Lucado: Grace For The Moment vol II
- Usually atleast one podcast sermon a day while working out, - Mark Batterson; Erwin McManus; Blogging Church; Mark Driscoll; Dino Rizzo; Greg Surratt; Lifechurch.tv; Ed Young... I think you get the point.
Mental - I usually read two books a week - currently Eugene H. Peterson: Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places
- Bible Study - usually preparing for Wednesday nights now or when I preach, which is about once a month. I am constantly studying the Word though. I was doing Berean courses but I done with that for now until I start working on my Ordination.
Work - I am usually at the church office Monday Wednesday and Friday, I work at the bookstore - Family Christian Stores usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays are my day off. I also substitute teach at Evangel Christian School which is about two days a week, so my work week varies week to week. This is one area that I wish and pray becomes more consistant.

Saturday and Sunday
-I take off from working out these days
-I continue my devotions
-I also have various church activities or family activities going on Saturdays...also sSaturdays are errand days and yard work days in the summer.
-Sunday mornings we have church of course...Sunday is my major nap day. Atleast a two hour nap.
-Starting up soon I will play softball every Sunday night.

For the most part I keep a pretty consistant rythm in my life, except when it comes to my various jobs. That is okay though, because my work does not become mundane, even though I would like to spend a whole lot more time at the church.

Also, I work hard but I love to play hard too. My wife I usually crash on the couches about 8:00pm and watch TV, we also like to hang with friends and play games. Lora and I do alot together.

Anyways, that is pretty much my typical day, any questions please feel free to ask.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 3/29/06

Understanding Our Own Calling
by Os Hillman, March 29, 2006

..."If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me." - John 21:22

Jesus was talking to Peter after he had just had a very important encounter with Him-one of the last meetings the two would have. This was the third time Jesus had shown Himself to the disciples after His resurrection. It is the famous dialogue between Jesus and Peter in which Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Jesus followed by commanding, "Feed My sheep." Jesus went on to foretell of Peter's future death. As they were walking together, John was with Peter and Jesus. Peter asked Jesus about John and whether he would die also. Jesus reacted sharply to Peter's comment, telling him not to worry about what John's role or purpose was in life. All Peter had to do was worry about fulfilling his own purpose.

As workplace believers we tend to measure our success on whether we have achieved a certain position or stature in life. Even as Christians the temptation to believe that someone is blessed if they have achieved prominence is always confronting us. In His discussion with Peter, Jesus was getting at the very heart of the matter of a person's calling. Peter was worried about whether his friend John was going to get the same lot in life as he was. Jesus told him it should not be his concern. He was to concern himself only with one thing: his own calling before God.

Are you tempted to compare yourself with where others are in their life? Are you dissatisfied with where God has you right now? Be of good cheer-"[be] confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Had to repost this story here...read and enjoy!

Awesome story that I saw over @ Monday Morning Insight, I think this is an awesome story and definitly needs to be reposted. I love and celebrate what God is doing in churches like Saddleback and Willowcreek and many others.

It is really all about people coming to Jesus, giving their lives to Him. I love this!

Saddleback: 20,000 Baptisms

from Baptist Press (by Kristine Noelle)

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BP)--Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., celebrated the 20,000th baptism in its 25-year history in a quiet ceremony March 19.

In an outdoor baptismal pool built of native stone, Pastor Rick Warren immersed Mario Soto, a 24-year-old resident of Aliso Viejo, Calif., after the congregation’s 11:15 a.m. service. Soto was among about a dozen other adults being baptized.

It had been quite a weekend for Soto. On Saturday evening, he had proposed to his girlfriend. His new fiancée, Amanda, was part of the crowd cheering him on.

For Soto, his decision to declare publicly his faith in Jesus Christ was an important step on the road toward marriage and starting a family. While he had grown up with a knowledge about Christ, it was only after he graduated from college that he made a faith commitment in his heart.

Then he met Amanda.

“I had prayed all my life for her,” he said. After she accepted his marriage proposal, he didn’t want to wait any longer to take the step of baptism. “I realized I needed that foundation to start our family.”

Warren said he was honored to mark the historic milestone for one of the largest evangelical congregations in the United States.

“It’s a terrific, wonderful experience,” he said. “I had the privilege of being baptized by my own father who was a pastor, so it was a meaningful time for me. You don’t forget your baptism. It’s an eternal memory.”

Saddleback’s first baptism service took place in May 1980, just weeks after the Easter Sunday launch of the church.

“Ever since then we’ve used all kinds of facilities,” Warren said. “We’ve used lakes and rivers, ponds in the mountains, the ocean. And for a number of years when we didn’t have a building, we used Jacuzzis for Jesus -– anywhere we could find water.”

Until 2004, Saddleback had averaged almost 1,300 baptisms a year since 1996. The past two years, however, the congregation has averaged more than 2,000 baptisms. In 2005, a total of 2,501 believers were baptized.

Even after more than 25 years, Warren said he still experiences a thrill when immersing a new believer.

“I am addicted to changed lives,” he said. “It’s not about the size of the church. The size means nothing. It’s the individual stories –- the family that gets back together, the kid that gets off drugs, the life that’s turned to Christ. The cool thing is the stories behind the 20,000 lives.”

Another Great Song

I love this song by Shane & Shane...this is song of passion and desire for God. If you have never heard Shane & Shane you need to check them out, they are incredible. They would make a great concert for a church that just opened a coffeehouse. Check out the lyircs to this song, they are so rich and deep and well passionate.

yearn

holy design
this place in time
that i might seek and find my God
my God

Lord i want to yearn for You
i want to burn with passion
over You and only You
Lord i want to yearn

Your joy is mine
yet why am i fine
with all my singing and bringing grain
in light of Him

oh You give life and breath
through Him You give all things
in Him we live and move
that's why i sing

acts 17:25-28, hebrews 12:28-29

Check them out now...

Short Quote but Sweet

I wanted to share this quick quote/thought with you. I was at the gym working out this morning listening to the Theater Church Podcast, Pastor Mark Batterson's series So Far So God; by the way awesome series title. Anyways, in the first part of the series, he made a statement that continues to echo within me, his statements was this, "how often will we thank God for all the prayers He did not answer."

Personally, I don't always understand the "whys" and the "hows" of God. Looking back I begin to understand those things. Yes, there are times when I get discouraged when my prayers aren't answer, especially when it comes to the dreams that I know that God has given me. I do get frustrated when things don't go my way sometimes. I do understand and realize how important it is for things to go God's way.

Thanks Pastor Mark for the thought and the sermon.

Great Service this Morning

This morning I had the honor and the opportunity to preach. As I look back on tis morning's service we had an amazing time. Praise and worship was both rocking and incredible...I must say Jonathan has been doing a spectacular job leading worship over the past couple weeks.

We had an a special altar time, actually the altar was packed with people praying for others and just being there and seeking the Lord together. But the best for me, the main reason why I do ministry a young man who has never been to our church before, reconnected his life back to God. He became a part of the family and community of God. It was simply fantastic. I love it when people begin their relationship with God. That is so special.

Here is pretty much my full notes for this morning except for my illustraions and stories...I share those straight from the heart. I really feel people connected to the message and again the response was amazing, how I believe Jesus wants us to be as a church taking care of each other.

Power Of Community

7 Power Statements From the Cross (part 3)

Introduction – I believe every word that Jesus spoke is powerful, every word Jesus spoke was measured, and every word that He spoke echoes through out eternity.

I especially believe the seven statements that Jesus spoke from the cross are some of the powerful statements He made to us. These statements should find significance within our lives and have a lasting impact on us.

These were dying words of our Savior and Lord and they were recorded in the gospels for a reason.

I believe this statement is meant for us the church body as a whole, it was meant not just for those to whom He was speaking, but for the community of faith.

Let us first look at some famous last words throughout history. These last words represent core convictions, philosophy on life and death, the place where they were at in life, and beliefs.

This is the last of earth! I am content.
~~ John Quincy Adams, US President, d. February 21, 1848

Nothing, but death.
When asked by her sister, Cassandra, if there was anything she wanted.
~~ Jane Austen, writer, d. July 18, 1817

Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him.
~~ John Barrymore, actor, d. May 29, 1942

I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
~~ Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, d.1170

I'm bored with it all.
Before slipping into a coma. He died 9 days later.
~~ Winston Churchill, statesman, d. January 24, 1965

That was the best ice-cream soda I ever tasted.
~~ Lou Costello, comedian, d. March 3, 1959

I am not the least afraid to die.
~~ Charles Darwin, d. April 19, 1882

My God. What's happened?
~~ Diana (Spencer), Princess of Wales, d. August 31, 1997

Lord help my poor soul.
~~ Edgar Allan Poe, writer, d. October 7, 1849

I die hard but am not afraid to go.
~~ George Washington, US President, d. December 14, 1799

Curtain! Fast music! Light! Ready for the last finale! Great! The show looks good, the show looks good!
~~ Florenz Ziegfeld, showman, d. July 22, 1932

Famous last words are hardly ever forgotten not too many are that significant but I do believe as we read one of the last statements of Christ from the cross we will find significance in the words that were spoken.

I believe this statement is meant for us the church body as a whole, it was meant not just for those to whom He was speaking, but for the community of faith. This is the third statement that Jesus spoke from the cross…

Let us look at John 19:25-27 –

²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," ²⁷ and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

JESUS SHOWED CONCERN FOR THOSE HE WAS LEAVING BEHIND

As Jesus looked at from the cross he saw John one of his disciples and His mother Mary and the others standing there. I believe the concern wasn’t just for those standing there but for all those who followed Him and for all of us today. He had concern for those He was leaving there.

Jesus had the welfare of others on His mind while hanging on the cross.

This shows the deep love and concern and compassion He has for all of His followers. I honestly believe He calls us to take care of one another, to look out for each other. As we gather around the cross and look at what He has done for us, He looks out over us and show concern for each one.

This statement is about so much more than being nice to your mother, but about the new community that comes into being through the power of Jesus. We are all called to join together.

WE MUST COME TOGETHER IN A TIME OF CONFLICT AND CRISIS

During this time in the lives of those who were following Christ, there was a lot of confusion, a lot of mourning and weeping. This was indeed a time of crisis and conflict for those followed after HIM. Their teacher, their savior, their leader was dying on the cross. He was dying the most horrible of deaths.

He called those that gathered to look out for one another, to take care of each other. His desire was for those at the cross and for those of us who gather around His cross today to come together.

Unfortunately, too many people when they are in a time of conflict and crisis in their lives they run away from the church. They even abandon the Cross of Jesus. We even saw this with many of the disciples after Jesus’ death. They shut others out with the community of faith. As Jesus called those gathered together that day to take care of one another, we must be willing to gather around the cross and be there for each other in times of conflict and crisis.

God’s Word calls us to encourage one another. Through the Word we are suppose to build each other up in the faith. To pray for each other. Even to take others into our homes and look after them.

The great thing I believe about the community of faith is being there for one another in the midst of conflict and crisis. Even if you have never been through times of tragedy or conflict and crisis there will come a time that you will and it will be important for to have a loving community there for you to gather with you and be there for you.

Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times.

1 Thess. 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 10:24-25

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The Bible also tells we need to be joined together; to edify; to bring everything together for the common good. I other words look out for each other.

THE CHURCH COMMUNITY IS OUR FAMILY

Can I get personal here? I believe the church community is our family. Some of closest people in my life are those relationship formed in the church body. The church is designed to be like a family look out for each other.

I personally don’t have the best family life, my family is far away. Lora and I are first generation Christians. To us, the church community is a family. As look at each of you, many of you are like family to us. The church community needs to model what family is all about.

I think the greatest thing about church community needs to be is that we love each other at all times. We bear each others burdens.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY (THE MAIN POINT)

It is in a community faith that we not only connect with others who believe what we believe. But it is also through community that we connect with God through His Son Jesus. It is Jesus that brings us together…He is the constant and common thread hopefully in all of our lives.

John 17:11, 23, gives a little background and sets up our context for our passage today. We can see what is had the core of the heart of Jesus when comes to community.

¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one…²³ I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me; and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Author Austin Farrer said, “We are members of one another, and one of us is Jesus…

There is power when the community of faith joins together as God has designed to fulfill the works that we have been called.

There can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian life apart from an immersion and embrace of community. I am not myself by myself. Community, not the highly vaunted individualism of our culture, is the setting in which Christ is at work.

When we choose to follow Jesus we choose to become a part of a Holy community. In this community we are called to take care of one another, to grow with one another, to sharpen one another, the become a part of one another’s life, to help keep one another accountable, to be there for one another in the good and bad times. THIS IS THE POWER OF COMMUNITY!

We can read in Acts 2:42-47 a great model of the power of community…

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Matthew 22:37-39 shows how the community needs to be connected…1^st to Christ and 2^nd to each other. This the structure of priorities for community

³⁷ Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Finally, Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us that we all have a role in the Body within our community of faith…

¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Happy Birthday to Lora

Tomorrow, March 25th, is my amazing wife's birthday. For those who don't know my wife, which is most of you. She is such an incredible godly woman that I have so much love and admiration for. God has truly given me a help mate, and a partner in ministry and in in life.

It is such a joy to have a wife that is not only supportive of the ministry that I do, but she is also involved and doing ministry with me. To me that is incredible. I cherish every moment I have been given with her and I hope she has a wonderful birthday.

I love you Lora.

Chris

David Crowder Song

Really great lyrics by an amazing band David Crowder Band...

In my opinion, it is a joy to serve the Lord and He allowed us to be more than conquerors. Isn't that awesome, that today no matter what we have the victory and we can experience true joy. It is so easy to serve Him, I love it! But if for some reason I would have to give up my life to serve Him, wow I would get to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. I think Paul said something along those lines.

Some people need to experience more joy, don't you think?

You Are My Joy by David Crowder Band

And He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And I cannot hold it in and remain composed.
Love's taken over me and so I propose the letting myself go.
I am letting myself go.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

And He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And I cannot hold it in and remain composed.
Love's taken over me and so I propose the letting myself go.
I am letting myself go.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

I need to catch my breath, I need to.
I need to catch my breath, give me a moment now.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

I'm laughing so hard...

One last thing, I love this quote by Pastor Ed Young,
“Little people with little vision…always challenge big people with big vision”

I GET to preach this Sunday

I always enjoy and relish every opportunity that I have to preach. I see it as an honor and a priviledge. I have an amazing pastor who gives many opportunities to preach on Sunday mornings. I have worked with pastors that have hardly gave me that opportunity.

It is important that I get that opportunity to grow in that area of ministry as well as many other areas. My pastor gives as much opportunity to grow in the many different areas of ministry as possible, I am so grateful for him. He is truly a great man of God and I am so blessed to serve with Pastor Mike Buckley.

My sermon this Sunday is one of my messages in the series "7 Power Statements From The Cross", I actually been this series with the Student Ministry, but I won't get the opportunity to share this statement with them, so I am doing it for the whole church.

The title of message is the The Power Of Community, from John 19 :25-27. The thoughts I am going to be sharing from this passage is this...

Jesus Showed Concern For Those He Was Leaving Behind

Coming Together In A Time Of Conflict & Crisis As A Community

The Church Community Is Our Family

Power Of Community (The main point to drive it home) There is power as we join together as a unified community of faith. Jesus saw the importance of us CONNECTING together with others who are connected to Him.

I will be sharing in this message times I have seen the church coming together as an amazing community during times of conflict and crisis. But I am going to emphasize the importance of coming together during those times when all is going well, meeting together on a regualr basis, involving ourselves with one another.

I am looking forward to this Sunday morning, the last few times I preached we had amazing services.

Later,
Chris

Pastor Mark Batterson latest blog

I could not agree with his assessment any more. This from Pastor Mark Batterson's latest post...he has been doing a spectacular seires on his blog...10 Buzz Commandments.

VI: Thou Shalt Preach in Parables [1]

Let me come right out and say it. I've been around the homiletical block enough times to know that there are certain camps within Christendom that believe that expository preaching, a verse-by-verse exposition of a text, is the only form of biblical preaching. There is one problem with that perspective. Jesus wasn't an expository preacher. He was a parabolist.

Matthew 13:34 says, "He did not say anything to them without using a parable." The NLT says, "Jesus always used stories and illustrations."

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with expository preaching. And I think the foundation of every message should be good exegesis of a text. But I also think we should take our communication cues from Jesus. And Jesus was a master of metaphors.

I have a communication conviction: the most important truths ought to be communicated in the most unforgettable ways.

Enter parables.

There is an old aphorism: a picture is worth a thousand words.

That aphorism is wrong.

According to neurological research, the brain is able to process print on a page at a rate of approximately one hundred bits per second. But the brain can process a picture at approximately one billion bits per second.

Mathematically speaking, a picture is worth ten million words!

Jesus communicated in word pictures. Why did Jesus use agrarian metaphors? Because he explained spiritual truths in everyday terms. He knew his listeners already had cognitive categories for his agricultural metaphors. If Jesus were preaching in our 21st century context, I'm sure he would have tapped into the cultural consciousness of our day and used a variety of metaphors.

John 12:52 has always been my preaching mantra.

Jesus said, "I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it."

What is sermon content.
How is sermon branding.

Sermon branding is nothing new. It's as old as the ancient prophets using God-inspired props to make their messages stick. Jesus took the Old Testament art form to a new level. No one was better at branding truth than The Truth. His parables are pure genius. Hear them once and you'll remember them forever!

We need lots of different kinds of sermons because there are lots of different kinds of learners. That is educational theory 101. But let me zoom out and make an observation: I think linear sermons were more effective in the modern era with a left-brain orientation. They don't work as well in the postmodern era that is moving toward a right-brain orientation.

There are fifty-three parables in the gospels. Each one is a masterpiece in how to communicate to the right-brain of listeners. You've got to use metaphors and tell stories that capture the imagination. I think there are three keys to a great sermon: metaphor, metaphor, metaphor.

Ingmar Bergman, the Swedish filmmaker, said, "Facts go straight to the head; stories go straight to the heart." Sermons need to be both/and. They have to use facts that inform the left-brain and tell stories that inspire the right-brain. But it sure seems like Jesus targeted the right-brain.

One last thought.

What if Jesus were a teaching pastor at a 21st century American church? Would he preach the same way he did in the gospels? I think he would. And I think people would leave his church because they would complain that his messages weren't "deep" enough or "expository" enough or "long" enough for that matter! Most of his parables are less than 200 words! They were so simple. They were so short. Too simple and too short for some people!

So keep exegeting Scripture. Throw in some cultural exegesis. And never preach without using a parable!

[1] Matthew 13:34

Great job Pastor Mark!!!

A Derek Webb Song

Another great song, this one is from Derek Webb's album Mockingbird, the song is called A New Law. There are many out there in Christiandom that wants to give us new laws to live by. In my opinion the greatest law, the greatest commandment is the one that Jesus gave us...

Matthew 22:34 - 40 - 34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. 35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And He said to him, " `YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, `YOU O SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

A New Law

(vs. 1)
don’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for

don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music

don’t teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)
i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

(vs. 2)
don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice

don’t teach me about loving my enemies

don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus/chorus)

(bridge)
what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid

Derek Webb's whole album is terrific.

Just Dowloaded

I just downloaded a fresh batch of podcasts, I am looking forward to listening to some more of these series I have been listen to i.e. Be Attitude Series from Seacoast and the iLife Series from Healing Place Church and some others.

I also bought some new songs, old Bon Jovi great workout music and plus I am such an 80's music guy, I also got the Outfield's Your Love and some classic Journey and Chicago. Wow, I really am daitng myself here.

Oh we had an awesome service this morning, Pastor Mike did an awesome job as always after he preached we baptized 7 people. I don't why I get so emotional when I see a bapistism. I was especially emotional this morning. I love baptisms and communion...two of my favorite thing we do as a community of faith.

Next Sunday, I get the awesome opportunity to preach. I love to preach. I can't wait.

Later,
Chris

After I finish my current series

After I finish the current series 7 Power Statements From The Cross with the students @ Crosslight Assembly which will last 5 more weeks. I will begin a 3 part DVD series from Louie Giglio. I saw Him preach this @ the Indescribable Concert with Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman. This a fabulous series, I am very excited about it.


The heavens are telling the glory of God, and their expanse declares the work of His hands. Night after night they remind us of just how small we are, and how huge God is. Looking out into the far reaches of the universe, we find a seemingly infinite expanse of mystery and wonder, intricately fashioned by a God of unfathomable size and power. Just a glimpse of one of the billions of visible galaxies He has formed resizes us, shrinking us, and the world we call home, to seeming insignificance in an instant. But as tiny as we may seem, the God who knows every star by name also knows yours, and mine. And in the most stunning rescue imaginable, God sent His Son to this spinning planet we call home--the Creator reconnecting us to Himself with life that never ends.

Indescribable takes us on an image-rich journey through the cosmos, allowing us to peer into God's universe to discover the amazing magnitude of His greatness and grace.

If you haven't had a chance to see this message, you need to...it is awesome.

Creativity by Matt Redman

I honestly believe we were all created in the image of God. Within that image we see God as the awesome and wonderful Creator; God has also given us the ability to think; He has even given us great freedom; He has also give us the ability to create . I also believe God cannot be contained or put into a box. I believe God can go beyond each of our reasoning or imagination.

I am personally a very creative, it does frustrate me when some try to harness creativity especially when it is done with all intentions to bring glory and honor to God. I also know many of the men I respect, that I am inspired by or who have influence in my life are also creative. Some of thse men are amazing musician and even say modern psalmists i.e. Bono or David Crowder; some are incredible writers i.e. Rick Warren or Erwin McManus; some are used within the community of faith as awesome pastors Mark Driscoll or Ed Young. I see such amazing amount of creativity in many awesome godly men.

It is amazing and it totally blows my mind how God uses us and takes everything we offer Him and does incredible things through our lives. No God does not have to use anyone of us...but He chooses to use us. I am personally eternally grateful for that.

With all that said I stumbled across this article written by an amaizng artist Matt Redman I love what he said in it about creativity. I have personally chosen not to allow those who criticize to harness my creativity in ministry, especially in reaching a culture that is seeking. I also will not permit people to cause me to get off the calling for which God has called me to do as well as given me the vision for.

However, we formulate God in our mind, than we take away the Godness of God. God cannot be formulated or even contained in our minds, He is supernatural and we are natural. A part of that the supernatural aspect is the creativity that He places within me and others. This article makes me want to be a more creative facedown worshipper. Here is the article...enjoy it...comment on it.

The Adventurous Pursuit of Creativity

We worship the God of all creation. Everywhere we look, from the tiniest atom to the grandest galaxy, we find evidence of an extravagant and exuberant creator God. Scientists and artists alike marvel at the dazzling design of creation. Whether we peer through a microscope at the detailed design of a butterfly wing, or through a telescope at the star-filled canvas a night sky, we find the stamp of the Creator´s artistry.

We human beings are made in such a way that our ears can hear around 300,000 different tones, and our eyes distinguish between 8 million colour differences. God has designed us to recognize and value His astounding creativity. More than that, He has formed us to be creative ourselves. As worshippers of the Creator God, and as those made in His image, one of the best ways we express what´s going on "inside" is through outward displays of creativity.

Creativity is essential when it comes to our congregational worship. Firstly, it´s a sign of "life". A healthy church will be bursting with new songs, new sounds and new sights. They are explosions of the heart - souls so caught up in the glories of God, that they cannot help but respond in imaginative and artistic ways. Creativity in its purest form is a reflex - a flash of inspiration coming forth from the artist who has glimpsed the splendour of the Divine. Putting that into the context of a church worship service, creativity does not come from a desire to be musically clever, or do something new just because "variety is the spice of life". Instead, it´s an imaginative and heartfelt response to the received revelation of God. As we see more and more of the goodness, greatness and majesty of God, we find ourselves imaginatively responding with creative expressions of joy, thanksgiving and reverence.

As well as being a response to God, creativity is also a reflection of Him. God reveals and expresses Himself creatively, and we find ourselves responding in a creative way. Yet as we do so, we also reflect Him to those around. The whole of creation tells of the glory of God:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

(Psalm 19:1)

And in the same way, our artistic expression through songs, sounds and sights, are to be reflections of Him. Of course, they will always be just the faintest whisper and the subtlest echoes of His true worth, and yet they are an important part of our proclamation of God. I recently traveled to Australia for the annual Hillsong worship conference, and encountered one of the most creative congregational worship expressions I have ever seen. The band brought innovative and interesting musical arrangements to the fresh worship songs. But it went far beyond the music. There was colour everywhere - lighting and visuals all conceived in an original and tasteful way. There was movement everywhere too - teams of dancers, and over a hundred singers, who at times all moved in unison. Most visually stunning of all were the huge fireworks which lit up the whole place at appropriate moments during the worship songs. In a sense, it was a display of the Lord´s splendour - a call to worship, reminding us of the wonders of our God. It was a banner held high, to the lost and the found, which spoke of the greatness of the God we were worshipping.

Now obviously we don´t get chance to create this sort of display every time we gather to worship. And yet, why in the church do we so often see a lack of creative expression? As worshippers and lead worshippers of the Living God, we are called to the adventurous pursuit of creativity. In times past, the church has led the way in the whole of society in many forms of art and music. Look through history and you´ll find that many of the great artists and poets were simply giving creative expression to their walk before God. A few hundred years ago, many looked to the church to lead the way through music as they saw that the "ecclesiastical style" was the most pioneering and exciting sound around. And we must pray for the same in this day and age, for the arts are fantastic pointers to the glory of God. It´s time to become more adventurous in our pursuit of creativity in worship. Through visual art, through musical sounds, through poetry, and through movement, how can we point people to the glory of our God? We can start with the simple things - paintings, banners and backdrops which, rather than remaining the same for months upon end, change every few weeks, as a way of awakening us to the splendour of God. Songs arranged in fresh musical styles, with a variety of instruments, or vocal groups. Perhaps a string arrangement, if you never before have used strings in worship, but have able players. It can start with the simple things.

Creativity is sometimes a mindset we must develop, especially if we have fallen into a "this is the way we do things" trap. I recently returned from a conference where on consecutive nights the worship band were joined by a gospel choir, a group of hand percussionists, and a DJ. Each evening we journeyed before the throne of God with a slightly different musical flavour. And each one of these creative expressions unlocked a freshness in our time of worshipping through music.

One of the reasons we sometimes encounter a lack of creativity in the church is that we have not created the right environment for it. Creative expression thrives under certain conditions, and dies under others. In an environment of harsh criticism of artistic experimentation, or no room for risk-taking, the creative flow will soon perish. Too often in the church we live under these conditions, and all too quickly clamp down on any new forms of expression. Of course, creative types must learn to be submit to authority, and to love the people of God in such a way that they will always seek to bring in new expressions in a pastoral and humble way. As C.S. Lewis reminded us, Jesus´ charge to Peter was "feed my sheep", not "try experiments on my rats". That being said, there must be space to experiment, and room to grow in the arts. All too often, the blunt and practical tendencies of a pastor clashes with the sensitive and reactionary personality type of an artist, and creative expression is squeezed out. In truth, the world often uses the arts as rebellion, and pastors are rightly concerned that this tendency does not creep into the church. Yet, it is time to redeem the stolen goods, for the very best use of creativity is to praise and proclaim the Living God. We must make room for our artists to lead us in this. If you can´t be creative in the church, where can you be creative?

One thing we must note, is that creativity is not always about new and innovative expressions. It can be equally powerful to re-present something "old" - a song, a sound or any art form from our church heritage. And, as the biblical saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun, and an "old" thing may in fact become to us a "new thing" again. Introducing a five hundred year old hymn may be just as creative as introducing a five day old song which has just been written. Both can be an expression of creativity, and both can unlock freshness in our congregational worship.

The worshipping church should be leading the way in all things creative. After all, it makes sense that those most in touch with the Creator should have more insights into the creative than others. Besides, in the church we have more to sing about than the rest of this world. We have more reason to celebrate, more inspiration to dance, and more grounds for all kinds of artistic expression. For we have seen the glory of the One and the Only. And this revelation leads us to explosive and imaginative heart responses.

And there is one final reason too why the church of God should be the standard bearer for creativity. We are those in whom the Holy Spirit lives, and He will inspire and equip us to respond to the Father in colourful, imaginative ways. A.W. Tozer puts it best:

"If the Holy Spirit should come again upon us as in earlier times, visiting church congregations with the sweet but fiery breath of Pentecost, we would be greater Christians and holier souls. Beyond that, we would also be greater poets and greater artists and greater lovers of God and His universe."

Let us never give up the adventurous pursuit of creativity in worship.

by Matt Redman.

This article is taken from www.heartofworship.com

Hilarious

I had to laugh when I linked to this from Radiant Church. Two things that drive some people absolutely crazy combined. This is awesome.
I love it.

Our Journey up the Mountain

This conference is the first of its kind for Purpose Driven Ministries.

Three years ago, we asked some Spirit-led pastors with a Pentecostal/Charismatic heritage about what they had experienced using the Purpose Driven model. We were surprised to learn that they were experiencing many of the same amazing results we've seen in other churches around the nation. We then asked them if they still thought of themselves as “Spirit-led.” They assured us that they did. That is when they started to tell us how they had interwoven the Purpose Driven model into their Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. Their stories were amazing!

We asked some of these Spirit-led pastors if they were willing to develop a series of teachings that would help other Pentecostal/Charismatic pastors understand the Purpose Driven model. They accepted our challenge! What is more, they began to talk with us about how they felt the Purpose Driven concepts were a gift from God for all local churches, regardless of heritage and worship style. They began to explain to us how the Purpose Driven model actually enhanced the “work of the spirit” in their church. They believed that the Purpose Driven model needed to be explained in a way that would connect with Spirit-led leaders. In other words, they wanted to de-baptist the Purpose Driven model! We stayed outside our box, took another step of faith, and said, “Go for it.”

The end result of our journey is this conference, designed to be taught by Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. Our belief is that the Purpose Driven model is a flexible framework for carrying out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Our conviction is that pastors teaching pastors is the key to translating these principles into the structure of different churches.

We don't claim this will be a "mountain top" experience for you, but we can guarantee that we have found some experienced guides who have scaled the terrain and know a reliable path to the summit.

Come To The Throne

I want to tell you how thankful I am that we can come to such a tangible and approachable God. We come before His throne both bodly and in great reverence. He allows us to draw near to Him. God is truly awesome, He is both the Kings of Kings and our best friend. I really like the lyrics to this song...I listened to this song three times while working out this morning.

We Come To Your Throne With Weeping
by Jeff Deyo

We come to your throne with weeping
We come to your throne with sorrow and shame
We come to your throne with weeping
We come

We come to your throne with mourning
We come to your throne with desperate hearts
We come to your throne with mourning
We come

We come to you
We cry out for mercy
And we turn from our sins
We come to you
Humble and broken
We fall on our knees
We come to you
We come

We come to your throne forgiven
We come to your throne by the blood of the Lamb
We come to your throne forgiven
We come

We come to you
We thank you for mercy
And the freedom to live

We come to you
Singing and shouting
We come to you
We come

I love the one line, "We come to your throne with desperate hearts."

I don't think we can ever be to desperate to come to God. I really enjoy being a facedown worshipper (Leviticus 9:24). It is not just what I do, it who I am.

I also have been listening to the iLife Series by Pastor Dino Rizzo from the Healing Place Church In Baton Rouge, LA. This is an awesome series. I really enjoy listening to Pastor Dino. I am also looking for to getting and reading Pastor Dino's book, Turning Point.

Keep praying for me as I retransition myself back into student ministries.

Oh one other thing, the first event that we are taking the students to is our annual Spring Convention in Woodbridge, VA. This is going to be an awesome event...

Jeff Deyo is leading worship
Monty Hipp is the speaker
KJ 52 and Stellar Kart are the concert artists

Seven Project in Maryland

There is a still a buzz in Lonaconing, Md. after God totally moved in an entire community. When the Seven team showed up on Tuesday, March 7th, we could all tell that we were a very small part of something that God had put into action. The entire community had pulled together to see the 7 project come to their schools. We heard testimonies of businesses and churches giving to make this Seven Project something special. Local pastors stood up during a final "meeting of the minds" and shared how God had stirred the hearts of their entire congregations. One pastor mentioned how one young adult had given his heart to Christ in the middle of one service where the 7 Project was being discussed. Another pastor said he had some "older" adults who said they couldn't do much but that they would bake goodies (trust me - that was enough). The next two days were nothing short of a miracle. We spoke to somewhere around 400 students in two days - we are still gathering the exact details - and spent time at lunch with them. One student stood up after an assmebly and shared with the students that he had made some bad choices in life but was choosing to be different now. He challenged his classmate to do the same. Students and administrators alike had tears streaming down their faces both during and after the presentations throughout these two days. Following the day assemblies, students piled into Westmar High School for the night event. It was kicked off at 3:30 p.m. with everything from a Mechanical Bull riding competition (By the way - I only stayed on 4 seconds) in the gym along with an 84 foot inflatable obstacle course and sumo wrestling (I was better at sumo than the bull riding) to free food (and lots of it) in the cafeteria. Periodically, announcements were made over the loud speaker of the school (we literally had free reign of the entire school) instructing students on what was to come next. A concert with a local band, Uncommon Way, was kicked off in the auditorium where trophies were given away for the bull riding contest (four seconds didn't come close to a trophy). The seven project kicked off at approx. 6:30 p.m. and when the dust had settled, 70 students came forward to recieve Jesus Christ as Lord and savior (the student that shared with his friends in the day assembly was one of the students who came forward and he got back on the microphone telling his friends that he knew where he was headed and hoped they were going there as well). Approximately 350 students showed up for the night event (out of 400 -that's truly a God thing). Following the invitation, all kinds of free stuff was given away (anything from a T.V. to game stations to gift certificates for gas, sports stores, etc.) The church reported that several families showed up for church Sunday morning as a result of the Seven Project. The schools have now contacted the local youth pastor asking him to help out planning similar events 3 to 4 times a year. They told him that he could preach the gospel if he wanted - they just wanted his help. If you would like to take a look at a front page article that was printed in a local newspaper take a look at http://times-news.com/articles/2006/03/11/sections/regional_news /general/news40.txt Thanks so much for all of your prayers and support. This couldn't have happened without you! God bless and we look forward to the day when this can happen in your community!

This an awesome tesimony of what God is doing in the Potomac District and the Seven Project among the students, God is so awesome and amazing. Kevin Dawson is doing an amazing job as the Youth Alive Director in the District.

Some More Great Lyrics

These lyrics are from Third Day Cry Out To Jesus...awesome song from a awesome and cool band.

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who suffers with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

Every one has the opportunity to "cry out to Jesus" no matter what you are going through.

God arranges and organizes our steps

I have to admit, I don't always understand the "whys" of God and His perfect and great will. After being out of youth ministry for two years, I have just stepped back in that role again.

I have been serving at Crosslight for five years now, the first three as the youth pastor. The last two as the associate/media/young adults and everything else pastor, I get another opportunity to serve the youth of Crosslight again.

I am not sure for how long though, but I do look at as an honor serve for however long God needs me to. I actually thought I was done for the most part with youth ministry, but God has His plans.

Pray for me as I step in this role once again.

Congratulations!!!

I want to pass along my sincere congratulations to Pastor Mark Batterson, the staff and the church members of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., they just opened their new coffeehouse Ebenezers just a block away from Union Station. I rejoice and celebrate with you. It is so excting to see what the Lord is doing in the life of your community.

I love seeing the amazing things God is doing among His people and through His churches.

Chris

Top 3 Recommended Book lists

My current 3 books that I recommend to people and give out as gifts are...

1. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
2. You by Ed Young
3. I Am Not But I Know I Am by Louie Giglio

Top 3 Leadership/Ministry Books

1. Church Marketing 101 by Richard Reising
2. 7 Practices Of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley
Tie for 3. Simply Strategic Growth by Tim Stevens and Tony Morgan & Breakout Churches by Thom Rainer

3 Really Awesome Books to Read

1. ID: The True You by Mark Batterson
2. The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus
3. No Perfect People Allowed by John Burke

Top 3 Marketing Books

1. Buzz Marketing by Mark Huges
2. Pyro Marketing by Greg Stielstra
3. Blog Marketing by Jeremy Wright

Check these books out, you will be glad that you did.

Chris

I am looking forward to this...

This is going to be a great time to reconnect with old friends and see nee new friends.
I hope you all can make it to what I believe is going to be an amazing conference.

See ya in May. Sign up here.

Later,
Chris

An Awesome Song

In my opinion one of the greatest songs that share how huge and awesome God is and how small we are...
Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God


No matter how great and awesome our God is He loves, He knows us, He cares for us, He desires to have an intimate relationship with us.

Thank you Lord for being so huge and yet so attainable, thank you for being so awesome and so tangible.

I love you Jesus!!!

Great Podcast this Morning

This morning, while I worked out, I listened to a great message (sermon) from Pastor Greg Surratt from the "mega-church & seeker-sensitive church"Seacoast...It is the first part of the "Be Attitude" Series, what an amazing job he did.

He mentioned the word sin atleast 20 times, I intentially counted for those who say these churches do not talk about sin. He even mentioned that sin kills, leads to death, messes up our lives. Wow!!!

He even said we either follow our own way or God's way. We have to be honest about which way we are going. And the testimony of the lady he had share was quite amazing.

So how often must these church talk about sin? In how many messages do they need to tell us how sinful we all are? Just wondering.

I trust the work of...

I trust the Holy Spirit to draw people to God...
I trust the Holy Spirit to be the One to convict hearts and not condemn...
I trust the Holy Spirit to give us the power to share the Good News...
I trust the Holy Spirit to reveal...
I trust Holy Spirit to teach...

I trust Jesus to save...
I trust Jesus to forgive...
I trust Jesus to give us grace...
I trust Jesus to show us mercy...
I trust Jesus to love unconditional...

I trust God that He is the great I am...
I trust God that He is the Alpha and Omega...
I trust God that His Word is His Word...
I trust God that He is consistent through all generations...
I trust God that He will never leave me and forsake me...
I trust God that He is the God of all...

7 Commitments to Relevance

Relevance can be defined as 'connected to what is happening; useful or suitable for a purpose.' To be relevant requires us to be connected to the world we live in, and to be useful and suitable for God's purpose. The question we as Christians should constantly ask ourselves is this: Are we connected to the world around us? Are we useful to the world outside the church?

"Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, non-religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralised - whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ - but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it, I wanted to be in on it." (1 Cor 9:19-23, MSG)

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, seven key commitments of relevant Christians can be identified.

1. Commitment to serve

"I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all ..."
There is a difference between someone who is committed to serve, and a demand to serve. The spirit of servanthood is not demanding but comes from a willing heart. Psalm 100 says, "Serve the Lord with gladness".

2. Commitment to inclusion

"... in order to reach a wide range of people ..."
Christianity has to be inclusive, not exclusive. The Bible teaches that 'whosoever believes' shall be saved.

3. Commitment to values and example

"I didn't take on their way of life ..."
Relevance doesn't mean we embrace the spirit of the world. The world is not looking to be reproduced in the Church but is rather looking for alternatives and answers. We need to have a commitment to values and setting an example. We cannot be relevant to the world if we compromise our behaviour and beliefs.

4. Commitment to a solid foundation

"I kept my bearings in Christ ..."
To be relevant requires us to be stable, not wavering. James 1 teaches us that he who wavers is unstable like a wave in the sea. We need to be firmly planted in the Word.

5. Commitment to involvement

"I entered into their world ..."
We need to be in the world, but not of the world. We aren't called to isolate ourselves from the world but the significant work of the Church is required out there in the unredeemed world.

6. Commitment to understanding

"I tried to experience things from their point of view ..."
Sadly, the Church is often seen to be always imposing their view on the world. Being relevant requires us not to be judgmental, but rather seeing the world with understanding and moved with compassion.

7. Commitment to big spiritedness

"I became every kind of servant there is ..."
Being relevant isn't so much about being hip or cool, but more about being big spirited. Instead of being narrow-minded, let us be embracing with a breadth and a depth that draws the world to Jesus.