As I have said before....I cannot believe it is true, but I do watch American Idol. I actually think it is very entertaining.
Last night resulted in four more "wanna-be's" leaving the show. One of the guys who was asked to leave was no surprise. The guy who was a self-proclaimed "Rocker". From the start of the tryouts he had the long hair, the bandanna, knew the words to rock songs and even proclaimed himself to be a "Rocker". Only one problem....no one else thought he was a true Rocker. (Whatever that is...) Randy, Paula and more specifically Simon thought he was a poser trying to be the next Daughtry or some other Rocker.
Asked why he thought this guy did not get the votes, Simon basically said, "He wants to be something he is not and America did not think he was authentic in his Rocker image."
In my humble and unprofessional opinion, I think Simon was right. The guy looked like a Rocker.....but he was not. His stated musical dreams did not match who he really is on the inside and it showed in his performances.
Where do heart felt and passionate dreams come from? How do we know that they match who God created us to be and once we achieve a stated dream....will we be fulfilled in our soul?
I believe we have many people living their lives chasing a dream that was placed in their heart from a well meaning parent, teacher, culture or something else. However, it is not a dream that wells up from the center of the person's soul. A Close Encounter with Jesus helps us to know who we really are and what dream is it that we personally should be living daily in pursuit of!
Bring a friend this Sunday as we learn about how a Close Encounter with Jesus can help us to live our dreams and accomplish the desires of our heart! Remember, we need as many CSF Players to attend our 9am or noon service.
Also, read last Fridays BLOG to be reminded about the Best Easter Egg HUNT in town! It is a real hunt that even men will love!
Today's Bible Reading: I guess because it is a leap-year our guide did not have a Feb 29th in it. I suggest catching up on a day you missed earlier!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Boone, NC Report
Of course you know that it is very cold outside and that the North Carolina mountains received about 6-7 inches of fresh snow.....
Here is what many of you don't know about Boone, NC. We are very close to completing the details for our first church plant out of the Charlotte, Metro area.
As you know, over the last seven years we have helped to plant three other new churches in our area.(University City Fellowship, Charlotte North Fellowship and Watershed Church) We have given over $115,000, CSF people, band and nursery volunteers, media resources and also provided "on-the-job" training to help these new churches start in their area.
We now feel it is time to put our church planting and missional dollars, resources and training into areas that are for the most part void of our style and philosophy of doing ministry. We feel called to start a new church in Boone, NC. Although it is not a large city it is an area with over 50,000 people and a state university that has over 15,000 students on Campus. After talking with many of the local churches there and getting their wise counsel about the need for a new church....we are confident that this is a great place for another church that wants to reach those who do not currently attend a church there. Moreover, the large campus population is in need of a few different options for daily/weekly Fellowship.
We are in the process of interviewing the person who will be the Lead Pastor of this new Fellowship. This new plant will have a direct and lasting relationship with CSF as it partners with us to reach the people in Boone, Blowing Rock and the surrounding area. We are planning to have the official launch in January 2009. However, this Summer and Fall we will be asking CSF people to help us lay the personal ground work for the new church. We will have one-day or weekend mission trips up there to do community service projects, get the word out and help the planting team make a relational and practical impact this summer and fall. Our student ministry will be very active in helping in this process so that they learn early that following Christ is about action and doing something for other people! Be looking for these fun and life-changing mission details....
Today's Bible reading jumped to 1 Corinthians chapter 13....
This is the classic Love Chapter! Paul is very clear in this chapter that if we do not have and show love toward people....then we have missed the point of being a Christ follower. It is not about what I can get but what I give. It is about information put to use not information to impress exclude others.
Here is what many of you don't know about Boone, NC. We are very close to completing the details for our first church plant out of the Charlotte, Metro area.
As you know, over the last seven years we have helped to plant three other new churches in our area.(University City Fellowship, Charlotte North Fellowship and Watershed Church) We have given over $115,000, CSF people, band and nursery volunteers, media resources and also provided "on-the-job" training to help these new churches start in their area.
We now feel it is time to put our church planting and missional dollars, resources and training into areas that are for the most part void of our style and philosophy of doing ministry. We feel called to start a new church in Boone, NC. Although it is not a large city it is an area with over 50,000 people and a state university that has over 15,000 students on Campus. After talking with many of the local churches there and getting their wise counsel about the need for a new church....we are confident that this is a great place for another church that wants to reach those who do not currently attend a church there. Moreover, the large campus population is in need of a few different options for daily/weekly Fellowship.
We are in the process of interviewing the person who will be the Lead Pastor of this new Fellowship. This new plant will have a direct and lasting relationship with CSF as it partners with us to reach the people in Boone, Blowing Rock and the surrounding area. We are planning to have the official launch in January 2009. However, this Summer and Fall we will be asking CSF people to help us lay the personal ground work for the new church. We will have one-day or weekend mission trips up there to do community service projects, get the word out and help the planting team make a relational and practical impact this summer and fall. Our student ministry will be very active in helping in this process so that they learn early that following Christ is about action and doing something for other people! Be looking for these fun and life-changing mission details....
Today's Bible reading jumped to 1 Corinthians chapter 13....
This is the classic Love Chapter! Paul is very clear in this chapter that if we do not have and show love toward people....then we have missed the point of being a Christ follower. It is not about what I can get but what I give. It is about information put to use not information to impress exclude others.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Class Of 1988!
Where were you born? From a small town, city or a very large city? Are your parents wealthy, famous or very influential? Did you grow up poor? Were you home schooled, private schooled or public schooled? Did you grow up in a single parent home, with a step-parent, or with both biological parents?
Were you real smart in school or the class clown? Were you voted most "anything" as a senior? Were you popular, a nerd or just average? Did you hang with the jocks, the brains, the punkers or did you have your own group?
Would people who knew you then, recognize you now? Have you under achieved from the start you were given or have you lived your dreams and overcome much of your "starting point" in life?
This summer I am hoping to go back to my home town in Florida for my twenty-year High School reunion. I am amazed that it has been twenty years! I am looking forward to going back and seeing my home town and hopefully many of my friends from High School. I am sure we will all have stories to tell and will look a little different. (with 4 months to go...I still have hair and none of it is gray!)
This Sunday I am going to be talking about how a Close Encounter with Jesus helps you live your dreams! Think back to the day you graduated from High School. Are you living your dreams? Do you even know what your dreams are? If you know what they are...do you know how to achieve them?
As I was reading today in Mark chapter 6, verses 1-6, I was amazed once again about how people can prejudge what we will become..... by where we came from and who are family members are and what they have done. Jesus went back to his home town and they did not believe that HE could be the long awaited Messiah. Not little Jesus, the poor son of a carpenter? He was from a poor town called Nazareth...."what good ever comes out of Nazareth" was a familiar statement Jesus would always hear.
Even Jesus had people who looked at his past and thought his past was a clear prediction of what he could or could NOT do. What were your predictions coming out of High School? What dreams did you have for your life? Are you living them?
If not, this Sunday is a great day to start!
Were you real smart in school or the class clown? Were you voted most "anything" as a senior? Were you popular, a nerd or just average? Did you hang with the jocks, the brains, the punkers or did you have your own group?
Would people who knew you then, recognize you now? Have you under achieved from the start you were given or have you lived your dreams and overcome much of your "starting point" in life?
This summer I am hoping to go back to my home town in Florida for my twenty-year High School reunion. I am amazed that it has been twenty years! I am looking forward to going back and seeing my home town and hopefully many of my friends from High School. I am sure we will all have stories to tell and will look a little different. (with 4 months to go...I still have hair and none of it is gray!)
This Sunday I am going to be talking about how a Close Encounter with Jesus helps you live your dreams! Think back to the day you graduated from High School. Are you living your dreams? Do you even know what your dreams are? If you know what they are...do you know how to achieve them?
As I was reading today in Mark chapter 6, verses 1-6, I was amazed once again about how people can prejudge what we will become..... by where we came from and who are family members are and what they have done. Jesus went back to his home town and they did not believe that HE could be the long awaited Messiah. Not little Jesus, the poor son of a carpenter? He was from a poor town called Nazareth...."what good ever comes out of Nazareth" was a familiar statement Jesus would always hear.
Even Jesus had people who looked at his past and thought his past was a clear prediction of what he could or could NOT do. What were your predictions coming out of High School? What dreams did you have for your life? Are you living them?
If not, this Sunday is a great day to start!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Expandcsf.com
Everyone on our mailing list should have received our Expand Fact Sheet last week. That mailer shared with you some of the basic reasons we feel as though now is the time for us to Expand......Our Faith, Our Influence and Our Fellowship.
Expanding Our Faith: Hundreds of adults at CSF are reading their Bible and praying on a regular basis these days. They are personally Expanding in their ability to grow spiritually in faith and knowledge of Christ. We have more adults than ever that are really trying to grow in their trust of God for all aspects of their life. They are becoming fully devoted followers who re-orient every aspect of their life around the truth of God! As a Fellowship we need each Christian to take responsibility for their own life and the lives of those around them.
This leads to the next part of Expand....
Expanding Our Influence: CSF is about action. We are about helping people join God's Team as they come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and then grow into a Player for Him that changes their world. We believe that every Christ follower has been given certain gifts and passions and that they should use those to serve others. We want to be a place that greatly impacts peoples lives every day of the week! We want to be a Fellowship of great influence in our city and world.
This will happen best when we...
Expand Our Fellowship: This was the aspect of the fact sheet that came in the mail. It is also communicated clearly on the website Expandcsf.com We need to cease being renters. We need more space for kids and students. We need to expand our facility and our land. We need to do these things so that we can be a place that is active and life-changing right here on this campus seven days a week. Our end goal is not to have a church that people attend on Sunday morning only. We will have a place that every kid, teenager, young adult, and older adults can come and have their entire lives touched by the ministries here.
You will be seeing and hearing more about this great Expand Adventure in the next few weeks. I truly believe we are ready to see God accomplish many great things THROUGH the people of CSF! Go to the expandcsf.com often as info will change!
Today's Bible Reading: Mark 5
We see Jesus healing the sick and helping a man who was demon possessed. Never forget that the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ is that He came to save those who are lost and help those who are hurting. As Christ followers this should be our main goal too!
Expanding Our Faith: Hundreds of adults at CSF are reading their Bible and praying on a regular basis these days. They are personally Expanding in their ability to grow spiritually in faith and knowledge of Christ. We have more adults than ever that are really trying to grow in their trust of God for all aspects of their life. They are becoming fully devoted followers who re-orient every aspect of their life around the truth of God! As a Fellowship we need each Christian to take responsibility for their own life and the lives of those around them.
This leads to the next part of Expand....
Expanding Our Influence: CSF is about action. We are about helping people join God's Team as they come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and then grow into a Player for Him that changes their world. We believe that every Christ follower has been given certain gifts and passions and that they should use those to serve others. We want to be a place that greatly impacts peoples lives every day of the week! We want to be a Fellowship of great influence in our city and world.
This will happen best when we...
Expand Our Fellowship: This was the aspect of the fact sheet that came in the mail. It is also communicated clearly on the website Expandcsf.com We need to cease being renters. We need more space for kids and students. We need to expand our facility and our land. We need to do these things so that we can be a place that is active and life-changing right here on this campus seven days a week. Our end goal is not to have a church that people attend on Sunday morning only. We will have a place that every kid, teenager, young adult, and older adults can come and have their entire lives touched by the ministries here.
You will be seeing and hearing more about this great Expand Adventure in the next few weeks. I truly believe we are ready to see God accomplish many great things THROUGH the people of CSF! Go to the expandcsf.com often as info will change!
Today's Bible Reading: Mark 5
We see Jesus healing the sick and helping a man who was demon possessed. Never forget that the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ is that He came to save those who are lost and help those who are hurting. As Christ followers this should be our main goal too!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Great Job CSF Players!
We had many new guest join us yesterday! Why did they come? Because so many of you took your Christian responsibility serious and you asked your friends to "Come, see and meet the One who has changed my life!"
I have heard from many people all ready that they loved the theme for this series and they are very excited about what God will teach them over the next few Sundays! These are great days at CSF. Our attendance is higher than ever in our Home Teams, Service Teams, Sunday Services, Student and Children's Ministry. Our local mission teams are larger and really making a life-changing large impact and even our Sports Ministry is doing well with more basketball, volleyball and softball teams playing this spring than ever before.
The only thing that is not growing is our 9am and noon service....and we really need them to! Yesterday, during the 10:30 service, we ran out of parking and nursery space. Our 1-5th grade area was 15 kids over comfortable capacity. As you know, we will always make do in these areas. As Christians who attend CSF, we see the large crowds and even don't mind the crowded auditorium. However, many of our guests who are coming to CSF are not used to coming to church, and the experience of not having a parking spot, an over crowded or closed nursery and sitting cheek to cheek with a stranger is nothing they want to experience again.
I can only say this one way....we need CSF Players who are committed to the greater good of reaching people for Christ and who understand putting down your personal desires and comforts for others....to make a commitment to come to the 9am or noon service. As you know, we have kicked off our Expand Adventure and will be looking to add more parking and kids space but that is in the near future and not next Sunday.
Thanks in advance for helping CSF make a large impact on those who are unchurched and seeking.
Today's Bible Reading: Mark chapter 4
What kind of "seed" are you? Are you surrounding yourself with good soil so that you can grow? Are you doing your personal prayer and Bible time so that your roots can go deep into the ground? Have you weeded your life of things that will strangle your attempt at growing strong as a Player for Christ?
What person is ultimately responsible for your growth as Christian? YOU ARE!
At CSF we will provide all we can to help you. However, you must choose to reorient your life around the truth of God and plant your life in an area where it will flourish!
I have heard from many people all ready that they loved the theme for this series and they are very excited about what God will teach them over the next few Sundays! These are great days at CSF. Our attendance is higher than ever in our Home Teams, Service Teams, Sunday Services, Student and Children's Ministry. Our local mission teams are larger and really making a life-changing large impact and even our Sports Ministry is doing well with more basketball, volleyball and softball teams playing this spring than ever before.
The only thing that is not growing is our 9am and noon service....and we really need them to! Yesterday, during the 10:30 service, we ran out of parking and nursery space. Our 1-5th grade area was 15 kids over comfortable capacity. As you know, we will always make do in these areas. As Christians who attend CSF, we see the large crowds and even don't mind the crowded auditorium. However, many of our guests who are coming to CSF are not used to coming to church, and the experience of not having a parking spot, an over crowded or closed nursery and sitting cheek to cheek with a stranger is nothing they want to experience again.
I can only say this one way....we need CSF Players who are committed to the greater good of reaching people for Christ and who understand putting down your personal desires and comforts for others....to make a commitment to come to the 9am or noon service. As you know, we have kicked off our Expand Adventure and will be looking to add more parking and kids space but that is in the near future and not next Sunday.
Thanks in advance for helping CSF make a large impact on those who are unchurched and seeking.
Today's Bible Reading: Mark chapter 4
What kind of "seed" are you? Are you surrounding yourself with good soil so that you can grow? Are you doing your personal prayer and Bible time so that your roots can go deep into the ground? Have you weeded your life of things that will strangle your attempt at growing strong as a Player for Christ?
What person is ultimately responsible for your growth as Christian? YOU ARE!
At CSF we will provide all we can to help you. However, you must choose to reorient your life around the truth of God and plant your life in an area where it will flourish!
Friday, February 22, 2008
All-Play Easter Egg Hunt ..March 22nd 10am-1pm
When it comes to Easter Egg Hunts...I have to be honest with you! I really don't like going to them. It is great for the real small kids, but for older kids and adults it is kind of boring. Normal Easter Egg hunts don't have a real challenge involved. The eggs are clearly in-sight and how much candy does one really need.
That is why we are having a REAL Easter Egg Hunt at CSF. A hunt that older kids, adults and even men will enjoy. The fun will be in the actual HUNT and the excitement will be in the prize that you may find. This is not an easy walk into the grass and get an egg....this is a challenging HUNT!
The BIG Hunt is for 6th graders through adults. (starts at 11:30am) The eggs will be hidden on over an acre of our wooded property. You will be given three chances to win prizes that you really want....even the men!
* 42 inch flat screen TV including the installation.
(Thanks Home Technology Solutions)
* A helicopter ride around Charlotte.
* A Jeff Gordan one day Qualifier Driving School and Champ Ride!
* Harris Teeter $50 gift card
* Free Cut, Style and Massage at Mirage Day Spa
* Free trial membership at Lifestyle Gym
* $50 Pampered Chef gift card
* Plus much more.....(see our website)
The Elementary Hunt is for 1st - 5th grade. (10am - 1pm) Again, not a bunch of eggs tossed in an easy to find lawn. These eggs will be hidden! These kids can win:
* A new Wii
* A new IPOD
* $25 Game Stop Gift Card
* Plus other great prizes.
And of course for the younger kids we will have the typical Egg Hunt too!
Preschool Egg Hunt is for toddlers - Kindergarten. (10am - 1pm)
* They can find their eggs and get candy and toys!
Plus we will have a free Bounce Castle and Huge Air Slide, free professional photo with the Easter Bunny all event long!
Free Hot dogs, chips and drinks start at 11am!
Please plan to be here for a great fun event and bring your family and friends! This a great time for us to have fun as a Fellowship and also invite others to enjoy!
Today's Bible Reading: We have started the book of Mark!
Today we read about the disciples leaving their jobs and taking a risk that will forever change their lives and the lives of the world! We see that when God asks us to do something.....we have but one answer...Yes, Lord, I will do it now!
What do you know that God is asking you to do? What has been your answer?
That is why we are having a REAL Easter Egg Hunt at CSF. A hunt that older kids, adults and even men will enjoy. The fun will be in the actual HUNT and the excitement will be in the prize that you may find. This is not an easy walk into the grass and get an egg....this is a challenging HUNT!
The BIG Hunt is for 6th graders through adults. (starts at 11:30am) The eggs will be hidden on over an acre of our wooded property. You will be given three chances to win prizes that you really want....even the men!
* 42 inch flat screen TV including the installation.
(Thanks Home Technology Solutions)
* A helicopter ride around Charlotte.
* A Jeff Gordan one day Qualifier Driving School and Champ Ride!
* Harris Teeter $50 gift card
* Free Cut, Style and Massage at Mirage Day Spa
* Free trial membership at Lifestyle Gym
* $50 Pampered Chef gift card
* Plus much more.....(see our website)
The Elementary Hunt is for 1st - 5th grade. (10am - 1pm) Again, not a bunch of eggs tossed in an easy to find lawn. These eggs will be hidden! These kids can win:
* A new Wii
* A new IPOD
* $25 Game Stop Gift Card
* Plus other great prizes.
And of course for the younger kids we will have the typical Egg Hunt too!
Preschool Egg Hunt is for toddlers - Kindergarten. (10am - 1pm)
* They can find their eggs and get candy and toys!
Plus we will have a free Bounce Castle and Huge Air Slide, free professional photo with the Easter Bunny all event long!
Free Hot dogs, chips and drinks start at 11am!
Please plan to be here for a great fun event and bring your family and friends! This a great time for us to have fun as a Fellowship and also invite others to enjoy!
Today's Bible Reading: We have started the book of Mark!
Today we read about the disciples leaving their jobs and taking a risk that will forever change their lives and the lives of the world! We see that when God asks us to do something.....we have but one answer...Yes, Lord, I will do it now!
What do you know that God is asking you to do? What has been your answer?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Fellowship Is About Lasting Relationships
I was at an Expand Meeting this morning at 6am. At 6:15am Bill Branigan called me to let me know that his daughter Rebecca was in full blown labor and ready to deliver her first child.
At Easter 1999, Bill & Margaret Branigan came with their family to CSF for the first time! They had received a mailer from CSF telling them about a new style church that was doing church in new way. We promised at that time that we were a place that focused on relationships and doing life together in what the Bible calls Fellowship. We told people that we were new and would make a few mistakes but.."those who come, get involved and stay for the long haul" would be forever a part of a caring and growing Fellowship that would radically change their personal lives at the same time our city and world.
The youngest two daughters of the Branigans (Rebbecca & Hannah) started coming when they were in high school. Four years ago I had the privilege of marrying Rebecca to D.J. Fish. This time last year we hired Rebbecca to oversee our graphics design and print media. She has done a great job!
Now nine years after they joined our new Fellowship.....I am heading to the Hospital to be with Bill & Margaret as they become first time grandparents! Doing life together......that has always been and will always be a focus of CSF.
I have to go quick.....I want to be there when the baby is born!
At Easter 1999, Bill & Margaret Branigan came with their family to CSF for the first time! They had received a mailer from CSF telling them about a new style church that was doing church in new way. We promised at that time that we were a place that focused on relationships and doing life together in what the Bible calls Fellowship. We told people that we were new and would make a few mistakes but.."those who come, get involved and stay for the long haul" would be forever a part of a caring and growing Fellowship that would radically change their personal lives at the same time our city and world.
The youngest two daughters of the Branigans (Rebbecca & Hannah) started coming when they were in high school. Four years ago I had the privilege of marrying Rebecca to D.J. Fish. This time last year we hired Rebbecca to oversee our graphics design and print media. She has done a great job!
Now nine years after they joined our new Fellowship.....I am heading to the Hospital to be with Bill & Margaret as they become first time grandparents! Doing life together......that has always been and will always be a focus of CSF.
I have to go quick.....I want to be there when the baby is born!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Up & Down Crowder's Mountain
My 4th grade son, Peyton, was off school Monday AND Tuesday. So I took a personal day off and he and I went hiking at Crowder Mountain. What a great state park and it is so close to our South Charlotte area.
We were planning to spend the whole day together so we chose the longest and most difficult trail to climb to the top of Crowder Mountain. Two and half miles up over rocks and through the trees. Plus we spent as much time off the trail walking across fallen trees like they were balance beams, climbing vertical rocks to get to the top and look out onto the beautiful cliffs and Carolina scenery.
Needless to say, by the time we got to the very top....I was beat, my legs were tired and I had "tweaked" my left hamstring. "Man...I am getting old." For the first time in my relationship with my growing son, I could not keep up with him. He was climbing, running and jumping like a deer. It pained me to say it, but after two hours when we arrived at the top, I had to say...."Peyton, we need to sit and take a break. My legs are tired!" He looked at me like I had asked him to sit and recite poetry while looking over the vista.
He said, "Okay...you sit - I am going to go look around!" I said to him, "Don't get to close to the edge.....don't fall!"
For the next 10 minutes I sat there at the top and looked over to the east. As you know, yesterday was windy, but at that time there was not a cloud in the sky. With my binoculars I could see uptown Charlotte perfectly and many of the surrounding burbs and small towns. At that moment, I felt the unmistakable presence of God. I glanced over at my son who was still jumping around and then glanced back at the city.
Right then, I was reminded of the two passions that I know God has asked me to give my life energies and gifts toward. My family and CSF. I don't see those as mutually exclusive. I see those two great tasks as one and the same.
Why the new CSF Expand adventure? Because our families need a Fellowship like CSF! Our city needs churches like CSF to make an impact for Christ. What are you passionate about? What do you choose everyday to give your "one and only" life for? What legacy are you going to leave behind?
After we left the top, it took us another two hours to get back to my jeep. I was very tired, my hamstring was hurting, my surgically repaired knee was swelling up and because I did not wear the right kind of shoes...my feet hurt. However, the pain was nothing compared to the great experience and time I had with Peyton that day.
A great statement I live by and teach my kids is this: "Anything worth having is worth working hard for and there is usually a price to be paid!"
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 27
Question for you to think about and I will give you an answer tomorrow:
Why would the sailors who don't know Paul and know that he is a prisoner, even listen to him?
We were planning to spend the whole day together so we chose the longest and most difficult trail to climb to the top of Crowder Mountain. Two and half miles up over rocks and through the trees. Plus we spent as much time off the trail walking across fallen trees like they were balance beams, climbing vertical rocks to get to the top and look out onto the beautiful cliffs and Carolina scenery.
Needless to say, by the time we got to the very top....I was beat, my legs were tired and I had "tweaked" my left hamstring. "Man...I am getting old." For the first time in my relationship with my growing son, I could not keep up with him. He was climbing, running and jumping like a deer. It pained me to say it, but after two hours when we arrived at the top, I had to say...."Peyton, we need to sit and take a break. My legs are tired!" He looked at me like I had asked him to sit and recite poetry while looking over the vista.
He said, "Okay...you sit - I am going to go look around!" I said to him, "Don't get to close to the edge.....don't fall!"
For the next 10 minutes I sat there at the top and looked over to the east. As you know, yesterday was windy, but at that time there was not a cloud in the sky. With my binoculars I could see uptown Charlotte perfectly and many of the surrounding burbs and small towns. At that moment, I felt the unmistakable presence of God. I glanced over at my son who was still jumping around and then glanced back at the city.
Right then, I was reminded of the two passions that I know God has asked me to give my life energies and gifts toward. My family and CSF. I don't see those as mutually exclusive. I see those two great tasks as one and the same.
Why the new CSF Expand adventure? Because our families need a Fellowship like CSF! Our city needs churches like CSF to make an impact for Christ. What are you passionate about? What do you choose everyday to give your "one and only" life for? What legacy are you going to leave behind?
After we left the top, it took us another two hours to get back to my jeep. I was very tired, my hamstring was hurting, my surgically repaired knee was swelling up and because I did not wear the right kind of shoes...my feet hurt. However, the pain was nothing compared to the great experience and time I had with Peyton that day.
A great statement I live by and teach my kids is this: "Anything worth having is worth working hard for and there is usually a price to be paid!"
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 27
Question for you to think about and I will give you an answer tomorrow:
Why would the sailors who don't know Paul and know that he is a prisoner, even listen to him?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Close Encounter
Some people come into your life and you are never the same. This is what happens when you have a Close Encounter with Jesus Christ. He changes you forever..…your heart, mind, soul and destiny. This Sunday we are starting a new message series. We will be looking at the personal side of knowing Jesus! What happens when normal everyday people have a Close Encounter with Jesus? They are forever changed!
This past Sunday we gave you Close Encounter cards to pass out to your family and friends who may have some challenges in their life and need a change, need hope, need strength.....need to know Jesus personally.
Here is the list of what we will be covering. All of us will benefit from this personal message series.
Close Encounter...Meeting Him Will Help You:
Overcome Your Fears - February 24th
Fear will always hold us back from attempting great things in our life. This fear will keep us from fulfilling our dreams and reaching our highest potential. A Close Encounter with Jesus will help us overcome are deepest fears.
Live Your Dreams - March 2nd
A lack of trust and faith in God, themselves and others is why many people never follow their dreams. A Close Encounter with Jesus will remind you that your dreams are worth chasing and that He will help you live them!
Heal Your Hurts - March 9th
Life’s journey will always bring pain into our life. Jesus is the close and caring friend who agrees to walk with you down every path. Moreover, He has the ability to help mend every emotional hurt you have.
Change Your World - March 16th
Many people today are bored with life because they have slid into mediocrity and a self-serving life style. An encounter with Jesus will invigorate you to do something purposeful with your life. He will help you find lasting meaning as you set out to make a positive impact in your world.
This incredible series will take us up to Easter! Start now to invite your friends. As a Fellowship we all work together to lead every person in our area to Christ!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 26
Paul tells us about how God met him on the road and forever changed his life. He had a Close Encounter like none other! At that moment God gave Paul a clear vision of what he was to do.....so he started doing it. He did not need to think about, pray about it or wonder if he would be successful. He just started his personal mission that God had given him.
What has God asked you to do? Who has God asked you to reach out to? Are you doing it? Many of us have friends like King Agrippa in this chapter. They ask us, "Are you trying to persuade me to be a Christian?" Our response to our friends should be the same as Paul said to the King......YES!
This past Sunday we gave you Close Encounter cards to pass out to your family and friends who may have some challenges in their life and need a change, need hope, need strength.....need to know Jesus personally.
Here is the list of what we will be covering. All of us will benefit from this personal message series.
Close Encounter...Meeting Him Will Help You:
Overcome Your Fears - February 24th
Fear will always hold us back from attempting great things in our life. This fear will keep us from fulfilling our dreams and reaching our highest potential. A Close Encounter with Jesus will help us overcome are deepest fears.
Live Your Dreams - March 2nd
A lack of trust and faith in God, themselves and others is why many people never follow their dreams. A Close Encounter with Jesus will remind you that your dreams are worth chasing and that He will help you live them!
Heal Your Hurts - March 9th
Life’s journey will always bring pain into our life. Jesus is the close and caring friend who agrees to walk with you down every path. Moreover, He has the ability to help mend every emotional hurt you have.
Change Your World - March 16th
Many people today are bored with life because they have slid into mediocrity and a self-serving life style. An encounter with Jesus will invigorate you to do something purposeful with your life. He will help you find lasting meaning as you set out to make a positive impact in your world.
This incredible series will take us up to Easter! Start now to invite your friends. As a Fellowship we all work together to lead every person in our area to Christ!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 26
Paul tells us about how God met him on the road and forever changed his life. He had a Close Encounter like none other! At that moment God gave Paul a clear vision of what he was to do.....so he started doing it. He did not need to think about, pray about it or wonder if he would be successful. He just started his personal mission that God had given him.
What has God asked you to do? Who has God asked you to reach out to? Are you doing it? Many of us have friends like King Agrippa in this chapter. They ask us, "Are you trying to persuade me to be a Christian?" Our response to our friends should be the same as Paul said to the King......YES!
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Perfect Moment!
Yesterday was a great day at CSF! My favorite part was in the noon service. Over 100 teenagers had just got back from their weekend retreat and they all sat together in the service. As typical, they clapped and sang with our band during the fast worship songs and their "grouped up" energy was infectious. However, during the last slower worship song KC stepped back from the mic and just let the crowd finish the last 3-4 lines of music. The students were singing loud, their voices filled the auditorium, their eyes were closed and the look on their face said it all.....they had experienced a great weekend and were glad to be there at that moment.
I wanted to take this time to tell the CSF family how fortunate we are to have Brad Saab as our Student Pastor. He is doing a great job and our teenagers are the ones who are getting the reward. Also, I wanted to thank all of our Student Ministry Volunteers who gave up their entire weekend to lead, teach and play with our students. Each one of these volunteers were at the church by 6pm on Friday night and they were not finished until 1pm on Sunday.
Moreover, on a weekend like this, it takes about 12 different homes to house the groups and many parents to "pitch in" and serve. A group of parents were here all day on Friday getting the supplies ready and many helped through out the weekend. Again, our teenagers are the ones who are blessed by all these people serving in such a big way. As you can tell by looking at the news everyday, the battle starts early with our kids and teenagers! Our kids and student ministries must be strong and life-changing...... At CSF we have exactly that AND our new Expand adventure will help us do more and make a larger impact every day of the week.
If you are a parent of a 6th -12 grader....listen up! Your teenager needs to be more involved than just on Sunday morning. Nothing is more important for the future of your son or daughter than to have a solid foundation in Christ and to re-orient their teenage life around the truth of Jesus Christ. That does not happen just one hour on Sunday....that is a great place to start, but they need more. Young athletes, musicians, dancers or cheerleaders don't become great unless they practice and are involved on a regular basis...a few times a week. The same is true spiritually!
Also, Summer Camp is July 14th - 18th. Do everything you can to arrange your calendar so that they DON'T miss this week!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 25
All weekend long (chapter 23-25) we read about Paul having to defend him self to the Jewish leaders, the Roman leaders and everyone in the city! Paul was a savvy man. He understood the system and culture of the day and used it to his advantage. He stayed on mission but was smart enough to engage the legal system to his benefit.
As Christ followers, we can also stay on mission and do what God has asked us to do while leveraging the cultural, business and political system of our day to do what God has asked us to do! You don't change the world by running from it...but engaging it!
I wanted to take this time to tell the CSF family how fortunate we are to have Brad Saab as our Student Pastor. He is doing a great job and our teenagers are the ones who are getting the reward. Also, I wanted to thank all of our Student Ministry Volunteers who gave up their entire weekend to lead, teach and play with our students. Each one of these volunteers were at the church by 6pm on Friday night and they were not finished until 1pm on Sunday.
Moreover, on a weekend like this, it takes about 12 different homes to house the groups and many parents to "pitch in" and serve. A group of parents were here all day on Friday getting the supplies ready and many helped through out the weekend. Again, our teenagers are the ones who are blessed by all these people serving in such a big way. As you can tell by looking at the news everyday, the battle starts early with our kids and teenagers! Our kids and student ministries must be strong and life-changing...... At CSF we have exactly that AND our new Expand adventure will help us do more and make a larger impact every day of the week.
If you are a parent of a 6th -12 grader....listen up! Your teenager needs to be more involved than just on Sunday morning. Nothing is more important for the future of your son or daughter than to have a solid foundation in Christ and to re-orient their teenage life around the truth of Jesus Christ. That does not happen just one hour on Sunday....that is a great place to start, but they need more. Young athletes, musicians, dancers or cheerleaders don't become great unless they practice and are involved on a regular basis...a few times a week. The same is true spiritually!
Also, Summer Camp is July 14th - 18th. Do everything you can to arrange your calendar so that they DON'T miss this week!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 25
All weekend long (chapter 23-25) we read about Paul having to defend him self to the Jewish leaders, the Roman leaders and everyone in the city! Paul was a savvy man. He understood the system and culture of the day and used it to his advantage. He stayed on mission but was smart enough to engage the legal system to his benefit.
As Christ followers, we can also stay on mission and do what God has asked us to do while leveraging the cultural, business and political system of our day to do what God has asked us to do! You don't change the world by running from it...but engaging it!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Life-Change Sunday
This Sunday our marriage series will end. The last four weeks have been eye opening for many and have given many more hope to continue on in what seems to be a difficult marriage.
This Sunday we will speak very clearly about the only way a husband or wife can have these attributes in their personal life. Attributes like:
* The ability to love unconditionally
* The "want to" to love sacrificially
* The willingness to understand and accept
* The willingness to forgive
* The desire to submit and serve
* The ability to love your spouse as much as you love yourself
To have these characteristics in your life fully and completely, you must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who is the perfect picture of these things and He allows us to embody them also....only because of His power in us.
As a Christian who knows the love and grace of God....do everything you can do to get your family and friends who are not Christians here this Sunday. They will be given a clear opportunity to understand who Jesus Christ is and why He desires a personal relationship with them. If you know someone who thinks they are unworthy...have them read today's Bible reading.
As a Player at CSF, please remember to park and sit in Player Parking!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 22
Did you know the Apostle Paul was a hater of Jesus and His movement? He killed Christ followers and was standing there watching as Stephen was stoned to death. However, after all that, Paul came to faith in Jesus Christ and spent the rest of his life serving Jesus and His way!
There is nothing you and I have done...that God won't forgive and give us a do-over!
*** Say a prayer for the 108 Students who will be at the retreat this weekend!
This Sunday we will speak very clearly about the only way a husband or wife can have these attributes in their personal life. Attributes like:
* The ability to love unconditionally
* The "want to" to love sacrificially
* The willingness to understand and accept
* The willingness to forgive
* The desire to submit and serve
* The ability to love your spouse as much as you love yourself
To have these characteristics in your life fully and completely, you must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who is the perfect picture of these things and He allows us to embody them also....only because of His power in us.
As a Christian who knows the love and grace of God....do everything you can do to get your family and friends who are not Christians here this Sunday. They will be given a clear opportunity to understand who Jesus Christ is and why He desires a personal relationship with them. If you know someone who thinks they are unworthy...have them read today's Bible reading.
As a Player at CSF, please remember to park and sit in Player Parking!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 22
Did you know the Apostle Paul was a hater of Jesus and His movement? He killed Christ followers and was standing there watching as Stephen was stoned to death. However, after all that, Paul came to faith in Jesus Christ and spent the rest of his life serving Jesus and His way!
There is nothing you and I have done...that God won't forgive and give us a do-over!
*** Say a prayer for the 108 Students who will be at the retreat this weekend!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Teens Talking About Love, Sex and Dating
Today is Valentines Day! (The day we are told to be nice, be romantic, buy cards, buy candy and be sweet to our spouse or girl/boy friend. Forced romance....that will make you feel special! I am sorry.....enough of my personal soapbox!)
Back to my topic....
What is your middle or high school student doing today on V-Day? What do you think they know about Love and Sex? Probably more than we as parents think....or want to admit. As you know, this is a sex crazy culture we live in and our students are saturated with it all. Many want to make wise choices....many don't. Some don't know the truth, others don't have anyone to talk to about the raging hormones going off in their bodies like fireworks and still others are just worried.
At CSF we understand the challenges of teenagers in our sex crazy culture. That is why every year we have Not In My House weekend. It is a weekend retreat done here locally that has one focus...that being to prepare our students to deal with the issue of love, sex and dating. As a Fellowship we can't avoid the topic. They are hearing and learning from many sources in our world. We just want to make sure they get God's perspective and principles. His way is best.....
Thus far we have over a 100 students registered for this life-changing weekend. HOWEVER, there is still room for your son or daughter. Whatever your teenagers plans are this weekend...they are not as important as having them spend the weekend with the Brad Saab and our great Student Ministry volunteers!
Email bradsaab@charlottesouth.org ASAP to get your teenager signed up. At CSF, we make sure that this weekend is affordable for all. The cost for both nights and all meals and activities is only $35!
Today's Bible Reading: I pray you are reading along with us....today we see Paul as he is willing to keep doing what God has asked Him to do, even though he knows he will be beaten and thrown in jail. The man is awesome! He is a Stud for God! He is a Player! He leaves us no excuse to not live as fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. For now, in America, no one is going to beat you up in down town Charlotte for living a life that is reoriented around the claims of Christ!
Back to my topic....
What is your middle or high school student doing today on V-Day? What do you think they know about Love and Sex? Probably more than we as parents think....or want to admit. As you know, this is a sex crazy culture we live in and our students are saturated with it all. Many want to make wise choices....many don't. Some don't know the truth, others don't have anyone to talk to about the raging hormones going off in their bodies like fireworks and still others are just worried.
At CSF we understand the challenges of teenagers in our sex crazy culture. That is why every year we have Not In My House weekend. It is a weekend retreat done here locally that has one focus...that being to prepare our students to deal with the issue of love, sex and dating. As a Fellowship we can't avoid the topic. They are hearing and learning from many sources in our world. We just want to make sure they get God's perspective and principles. His way is best.....
Thus far we have over a 100 students registered for this life-changing weekend. HOWEVER, there is still room for your son or daughter. Whatever your teenagers plans are this weekend...they are not as important as having them spend the weekend with the Brad Saab and our great Student Ministry volunteers!
Email bradsaab@charlottesouth.org ASAP to get your teenager signed up. At CSF, we make sure that this weekend is affordable for all. The cost for both nights and all meals and activities is only $35!
Today's Bible Reading: I pray you are reading along with us....today we see Paul as he is willing to keep doing what God has asked Him to do, even though he knows he will be beaten and thrown in jail. The man is awesome! He is a Stud for God! He is a Player! He leaves us no excuse to not live as fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. For now, in America, no one is going to beat you up in down town Charlotte for living a life that is reoriented around the claims of Christ!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Work Hard, Do Your Best & Finish
Last night my 4th grade son was not in the mood to finish his homework with excellence. He had been given a math project of baking a cake. (It sounded a little strange to me until my wife explained that they were learning about measurements like cup, teaspoon, and the like. This was a fun way for them to visually and practically learn to use these measurements)
Anyways, the last thing he was to do while the cake was baking was to re-write the ingredients and directions on a 3x5 card to be turned in with the cake that the class would all enjoy together. After spending about an hour in the kitchen....he was done. He wanted to go play or at least do something else. He told us that his first draft was good enough for this project and that he was done. After looking at the "chicken-scratch" on his first 3x5 card, we determined that his best work had not been done and he need to finish strong. Do his best!
Most parents, teachers, leaders, employers and coaches would agree with the philosophy of working hard, doing YOUR best and finishing the task strong. The Bible is clear....what ever we do, we should work hard, do our best and finish whatever we said we would accomplish. However, many Christians don't see their God assignments that way. Many times we serve, share our faith and grow spiritually.....just enough to get by. We don't give God our best effort in working for Him! We look for places to skimp and slide through our Christian responsibilities.
Do you serve at CSF? When you do serve....do you work hard and give your best effort?
Do you share your faith with your family and friends? When you do share....do you give it your best shot to tell them about Jesus and invite them on Sunday? Do you keep sharing and try to finish?
Do you read your Bible and Pray? When you do....do you focus on God and give him your best attention and willingness to grow and learn?
Read the words of Paul from today's reading in Acts 20: He said this to the people at the Ephesian Church who were leaders that he had been working with.
Verse 24 "I consider my personal life and well being nothing, if only that I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...the task of sharing the good news of God's grace.
Verse 31 "For three years I never stopped warning each of you (about sin) night and day with tears."
Verse 33 "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of others. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard-work we must help the weak!"
Anyways, the last thing he was to do while the cake was baking was to re-write the ingredients and directions on a 3x5 card to be turned in with the cake that the class would all enjoy together. After spending about an hour in the kitchen....he was done. He wanted to go play or at least do something else. He told us that his first draft was good enough for this project and that he was done. After looking at the "chicken-scratch" on his first 3x5 card, we determined that his best work had not been done and he need to finish strong. Do his best!
Most parents, teachers, leaders, employers and coaches would agree with the philosophy of working hard, doing YOUR best and finishing the task strong. The Bible is clear....what ever we do, we should work hard, do our best and finish whatever we said we would accomplish. However, many Christians don't see their God assignments that way. Many times we serve, share our faith and grow spiritually.....just enough to get by. We don't give God our best effort in working for Him! We look for places to skimp and slide through our Christian responsibilities.
Do you serve at CSF? When you do serve....do you work hard and give your best effort?
Do you share your faith with your family and friends? When you do share....do you give it your best shot to tell them about Jesus and invite them on Sunday? Do you keep sharing and try to finish?
Do you read your Bible and Pray? When you do....do you focus on God and give him your best attention and willingness to grow and learn?
Read the words of Paul from today's reading in Acts 20: He said this to the people at the Ephesian Church who were leaders that he had been working with.
Verse 24 "I consider my personal life and well being nothing, if only that I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...the task of sharing the good news of God's grace.
Verse 31 "For three years I never stopped warning each of you (about sin) night and day with tears."
Verse 33 "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of others. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard-work we must help the weak!"
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Mud UNDER My Jeep
A few days ago, Peyton and I took my jeep into a new neighborhood that has just been cleared for what will be roads. It had just rained and the cleared area was completely muddy just asking for a jeep to have some fun.
Living in the suburbs of Charlotte does not afford Jeep owners as many "fun" 4-wheel adventures as we would like. However, on this day we were slopping through the mud and having a great time. When our tour was complete my Jeep was completely covered in mud! It was a great time!
Then came the clean up......
I had already planned to take our muddy Jeep to a nearby self-cleaning power car wash. The kind where you have to actually get out and manually clean your car. A "touch-free" car wash at the gas station was not going to get this mud off. We pulled up to the car wash and I jumped out to begin plunking quarters in the machine. However, right before I did, a man came up to me and said that he worked at this car wash and that I could not use the car wash because my Jeep was to dirty. Excuse me..I laughed, thinking he was kidding.
He was not. He said that "they" no longer allowed muddy trucks and jeeps into the car wash because it took too much time later for all the mud to go down the drain. I asked him, "So, this is a car wash, but my jeep is not accepted because it is to dirty? I did not know that you have degrees of dirtiness that you accept? How about I go get my wife's clean van and come here and pay to make it wet and even cleaner????
Needless to say I left determined never to return. I ended up having to drive down I485 looking like "pig-pen" from Charlie Brown as mud flung into the air as I drove to another car wash that allowed dirty cars.
People ask me all the time about God's grace, acceptance and forgiveness. They don't understand that there is nothing they can do to make God love them even more. They also don't understand that God does not have a "degree of dirtiness" that determines who He will accept and forgive. The Bible says that anyone can come to God at anytime with a life full of wretched and sinful mud all over themselves....and God gracefully accepts you and "cleans you up" if you ask for it. So many people recognize that they have some "mud" in their lives and think that they first must clean themselves up and then come to God or church. The opposite is true at CSF and especially with God. We can come to God and church very dirty....expecting to be cleaned up.
That is a hallmark value at CSF. All are accepted and will find grace upon asking for it. How dirty are you today? You can ask God for a good washing and he will do it!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 19: In the last few chapters we see that God is doing amazing things through Paul and the others. They are a part of miracles that people had never seen before. They were beginning to change their world!
Have you ever wanted to be used by God in incredible ways? You can be if you so desire to expand in your faith toward God. Expand in your desire to be a person of influence in your world and then choose to be a part of a Fellowship that's main purpose is to be used of God in mighty ways!
Living in the suburbs of Charlotte does not afford Jeep owners as many "fun" 4-wheel adventures as we would like. However, on this day we were slopping through the mud and having a great time. When our tour was complete my Jeep was completely covered in mud! It was a great time!
Then came the clean up......
I had already planned to take our muddy Jeep to a nearby self-cleaning power car wash. The kind where you have to actually get out and manually clean your car. A "touch-free" car wash at the gas station was not going to get this mud off. We pulled up to the car wash and I jumped out to begin plunking quarters in the machine. However, right before I did, a man came up to me and said that he worked at this car wash and that I could not use the car wash because my Jeep was to dirty. Excuse me..I laughed, thinking he was kidding.
He was not. He said that "they" no longer allowed muddy trucks and jeeps into the car wash because it took too much time later for all the mud to go down the drain. I asked him, "So, this is a car wash, but my jeep is not accepted because it is to dirty? I did not know that you have degrees of dirtiness that you accept? How about I go get my wife's clean van and come here and pay to make it wet and even cleaner????
Needless to say I left determined never to return. I ended up having to drive down I485 looking like "pig-pen" from Charlie Brown as mud flung into the air as I drove to another car wash that allowed dirty cars.
People ask me all the time about God's grace, acceptance and forgiveness. They don't understand that there is nothing they can do to make God love them even more. They also don't understand that God does not have a "degree of dirtiness" that determines who He will accept and forgive. The Bible says that anyone can come to God at anytime with a life full of wretched and sinful mud all over themselves....and God gracefully accepts you and "cleans you up" if you ask for it. So many people recognize that they have some "mud" in their lives and think that they first must clean themselves up and then come to God or church. The opposite is true at CSF and especially with God. We can come to God and church very dirty....expecting to be cleaned up.
That is a hallmark value at CSF. All are accepted and will find grace upon asking for it. How dirty are you today? You can ask God for a good washing and he will do it!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts 19: In the last few chapters we see that God is doing amazing things through Paul and the others. They are a part of miracles that people had never seen before. They were beginning to change their world!
Have you ever wanted to be used by God in incredible ways? You can be if you so desire to expand in your faith toward God. Expand in your desire to be a person of influence in your world and then choose to be a part of a Fellowship that's main purpose is to be used of God in mighty ways!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Counseling and Care Ministry
Over the last few weeks we have had many couples share their desire and need for marriage help. Over the last few weeks the messages have "dredged" up some personal issues that many of us are facing as individuals....which of course are hurting our marriages.
Yesterday's sex talk also revealed some issues that many couples are facing. You could hear a pin drop when I was talking about the "Negative Sexual Kill-Joys" that are between the sheets in many of our beds. I have been doing this long enough to know when a certain point or principle hits very hard in the souls of those listening.
So.....what should you do if these messages have been hitting home and revealing some challenges in your personal and married life???? Here are some options:
1) Do nothing....surely things will get better by themselves!
2) Keep your worries and challenges to yourself because you can't really trust anyone....just read some books and look up stuff on-line!
3) Share your challenges with the same friends who have the same issues you have and don't have the solutions either!
4) Contact the CSF Care Ministry. We will have you sit down for an initial free consultation with our trained counselor and he will advise you on a path to healing and a better marriage. You will be advised to either seek further professional marriage counseling, be placed in touch with a CSF Care Minister that will agree to meet with you or maybe you will just be given some other resources to give you the help you need.
We all have heard the definition of insanity: "Keep doing the same thing over and over and over...expecting different results."
Marriages are dying all around you.....don't let yours be another victim! There is help available through Jesus Christ and the ministries we provide here at CSF!
Today's Bible Reading:
Today we read about a young couple (Aquila and Priscilla) that become major players in the first church. As a couple they give of their time, talents and resources. They allow Paul and others to stay in their home and they use their home for the church to meet in on a regular basis. Are you and your spouse both committed to being all God wants you to be at CSF? We need you to be!
Together, we are all making a huge difference in our city and world!
Yesterday's sex talk also revealed some issues that many couples are facing. You could hear a pin drop when I was talking about the "Negative Sexual Kill-Joys" that are between the sheets in many of our beds. I have been doing this long enough to know when a certain point or principle hits very hard in the souls of those listening.
So.....what should you do if these messages have been hitting home and revealing some challenges in your personal and married life???? Here are some options:
1) Do nothing....surely things will get better by themselves!
2) Keep your worries and challenges to yourself because you can't really trust anyone....just read some books and look up stuff on-line!
3) Share your challenges with the same friends who have the same issues you have and don't have the solutions either!
4) Contact the CSF Care Ministry. We will have you sit down for an initial free consultation with our trained counselor and he will advise you on a path to healing and a better marriage. You will be advised to either seek further professional marriage counseling, be placed in touch with a CSF Care Minister that will agree to meet with you or maybe you will just be given some other resources to give you the help you need.
We all have heard the definition of insanity: "Keep doing the same thing over and over and over...expecting different results."
Marriages are dying all around you.....don't let yours be another victim! There is help available through Jesus Christ and the ministries we provide here at CSF!
Today's Bible Reading:
Today we read about a young couple (Aquila and Priscilla) that become major players in the first church. As a couple they give of their time, talents and resources. They allow Paul and others to stay in their home and they use their home for the church to meet in on a regular basis. Are you and your spouse both committed to being all God wants you to be at CSF? We need you to be!
Together, we are all making a huge difference in our city and world!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Sacred Sex
Questions & Answers:
Who is the creator of Sex? A: God
Did God specifically create our bodies so that Sex would be passionate and very pleasurable? A: Yes (read the Song Of Solomon in the Old Testament)
Do many married couples struggle to stay sexually fulfilled and happy? A: Yes
Do many married couples argue over their sex lives? A: Yes
Is their an answer to our sexual struggles in marriage? A: Yes
What is that answer: A: Come this Sunday and find out!
*** Also, remember this Sunday's content is not appropriate for those 12 and under. Even some middle school students should not be there.....THAT IS WHY WE OFFER A SPECIFIC MIDDLE SCHOOL SERVICE for 6th - 8th graders during the 9 and 10:30 services.
Invite a friend this Sunday. They will love it!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts chapter 15
This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! Here we read that the message of Christ is salvation through GRACE alone. At CSF we major on this point. It does not matter what you have done or where you have been......you are accepted here just like Jesus accepted people. That being, with Grace and no "to do's" to earn His love and salvation. It is through faith in Christ through grace that we are saved...that is it!
If you have friends who are struggling in their marriage....let them know that when they come this Sunday they will hear a grace-filled Sex message!
PS: If you are a regular attendee at CSF and you attend our 10:30 service, please be sure to sit up front and park in the back.
Who is the creator of Sex? A: God
Did God specifically create our bodies so that Sex would be passionate and very pleasurable? A: Yes (read the Song Of Solomon in the Old Testament)
Do many married couples struggle to stay sexually fulfilled and happy? A: Yes
Do many married couples argue over their sex lives? A: Yes
Is their an answer to our sexual struggles in marriage? A: Yes
What is that answer: A: Come this Sunday and find out!
*** Also, remember this Sunday's content is not appropriate for those 12 and under. Even some middle school students should not be there.....THAT IS WHY WE OFFER A SPECIFIC MIDDLE SCHOOL SERVICE for 6th - 8th graders during the 9 and 10:30 services.
Invite a friend this Sunday. They will love it!
Today's Bible Reading: Acts chapter 15
This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! Here we read that the message of Christ is salvation through GRACE alone. At CSF we major on this point. It does not matter what you have done or where you have been......you are accepted here just like Jesus accepted people. That being, with Grace and no "to do's" to earn His love and salvation. It is through faith in Christ through grace that we are saved...that is it!
If you have friends who are struggling in their marriage....let them know that when they come this Sunday they will hear a grace-filled Sex message!
PS: If you are a regular attendee at CSF and you attend our 10:30 service, please be sure to sit up front and park in the back.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Spankings In School
At my Thursday morning breakfast meeting with my son, Peyton, we got on the subject of getting in trouble at school and what kind of discipline teachers should give for different "crimes."
I told him that when I was in elementary, middle and high school that each teacher had their own large paddle that they used if someone was misbehaving in class. He could not believe that teachers use to paddle their students. Of course, he soon followed with asking me if I had ever been "spanked" in school by a teacher. I felt like I was on that show "Moment Of Truth." I said...."yes, I had been spanked by a few teachers while in middle-school and once in 9th grade by the Dean of the high school."
However, I said , "it was only for talking and laughing while in class after I had been asked to be quiet." He said,"That is all you did and you got spanked by your teacher?" He was amazed.....
I then shared with him, that because the teachers disciplined us for the smaller things, then most kids never even thought about doing even worse stuff while in school. As we finished breakfast and headed to school, he still was not sure I was not just kidding with him. I told him to ask one of his "older" teachers if they had ever heard of such a thing. I am curious of his current teachers reactions and thoughts.
As I drove away from his school I began to think about the generation we are raising. We have a generation that for the most part is undisciplined and never held accountable for their actions. They are not required to honor authority or show respect to people in authority. They are praised when they question authority and "stand up" and then do what they "feel" is right....even if they are told it is wrong. They have no sense of moral authority or absolute truth.
For a second....I allowed myself to have a fatalistic, doom and gloom attitude. Then, at that moment,I heard God whisper in my spiritual ear....the hope and future of our kids is not left in the hands of the media or even government. The hope is in God and each person who will dedicated themselves to serving, leading and helping this generation.
Our Public School Impact ministry is up and running. We need you to help CSF make a life-long difference in our current world. Moreover, our Kids and Student ministries are serving over 350 kids and teenagers and need your help to make a life-changing impact.
Anyone can sit back and complain about "today's generation"....we need positive impact players who are willing to do something about their future. That is the CSF way.....we don't just talk...we act.
Today's Bible Reading: Acts chapter 14 is about DOING something to impact the world, not just talking about it!
I told him that when I was in elementary, middle and high school that each teacher had their own large paddle that they used if someone was misbehaving in class. He could not believe that teachers use to paddle their students. Of course, he soon followed with asking me if I had ever been "spanked" in school by a teacher. I felt like I was on that show "Moment Of Truth." I said...."yes, I had been spanked by a few teachers while in middle-school and once in 9th grade by the Dean of the high school."
However, I said , "it was only for talking and laughing while in class after I had been asked to be quiet." He said,"That is all you did and you got spanked by your teacher?" He was amazed.....
I then shared with him, that because the teachers disciplined us for the smaller things, then most kids never even thought about doing even worse stuff while in school. As we finished breakfast and headed to school, he still was not sure I was not just kidding with him. I told him to ask one of his "older" teachers if they had ever heard of such a thing. I am curious of his current teachers reactions and thoughts.
As I drove away from his school I began to think about the generation we are raising. We have a generation that for the most part is undisciplined and never held accountable for their actions. They are not required to honor authority or show respect to people in authority. They are praised when they question authority and "stand up" and then do what they "feel" is right....even if they are told it is wrong. They have no sense of moral authority or absolute truth.
For a second....I allowed myself to have a fatalistic, doom and gloom attitude. Then, at that moment,I heard God whisper in my spiritual ear....the hope and future of our kids is not left in the hands of the media or even government. The hope is in God and each person who will dedicated themselves to serving, leading and helping this generation.
Our Public School Impact ministry is up and running. We need you to help CSF make a life-long difference in our current world. Moreover, our Kids and Student ministries are serving over 350 kids and teenagers and need your help to make a life-changing impact.
Anyone can sit back and complain about "today's generation"....we need positive impact players who are willing to do something about their future. That is the CSF way.....we don't just talk...we act.
Today's Bible Reading: Acts chapter 14 is about DOING something to impact the world, not just talking about it!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Duke VS Carolina...What is a man to do?
What is the best thing happening tonight in our area? That is right....our new Thrive Classes start tonight. We have two exciting classes starting tonight!
Sacred Marriage class for couples has 42 couples registered for this marriage changing, enhancing and maybe saving experience.
Survey Of World Religions and Cults has a record number of people as 24 people will be diving in and learning what other people believe and why they believe it.
I have talked to few basketball crazy men who said that they would never miss the Duke vs Carolina game. Nothing stands in their way of missing this game. You know what....for the most part I agree. They should be all fired up about watching this rival game that has ACC and national ranking consequences at stake. However, for the married men out there or those who are engaged, this marriage seminar is really a can't miss. Moreover, the timeliness of the marriage class is ideal to score major points before Valentines Day next week.
So what is a "sport-loving" man to do? Tivo or DVR it! It is a win/win for you and your marriage!
You arrive tonight at 6:45 with your wife. You attend the class and learn a bunch while scoring major points with your wife. You get home by 9pm and make a big sandwich. You tell your wife how much you enjoyed spending time with her tonight....then sit down and watch the game. You get to fast-forward through the commercials and boring halftime show. You finish watching the game about the same time as it would have been over anyway.
Then....you go to bed while reminding your wife what a great time you had at Thrive.
After that....you are on your own!
Today's Bible Reading: The first Fellowship is expanding through out the world. They started small with a huge God given vision. Now they have more leaders, teachers and volunteers to help spread the love and grace of the Risen Savior.
We should always know and embrace that a healthy church with God's vision will always be expanding in their size and ministry impact. A local church was never designed to sit still and be content with status-quo. Too many people are still without Christ and too many people still have needs that have to be met.
The history of CSF has been one of continual health, growth and impact. From the halls of Crestdale Middle School; to the purple lights of the Regal Cinemas; to our current beautiful new facility.....the clarion call has always been one of expanding our faith, expanding our influence and expanding our Fellowship's impact. The call continues......glad you are a part of it!
Sacred Marriage class for couples has 42 couples registered for this marriage changing, enhancing and maybe saving experience.
Survey Of World Religions and Cults has a record number of people as 24 people will be diving in and learning what other people believe and why they believe it.
I have talked to few basketball crazy men who said that they would never miss the Duke vs Carolina game. Nothing stands in their way of missing this game. You know what....for the most part I agree. They should be all fired up about watching this rival game that has ACC and national ranking consequences at stake. However, for the married men out there or those who are engaged, this marriage seminar is really a can't miss. Moreover, the timeliness of the marriage class is ideal to score major points before Valentines Day next week.
So what is a "sport-loving" man to do? Tivo or DVR it! It is a win/win for you and your marriage!
You arrive tonight at 6:45 with your wife. You attend the class and learn a bunch while scoring major points with your wife. You get home by 9pm and make a big sandwich. You tell your wife how much you enjoyed spending time with her tonight....then sit down and watch the game. You get to fast-forward through the commercials and boring halftime show. You finish watching the game about the same time as it would have been over anyway.
Then....you go to bed while reminding your wife what a great time you had at Thrive.
After that....you are on your own!
Today's Bible Reading: The first Fellowship is expanding through out the world. They started small with a huge God given vision. Now they have more leaders, teachers and volunteers to help spread the love and grace of the Risen Savior.
We should always know and embrace that a healthy church with God's vision will always be expanding in their size and ministry impact. A local church was never designed to sit still and be content with status-quo. Too many people are still without Christ and too many people still have needs that have to be met.
The history of CSF has been one of continual health, growth and impact. From the halls of Crestdale Middle School; to the purple lights of the Regal Cinemas; to our current beautiful new facility.....the clarion call has always been one of expanding our faith, expanding our influence and expanding our Fellowship's impact. The call continues......glad you are a part of it!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
PG-13 Sunday Coming Up!
This coming Sunday is going to be very helpful for married adults. It will be very helpful for those who are single again.....and it can be marriage saving for single adults who are hoping to be married one day. It will also helpful for teenagers who are at least 13!
HOWEVER, it is not a service for kids twelve and under. We are going to be discussing the conflicts we have over sex in marriage. We will have All-Star volunteers waiting at the front doors of the auditorium to encourage parents NOT to bring their kids in with them and to take them to our children's ministry! The place that has been specifically designed for them each week.
We will discuss the following:
* Why do married people argue so much about sex?
* Why can't we just get along and make each person satisfied?
* Why is SHE that way...and HE is that way?
* How can one want it so much and the other forget about it?
* What is between the sheets that leads to complicated and unfulfilled sex life?
* How can I change my spouses view of sex?
* Why was sex so great before marriage and in the first few years of marriage, but not so great now?
This Sunday will not be like the church talk about sex you had at your church growing up. We won't skirt (no pun intended) the issues. Or just tell you to pray about it!
We are going to pull back the sheets and reveal the real reasons for our issues and then give biblical answers of hope.
Use this BLOG entry to send to friends and invite them to this marriage changing and possibly saving message.
Today's Bible Reading:
What would happen in your marriage and life if you prayed for miracles like the early church did while Peter was in prison. This is one of the most amazing stories of a local Fellowship praying and God answering in a miraculous way!
Also, like Herod, be very careful NOT to take the work of God as your own credit. Many pastors, Christian leaders and even local church volunteers can become guilty of thinking they are the ones responsible for the amazing things God is doing through their lives. God will not stand for anyone getting taking His Glory!
HOWEVER, it is not a service for kids twelve and under. We are going to be discussing the conflicts we have over sex in marriage. We will have All-Star volunteers waiting at the front doors of the auditorium to encourage parents NOT to bring their kids in with them and to take them to our children's ministry! The place that has been specifically designed for them each week.
We will discuss the following:
* Why do married people argue so much about sex?
* Why can't we just get along and make each person satisfied?
* Why is SHE that way...and HE is that way?
* How can one want it so much and the other forget about it?
* What is between the sheets that leads to complicated and unfulfilled sex life?
* How can I change my spouses view of sex?
* Why was sex so great before marriage and in the first few years of marriage, but not so great now?
This Sunday will not be like the church talk about sex you had at your church growing up. We won't skirt (no pun intended) the issues. Or just tell you to pray about it!
We are going to pull back the sheets and reveal the real reasons for our issues and then give biblical answers of hope.
Use this BLOG entry to send to friends and invite them to this marriage changing and possibly saving message.
Today's Bible Reading:
What would happen in your marriage and life if you prayed for miracles like the early church did while Peter was in prison. This is one of the most amazing stories of a local Fellowship praying and God answering in a miraculous way!
Also, like Herod, be very careful NOT to take the work of God as your own credit. Many pastors, Christian leaders and even local church volunteers can become guilty of thinking they are the ones responsible for the amazing things God is doing through their lives. God will not stand for anyone getting taking His Glory!
Monday, February 4, 2008
A Great Super Bowl
All across America people watched the greatest sport being played on the greatest stage. The Super Bowl is huge and last night was a great game. I know hundreds of CSF Home Teams had Super Bowl parties and hundreds more from CSF gathered in clusters of friendships all over our city. It is amazing to me what Super Bowl "day" has turned into over the last 10-15 years.
People go to Super Bowl parties for many different reasons. Some people go so they can actually watch the game, some watch for the commercials (by the way...they were lame this year), some gather just to be with friends, others want an excuse to have a party and still others show up because someone invited them. However, one thing is certain, whatever the reason for coming....they all leave knowing they had a great time AND everyone knows who won the game. The main thing....stays the main thing.
That kind of varied excitement of gathering is what we desire for our Sunday services. I believe these days we are having that at CSF. Each Sunday there is an air of anticipation about the experience here on Sunday. People are motivated to come for varied reasons. Some... really like the music the best, others the message, still others love to see kid's lives changed so they show up to teach. I have heard of many more reasons that people say they love coming to CSF. The point is that on any given Sunday, the reasons are varied but everyone leaves having experienced the main the thing. The love, grace and guidance of Jesus Christ in some form.
A couple stopped me yesterday after the second service and said; "we have not been to church in a long time, but, we were invited to come this morning by a friend. After experiencing the service.....we now know why today was the day we were supposed to be here!" With that said, they tearfully hugged each other and walked out the door. They assured me they would be back this coming Sunday.
As I looked around the Porch Cafe area I saw such a diverse group. People that I have known for more than 8 years, people who I know are not even Christians yet, people I have no clue who they are or where they came from, white people, black people, Hispanic people and the list can go on. All I do know is that we all come with some kind of anticipation AND most were invited by someone.......
I would like to challenge all of us at CSF.....take the time and invite someone this Sunday. It is an easy invite....we are talking about SEX!
Today's Reading in Acts chapter 11 teaches us that God wants his message to go to all people, of any race and any background. I hope you will join me in reaching out this week to someone who needs an invitation to a great Super Sunday this coming week.
People go to Super Bowl parties for many different reasons. Some people go so they can actually watch the game, some watch for the commercials (by the way...they were lame this year), some gather just to be with friends, others want an excuse to have a party and still others show up because someone invited them. However, one thing is certain, whatever the reason for coming....they all leave knowing they had a great time AND everyone knows who won the game. The main thing....stays the main thing.
That kind of varied excitement of gathering is what we desire for our Sunday services. I believe these days we are having that at CSF. Each Sunday there is an air of anticipation about the experience here on Sunday. People are motivated to come for varied reasons. Some... really like the music the best, others the message, still others love to see kid's lives changed so they show up to teach. I have heard of many more reasons that people say they love coming to CSF. The point is that on any given Sunday, the reasons are varied but everyone leaves having experienced the main the thing. The love, grace and guidance of Jesus Christ in some form.
A couple stopped me yesterday after the second service and said; "we have not been to church in a long time, but, we were invited to come this morning by a friend. After experiencing the service.....we now know why today was the day we were supposed to be here!" With that said, they tearfully hugged each other and walked out the door. They assured me they would be back this coming Sunday.
As I looked around the Porch Cafe area I saw such a diverse group. People that I have known for more than 8 years, people who I know are not even Christians yet, people I have no clue who they are or where they came from, white people, black people, Hispanic people and the list can go on. All I do know is that we all come with some kind of anticipation AND most were invited by someone.......
I would like to challenge all of us at CSF.....take the time and invite someone this Sunday. It is an easy invite....we are talking about SEX!
Today's Reading in Acts chapter 11 teaches us that God wants his message to go to all people, of any race and any background. I hope you will join me in reaching out this week to someone who needs an invitation to a great Super Sunday this coming week.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Back To The Future II
Okay.....we are back...To The Future.
We will have a place on site that allows us to continue our passionate impact and care for those in need. A place to distribute food, clothes and other basic needs.
We will have multiple large seating areas to have our Thrive Classes. We will offer these classes on multiple nights so that anyone's schedule can find a way to participate in these life-changing classes and groups.
We will have a full-blown counseling center to help heal the emotional challenges that individuals, couples and families have.
Being directly at the cross section of three major highways, we will have a cafe & bookstore area that will be set up for daily use. A place to meet friends for coffee, read a book and hang out.
An outdoor courtyard area will be the ideal place to bring family and friends on a Friday and Saturday late afternoons as you enjoy a picnic dinner and live bands playing. The little kids will enjoy a safe place to run around while mom & dad enjoy meaningful conversation.
We want to design a creative place that people want to come and be a part of all week long.....not just on Sunday for an hour service. A place that helps people discover the love of Christ. A place that helps hurting families. A place that encourages kids and teenagers to be all that God wants them to be...all week long. Because of our passion to be culturally relevant, we will have a campus that teenagers will want to come here and hang out on after football games and on Saturday night!
Above all else our future will be just like our past. We will always be a place that reaches out to those who are disconnected from God. We will use our expanding campus as a beacon of hope, love and grace for those who do not know Jesus Christ personally. We will use this place as a launching pad for public "helps" ministries and planting many churches in unreached areas of American and beyond.
In today's reading we saw were the church was beginning to be persecuted and even destroyed. However, the people (which is what the church or fellowship is really) stayed focused on the main purpose of their calling through Christ. Verse 4 says; "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
At CSF, our future is as bright as God is Himself. We believe He has given us the tools to make a large impact in our city and world. We will be faithful stewards of what He has allowed us to have and what we will build in the future. Our purpose and game plan will be to reach people and help them become devoted followers of Christ that desire to impact their world.
Take time today to invite someone to come with you this Sunday! No one will beat you or persecute you....but you may help change a life forever!
We will have a place on site that allows us to continue our passionate impact and care for those in need. A place to distribute food, clothes and other basic needs.
We will have multiple large seating areas to have our Thrive Classes. We will offer these classes on multiple nights so that anyone's schedule can find a way to participate in these life-changing classes and groups.
We will have a full-blown counseling center to help heal the emotional challenges that individuals, couples and families have.
Being directly at the cross section of three major highways, we will have a cafe & bookstore area that will be set up for daily use. A place to meet friends for coffee, read a book and hang out.
An outdoor courtyard area will be the ideal place to bring family and friends on a Friday and Saturday late afternoons as you enjoy a picnic dinner and live bands playing. The little kids will enjoy a safe place to run around while mom & dad enjoy meaningful conversation.
We want to design a creative place that people want to come and be a part of all week long.....not just on Sunday for an hour service. A place that helps people discover the love of Christ. A place that helps hurting families. A place that encourages kids and teenagers to be all that God wants them to be...all week long. Because of our passion to be culturally relevant, we will have a campus that teenagers will want to come here and hang out on after football games and on Saturday night!
Above all else our future will be just like our past. We will always be a place that reaches out to those who are disconnected from God. We will use our expanding campus as a beacon of hope, love and grace for those who do not know Jesus Christ personally. We will use this place as a launching pad for public "helps" ministries and planting many churches in unreached areas of American and beyond.
In today's reading we saw were the church was beginning to be persecuted and even destroyed. However, the people (which is what the church or fellowship is really) stayed focused on the main purpose of their calling through Christ. Verse 4 says; "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."
At CSF, our future is as bright as God is Himself. We believe He has given us the tools to make a large impact in our city and world. We will be faithful stewards of what He has allowed us to have and what we will build in the future. Our purpose and game plan will be to reach people and help them become devoted followers of Christ that desire to impact their world.
Take time today to invite someone to come with you this Sunday! No one will beat you or persecute you....but you may help change a life forever!
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