So what Paul recognizes is that this baby church could be on the brink. They are in that fragile state when they may feel that they are “laboring in vain”. There really is not much worse than working for something and seeing no benefit or payoff. I think we must remain encouraged that God is doing amazing things throughout the body of Christ, not only ANC but throughout the area, I am hearing amazing reports of unity and movement unlike any other time in recent history.
Like Paul did, I want to encourage you with this…..we don’t have to close the deal. Part of what we learned or are learning through the TK Primer is to just be natural….the ultimate payoff ISN’T to get someone to come to church….and we may never see the ultimate payoff, but that’s not our job. As Hugh Halter told us when he came down and spoke to our Restore Community a year ago……”Just Chill”.
I know being a part of something new and exciting is an amazing ride….and you want people to join you in that. But I hope that you recognize that ANC is more about faith communities than Sunday gatherings. It’s about the JOURNEY. THIS…..me reading God’s word with 12 guys is amazing to me….and as much church as I have ever been a part of. POKER….with you guys….and your friends who have ZERO spiritual context whatsoever….that excites me to no end. My back patio with a fire and “God and Life” discussions….amazing, God shows up. So let me remind you…..chill, be natural, allow the Holy Spirit to lead.
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Power - 1 Thessalonians 1
Guys this is an amazingly short yet powerful chapter. I loved this verse and pray this for us as men and as a church.
…our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Brandon was telling me last night, that a newcomer to ANC was telling him what he loved about ANC is that he is constantly challenged by the message. Something I have learned is that the Holy Spirit can and does show up in power. Even in a simple message.
What I see in this verse is that it’s not merely in the words we say, but in the lives we live. ANC is constantly challenging me to live “in the Spirit” and follow His leadings.
…our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Brandon was telling me last night, that a newcomer to ANC was telling him what he loved about ANC is that he is constantly challenged by the message. Something I have learned is that the Holy Spirit can and does show up in power. Even in a simple message.
What I see in this verse is that it’s not merely in the words we say, but in the lives we live. ANC is constantly challenging me to live “in the Spirit” and follow His leadings.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Psalm 58 – Defang
Psalm 58 – Defang
Matthew Henry said it best in his commentary this morning on verses 6-11;
David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be disabled to do further mischief. We may, in faith, pray against the designs of the enemies of the church.
As ANC is poised for ‘even greater works’ I am reminded to pray for the enemies of God’s Church. Like MH says….not solely for salvation (which we do pray for) but to render the enemies harmless.
6 Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions!
We have been praying from the inception of ANC to bring us the ‘right people’. And so far, I feel God has provided us the correct pieces of the puzzle. Evidence; Two Sundays ago we served across this city, with more people than normally show up for a Sunday Service. Our folks tirelessly serve, give of themselves, and continue to find new ways to give more. The Spirit is palpable whenever we meet……whether it be for Sunday Service, Community Group, or just over coffee or lunch. There has been no real division or distraction from the work God has called us to. And there is something unique God is doing at ANC but maybe more importantly THROUGH ANC….not that it has never been done before, or we have cornered the market on it….but like Brandon has said….we recognize this and ”we just don’t wanna screw this up.”
Matthew Henry said it best in his commentary this morning on verses 6-11;
David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be disabled to do further mischief. We may, in faith, pray against the designs of the enemies of the church.
As ANC is poised for ‘even greater works’ I am reminded to pray for the enemies of God’s Church. Like MH says….not solely for salvation (which we do pray for) but to render the enemies harmless.
6 Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions!
We have been praying from the inception of ANC to bring us the ‘right people’. And so far, I feel God has provided us the correct pieces of the puzzle. Evidence; Two Sundays ago we served across this city, with more people than normally show up for a Sunday Service. Our folks tirelessly serve, give of themselves, and continue to find new ways to give more. The Spirit is palpable whenever we meet……whether it be for Sunday Service, Community Group, or just over coffee or lunch. There has been no real division or distraction from the work God has called us to. And there is something unique God is doing at ANC but maybe more importantly THROUGH ANC….not that it has never been done before, or we have cornered the market on it….but like Brandon has said….we recognize this and ”we just don’t wanna screw this up.”
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Psalm 45 – From the Inside Out
Psalm 45 – From the Inside Out
“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”
As I pray to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, I am reminded of how this feels and manifests itself in my own life.
In the Hillsong United song, ‘From the Inside Out’…the lyrics are
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out …..Lord.
This is really when we allow God’s holy spirit to consume us. To so closely associate with the things that Christ was passionate about… that they become our passions, to take our will and conform it to His.
A friend and I were discussing tonight….and his concern was that God made us individuals….and while this is true….God’s one desire is for us to be HIS reflection. Not that we are all to be robots….but that Christ would magnify the very things that He placed in us as individual creations, that bring Him the most glory.
His will above all else…..the writer of this Psalm was obviously filled with the spirit of God and used his God given ability and allowed God to enhance them to write this beautiful Psalm which is a picture of Christ as the Bridegroom.
“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”
As I pray to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, I am reminded of how this feels and manifests itself in my own life.
In the Hillsong United song, ‘From the Inside Out’…the lyrics are
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out …..Lord.
This is really when we allow God’s holy spirit to consume us. To so closely associate with the things that Christ was passionate about… that they become our passions, to take our will and conform it to His.
A friend and I were discussing tonight….and his concern was that God made us individuals….and while this is true….God’s one desire is for us to be HIS reflection. Not that we are all to be robots….but that Christ would magnify the very things that He placed in us as individual creations, that bring Him the most glory.
His will above all else…..the writer of this Psalm was obviously filled with the spirit of God and used his God given ability and allowed God to enhance them to write this beautiful Psalm which is a picture of Christ as the Bridegroom.
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