What a great day! I have to admit, the sermon was not one of my best. If it were in the lost and found, it would stay lost because I would not claim it. Nevertheless, today was a great day.
Today was Warrenton Christian Church’s annual meeting. We looking at the budget and hold a vote of confidence for various ministry positions within the church. Today we also made two big announcements:
- We will be going to two services in January.
- We hired Tony Coulombe as an associate minister.
I don’t know if Warrenton Christian Church will grow in the next few months (I suspect we will) or if we will shrink. But one thing I do know is that we will be different after this day. Not because of what we are doing or who we are hiring, but because of what Jesus has already accomplished on the cross.
Mark November 1, 2009 on your calendar because today we looked back at the cross and see the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. By our testimony we are able to look forward to whatever lies ahead. I anticipate great things at Warrenton Christian Church, not because of what we plan to do, but because of what Jesus did.
Revelation 12:10-12
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows what his time is short.”
I am thankful that everyday is a new day, and whatever day it is somebody can say, “Mark the calendar, because today I press on – Look at what Jesus accomplished at the cross!”
Posted in Life, Ministry | Leave a Comment »
Jesus Christ – no need to look anywhere else – he is the Prophet, Priest, and King!
Last night our weekly Growth Group discussed that “Christ” is an office that Jesus fulfilled. (I am sorry to say so, but “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name.) This office of Christ demonstrates that Jesus fulfills the role of prophet (Heb. 1:1-4; Matt. 17:1-5), Jesus fulfills the role of priest (Heb. 3:1-2; 10:5-21), and Jesus fulfills the duties of the King (John 18:33-37; 1 Tim. 6:13-16).
The whole time we were discussing this office of Christ I just keep thinking how miraculous the incarnation is. Jesus is our prophet for us to hear, Jesus is our high priest who intercedes for us, and Jesus is our King who rules our lives. We truly have a God that is dangerously personable.
How freeing it is to be able to converse with the source. The office of Christ has been filled; there is no “help wanted” sign out front. I am sorry but the office of prophet, priest, and king has been filled.
Posted in Life | Leave a Comment »
Yesterday Noah named his two stuffed Rottweilers Cheese & Pickles and Baby Cheese & Pickles. Sometimes I wish I could see the world through the eyes of a child again.
Posted in Life | 1 Comment »
I admit it. I haven’t blogged for quite awhile – okay a real long while. To catch thing up I thought I would just make a list of things that have been on my mind lately.
I am not a fan of cancer. My dad is having his kidney out tomorrow morning because of cancer. I am thankful to God that they found it soon and that he will be done with this quickly. My dog (Roxy) died about two weeks ago of cancer. Sacia (our other rottweiler) is lonely. I miss Roxy a lot, but I am more worried about my dad.
Jamie and I are building a house. It looks like the bottom floor is framed in. We will go back tonight and walk through. We are extremely excited. I cannot think of a place I would rather be. Most of all I appreciate the stability. In the six years that Jamie and I have been married we have never hung pictures on a wall. I am looking forward to being part of this community for a really long time. The beach is amazing.
Brynley and Noah are growing too fast. Every parent says that; we are supposed to say that. Every night I thank God for showing mercy and just giving me one more day with those two wonderful kids.
Jamie is an extraordinary woman. She amazes me more each day and I can honestly say that I love her more today than the day we got married.
This fall at Warrenton Christian Church I have had the honor of seeing some incredible life changes in some incredible people. It is all due to Jesus getting hold of their lives.
Right now I am preaching through the book of Revelation. Wow, what an honor for me! Every day I am amazed more and more by this book and the way that it is shaping my understanding of who Jesus is. It is the only book in the New Testament that promises that those who read it will be blessed. This week is chapter 4 and 5.
Finally, I am pretty sure that I can taste the difference in the Via, but I will take it because I do not want to brew a whole pot…
Posted in Life | Comments Off
I was able to get out and go golfing yesterday with a couple of good guys. I didn’t play so well, but it is always nice to get out. As we were finishing up the last hole we began talking about how good the pro golfers are. I don’t know about you, but when I sink a putt from a distance, “just like a pro,” runs through my mind. And when I see a golfer shank it on TV, I always think, “they golf like me.”
Professional athletes of any sport are levels ahead of weekend warriors. The golf club becomes an extension of the body, the ball becomes and extension of the foot or the hand. The fact is that the professional athlete spends so much time developing the fundamental elements of the sport that they can make the ball or body do anything. Competition is not a matter of manipulating the ball a certain way; it is a matter of mental toughness. There is no question that the athlete can make the shot, because they have done it thousands and thousands of times. The question of the athlete becomes, “Can I execute when it matters?”
I know that too many times in my own life, I tend to think that I am the player and I need to execute God’s plays. But I must continually remind myself of the reality that I am simply a club. Yes, God will do extraordinary things through ordinary people. I just need to continually remember that God is the player and the game is not dependent on the club. God will see to it that the play will get executed. Proverbs 19:21; Luke 9:57-62
This brings to mind some questions. Am I a basketball when God is playing golf? In other words, am I passionate about the things that God is passionate about? Luke 4:18-19 And am I around God enough that, like the athletes club, I become an extension of God’s hand. God can not use the putter if it is left in the garage. Matthew 28:18-20
I am just thankful that God uses crooked golf clubs.
Posted in Life | Leave a Comment »
