Kenny is on vacation this week. Pray for the Hibbard family to a have great week off and enjoy some quality family fun!
Brad Saab, our great Student Pastor, spoke yesterday morning and did a fine job of showing us the need for each person to use their gifts, passion and life setting to serve the Fellowship in a meaningful way.
We at CSF are blessed to have such a gifted and wonderful Student Pastor. Brad also reminded everyone yesterday that camp sign ups have started and that space is limited. Every parent should get their middle and high school student registered soon! Summer Camp is a place where you teenager will have his or her life changed forever.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
A great letter....
These days at CSF we are getting many emails, cards and letters telling us how much our Fellowship has meant to the person sending us the note. As a matter fact, right now at 7:45 am Rick is meeting with a man that emailed us last week and said that after being here a while....it was time to accept Christ and be baptized. Awesome...
As we close out the week, I wanted to leave you with a card I received in the mail this week. The card was addressed to me, however, we are a TEAM here at CSF and the joy from this card needs to be enjoyed by all CSF Players. Read it, enjoy it, celebrate and then go through the rest of your day knowing that YOU are a part of church that is changing lives every day of every week. YOU play a vital role. YOU are not just an observer...YOU are a Player!
Here is the highlights from the card:
"Dear Kenny,
The Easter service Sunday was very special. The message, music and presentation was great. I felt the Spirit of God! This Easter was special to me because I had my sons and grandchildren with me. I had been praying that my son would come to church and he has now for 3 straight Sundays.
I had a birthday a few weeks ago and my son said that his present to me would be a day with me, doing whatever "I" wanted to do. I told him the only thing I wanted was for him to go on a Sunday with me to Charlotte South Fellowship. I have now received my birthday present, he is meeting me at CSF every Sunday. He has since told me that this was the first time he gave me a gift and received more for himself than he gave.
We love this church! I now have both sons and their families and my two sisters coming every Sunday. God is so good..."
How awesome is that! I hope and pray that as you Expand your serving, giving and influence that YOU know.....lives are being changed and we are changing our neighborhoods, community and the city for Jesus Christ!
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13
Know as the LOVE chapter...this is a great reminder of what is most important in our lives. That we show and give real love to people. Read verse 4-8 again and ask yourself if this is the way you love your kids, spouse, parents, friends and you get the point!
As we close out the week, I wanted to leave you with a card I received in the mail this week. The card was addressed to me, however, we are a TEAM here at CSF and the joy from this card needs to be enjoyed by all CSF Players. Read it, enjoy it, celebrate and then go through the rest of your day knowing that YOU are a part of church that is changing lives every day of every week. YOU play a vital role. YOU are not just an observer...YOU are a Player!
Here is the highlights from the card:
"Dear Kenny,
The Easter service Sunday was very special. The message, music and presentation was great. I felt the Spirit of God! This Easter was special to me because I had my sons and grandchildren with me. I had been praying that my son would come to church and he has now for 3 straight Sundays.
I had a birthday a few weeks ago and my son said that his present to me would be a day with me, doing whatever "I" wanted to do. I told him the only thing I wanted was for him to go on a Sunday with me to Charlotte South Fellowship. I have now received my birthday present, he is meeting me at CSF every Sunday. He has since told me that this was the first time he gave me a gift and received more for himself than he gave.
We love this church! I now have both sons and their families and my two sisters coming every Sunday. God is so good..."
How awesome is that! I hope and pray that as you Expand your serving, giving and influence that YOU know.....lives are being changed and we are changing our neighborhoods, community and the city for Jesus Christ!
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13
Know as the LOVE chapter...this is a great reminder of what is most important in our lives. That we show and give real love to people. Read verse 4-8 again and ask yourself if this is the way you love your kids, spouse, parents, friends and you get the point!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
33 years old!
Today is my wife's birthday. Most people would not guess it by looking at her....but she turns 33 today. Kelly was 23 when we moved to North Carolina to start CSF and had just turned 24 when we went public and launched our Sunday services. She has been a faithful servant in our Kid's ministry since day one AND still leads and oversees the 4-year-old class for all three services, while normally only needing to actually be in there for the 10:30 service.
Almost weekly I will have someone tell me they have no idea who my wife is and that they have always wondered why she is not more visible. I tell them that Kelly uses her gifts and passions to serve CSF in the way that God has wired her up. She does not want, need, nor seek the spotlight. She does not lead women's groups or have her own public ministry. She does not BLOG, write books or do anything that would allow anyone to know who she is...unless you have a 4 year-old. To the many people who know her in the 4-year-old class, she is "Mrs. Kelly" and most have no idea that she is the "pastor's wife."
She likes it that way. That is who God created her to be. She loves serving in our Kid's ministry and being with other people who have the same passion. She loves being a stay at home mom, volunteering at school, raising our kids and the like. That is who she is.....that is who God made her to be!
My wife is awesome at what she does. Moreover, she allows me to do and be who God created me to be. It has taken a a few years...but we have figured this marriage and ministry thing out and work well as a Team.
I wanted to share this with you as a perfect example of what the Bible is teaching today in our daily reading. The local church is one Body...made up of many parts. For the church to function at it's highest potential and impact capacity; every person must know the role they play in the body......and then play it. Not everyone can be a leader, teacher, care-giver, counselor, singer, musician, painter, serve kids, serve teenagers, serve men, serve women, do sports, etc. However, different people can do what they have been gifted to do and be who God created them to be.
A huge part of our Expand Adventure is that we want to get everyone playing their role in our local body. We want each person to Expand their personal Influence in their world through the local church. This does not happen when a large part of "The Body" or "The Team" only come on Sunday and sit, observe, clap and then leave for the week.
I love CSF and the way everyone like me, my wife and many more know their role, play their role and help us change our world. Read 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and ask God how it is that you can start Expanding Your Influence as a Team player.
These are exciting days at CSF as we Expand our Faith, our Influence and our Fellowship.
Almost weekly I will have someone tell me they have no idea who my wife is and that they have always wondered why she is not more visible. I tell them that Kelly uses her gifts and passions to serve CSF in the way that God has wired her up. She does not want, need, nor seek the spotlight. She does not lead women's groups or have her own public ministry. She does not BLOG, write books or do anything that would allow anyone to know who she is...unless you have a 4 year-old. To the many people who know her in the 4-year-old class, she is "Mrs. Kelly" and most have no idea that she is the "pastor's wife."
She likes it that way. That is who God created her to be. She loves serving in our Kid's ministry and being with other people who have the same passion. She loves being a stay at home mom, volunteering at school, raising our kids and the like. That is who she is.....that is who God made her to be!
My wife is awesome at what she does. Moreover, she allows me to do and be who God created me to be. It has taken a a few years...but we have figured this marriage and ministry thing out and work well as a Team.
I wanted to share this with you as a perfect example of what the Bible is teaching today in our daily reading. The local church is one Body...made up of many parts. For the church to function at it's highest potential and impact capacity; every person must know the role they play in the body......and then play it. Not everyone can be a leader, teacher, care-giver, counselor, singer, musician, painter, serve kids, serve teenagers, serve men, serve women, do sports, etc. However, different people can do what they have been gifted to do and be who God created them to be.
A huge part of our Expand Adventure is that we want to get everyone playing their role in our local body. We want each person to Expand their personal Influence in their world through the local church. This does not happen when a large part of "The Body" or "The Team" only come on Sunday and sit, observe, clap and then leave for the week.
I love CSF and the way everyone like me, my wife and many more know their role, play their role and help us change our world. Read 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and ask God how it is that you can start Expanding Your Influence as a Team player.
These are exciting days at CSF as we Expand our Faith, our Influence and our Fellowship.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Baptism & Communion on April 16th
Wednesday, April 16th, will be our next Fellowship Service. These mid-week services are a special time for us at CSF. These evening services are an awesome time of worship, prayer and inspiration. Moreover, these nights are special because we celebrate Baptism with people who have recently committed their lives to Christ. Baptism is an outward sign of an internal commitment that was made to Jesus Christ as a person chooses to become a Christian.
As you know, Baptism at CSF is a wonderful event that gets it's own special time. We don't hurry through our baptism time as just some quick ritual. We take time to let each person share personally why they are being baptized and what their new life in Christ mean to them. The individual baptism moments are the highlight of the night!
If you have never been baptized as a Christian believer and would like to do so on April 16th, please email rickf@charlottesouth.org
Also, on this night we will celebrate Communion. Again, this is a special time we get to share as a Fellowship of believers in Christ. We celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Good times.......
Please make plans now to be here for this special night. Childcare is available for new born - kindergarten.
Today's Bible Reading 1 Corinthians 11
Verses 17-34 has Paul telling the church of Corinth about the priority of Communion and how it should be received. This is an important "sacrament" that we do as Christ followers. It is a time to Remember The Lord's sacrifice for us.
Today as you go through the rest of your day....take a few moments and thank God for the new life that you have because of the sacrifice of Jesus.
As you know, Baptism at CSF is a wonderful event that gets it's own special time. We don't hurry through our baptism time as just some quick ritual. We take time to let each person share personally why they are being baptized and what their new life in Christ mean to them. The individual baptism moments are the highlight of the night!
If you have never been baptized as a Christian believer and would like to do so on April 16th, please email rickf@charlottesouth.org
Also, on this night we will celebrate Communion. Again, this is a special time we get to share as a Fellowship of believers in Christ. We celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Good times.......
Please make plans now to be here for this special night. Childcare is available for new born - kindergarten.
Today's Bible Reading 1 Corinthians 11
Verses 17-34 has Paul telling the church of Corinth about the priority of Communion and how it should be received. This is an important "sacrament" that we do as Christ followers. It is a time to Remember The Lord's sacrifice for us.
Today as you go through the rest of your day....take a few moments and thank God for the new life that you have because of the sacrifice of Jesus.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Hard Seats To Get
As I said yesterday....Sunday was a great day. However, I was caught off guard as I walked onto the stage this Sunday at the 10:30 service to begin my message....and noticed so many people sitting in the balcony.
The first things I noticed was the amount of people up there. Secondly, I thought how close they felt and looked as they seemed to be at my eye level and that I could reach out and touch them. However, the main thing that I thought was.....all those people, about 70, are sitting on the floor! Our balcony is carpeted and the seating is "stair cased" awaiting the 225 theater seats.....but there are no seats up there yet.
I later found out that the Host Team had started asking known CSF Players to sit up there as the main auditorium was filling up. About 10 minutes into the service the downstairs was almost completely full and the quick thinking Host Team had saved the day!
Great job Host Team! Also, I wanted to tell those who sat up in the balcony that you exemplified what sacrifice for the greater good is all about. You were asked and then were willing to sit on the floor so that those who come to CSF but are not Christians or are not sold out on our Mission and Game Plan....could sit in the chairs in the main auditorium. I am sure that the carpeted cement was not the most comfortable place to spend Easter Sunday Service, but, you did and it was needed. This is the mark of CSF that I love. People willing to put aside their personal comfort so that others can experience Christ. Not many in our world live by this value...especially Christian church goers who have a consumer mindset of "church should be for ME and meet MY needs and do what I want all the time!"
To those who sat in the balcony this Sunday....your service and sacrifice was noticed! Thanks! To all who call CSF home....our Expand Adventure next month will permanently place 225 theater style seats in the balcony which will allow us to grow in comfort!
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10
This Chapter says a lot. However, for me it clears up two main things for those of us who are Christians.
1) We will be tempted to sin....and the temptation will he hard to resist. However, we do not have to give in to any temptation and there is always a wise choice to make so that we don't slip and fall.
2) As Christians we have many freedoms that are given to us. However, one thing is for certain. We have a personal responsibility to watch what we do in front of those who are not Christ followers or who are young Christians in their faith. When it comes to our "rights" we must always put others spiritual well being in front of our own personal....."I can do this and it is not wrong!"
The first things I noticed was the amount of people up there. Secondly, I thought how close they felt and looked as they seemed to be at my eye level and that I could reach out and touch them. However, the main thing that I thought was.....all those people, about 70, are sitting on the floor! Our balcony is carpeted and the seating is "stair cased" awaiting the 225 theater seats.....but there are no seats up there yet.
I later found out that the Host Team had started asking known CSF Players to sit up there as the main auditorium was filling up. About 10 minutes into the service the downstairs was almost completely full and the quick thinking Host Team had saved the day!
Great job Host Team! Also, I wanted to tell those who sat up in the balcony that you exemplified what sacrifice for the greater good is all about. You were asked and then were willing to sit on the floor so that those who come to CSF but are not Christians or are not sold out on our Mission and Game Plan....could sit in the chairs in the main auditorium. I am sure that the carpeted cement was not the most comfortable place to spend Easter Sunday Service, but, you did and it was needed. This is the mark of CSF that I love. People willing to put aside their personal comfort so that others can experience Christ. Not many in our world live by this value...especially Christian church goers who have a consumer mindset of "church should be for ME and meet MY needs and do what I want all the time!"
To those who sat in the balcony this Sunday....your service and sacrifice was noticed! Thanks! To all who call CSF home....our Expand Adventure next month will permanently place 225 theater style seats in the balcony which will allow us to grow in comfort!
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10
This Chapter says a lot. However, for me it clears up two main things for those of us who are Christians.
1) We will be tempted to sin....and the temptation will he hard to resist. However, we do not have to give in to any temptation and there is always a wise choice to make so that we don't slip and fall.
2) As Christians we have many freedoms that are given to us. However, one thing is for certain. We have a personal responsibility to watch what we do in front of those who are not Christ followers or who are young Christians in their faith. When it comes to our "rights" we must always put others spiritual well being in front of our own personal....."I can do this and it is not wrong!"
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Weekend Was Great
This weekend proved a Value we have always had here at CSF! It takes TEAM work to accomplish great things. When you take a hundreds of volunteers working together as a TEAM and infuse them with the power of God....great things happen.
On Saturday morning/afternoon we had a great Easter Egg Hunt Event for our community, and it was much larger than we expected all at once. About 30 minutes before we were to even start, the parking lots were full and about a 1000 people were waiting to "get-in" and have some family fun. It looked like the waiting line at Carowinds as people waited for the gates to open. In the next 2 hours over 3500 people came through our event as kids enjoyed playing on the inflatable toys, hunting prize eggs and of course the older kids and adults had their wooded hunt for the big toys! The scene was amazing as adults were roaming our beautiful wooded campus in search of eggs.
This was just not an egg hunt..Over 200 photos with the Easter Bunny were taken and are now being emailed for free to the owners, 900 Hot Dogs were eaten for lunch, 800 drinks, 600 bags of chips and hundreds of pounds of candy were all given away for free at this amazing event for our church and community.
On Sunday we had 3 slammed Easter Services as we enjoyed our largest Sunday attendance ever and as we sort through the cards this morning we are very excited that many people prayed to "return home" Hope-filled and not Hope-less! Easter is about new life in Christ and many people gave their hearts to Christ for salvation yesterday!
All of this takes TEAM Work.....volunteers using their gifts and passions to help reach and change a community. Great job...CSF!
As we move into our Expand Adventure......the next few weeks are going to be phenomenal and will set the stage for the next chapter in our brief history.
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 9
Verses 24-27 Says it all. We are to run the race of life to WIN! We are to train our bodies and souls so that we can accomplish great things for God and WIN the Prize. The Prize Paul is talking about is not salvation.....the people Paul was talking to were already Christians. The Prize is to finish the race that God has given you personally and be all God has gifted you to be. It is to change your world as God leads you to do and not falter along the way. The Crown that will last forever is when we invest our one and only life in the only thing that last forever...people!
On Saturday morning/afternoon we had a great Easter Egg Hunt Event for our community, and it was much larger than we expected all at once. About 30 minutes before we were to even start, the parking lots were full and about a 1000 people were waiting to "get-in" and have some family fun. It looked like the waiting line at Carowinds as people waited for the gates to open. In the next 2 hours over 3500 people came through our event as kids enjoyed playing on the inflatable toys, hunting prize eggs and of course the older kids and adults had their wooded hunt for the big toys! The scene was amazing as adults were roaming our beautiful wooded campus in search of eggs.
This was just not an egg hunt..Over 200 photos with the Easter Bunny were taken and are now being emailed for free to the owners, 900 Hot Dogs were eaten for lunch, 800 drinks, 600 bags of chips and hundreds of pounds of candy were all given away for free at this amazing event for our church and community.
On Sunday we had 3 slammed Easter Services as we enjoyed our largest Sunday attendance ever and as we sort through the cards this morning we are very excited that many people prayed to "return home" Hope-filled and not Hope-less! Easter is about new life in Christ and many people gave their hearts to Christ for salvation yesterday!
All of this takes TEAM Work.....volunteers using their gifts and passions to help reach and change a community. Great job...CSF!
As we move into our Expand Adventure......the next few weeks are going to be phenomenal and will set the stage for the next chapter in our brief history.
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 9
Verses 24-27 Says it all. We are to run the race of life to WIN! We are to train our bodies and souls so that we can accomplish great things for God and WIN the Prize. The Prize Paul is talking about is not salvation.....the people Paul was talking to were already Christians. The Prize is to finish the race that God has given you personally and be all God has gifted you to be. It is to change your world as God leads you to do and not falter along the way. The Crown that will last forever is when we invest our one and only life in the only thing that last forever...people!
Friday, March 21, 2008
It's Friday.....But Sunday Is Coming!
Many people are off work today. It is Good Friday. The start of the greatest celebration for Christians.
However, we should never forget that what we call "Good Friday" was seen as anything but misery, pain and dejection for the followers of Christ. This is the day their son, brother, and friend was brutally beaten and killed. This is the day that most of them thought they would never see Jesus again. His promises of a better day seemed to be dashed. Their hopes of a better world without Roman rule was in their minds gone forever. Their wishes for a peaceful and beautiful place to raise their families with religious freedom with the strong hand of a non-believing government was buried with the One they were hoping would be the great deliverer of their people.
Today as you enjoy your day off, plan for a fun weekend, gear up for the Easter Egg Hunt, start packing for Spring Break or get ready to greet out of town guest....take time to place yourself in the sandals of the close followers of Jesus on this day over 2000 years ago. What does it feel like when you lose Hope? What happens to your dreams when you believe your Savior was killed and not coming back?
Many of us today may look at our world and think it looks pretty bleak. We may look at our personal finances and what we are being told is a decreasing economy and not want to think about how bad it can get. As Christians we see the moral decay of our culture, heroes and leaders and wonder what future we are passing on to our kids!
We have one thing over the followers of Jesus back then.......we know what happens three days later. We know what Sunday brings! It is Friday....But Sunday Is Coming!
This Sunday we will celebrate the fact of Hope in a risen Savior. If you know of people in your life that seem worried about the world we live in or seem hopeless when they look at their personal situation.....then get them here on Sunday!
If you are not meeting a friend here that you invited...please plan to attend the 9am or noon service. We also need many of you to get here early and park at the warehouse.
Today Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 6
Today's reading talks directly to our sex crazy world and once again the text sounds like a warning that was written a few weeks ago to combat the issues we have in our world. Verses 12-20 should speak volumes to us and is a great reminder of the damage that can be done when we don't heed these sexual warnings.
However, we should never forget that what we call "Good Friday" was seen as anything but misery, pain and dejection for the followers of Christ. This is the day their son, brother, and friend was brutally beaten and killed. This is the day that most of them thought they would never see Jesus again. His promises of a better day seemed to be dashed. Their hopes of a better world without Roman rule was in their minds gone forever. Their wishes for a peaceful and beautiful place to raise their families with religious freedom with the strong hand of a non-believing government was buried with the One they were hoping would be the great deliverer of their people.
Today as you enjoy your day off, plan for a fun weekend, gear up for the Easter Egg Hunt, start packing for Spring Break or get ready to greet out of town guest....take time to place yourself in the sandals of the close followers of Jesus on this day over 2000 years ago. What does it feel like when you lose Hope? What happens to your dreams when you believe your Savior was killed and not coming back?
Many of us today may look at our world and think it looks pretty bleak. We may look at our personal finances and what we are being told is a decreasing economy and not want to think about how bad it can get. As Christians we see the moral decay of our culture, heroes and leaders and wonder what future we are passing on to our kids!
We have one thing over the followers of Jesus back then.......we know what happens three days later. We know what Sunday brings! It is Friday....But Sunday Is Coming!
This Sunday we will celebrate the fact of Hope in a risen Savior. If you know of people in your life that seem worried about the world we live in or seem hopeless when they look at their personal situation.....then get them here on Sunday!
If you are not meeting a friend here that you invited...please plan to attend the 9am or noon service. We also need many of you to get here early and park at the warehouse.
Today Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 6
Today's reading talks directly to our sex crazy world and once again the text sounds like a warning that was written a few weeks ago to combat the issues we have in our world. Verses 12-20 should speak volumes to us and is a great reminder of the damage that can be done when we don't heed these sexual warnings.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
If You Play WIth Pigs Long Enough....
When I was in my early teens, my dad used to tell me..."If you play with pigs in their pig-pen long enough...you will get dirty and begin to look and smell like them."
Another way to put it is this: "You are known by the company you keep" and the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Don't be misled, bad company corrupts good character!"
Today's Bible reading is very clear but also can be hard to understand. On one hand we know we are to accept all people and offer to them grace just like Jesus did. However, in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul says we should avoid those who are living sinful and wrong lives. He even says to stop hanging around them if they don't change their ways! Ouch!
Here is what Paul was saying in their controversial chapter:
* If a person is not a Christian and does not claim to be and they live a life that goes against God's principles and values then they are to be accepted, loved and shown grace just like Jesus always did to people who were seen as "sinners."
* If a person is a Christian and they make sinful mistakes (like we all do) and they ask for forgiveness and agree that their behavior is wrong and desire to change...then we offer grace, love and acceptance.
* If a person is a Christian and they outwardly choose to live a life that they know is wrong and sinful in God's eyes....then we are to accept them and offer grace and forgiveness just as we need. However, if they openly choose to not want to stop and change, and choose to continue living a "sinful" life...then we are to pray for them, but not hang out with them. If we do, we are in danger of allowing their bad choices to become our bad choices and our lives spiral out of God's will for our lives. This is what Paul means in Chapter 5 verse 11.
We are to live lives that are holy and accountable. I, like Paul, make huge mistakes that are sinful and wrong. We all make dumb mistakes. However, to not admit it and continue to live that way.....always leads to pain and ruin. When we see friends who are Christians but they openly live lives that are harmful.....we are to separate ourselves from them until they choose to admit they are wrong and commit to do their best to change.
I hope this helps you to understand this hard chapter....it really is simply and basically what my dad told me when I was a kid. Lets all choose not to live in the pig pens of this world...but instead to live Christ-honoring lives in the palace of God's power and grace.
Another way to put it is this: "You are known by the company you keep" and the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Don't be misled, bad company corrupts good character!"
Today's Bible reading is very clear but also can be hard to understand. On one hand we know we are to accept all people and offer to them grace just like Jesus did. However, in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul says we should avoid those who are living sinful and wrong lives. He even says to stop hanging around them if they don't change their ways! Ouch!
Here is what Paul was saying in their controversial chapter:
* If a person is not a Christian and does not claim to be and they live a life that goes against God's principles and values then they are to be accepted, loved and shown grace just like Jesus always did to people who were seen as "sinners."
* If a person is a Christian and they make sinful mistakes (like we all do) and they ask for forgiveness and agree that their behavior is wrong and desire to change...then we offer grace, love and acceptance.
* If a person is a Christian and they outwardly choose to live a life that they know is wrong and sinful in God's eyes....then we are to accept them and offer grace and forgiveness just as we need. However, if they openly choose to not want to stop and change, and choose to continue living a "sinful" life...then we are to pray for them, but not hang out with them. If we do, we are in danger of allowing their bad choices to become our bad choices and our lives spiral out of God's will for our lives. This is what Paul means in Chapter 5 verse 11.
We are to live lives that are holy and accountable. I, like Paul, make huge mistakes that are sinful and wrong. We all make dumb mistakes. However, to not admit it and continue to live that way.....always leads to pain and ruin. When we see friends who are Christians but they openly live lives that are harmful.....we are to separate ourselves from them until they choose to admit they are wrong and commit to do their best to change.
I hope this helps you to understand this hard chapter....it really is simply and basically what my dad told me when I was a kid. Lets all choose not to live in the pig pens of this world...but instead to live Christ-honoring lives in the palace of God's power and grace.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Easter Egg Hunt
This Saturday we will host our first HUGE Easter Egg Hunt on our new campus. As I stated on Sunday, this Easter Egg Hunt is for two main reasons:
1) To have Fun as a Fellowship. This will be a great time to hang out with your friends from CSF and enjoy the afternoon together. More than just the great prizes that can be won.....we will enjoy together a time of food and activities for the kids.
2) To create a fun place with the purpose of offering to the community a fun Easter Egg Hunt that also introduces them to CSF and the fine people here. It is a creative first step of being able to let people feel comfortable with Christ followers and breaking any stereo types they may have.
I hope you will take the opportunity to join us with your family and also to invite your friends or co-workers to this great community event.
As a CSF Team member please park across the street in the warehouse parking. Those who come on Saturday that have never been before, will park in the CSF parking lot. The hours between 10-1pm will be packed with folks from the community. If you are serving and planning to be here for the entire day....we really need you to park across the street.
The response we are getting from the community is really exciting and with the weather looking good....this will be a HUGE day for CSF!
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:
This chapter is one that Paul lays it out for the church in direct ways. This chapter reminds us that leadership in the church sometimes must be direct and stern. Like any organization, when a church is being poorly led or has problem people in it...the leadership must act to make sure the people are living the life they should.
Here is a question for you? How would you respond if this letter was written to you from Paul or any other church leader? Are you accountable in your life? Would you take this constructive criticism well or just get mad and leave the church and go find one that did not strive to make you and the local church the best it can be?
Many Christians today just jump from one church to another...looking for the next "good feeling" or "quick fix" or "get my needs met" when really we are just running from accountability.
1) To have Fun as a Fellowship. This will be a great time to hang out with your friends from CSF and enjoy the afternoon together. More than just the great prizes that can be won.....we will enjoy together a time of food and activities for the kids.
2) To create a fun place with the purpose of offering to the community a fun Easter Egg Hunt that also introduces them to CSF and the fine people here. It is a creative first step of being able to let people feel comfortable with Christ followers and breaking any stereo types they may have.
I hope you will take the opportunity to join us with your family and also to invite your friends or co-workers to this great community event.
As a CSF Team member please park across the street in the warehouse parking. Those who come on Saturday that have never been before, will park in the CSF parking lot. The hours between 10-1pm will be packed with folks from the community. If you are serving and planning to be here for the entire day....we really need you to park across the street.
The response we are getting from the community is really exciting and with the weather looking good....this will be a HUGE day for CSF!
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:
This chapter is one that Paul lays it out for the church in direct ways. This chapter reminds us that leadership in the church sometimes must be direct and stern. Like any organization, when a church is being poorly led or has problem people in it...the leadership must act to make sure the people are living the life they should.
Here is a question for you? How would you respond if this letter was written to you from Paul or any other church leader? Are you accountable in your life? Would you take this constructive criticism well or just get mad and leave the church and go find one that did not strive to make you and the local church the best it can be?
Many Christians today just jump from one church to another...looking for the next "good feeling" or "quick fix" or "get my needs met" when really we are just running from accountability.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Expand Clothing Drive April 13th
For six years we have been blessing the kids of Walter Bickett Elementary School at Christmas time. As you know, we provide all 700 kids a personal gift that they have specifically asked to have. We give them a party, the simple message of Christ in word and deed. This great relationship with a public school is uncommon and revolutionary. Now....we are doing more.
This Spring we are TEAMing up with Walter Bickett to provide the kids and their families with great lightly used clothes. On Sunday April 13th we will Expand our Influence by having an Expand Clothing Drive for these great kids and their families. Starting on that Sunday we will have a POD in the front of the main entrance to collect your good used clothes. We will collect all week and then a TEAM from CSF led by Mike Prasse our Care Ministry Pastor, will take the POD to the school and set up all the clothes on tables in the school's gym.
On Saturday, April 19th, all the kids and their families are invited back to school to get all the free clothes they want. We will offer to them kid, teen and adult clothes. All free......
Please start now to set aside clothes that no longer fit or that you no longer want and place them by sizes in bags. Then on April 13th bring these on Sunday with you and place in the POD. Also, please remember, don't bring dirty worn out clothes that you would not wear yourself. We want to honor these folks by giving them nice clothes.
If you would like to help in the unloading, organizing and handing out of the clothes , please email Mike Prasse at mprasse@charlottesouth.org
Expand is in full swing.......this is one way to EXPAND our Influence.
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 3
I love verse 5-7. This makes clear the DNA of CSF. Everyone has a role to play in leading people to Christ. Everyone has gifts that need to be used. However, at the end of the day.....it is for God and because of God that people are saved and the church grows.
However, this chapter makes it very clear that you and I have a very special role to play in people being reached for Christ and having their lives reoriented around His principles of living.
This Spring we are TEAMing up with Walter Bickett to provide the kids and their families with great lightly used clothes. On Sunday April 13th we will Expand our Influence by having an Expand Clothing Drive for these great kids and their families. Starting on that Sunday we will have a POD in the front of the main entrance to collect your good used clothes. We will collect all week and then a TEAM from CSF led by Mike Prasse our Care Ministry Pastor, will take the POD to the school and set up all the clothes on tables in the school's gym.
On Saturday, April 19th, all the kids and their families are invited back to school to get all the free clothes they want. We will offer to them kid, teen and adult clothes. All free......
Please start now to set aside clothes that no longer fit or that you no longer want and place them by sizes in bags. Then on April 13th bring these on Sunday with you and place in the POD. Also, please remember, don't bring dirty worn out clothes that you would not wear yourself. We want to honor these folks by giving them nice clothes.
If you would like to help in the unloading, organizing and handing out of the clothes , please email Mike Prasse at mprasse@charlottesouth.org
Expand is in full swing.......this is one way to EXPAND our Influence.
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 3
I love verse 5-7. This makes clear the DNA of CSF. Everyone has a role to play in leading people to Christ. Everyone has gifts that need to be used. However, at the end of the day.....it is for God and because of God that people are saved and the church grows.
However, this chapter makes it very clear that you and I have a very special role to play in people being reached for Christ and having their lives reoriented around His principles of living.
Monday, March 17, 2008
It is our DNA
Yesterday we had our 2nd largest Sunday services that was not Christmas, Easter or Mike Minter Day! I was very glad that so many people heard yesterday's message as it is a main stay in our DNA as a Church. The call to remember what our life was like before we had our Close Encounter with Christ and then to compassionately make sure that we share our faith with others....is who we are as a Church. I talked with some folks who have been coming to CSF for all nine years and they told me it never gets old watching the baptism videos and hearing the clear clarion call that we are to be dedicated to helping others choose Christ.
The same will be true when CSF is 10, 15, 20 years-old and even older. It is in our DNA and describes clearly who we are as a church. It underscores our passion, purpose and strategic game plan. I love the fact that anyone who chooses to attend CSF for at least six months can clearly state and underscore our clear purpose and values as a church. As one person told me....you don't have to be at a church long before you know what they really value and believe.
As we prepare for an incredible Easter service, I want to encourage you to Invest and then Invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our HUGE Egg Hunt on Saturday and then back on Sunday to one of our 3 services. Our stage design team was here all day Saturday and yesterday after our services creating and building the stage design for this Sunday. Our band has been writing news songs and gearing up for a wonderful Easter! Lets all do our part in helping people have a Close Encounter with Jesus Christ this Sunday!
Today after you read this BLOG take a few minutes and reflect on your life in Christ. What would your life be like if you were not a Christian? What has knowing Christ done for you and how has it changed you? How is your life different since becoming an active participant at CSF? Now think about those people in your life that are not Christians or who are not involved in a church......If you don't invest your life in theirs and then Invite them to know Jesus the way you do.....who will?
Todays Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 2
I am so glad we will be reading through the book of 1 Corinthians during this time in our churches history. 1st and 2nd Corinthians is all about the local church.
I love what verse 9 promises to the church and the people in the church that love Him! "No eye has seen, no ear heard, no mind conceived what God wants to do through those that love Him!"
Also, no wise cracks about verse 1 and how it reminds you of your Lead Pastor....HA HA
The same will be true when CSF is 10, 15, 20 years-old and even older. It is in our DNA and describes clearly who we are as a church. It underscores our passion, purpose and strategic game plan. I love the fact that anyone who chooses to attend CSF for at least six months can clearly state and underscore our clear purpose and values as a church. As one person told me....you don't have to be at a church long before you know what they really value and believe.
As we prepare for an incredible Easter service, I want to encourage you to Invest and then Invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our HUGE Egg Hunt on Saturday and then back on Sunday to one of our 3 services. Our stage design team was here all day Saturday and yesterday after our services creating and building the stage design for this Sunday. Our band has been writing news songs and gearing up for a wonderful Easter! Lets all do our part in helping people have a Close Encounter with Jesus Christ this Sunday!
Today after you read this BLOG take a few minutes and reflect on your life in Christ. What would your life be like if you were not a Christian? What has knowing Christ done for you and how has it changed you? How is your life different since becoming an active participant at CSF? Now think about those people in your life that are not Christians or who are not involved in a church......If you don't invest your life in theirs and then Invite them to know Jesus the way you do.....who will?
Todays Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians chapter 2
I am so glad we will be reading through the book of 1 Corinthians during this time in our churches history. 1st and 2nd Corinthians is all about the local church.
I love what verse 9 promises to the church and the people in the church that love Him! "No eye has seen, no ear heard, no mind conceived what God wants to do through those that love Him!"
Also, no wise cracks about verse 1 and how it reminds you of your Lead Pastor....HA HA
Friday, March 14, 2008
Because so many have asked.....
First of all.....I wanted to share with you, the awesome team at CSF, how much Kelly and I appreciate the love and care you have shown us over the last few days. Cards, emails, box of chocolate, flowers and the like have made us feel very loved by our Fellowship. (Kelly especially liked the chocolate!!)
Secondly, many are asking how Ellie is doing. I am happy to report that she is adapting well to her new home and each time we have been there to check on her she is getting very spoiled by the staff there. They have told us that she is like a cute little doll that all the staff want to spend time with, love on and completely spoil. The female staff all want to fix her thick curly hair with her "Ellie" bows as she gets ready for school each day.
She does not seem to be missing us as much as we are missing her....which is the only reason we would have ever placed her there. She is being well taken care of and getting the special one-on-one care and attention she needs.
Again, your prayers and encouragement have been wonderful for us during this time. Thank you for your support! I love to see that no matter how large CSF grows....each person who chooses to be in Fellowship can experience the love and care of the people that they are "doing life with."
This Sunday will be another great day! Remember to invite a friend and come expecting to meet God here in a real and relational way.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians chapter 5
As you prepare for the weekend, re-read verse 16. "Live by the Spirit (principles and truth of God) and you WILL NOT gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For what the sinful nature desires is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit is contrary to the sinful nature."
Many times what we "want" to do, and what "feels" right over the weekend....is completely wrong for us to take part in. Friday and Saturday nights are many times very difficult for us to do what we know is right (live by the Spirit) and very easy to do what is wrong....indulge in the things listed in verse 19-21.
See you Sunday.....no tissues needed!
Secondly, many are asking how Ellie is doing. I am happy to report that she is adapting well to her new home and each time we have been there to check on her she is getting very spoiled by the staff there. They have told us that she is like a cute little doll that all the staff want to spend time with, love on and completely spoil. The female staff all want to fix her thick curly hair with her "Ellie" bows as she gets ready for school each day.
She does not seem to be missing us as much as we are missing her....which is the only reason we would have ever placed her there. She is being well taken care of and getting the special one-on-one care and attention she needs.
Again, your prayers and encouragement have been wonderful for us during this time. Thank you for your support! I love to see that no matter how large CSF grows....each person who chooses to be in Fellowship can experience the love and care of the people that they are "doing life with."
This Sunday will be another great day! Remember to invite a friend and come expecting to meet God here in a real and relational way.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians chapter 5
As you prepare for the weekend, re-read verse 16. "Live by the Spirit (principles and truth of God) and you WILL NOT gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For what the sinful nature desires is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit is contrary to the sinful nature."
Many times what we "want" to do, and what "feels" right over the weekend....is completely wrong for us to take part in. Friday and Saturday nights are many times very difficult for us to do what we know is right (live by the Spirit) and very easy to do what is wrong....indulge in the things listed in verse 19-21.
See you Sunday.....no tissues needed!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Caring "Parents" Needed
At CSF we have started a ministry that I believe will overtime make a huge difference in our community, city and even one day our world. Our Public School Impact ministry is up and running. Kristen Wood oversees this creative and unique ministry.
We have aligned ourselves with a few schools in our area so that we can partner with them in needed areas for the kids. We have CSF volunteers who on a regular basis go to schools and help tutor after school, watch the lunch rooms, work in the library, assist in the class rooms, serve at school functions, lead FCA and CYC and much more.
Over the last few years we have always been involved in helping the school with certain projects or "one-time" events. However, now we are partnering with CMS and Union county to provide trained, background checked weekly volunteers. One really cool thing is that we have entire Home Teams that have taken this on as a service project and they all help the same school together. However, as of right now we have the schools calling us asking for more help than we have volunteers to send them.
One HUGE need that we have been asked to help with is very important to the individual lives of special needs kids. Our public schools have kids who have disabilities and yet can still go to and enjoy the privilege of a free education via a public school. However, many of these kids do not have loving homes like you and I provide for our kids. They are wards of the state or have parents who are unknown, unavailable or worse yet just uninvolved.
The way the system works is that these special kids will get better individual care and education that they specially need when they have someone who will be an advocate for them. Once a year a parent or a "surrogate" parent must go to an IEP meeting and make sure that the child's needs are made known and that their needs are being met by the school system. Without this yearly meeting and having someone to state their case and make the state aware, many of these special kids don't get the specific care they really need.
Our family is well aware of the system. It has worked reasonably well for us and Ellie has been treated with special and specific public school care. However, this is only happens because we are involved parents who want what it best for our daughter. Even with moving into her new home....Ellie goes every day to a special class with wonderful special teachers, nurses and the like. I can tell you that this is NOT the case with many children like Ellie. The funds are there and the special help is available....however, many of these special kids get less than they need.
The school board has asked us if we will provide a few of these kids with "surrogate" parents. Those who will take a little time to know the child's needs and what is offered via the school and then just attend this yearly meeting and make sure the child gets what is available. Not hard....not much time.....but a huge difference in these kids lives!
Some may ask....should a church be getting involved in such matters??? I can tell you that this is exactly what the church should be doing in a local community. Helping, serving and protecting the "least of these" and the "orphans" of our world. If not us...who?
Church in the community is a TEAM sport! If you want to join the CSF public school team, please contact Kristine Wood at CSF.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians Chapter 4...
I love verses 17-19 . Paul tells them that it is great to be passionate and zealous....as long as what you are zealous about is the correct thing and things that are true and beneficial.
We have aligned ourselves with a few schools in our area so that we can partner with them in needed areas for the kids. We have CSF volunteers who on a regular basis go to schools and help tutor after school, watch the lunch rooms, work in the library, assist in the class rooms, serve at school functions, lead FCA and CYC and much more.
Over the last few years we have always been involved in helping the school with certain projects or "one-time" events. However, now we are partnering with CMS and Union county to provide trained, background checked weekly volunteers. One really cool thing is that we have entire Home Teams that have taken this on as a service project and they all help the same school together. However, as of right now we have the schools calling us asking for more help than we have volunteers to send them.
One HUGE need that we have been asked to help with is very important to the individual lives of special needs kids. Our public schools have kids who have disabilities and yet can still go to and enjoy the privilege of a free education via a public school. However, many of these kids do not have loving homes like you and I provide for our kids. They are wards of the state or have parents who are unknown, unavailable or worse yet just uninvolved.
The way the system works is that these special kids will get better individual care and education that they specially need when they have someone who will be an advocate for them. Once a year a parent or a "surrogate" parent must go to an IEP meeting and make sure that the child's needs are made known and that their needs are being met by the school system. Without this yearly meeting and having someone to state their case and make the state aware, many of these special kids don't get the specific care they really need.
Our family is well aware of the system. It has worked reasonably well for us and Ellie has been treated with special and specific public school care. However, this is only happens because we are involved parents who want what it best for our daughter. Even with moving into her new home....Ellie goes every day to a special class with wonderful special teachers, nurses and the like. I can tell you that this is NOT the case with many children like Ellie. The funds are there and the special help is available....however, many of these special kids get less than they need.
The school board has asked us if we will provide a few of these kids with "surrogate" parents. Those who will take a little time to know the child's needs and what is offered via the school and then just attend this yearly meeting and make sure the child gets what is available. Not hard....not much time.....but a huge difference in these kids lives!
Some may ask....should a church be getting involved in such matters??? I can tell you that this is exactly what the church should be doing in a local community. Helping, serving and protecting the "least of these" and the "orphans" of our world. If not us...who?
Church in the community is a TEAM sport! If you want to join the CSF public school team, please contact Kristine Wood at CSF.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians Chapter 4...
I love verses 17-19 . Paul tells them that it is great to be passionate and zealous....as long as what you are zealous about is the correct thing and things that are true and beneficial.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Well.....It is Wednesday
Yesterday afternoon a few friends helped my wife sew Ellie's name on all her clothes and personal items. Last night, well after 11pm, a few more were still helping to sew fitted sheets that can not be ripped off over night for her new bed.
After Peyton's baseball practice the boys and I just hung out and watched a very boring episode of American Idol. In my opinion, hearing already boring Beatles songs with today's flare was nauseating. By 10:00pm...all was quiet in our home. Kelly got back from sewing the sheets about midnight.
Now it is Wednesday at 6:30 am. A few hours from now, we will take Ellie to her to home forever. Over the last few months I have thought about this morning...wondering what it would feel like? Wondering what great inspirational thought God may give me or what I may be thinking at this moment. Wondering what would be the best course of action to take as it relates to helping Kelly and Peyton. What to say? What NOT to say? How optimistic should I be or sound?
If I come across as positive that this is the right choice and God is in control, will that seem unconcerned and lacking real sadness and emotion? If I get lost in the moment and seem very sad and upset, does that show a lack of trust in God that he does not provide the stable strength that my family needs? When people ask you how you are doing, do you tell them how you are really feeling...or do you try and decide if they really care enough to hear all what you have to say?
Funny how life throws us such complex curve balls. Even when you know they coming, like in this case, a well thrown curve ball is still hard to hit correctly. In a split second you must decide if this twisting ball will be a strike that you must watch and hit the best as you can or should you hold off because by the end of the pitch it could be a ball?
Hit well, a looping curve ball can be sent over the fence. Misjudged, a curve can make you and your swing look silly. Hmmmm what to do???
Well...it is Wednesday and I must leave the office and go take my only daughter to her new home. The only thing I personally know to do is for me to be me and SWING FOR THE FENCE knowing that God alone is my audience and he will give me the strength and grace to deal with the results!
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians Chapter 3
Paul reminds the church that they are falling into legalism that will take the joy of their salvation and place a burden of rituals and tasks on them that was never a part of salvation in Christ. Salvation and God's grace does not come from faith in Christ plus anything.....it is in Christ alone.
Go ahead....swing for the fence today!
After Peyton's baseball practice the boys and I just hung out and watched a very boring episode of American Idol. In my opinion, hearing already boring Beatles songs with today's flare was nauseating. By 10:00pm...all was quiet in our home. Kelly got back from sewing the sheets about midnight.
Now it is Wednesday at 6:30 am. A few hours from now, we will take Ellie to her to home forever. Over the last few months I have thought about this morning...wondering what it would feel like? Wondering what great inspirational thought God may give me or what I may be thinking at this moment. Wondering what would be the best course of action to take as it relates to helping Kelly and Peyton. What to say? What NOT to say? How optimistic should I be or sound?
If I come across as positive that this is the right choice and God is in control, will that seem unconcerned and lacking real sadness and emotion? If I get lost in the moment and seem very sad and upset, does that show a lack of trust in God that he does not provide the stable strength that my family needs? When people ask you how you are doing, do you tell them how you are really feeling...or do you try and decide if they really care enough to hear all what you have to say?
Funny how life throws us such complex curve balls. Even when you know they coming, like in this case, a well thrown curve ball is still hard to hit correctly. In a split second you must decide if this twisting ball will be a strike that you must watch and hit the best as you can or should you hold off because by the end of the pitch it could be a ball?
Hit well, a looping curve ball can be sent over the fence. Misjudged, a curve can make you and your swing look silly. Hmmmm what to do???
Well...it is Wednesday and I must leave the office and go take my only daughter to her new home. The only thing I personally know to do is for me to be me and SWING FOR THE FENCE knowing that God alone is my audience and he will give me the strength and grace to deal with the results!
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians Chapter 3
Paul reminds the church that they are falling into legalism that will take the joy of their salvation and place a burden of rituals and tasks on them that was never a part of salvation in Christ. Salvation and God's grace does not come from faith in Christ plus anything.....it is in Christ alone.
Go ahead....swing for the fence today!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
You Just Never Know
Ever since Sunday's message I have been bombarded with stories of people that attend CSF who also have current challenges with family members. On Sunday I talked with a tearful father who said he understood what I was dealing with as his daughter is seven years old and has never spoken a word. Another told me about a disease her son has that they have just discovered is a terminal disorder. I have received emails from still others who have children that have mental and physical challenges. Still others shared about their challenges as adults who have terminal cancer and other physical challenges that they must live with daily.
You just never know what pain people are dealing with every week of their lives. Real pain. Real hurt. Real worries and confusion. As I went home last night I thought to myself....."I am so glad we are a Fellowship that deals with Real issues and can offer Real hope, because we have a Real God who loves us.
I always dreamed of a church that would allow people to share their real struggles and issues with others in Fellowship. That as life throws us darts that pierce our hearts, we can have people around us who really care and will help us get through life's most difficult challenges. Since day one, we have called this...."doing life together."
This Wednesday night as we spend our first night without Ellie in our home, we will have friends with us to eat, let the kids play, talk, pray, laugh a little I am sure, cry some and get through that first night the same way we have gotten through many other personal and CSF challenges. We will do it together in Fellowship!
For those who have contacted CSF with your personal challenges, I want to encourage you to use our Care Ministry. Also, I want to encourage you to get into a Home Team if you are not already in one. It is in these small groups of real loving relationships that you will discover people who can stand with you daily as you go through your challenges.
Christianity in this world is a team sport! We need each other. We support each other. When someone is weak, the other is strong. Together, as a Fellowship under God, we will accomplish more as a Fellowship than we could ever do alone.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians chapter 2
Today we read about Paul and Peter getting into a little scuffle. Paul wanted to make sure that Peter remembered that Eternal Salvation is based only on our belief and trust in Jesus as our Savior. There is nothing else we have to do outwardly to be saved. No certain ritual, no certain look, no certain nationality or denomination...just Real Faith placed in Jesus Christ.
You just never know what pain people are dealing with every week of their lives. Real pain. Real hurt. Real worries and confusion. As I went home last night I thought to myself....."I am so glad we are a Fellowship that deals with Real issues and can offer Real hope, because we have a Real God who loves us.
I always dreamed of a church that would allow people to share their real struggles and issues with others in Fellowship. That as life throws us darts that pierce our hearts, we can have people around us who really care and will help us get through life's most difficult challenges. Since day one, we have called this...."doing life together."
This Wednesday night as we spend our first night without Ellie in our home, we will have friends with us to eat, let the kids play, talk, pray, laugh a little I am sure, cry some and get through that first night the same way we have gotten through many other personal and CSF challenges. We will do it together in Fellowship!
For those who have contacted CSF with your personal challenges, I want to encourage you to use our Care Ministry. Also, I want to encourage you to get into a Home Team if you are not already in one. It is in these small groups of real loving relationships that you will discover people who can stand with you daily as you go through your challenges.
Christianity in this world is a team sport! We need each other. We support each other. When someone is weak, the other is strong. Together, as a Fellowship under God, we will accomplish more as a Fellowship than we could ever do alone.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians chapter 2
Today we read about Paul and Peter getting into a little scuffle. Paul wanted to make sure that Peter remembered that Eternal Salvation is based only on our belief and trust in Jesus as our Savior. There is nothing else we have to do outwardly to be saved. No certain ritual, no certain look, no certain nationality or denomination...just Real Faith placed in Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Hard Message...Tough Week
Yesterday was a very good Sunday. Emails are pouring in on the impact that God was able to have through the message and music yesterday. Every once in a while on a Sunday I have to give a "hard-talk" that leaves the room feeling a mixture of sadness, hope, love, anger and confusion. Many tears stream down the faces of those that it affects the most and all of us leave with much to think about.
Life is hard sometimes. It is sometimes not fair, and many times difficult to understand. I struggled on Saturday with how much I should say about the ridiculous "faith-healers" and health & wealth TV pastors who only talk about the good things in life and worse yet, place the blame of disease and heartache on people for not having enough faith or not sending in a "seed-gift" to show your faith.
Books fly off the shelf and churches grow really fast as Christians flock to a place with a "God wants you to be rich and happy" message. However, families struck with disease, sudden death and other issues that is nobody's fault seem left in the theological darkness of despair and guilt as their "faith" must not be enough to make the cancer leave, their crippled kids walk and the tragic death of a loved one be reversed.
Yesterday I gave you the truth. It is not always easy to hear...but it is true and very much biblically accurate. God can do miracles if he chooses. However, sometimes he chooses not to. You can pray, have faith and send in your prayer cloth to the millionaire preacher on TV.....but you can't force God to do something.
I was glad that many of you have shared with me that you finally get it and understand. That your faith in God has actually increased because you have learned to trust, love and hope in Christ...not for what He will do for you, but because of who He is....I encourage you to share my message via our website with many people who may benefit from our story.
Thank you for your prayers as we will be placing our 5 year-old daughter in a home that can give her the one-on-one care she needs for her issues. As you know, she is mentally and physically handicapped and is a a danger to herself and others without direct supervision. Thank you for your prayers as we take her to her new home on Wednesday.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians Chapter 1
You are going to love this little book in the NT. Paul starts of today denouncing the poor teaching that the church in Galatia has been receiving. He tells them that he is sharing with them the truth and his goal is not to win the favor of men but of God alone. Look again in verse 10. In your life are you more worried about pleasing people of God? Always remember....we have an Audience of One to please. Paul said that if he were only worried about pleasing people..he could not be a servant of God!
Life is hard sometimes. It is sometimes not fair, and many times difficult to understand. I struggled on Saturday with how much I should say about the ridiculous "faith-healers" and health & wealth TV pastors who only talk about the good things in life and worse yet, place the blame of disease and heartache on people for not having enough faith or not sending in a "seed-gift" to show your faith.
Books fly off the shelf and churches grow really fast as Christians flock to a place with a "God wants you to be rich and happy" message. However, families struck with disease, sudden death and other issues that is nobody's fault seem left in the theological darkness of despair and guilt as their "faith" must not be enough to make the cancer leave, their crippled kids walk and the tragic death of a loved one be reversed.
Yesterday I gave you the truth. It is not always easy to hear...but it is true and very much biblically accurate. God can do miracles if he chooses. However, sometimes he chooses not to. You can pray, have faith and send in your prayer cloth to the millionaire preacher on TV.....but you can't force God to do something.
I was glad that many of you have shared with me that you finally get it and understand. That your faith in God has actually increased because you have learned to trust, love and hope in Christ...not for what He will do for you, but because of who He is....I encourage you to share my message via our website with many people who may benefit from our story.
Thank you for your prayers as we will be placing our 5 year-old daughter in a home that can give her the one-on-one care she needs for her issues. As you know, she is mentally and physically handicapped and is a a danger to herself and others without direct supervision. Thank you for your prayers as we take her to her new home on Wednesday.
Today's Bible Reading: Galatians Chapter 1
You are going to love this little book in the NT. Paul starts of today denouncing the poor teaching that the church in Galatia has been receiving. He tells them that he is sharing with them the truth and his goal is not to win the favor of men but of God alone. Look again in verse 10. In your life are you more worried about pleasing people of God? Always remember....we have an Audience of One to please. Paul said that if he were only worried about pleasing people..he could not be a servant of God!
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Factory
I had the privilege of driving car pool this morning. Why? Because as you read yesterday, I "Unzipped" and removed the top from my Jeep, and of course a cold front is moving through with rain all day! I left my doors and windows at the office and had to take my wife's van to work...hence, I had car pool duty!
Anyways, while listening to the chattering of the kids on the way to school, I heard them talk about how much they love chocolate. I told them that we had been to the famous Hershey Chocolate Factory in Hershey, PA. They wanted to know what it was like to see all that chocolate being made. I then told them we had been to Vermont and been in the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory and the huge Jelly Belly Factory outside San Francisco. They were amazed when Peyton was telling them how all of these "yummy" treats were made.
I am often asked what is our vision or goal for people when they begin coming to CSF and stay here? Our desire for each person is that they will meet Jesus Christ here and accept Him as their Savior. However, there is more to it than that. We desire that all people would re-orient their lives around the truth of God and His Word the Bible. That they would become fully-devoted followers of Christ that are passionate about impacting their world.
The goal is full devotion to all of God's principles and ways. That our heart,values and desires would become like Gods. This of course does not happen overnight and it is a journey! However, it is attainable.
People ask why we desire to have a large campus with ministries, training, sports, care centers and much more happening here seven days a week. The answer is very simple...full devotion to Christ cannot happen by attending a worship service once a week. Moreover, full devotion is as much marked by what we do as what we know. Our area, city, state and world needs people who are fully-devoted to Christ and His plans and purposes in our world.
At CSF we desire to "produce" Christ followers who live with the same God-like passion as William Borden. One that moves forward with Christ and says with a passion: No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets. (If you missed last Sundays message you can listen to it online at www.charlottesouth.com
This Sunday I will be dealing with the hard topic of how a Close Encounter with Jesus helps to heal our hurts. From the young lady who was shot at UNC to people in our own circles of influence, we know that life brings real pain. Bring a friend this Sunday to this life-changing and world view changing message. Don't forget TIME CHANGE!
Todays Bible Reading: Mark 14. This Chapter and the next two reminds us that following Christ does not always make us Healthy, Wealthy and Wise as many of today's TV pastors would have us believe. Jesus, the Bible teaches, was at times a man of sorrow. He understands our pain....because he has been there.
Knowing Jesus many times does not change our painful circumstances, it changes us in the middle of those painful times. Again...this Sunday I will share very specifically about this!
Anyways, while listening to the chattering of the kids on the way to school, I heard them talk about how much they love chocolate. I told them that we had been to the famous Hershey Chocolate Factory in Hershey, PA. They wanted to know what it was like to see all that chocolate being made. I then told them we had been to Vermont and been in the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory and the huge Jelly Belly Factory outside San Francisco. They were amazed when Peyton was telling them how all of these "yummy" treats were made.
I am often asked what is our vision or goal for people when they begin coming to CSF and stay here? Our desire for each person is that they will meet Jesus Christ here and accept Him as their Savior. However, there is more to it than that. We desire that all people would re-orient their lives around the truth of God and His Word the Bible. That they would become fully-devoted followers of Christ that are passionate about impacting their world.
The goal is full devotion to all of God's principles and ways. That our heart,values and desires would become like Gods. This of course does not happen overnight and it is a journey! However, it is attainable.
People ask why we desire to have a large campus with ministries, training, sports, care centers and much more happening here seven days a week. The answer is very simple...full devotion to Christ cannot happen by attending a worship service once a week. Moreover, full devotion is as much marked by what we do as what we know. Our area, city, state and world needs people who are fully-devoted to Christ and His plans and purposes in our world.
At CSF we desire to "produce" Christ followers who live with the same God-like passion as William Borden. One that moves forward with Christ and says with a passion: No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets. (If you missed last Sundays message you can listen to it online at www.charlottesouth.com
This Sunday I will be dealing with the hard topic of how a Close Encounter with Jesus helps to heal our hurts. From the young lady who was shot at UNC to people in our own circles of influence, we know that life brings real pain. Bring a friend this Sunday to this life-changing and world view changing message. Don't forget TIME CHANGE!
Todays Bible Reading: Mark 14. This Chapter and the next two reminds us that following Christ does not always make us Healthy, Wealthy and Wise as many of today's TV pastors would have us believe. Jesus, the Bible teaches, was at times a man of sorrow. He understands our pain....because he has been there.
Knowing Jesus many times does not change our painful circumstances, it changes us in the middle of those painful times. Again...this Sunday I will share very specifically about this!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Time To Unzip
The heavy winds and rains have left behind the Carolina blue skies and temperatures of Spring! Today, I will be unzipping the windows and doors of my Jeep and will enjoy driving around with my top off. I love driving with the top off and having the breeze of early spring keeping you cool without the need of AC. Of course, with gas prices I may just have to park in the church parking lot and just turn up the music and act like I am driving around!
This is a great time of year. One of the values we have at CSF is that of playing together in this kind of great weather. I wanted to remind you that our Spring Softball season is coming up fast and we will offer 2-3 teams for men and co-ed of varied levels of skill. We also will have two basketball teams that will play in the Carmel Baptist league this spring. If you are wanting to play on these teams you MUST sign up now or contact Tina Brannon at TLBrannon@BB&T.com ASAP.
Also, you can sign up for Spring Volleyball and even Soccer on Sunday mornings.
I hope that you will take the opportunity this spring to get outside and enjoy the beautiful area that we are blessed to live in. Mountains, waterfalls, beaches, parks and much more are within 3 hour drives. Physical exercise, play and recreation is very important to the spiritual well being of our souls. When we are enjoying life and are physically healthy we are less prone to the challenges of depression and stress. Our Expand adventure will soon allow CSF to have an incredible walking and jogging trail through about 35 wooded acres of rolling hills and even a pretty creek. An oasis natural beauty in the middle of an explosion of suburban expansion!
Whatever you do......turn of the Wii and get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.
Today's Bible Reading: Mark 13
When will the end of the world happen? Who knows.....The Bible is not clear and does this for a reason. If we knew, many people would wait until it was time to "Get Ready" before they got serious about their faith and telling others. We don't know and therefore the point of this passage is that we should live everyday like it could be our last.
Who do you know that is not a Christian? That if they died today or if the world were to end.....they would not make it into heaven? Those are the people that you should be inviting this Sunday and every Sunday. You should be sharing your personal story of faith in Christ with them......you never know!
This is a great time of year. One of the values we have at CSF is that of playing together in this kind of great weather. I wanted to remind you that our Spring Softball season is coming up fast and we will offer 2-3 teams for men and co-ed of varied levels of skill. We also will have two basketball teams that will play in the Carmel Baptist league this spring. If you are wanting to play on these teams you MUST sign up now or contact Tina Brannon at TLBrannon@BB&T.com ASAP.
Also, you can sign up for Spring Volleyball and even Soccer on Sunday mornings.
I hope that you will take the opportunity this spring to get outside and enjoy the beautiful area that we are blessed to live in. Mountains, waterfalls, beaches, parks and much more are within 3 hour drives. Physical exercise, play and recreation is very important to the spiritual well being of our souls. When we are enjoying life and are physically healthy we are less prone to the challenges of depression and stress. Our Expand adventure will soon allow CSF to have an incredible walking and jogging trail through about 35 wooded acres of rolling hills and even a pretty creek. An oasis natural beauty in the middle of an explosion of suburban expansion!
Whatever you do......turn of the Wii and get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.
Today's Bible Reading: Mark 13
When will the end of the world happen? Who knows.....The Bible is not clear and does this for a reason. If we knew, many people would wait until it was time to "Get Ready" before they got serious about their faith and telling others. We don't know and therefore the point of this passage is that we should live everyday like it could be our last.
Who do you know that is not a Christian? That if they died today or if the world were to end.....they would not make it into heaven? Those are the people that you should be inviting this Sunday and every Sunday. You should be sharing your personal story of faith in Christ with them......you never know!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Faith Of A Child
Last Friday night as I was leaving my house on the way to pick up some wings for dinner; my two-year-old son, Brady, said in a sweet little voice: "you gonna go get me a Robot from target?" All day long he had been telling me how much he wanted a Transformer that he had seen at target the day before.
I did not answer his question. I just said that I would be right back with dinner. As I drove away I thought to myself...."Get that sweet little boy a Robot and make his night!" So I did. I picked up wings and a Transformer.
When I got home I called Brady over to me and asked him what again was it that he wanted? He said..."A Robot!" I said, "close your eyes" he did and then I said "open your eyes" and he opened them to find a shiny new Transformer Robot. He was very excited and it was one of those moments you love being a dad! Plus at this age he is still excited about a gift that cost less than 10 bucks! (The ten-year-old now wants everything Under Armour and other things that cost way more than 10 bones)
Since that night, Brady keeps saying to me..."Daddy, tell me to close my eyes again!" He now thinks that if I ask him to close his eyes then "poof" another Transformer will appear. He has perfect faith that I can produce when I say the magic words and he closes his eyes. His faith is real. The only problem is that I am not worthy of his faithfulness. I can't produce...I am not God.
This Sunday I will be giving a very clear message on a difficult topic. How do we find peace in the midst of life's hard times. Not hard times we brought on ourselves because of mistakes made. We are going to discuss how God Heals Our Hurts when cancer invades our home, tragedy cuts our safety net and life just hurts for no reason at all. Great thing about God....He is faithful and he is worthy of our faith. He always can bring the peace,love and grace we need to heal any hurt.
Don't miss this Sunday. Invite a friend who needs comfort from life's hurts.
Today's Bible Reading. Mark chapter 12
If you were wondering if you should pay your taxes fairly...verse 17 tells you.
If you were wondering if you should be a Steward of your finances back to God..Verse 17 tells you.
If you were wondering if you will have multiple wives/husbands in heaven...Verses 18-23 tells you.
If you were wondering today what is the most important thing you should do with your life.....Verse 28-33 tells you
If you were wondering if you have anything to give to help CSF Expand...Verses 41-44 tells you.
The Bible is so practical and helpful for daily living.
I did not answer his question. I just said that I would be right back with dinner. As I drove away I thought to myself...."Get that sweet little boy a Robot and make his night!" So I did. I picked up wings and a Transformer.
When I got home I called Brady over to me and asked him what again was it that he wanted? He said..."A Robot!" I said, "close your eyes" he did and then I said "open your eyes" and he opened them to find a shiny new Transformer Robot. He was very excited and it was one of those moments you love being a dad! Plus at this age he is still excited about a gift that cost less than 10 bucks! (The ten-year-old now wants everything Under Armour and other things that cost way more than 10 bones)
Since that night, Brady keeps saying to me..."Daddy, tell me to close my eyes again!" He now thinks that if I ask him to close his eyes then "poof" another Transformer will appear. He has perfect faith that I can produce when I say the magic words and he closes his eyes. His faith is real. The only problem is that I am not worthy of his faithfulness. I can't produce...I am not God.
This Sunday I will be giving a very clear message on a difficult topic. How do we find peace in the midst of life's hard times. Not hard times we brought on ourselves because of mistakes made. We are going to discuss how God Heals Our Hurts when cancer invades our home, tragedy cuts our safety net and life just hurts for no reason at all. Great thing about God....He is faithful and he is worthy of our faith. He always can bring the peace,love and grace we need to heal any hurt.
Don't miss this Sunday. Invite a friend who needs comfort from life's hurts.
Today's Bible Reading. Mark chapter 12
If you were wondering if you should pay your taxes fairly...verse 17 tells you.
If you were wondering if you should be a Steward of your finances back to God..Verse 17 tells you.
If you were wondering if you will have multiple wives/husbands in heaven...Verses 18-23 tells you.
If you were wondering today what is the most important thing you should do with your life.....Verse 28-33 tells you
If you were wondering if you have anything to give to help CSF Expand...Verses 41-44 tells you.
The Bible is so practical and helpful for daily living.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March Madness Is Here
On college campuses across the country players are gearing up for a great new season of excitement. They are dreaming large and hoping that their tireless practicing will enable them to be champions again. They understand that championships are forged in the hard times of long practices. They know that what really counts is what they do when the crowds are not cheering, no one is looking and it is just the players and coaches working to be their best for each other....the Team. The prize...the championship trophy...and the knowledge that you have done your best comes at the end.
March Madness is where champions are born! Yep, all across our country, college football teams are taking the field for spring practice. They are practicing now for what they believe will be a chance to become champions!
It is also March Madness here at CSF! I truly believe that what the Players of CSF do during this month will set the tone for the rest of this year. If this year is to be known as one of the best ever at CSF, it will be because CSF players and coaches spent this month praying, practicing and preparing their hearts for what God wants us to do as a Fellowship.
Will you commit yourself to these spiritual disciplines this month:
* Bible reading
* Prayer
* Seek God for the dreams he has given to you
* Ask God to show you what fears he wants you to overcome
Moreover, this month, we will have our Huge Easter Egg Hunt community outreach event and of course celebrate Easter.
Bible Reading: today is Mark 11. However, I wanted to reflect back to a reading from the weekend.
In Mark 9 Verses 14-27 we read about a desperate father who wants his little boy to be free from the torment of the demon possession.
Quick reminders about Demon Possession:
* Common in Bible days, not so common today
* Those who are Christians cannot be demon possessed
* As a Christian, Satan and demons can't read your mind, place evil thoughts in your head and make you do anything.
This dad wants Jesus to help...believes Jesus can help, but admits that his faith is a little weak at this moment but he desperately wants help for his son. Here we see a typical parent's request. "Help my son...even if I am not fully believing. Help me in my unbelief by showing me your power and helping my son!"
That is a great prayer for all of us as we go into March Madness at CSF. I want to believe...help me in my unbelief!
March Madness is where champions are born! Yep, all across our country, college football teams are taking the field for spring practice. They are practicing now for what they believe will be a chance to become champions!
It is also March Madness here at CSF! I truly believe that what the Players of CSF do during this month will set the tone for the rest of this year. If this year is to be known as one of the best ever at CSF, it will be because CSF players and coaches spent this month praying, practicing and preparing their hearts for what God wants us to do as a Fellowship.
Will you commit yourself to these spiritual disciplines this month:
* Bible reading
* Prayer
* Seek God for the dreams he has given to you
* Ask God to show you what fears he wants you to overcome
Moreover, this month, we will have our Huge Easter Egg Hunt community outreach event and of course celebrate Easter.
Bible Reading: today is Mark 11. However, I wanted to reflect back to a reading from the weekend.
In Mark 9 Verses 14-27 we read about a desperate father who wants his little boy to be free from the torment of the demon possession.
Quick reminders about Demon Possession:
* Common in Bible days, not so common today
* Those who are Christians cannot be demon possessed
* As a Christian, Satan and demons can't read your mind, place evil thoughts in your head and make you do anything.
This dad wants Jesus to help...believes Jesus can help, but admits that his faith is a little weak at this moment but he desperately wants help for his son. Here we see a typical parent's request. "Help my son...even if I am not fully believing. Help me in my unbelief by showing me your power and helping my son!"
That is a great prayer for all of us as we go into March Madness at CSF. I want to believe...help me in my unbelief!
Monday, March 3, 2008
The Dream Continues
Charlotte South Fellowship has always had a large, God-sized dream. One that would radically help impact our immediate area, city and world for Jesus Christ. Over the last 9 years CSF has done this in an ever growing and changing way. As you heard at the end of yesterday's message, the dream that we have been living daily continues to grow and develop.
Over the last few months I have used the daily BLOG and Sunday's messages to paint a clear picture of what CSF is called to do in our community. I have been very clear that we feel confident that we are to be a place that has life change happening every day of the week. That we are destination that people can come to seven days a week for help, ministry and guidance. A place to serve, to play, to learn, to grow spiritually, to grow in our personal physical health, to enjoy relational fellowship and to use our God given passions and gifts as multifaceted teams that impact our world for Jesus Christ.
It was with great joy and anticipation that I shared with all three services that we are moving fast toward our dream of Expanding our current building and that we have entered into a signed agreement to purchase the 38 acres that joins to our current property and campus. This 60 acre campus will ensure that our dreams can become reality now and in the future. As one person told me about land in our area..."they are not making anymore of it and what is here is getting bought and developed daily."
The future is now when it comes to having a campus that can contain all of the things we dream of doing for and in our community. (see previous BLOGS for a list of ministries that we will offer right here!) Our Expand adventure will allow us to purchase this property and have use of it soon!
Only God in his good humor and grace would have taken CSF on the journey we have been on for the last nine years, and then allow us to plant firmly on 60 acres on the corner of I485 and HWY 74....with the Monroe By-pass coming in the future about a mile from us! It has been an adventurous ride with many highs, a few lows but always the grace of God.
After nine years in this area we are firmly planted and have a dynamic reputation for being a church that reaches out to our community and serving those in need. We are known for impacting our public schools, public recreational venues, public care centers and the like. We are known for being a place that those who were formerly not engaged or attending a local church are able to find an accepting Fellowship that they can live a fully-devoted life as they learn to re-orient their life around God's truth. All of this will be magnified and enhanced as we EXPAND!
The Future Is Now......The Dream Continues
Daily Bible Reading: Mark Chapter 8
If you ever wondered if you are smart enough to be a Player for God....
If you ever wondered if your the only person who reads the Bible and is confused...
If you every wondered if God gives "brain-grace" to those who don't comprehend fast..
Read verses 14-21 again. Wow! The disciples were just like me many times!
Over the last few months I have used the daily BLOG and Sunday's messages to paint a clear picture of what CSF is called to do in our community. I have been very clear that we feel confident that we are to be a place that has life change happening every day of the week. That we are destination that people can come to seven days a week for help, ministry and guidance. A place to serve, to play, to learn, to grow spiritually, to grow in our personal physical health, to enjoy relational fellowship and to use our God given passions and gifts as multifaceted teams that impact our world for Jesus Christ.
It was with great joy and anticipation that I shared with all three services that we are moving fast toward our dream of Expanding our current building and that we have entered into a signed agreement to purchase the 38 acres that joins to our current property and campus. This 60 acre campus will ensure that our dreams can become reality now and in the future. As one person told me about land in our area..."they are not making anymore of it and what is here is getting bought and developed daily."
The future is now when it comes to having a campus that can contain all of the things we dream of doing for and in our community. (see previous BLOGS for a list of ministries that we will offer right here!) Our Expand adventure will allow us to purchase this property and have use of it soon!
Only God in his good humor and grace would have taken CSF on the journey we have been on for the last nine years, and then allow us to plant firmly on 60 acres on the corner of I485 and HWY 74....with the Monroe By-pass coming in the future about a mile from us! It has been an adventurous ride with many highs, a few lows but always the grace of God.
After nine years in this area we are firmly planted and have a dynamic reputation for being a church that reaches out to our community and serving those in need. We are known for impacting our public schools, public recreational venues, public care centers and the like. We are known for being a place that those who were formerly not engaged or attending a local church are able to find an accepting Fellowship that they can live a fully-devoted life as they learn to re-orient their life around God's truth. All of this will be magnified and enhanced as we EXPAND!
The Future Is Now......The Dream Continues
Daily Bible Reading: Mark Chapter 8
If you ever wondered if you are smart enough to be a Player for God....
If you ever wondered if your the only person who reads the Bible and is confused...
If you every wondered if God gives "brain-grace" to those who don't comprehend fast..
Read verses 14-21 again. Wow! The disciples were just like me many times!
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