The following is from John Piper, a guy who is way smarter than I am.
Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
I sympathize with those who want to be rigorously and distinctly Christian, who want to be disentangled from the world and any pagan roots that might lie beneath our celebration of Christmas, but I don't go that route on this matter because I think there comes a point where the roots are so far gone that the present meaning doesn't carry the pagan connotation anymore. I'm more concerned about a new paganism that gets layered on top of Christian holidays.
Here's the example I use: All language has roots somewhere. Most of our days of the week—if not all—grew out of pagan names too. So should we stop using the word "Sunday" because it may have related to the worship of the sun once upon a time? In modern English "Sunday" doesn't carry that connotation, and that's the very nature of language. In a sense, holidays are like chronological language.
Christmas now means that we mark, in Christian ways, the birth of Jesus Christ. I think the birth, death and resurrection of Christ are the most important events in human history. Not to mark them in some way, by way of special celebration, would be folly it seems to me.
I remember I lived next door to somebody back in seminary who didn't celebrate birthdays for their kid. The idea was, partly, that all days were special for their kid. But if all days are special then it probably means that there are no special days. Yet some things are so good and precious—like anniversaries, birthdays, and even deaths—that they are worthy of being marked. How much more the birth and death of Jesus Christ!
It's really worth the risk, even if the date of December 25 was chosen because of its proximity to some kind of pagan festival. Let's just take it, sanctify it, and make the most of it, because Christ is worthy of being celebrated in his birth.
There is no point in choosing any other date. It won't work.
© Desiring God www.desiringgod.org
While I do (and probably always will) celebrate Christmas, wouldn't it also be a good idea to have the spirit of Christmas all year long? Shouldn't we be constantly aware of the Gospel and what it means in our lives? I'm thinking that instead of holding out for December 25 to buy gifts for all your friends, what would it hurt to do it just whenever? If you're out, and see something that a family member or friend might like, why not just get it for them right then? Do you really have to wait for a birthday or Christmas?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
It's Been Far Too Long!
We're coming to the end of the year.
How do we look back and how do we look forward?
It's been an interesting year. My first blog was "The New Face of SIX33" and followed the "I'm Done" sermon (www.ibchighland.org/six33 - go to "Downloads").
God has really been working in my life in some very cool ways recently.
I've always held that Scripture is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God, but lately, God has been bringing me back to that over and over.
There are two verses that I just can't get away from.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teachign, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
2 Peter 1:3 says "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
These two verses are such an encouragement to me. While I have never changed in my view of Scripture, lately, my passion to know and be saturated in Scripture has been renewed and refreshed.
Right now, I'm in the middle of a 30 day journey through the Book of James. I'm reading the entire book every day for the month of December. (I've challenged some of my students to join me on this journey). It's been so incredible to come to God's Word every day and even though I'm reading the same words as I read yesterday, and the day before, and the day before, etc. I see something new every day.
'For the word of God is living and active..." (Hebrews 4:12) This verse, along with the first two I listed, has been shown to be so true this month.
In today's society the whole concept of "truth" has been so watered down it's not even funny. There are even churches out there who don't seem to hold to God's Word as Truth. I just don't understand how you can claim to be a Christian and not hold to the inerrancy of Scripture.
So - saturate yourself with Scripture. Let your delight truly be "in the law of the Lord" (You HAVE to read Psalm 1).
Oh - and when you have time, check out the Pyromaniacs blog. It's deep, but really good! www.teampyro.blogspot.com
How do we look back and how do we look forward?
It's been an interesting year. My first blog was "The New Face of SIX33" and followed the "I'm Done" sermon (www.ibchighland.org/six33 - go to "Downloads").
God has really been working in my life in some very cool ways recently.
I've always held that Scripture is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God, but lately, God has been bringing me back to that over and over.
There are two verses that I just can't get away from.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teachign, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
2 Peter 1:3 says "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
These two verses are such an encouragement to me. While I have never changed in my view of Scripture, lately, my passion to know and be saturated in Scripture has been renewed and refreshed.
Right now, I'm in the middle of a 30 day journey through the Book of James. I'm reading the entire book every day for the month of December. (I've challenged some of my students to join me on this journey). It's been so incredible to come to God's Word every day and even though I'm reading the same words as I read yesterday, and the day before, and the day before, etc. I see something new every day.
'For the word of God is living and active..." (Hebrews 4:12) This verse, along with the first two I listed, has been shown to be so true this month.
In today's society the whole concept of "truth" has been so watered down it's not even funny. There are even churches out there who don't seem to hold to God's Word as Truth. I just don't understand how you can claim to be a Christian and not hold to the inerrancy of Scripture.
So - saturate yourself with Scripture. Let your delight truly be "in the law of the Lord" (You HAVE to read Psalm 1).
Oh - and when you have time, check out the Pyromaniacs blog. It's deep, but really good! www.teampyro.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 26, 2007
{ go vs. be }
I want everyone to stop going to church
No, that’s not a typo – stop going to church.
Mark 7:6-7 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men” God is not impressed with your attendance.
Paul tells us that because of who Jesus is and what He did on the cross, a Follower of Jesus Christ is not condemned to keep on sinning.
Jesus died and was resurrected so that we CAN live the righteous life that the Bible tells us we must live.
How do you fix yourself? You don’t.
The secret is focus. You focus on God and choose to respond and let God’s Spirit give you the strength to obey.
So – we start with the GOSPEL
The GOSPEL is simple: Jesus Christ obeyed His Father and died on a cross so that we would not have to suffer the consequences of our sin. He rose from the dead to destroy sin and death. He did all this first for God’s glory and second, so that we can live a righteous, holy life.
If you’re bored with church….
If you’re not excited about hearing God’s Word,
Then you’re doing something wrong.
Ask yourself the question: “Why am I here?”
• Are you here for yourself?
• Or are you here to empty myself and seek God?
So what does all this have to do with the first sentence “stop going to church?”
Everything.
If the truth of the Gospel is something that is a part of your life. If you have become a Follower of Jesus Christ. If you are a Disciple.
Then your call is clear.
Stop going to church and start being the church.
Read Acts 2:42-47 - They were together.
Read I Corinthians 12:12, 18, 19, 27 - We’re called to serve. To BE the church
That’s why you must stop going to church and start being the church.
Because if you’re headed to Immanuel, or some other church building on Wednesdays or Sundays, it’s going to be one or the other:
{ go vs. be }
If all this makes sense to you, then your next question should be “Okay, so how do I go and be the church?” Good question. You find out where you can serve and how you can help. It is the call of every Christian to not only be involved in a local church, but also to be in a place of service.
In the High School Ministry at Immanuel, there are many places and ways to serve. Just find a signup card on the back table, fill it out, and drop it in the mail slot or give it to Rob.
The Process of Growth:
• Attract
• Connect
• Grow
• Serve
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes… for in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed…”
Romans 1:16-17a
No, that’s not a typo – stop going to church.
Mark 7:6-7 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men” God is not impressed with your attendance.
Paul tells us that because of who Jesus is and what He did on the cross, a Follower of Jesus Christ is not condemned to keep on sinning.
Jesus died and was resurrected so that we CAN live the righteous life that the Bible tells us we must live.
How do you fix yourself? You don’t.
The secret is focus. You focus on God and choose to respond and let God’s Spirit give you the strength to obey.
So – we start with the GOSPEL
The GOSPEL is simple: Jesus Christ obeyed His Father and died on a cross so that we would not have to suffer the consequences of our sin. He rose from the dead to destroy sin and death. He did all this first for God’s glory and second, so that we can live a righteous, holy life.
If you’re bored with church….
If you’re not excited about hearing God’s Word,
Then you’re doing something wrong.
Ask yourself the question: “Why am I here?”
• Are you here for yourself?
• Or are you here to empty myself and seek God?
So what does all this have to do with the first sentence “stop going to church?”
Everything.
If the truth of the Gospel is something that is a part of your life. If you have become a Follower of Jesus Christ. If you are a Disciple.
Then your call is clear.
Stop going to church and start being the church.
Read Acts 2:42-47 - They were together.
Read I Corinthians 12:12, 18, 19, 27 - We’re called to serve. To BE the church
That’s why you must stop going to church and start being the church.
Because if you’re headed to Immanuel, or some other church building on Wednesdays or Sundays, it’s going to be one or the other:
{ go vs. be }
If all this makes sense to you, then your next question should be “Okay, so how do I go and be the church?” Good question. You find out where you can serve and how you can help. It is the call of every Christian to not only be involved in a local church, but also to be in a place of service.
In the High School Ministry at Immanuel, there are many places and ways to serve. Just find a signup card on the back table, fill it out, and drop it in the mail slot or give it to Rob.
The Process of Growth:
• Attract
• Connect
• Grow
• Serve
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes… for in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed…”
Romans 1:16-17a
Friday, July 13, 2007
Are you sharing your faith?
Four Questions from our Pastor
If you were at SIX33 this past week, you heard an amazing message from our pastor. He preached it at the Southern Baptist Convention in San Antonio last month. He was preaching to a lot of pastors, but every word of the sermon can apply to our youth group just as much as it applied to those he was preaching to. The first time I heard the sermon, I was thinking “wow! He’s preaching to us (the youth group) and to me all at the same time. It was amazing!
Basically, he was telling us that we need to be about the “business of evangelism” all the time. Sharing who Christ is should be in the front of our minds all the time. As I listened to the sermon, these four questions and what I like to call “the wrap-up question” all rose to the top. My challenge to you is to really consider these questions. Don’t just read them and answer a quick “yes” (or a quick “no” either). Really look at the question and as you answer the question, also ask “how” and “why” to each of them. Here they are:
When it comes to sharing my faith,
• Am I taking it seriously?
• Am I taking it personally?
• Am I enthusiastic about it?
• Am I being prayerful?
And the “Wrap-up Question”
Am I really involved in winning people to Christ?
If we all really commit to not only living a consistent Christian lifestyle, but also actively sharing our faith, then we’ll see changed lives. Not only our own, but the lives of our friends around us.
Who is God leading you to engage in a spiritual conversation with?
If you were at SIX33 this past week, you heard an amazing message from our pastor. He preached it at the Southern Baptist Convention in San Antonio last month. He was preaching to a lot of pastors, but every word of the sermon can apply to our youth group just as much as it applied to those he was preaching to. The first time I heard the sermon, I was thinking “wow! He’s preaching to us (the youth group) and to me all at the same time. It was amazing!
Basically, he was telling us that we need to be about the “business of evangelism” all the time. Sharing who Christ is should be in the front of our minds all the time. As I listened to the sermon, these four questions and what I like to call “the wrap-up question” all rose to the top. My challenge to you is to really consider these questions. Don’t just read them and answer a quick “yes” (or a quick “no” either). Really look at the question and as you answer the question, also ask “how” and “why” to each of them. Here they are:
When it comes to sharing my faith,
• Am I taking it seriously?
• Am I taking it personally?
• Am I enthusiastic about it?
• Am I being prayerful?
And the “Wrap-up Question”
Am I really involved in winning people to Christ?
If we all really commit to not only living a consistent Christian lifestyle, but also actively sharing our faith, then we’ll see changed lives. Not only our own, but the lives of our friends around us.
Who is God leading you to engage in a spiritual conversation with?
Are you sharing your faith?
Four Questions from our Pastor:
If you were at SIX33 this past week, you heard an amazing message from our pastor. He preached it at the Southern Baptist Convention in San Antonio last month. He was preaching to a lot of pastors, but every word of the sermon can apply to our youth group just as much as it applied to those he was preaching to. The first time I heard the sermon, I was thinking “wow! He’s preaching to us (the youth group) and to me all at the same time. It was amazing!
Basically, he was telling us that we need to be about the “business of evangelism” all the time. Sharing who Christ is should be in the front of our minds all the time. As I listened to the sermon, these four questions and what I like to call “the wrap-up question” all rose to the top. My challenge to you is to really consider these questions. Don’t just read them and answer a quick “yes” (or a quick “no” either). Really look at the question and as you answer the question, also ask “how” and “why” to each of them. Here they are:
When it comes to sharing my faith,
• Am I taking it seriously?
• Am I taking it personally?
• Am I enthusiastic about it?
• Am I being prayerful?
And the “Wrap-up Question”
Am I really involved in winning people to Christ?
If we all really commit to not only living a consistent Christian lifestyle, but also actively sharing our faith, then we’ll see changed lives. Not only our own, but the lives of our friends around us.
Who is God leading you to engage in a spiritual conversation with?
If you were at SIX33 this past week, you heard an amazing message from our pastor. He preached it at the Southern Baptist Convention in San Antonio last month. He was preaching to a lot of pastors, but every word of the sermon can apply to our youth group just as much as it applied to those he was preaching to. The first time I heard the sermon, I was thinking “wow! He’s preaching to us (the youth group) and to me all at the same time. It was amazing!
Basically, he was telling us that we need to be about the “business of evangelism” all the time. Sharing who Christ is should be in the front of our minds all the time. As I listened to the sermon, these four questions and what I like to call “the wrap-up question” all rose to the top. My challenge to you is to really consider these questions. Don’t just read them and answer a quick “yes” (or a quick “no” either). Really look at the question and as you answer the question, also ask “how” and “why” to each of them. Here they are:
When it comes to sharing my faith,
• Am I taking it seriously?
• Am I taking it personally?
• Am I enthusiastic about it?
• Am I being prayerful?
And the “Wrap-up Question”
Am I really involved in winning people to Christ?
If we all really commit to not only living a consistent Christian lifestyle, but also actively sharing our faith, then we’ll see changed lives. Not only our own, but the lives of our friends around us.
Who is God leading you to engage in a spiritual conversation with?
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The {2 4 2} Scenario
So what does it mean to be a part of our youth group? What does the Bible teach about it? As we're moving forward, what's the next step?
Let's Grow!
That's what I want to see happening in our group. Growth is two things: inside and outside.
"Inside" we should all understand. We need to be reading the Bible and praying daily. We also need to be committed to being really involved in church.
"Outside" is a little more difficult. We have to be intentional in our efforts. We need to be thinking "how can I share what I have with my friends?"
Which brings us to 2 4 2.
If we're truly growing inside, the outside is a natural part of that. So what's the picture?
Read Acts 2:42-47 and you'll get a good picture of what we should look like. That's the profile the Bible gives us.
There are four things that should define the SIX33 Youth Group:
1. Teaching - this is pretty simple. When you're involved, you'll be learning what's in the Bible because teaching takes place on Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as other times.
* Bottom Line - Show up and be ready to learn.
2. Fellowship - Being a Disciple is more than just Sunday & Wednesday. It also includes Fourth Fridays, Second Saturdays, Beach trips, the (coming soon) game room, etc.
* Bottom Line - Let's hang out together. Take advantage of the times we're together and just enjoy each other's company.
3. Eating together - You might not be cooking a big meal every night, but you can always invite someone to join you.
* Bottom Line - Have meals together. When you're having a meal, invite someone along. Whether it's dinner at home, Niko Niko, Red Robin, or wherever. We all eat. Let's eat together more often.
4. Prayer - Let prayer be a continual part of your life. Don't just pray when you have your quiet time. And pray with others
* Bottom Line - Pray with each other often. If you're doing the three above this, you're already with other Christians so it's easy to just pray with them more.
When a group does all these things, then those outside the group will like what they see. The passage concludes with this: "They followed a daily discipline of worship... every meal a celebration, jubilant and joyful... People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were [being] saved" (The Message)
That's a great picture. That's what our youth group should look like.
* Bottom Line - read and re-read this passage regularly
and keep {2 4 2} in the front of your mind.
Ask yourself: How can I be {2 4 2} today?
Let's Grow!
That's what I want to see happening in our group. Growth is two things: inside and outside.
"Inside" we should all understand. We need to be reading the Bible and praying daily. We also need to be committed to being really involved in church.
"Outside" is a little more difficult. We have to be intentional in our efforts. We need to be thinking "how can I share what I have with my friends?"
Which brings us to 2 4 2.
If we're truly growing inside, the outside is a natural part of that. So what's the picture?
Read Acts 2:42-47 and you'll get a good picture of what we should look like. That's the profile the Bible gives us.
There are four things that should define the SIX33 Youth Group:
1. Teaching - this is pretty simple. When you're involved, you'll be learning what's in the Bible because teaching takes place on Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as other times.
* Bottom Line - Show up and be ready to learn.
2. Fellowship - Being a Disciple is more than just Sunday & Wednesday. It also includes Fourth Fridays, Second Saturdays, Beach trips, the (coming soon) game room, etc.
* Bottom Line - Let's hang out together. Take advantage of the times we're together and just enjoy each other's company.
3. Eating together - You might not be cooking a big meal every night, but you can always invite someone to join you.
* Bottom Line - Have meals together. When you're having a meal, invite someone along. Whether it's dinner at home, Niko Niko, Red Robin, or wherever. We all eat. Let's eat together more often.
4. Prayer - Let prayer be a continual part of your life. Don't just pray when you have your quiet time. And pray with others
* Bottom Line - Pray with each other often. If you're doing the three above this, you're already with other Christians so it's easy to just pray with them more.
When a group does all these things, then those outside the group will like what they see. The passage concludes with this: "They followed a daily discipline of worship... every meal a celebration, jubilant and joyful... People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were [being] saved" (The Message)
That's a great picture. That's what our youth group should look like.
* Bottom Line - read and re-read this passage regularly
and keep {2 4 2} in the front of your mind.
Ask yourself: How can I be {2 4 2} today?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
So What Now?
Okay, I'm focused and truly passionately seeking God and consistently in the Word and involved in church. Now what?
The answer is simple. A little scary, but still pretty simple.
You've got to let it overflow. If you're truly focused God & it's not just been a "quick fill" (like what so many of us get at camp) then it will spill over into the lives of others around you.
So the question to ask yourself isn't just "what is God doing in my life." You must also ask the question "what is God doing through my life?"
The answer is simple. A little scary, but still pretty simple.
You've got to let it overflow. If you're truly focused God & it's not just been a "quick fill" (like what so many of us get at camp) then it will spill over into the lives of others around you.
So the question to ask yourself isn't just "what is God doing in my life." You must also ask the question "what is God doing through my life?"
Friday, April 27, 2007
Start A Fire
The song that we've just started singing the last few weeks is my own personal prayer for not only myself, but also for our youth group.
Start A Fire
Start a fire in me,
Let the flames run free,
Burn away the dross,
Holy fire of God
Let it begin, let it be new,
Let me be used for Your sake,
Bringing glory to Your Name.
I can live knowing that You
Reside in my heart.
Oh Lord, You are the fire.
When something's on fire, people watch it. I remember when I was young and the house around the corner caught on fire, the whole neighborhood went and just watched it burn. It was crazy to watch.
Remember the fires a couple years back? The sparks would jump from house to house and entire neighborhoods went up in flames. Now when it's someone's home burning, it's a tragedy. But when it's us - when you look at it spiritually, it's a whole other thing.
I want my spiritual life to be like that. On fire. Something that people can see right away, even from a distance. You shouldn't have to be one of my close personal friends to see my passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want the flames to run free in my life. I want that to spread from me to others. I want to see the flames in the kids in our youth group. I want to see it spreading from person to person.
It has to start somewhere. I'm praying that it truly is starting in me. It has to start in us personally. Then it can spread. I'm praying that individual kids in our youth group become so passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ that everyone around them can see it, and that it spreads.
Read the lyrics of the song again. Then, the next time we sing it. Don't just sing the words - let them be your own personal prayer to God for your life.
You can get "Start A Fire" on iTunes. My favorite version of the song is on the album "Window to the Inner Court" by Shane Everett. While you're at it, just get the whole album. I just can't stop listening to this album.
("Start a Fire" by Darrin Sasser and Jason Harrison - copyright 1998 Shadow Rock Music)
Start A Fire
Start a fire in me,
Let the flames run free,
Burn away the dross,
Holy fire of God
Let it begin, let it be new,
Let me be used for Your sake,
Bringing glory to Your Name.
I can live knowing that You
Reside in my heart.
Oh Lord, You are the fire.
When something's on fire, people watch it. I remember when I was young and the house around the corner caught on fire, the whole neighborhood went and just watched it burn. It was crazy to watch.
Remember the fires a couple years back? The sparks would jump from house to house and entire neighborhoods went up in flames. Now when it's someone's home burning, it's a tragedy. But when it's us - when you look at it spiritually, it's a whole other thing.
I want my spiritual life to be like that. On fire. Something that people can see right away, even from a distance. You shouldn't have to be one of my close personal friends to see my passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want the flames to run free in my life. I want that to spread from me to others. I want to see the flames in the kids in our youth group. I want to see it spreading from person to person.
It has to start somewhere. I'm praying that it truly is starting in me. It has to start in us personally. Then it can spread. I'm praying that individual kids in our youth group become so passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ that everyone around them can see it, and that it spreads.
Read the lyrics of the song again. Then, the next time we sing it. Don't just sing the words - let them be your own personal prayer to God for your life.
You can get "Start A Fire" on iTunes. My favorite version of the song is on the album "Window to the Inner Court" by Shane Everett. While you're at it, just get the whole album. I just can't stop listening to this album.
("Start a Fire" by Darrin Sasser and Jason Harrison - copyright 1998 Shadow Rock Music)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The 50
So I'm very encouraged after last night. I'm still done with all the games and lunacy, but I think we're ready to really start moving forward. 50 people came forward and signed their name to the "SIX33 Fellowship." See my previous blog (below) for what that is.
So what now? Where to? What's the plan? Well it's simple:
Seek God First.
That's it. Nothing fancy or complicated. Just seek God first.
Here's our new "purpose statement" for the SIX33 HSM:
"Our desire is to be passionate about seeking God first in everything. 24.7.365"
So the challenge to the 50 is to let it begin now. Give God complete control of every area of your life.
"Read the Word and put to test the things you've heard until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken."
We're moving forward.
I'm done.
The question is - are you coming with us?
P.S. - Music you need to get: First is "Clear the Stage" by Ross King. It's a song on his Album titled "And All the Decorations Too." Next, get Shane Everett's new Album "Window to the Inner Court." They're both available on iTunes. If you can't get them that way, talk to me and I can get you a copy of them.
So what now? Where to? What's the plan? Well it's simple:
Seek God First.
That's it. Nothing fancy or complicated. Just seek God first.
Here's our new "purpose statement" for the SIX33 HSM:
"Our desire is to be passionate about seeking God first in everything. 24.7.365"
So the challenge to the 50 is to let it begin now. Give God complete control of every area of your life.
"Read the Word and put to test the things you've heard until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken."
We're moving forward.
I'm done.
The question is - are you coming with us?
P.S. - Music you need to get: First is "Clear the Stage" by Ross King. It's a song on his Album titled "And All the Decorations Too." Next, get Shane Everett's new Album "Window to the Inner Court." They're both available on iTunes. If you can't get them that way, talk to me and I can get you a copy of them.
Monday, April 9, 2007
The SIX33 Fellowship
I'm done with the fooling around.
I'm done with the distractions.
I'm done with the games.
I'm done with the double-lives.
I'm done with the passion-less worship.
I'm done with the lack of focus.
I'm done.
We're moving forward. We're stepping it up. No more messing around.
I’m a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
I am a Follower of The Way. I have the power of God behind me.
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made. I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is forgotten, my present makes sense, my future is decided.
I’m done living without passion, walking by sight, making worthless plans, having smooth knees, talking about nothing, and having no true focus.
I do not need prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity.
I don't have to be first, the best, praised, or rewarded.
I now live in His presence, learn by faith, love with patience, lift others in prayer, and labor in His power.
My pace is set, my path is His path, my goal is passion for His name, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my focus is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, beat down, lured away, turned back, or delayed. I will not flinch when I am called to sacrifice, hesitate when things get tough, negotiate with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I will go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until everybody knows, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)
Read Jeremiah 29:11 - we're praying for God to move!
Hebrews 12:1-3 - We're going to focus on Jesus.
Because I'm done!
* This is our version of "The Fellowship of the Unashamed." It was written by a pastor shortly before he was martyred. I've "tweaked" it a bit to fit who we are and where we're going.
I'm done with the distractions.
I'm done with the games.
I'm done with the double-lives.
I'm done with the passion-less worship.
I'm done with the lack of focus.
I'm done.
We're moving forward. We're stepping it up. No more messing around.
I’m a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
I am a Follower of The Way. I have the power of God behind me.
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made. I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is forgotten, my present makes sense, my future is decided.
I’m done living without passion, walking by sight, making worthless plans, having smooth knees, talking about nothing, and having no true focus.
I do not need prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity.
I don't have to be first, the best, praised, or rewarded.
I now live in His presence, learn by faith, love with patience, lift others in prayer, and labor in His power.
My pace is set, my path is His path, my goal is passion for His name, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my focus is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, beat down, lured away, turned back, or delayed. I will not flinch when I am called to sacrifice, hesitate when things get tough, negotiate with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I will go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until everybody knows, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)
Read Jeremiah 29:11 - we're praying for God to move!
Hebrews 12:1-3 - We're going to focus on Jesus.
Because I'm done!
* This is our version of "The Fellowship of the Unashamed." It was written by a pastor shortly before he was martyred. I've "tweaked" it a bit to fit who we are and where we're going.
Friday, April 6, 2007
The new face of SIX33
So...
Let's see where this ride will take us.
It's been an interesting journey so far.
Ross King, in his song "Clear the Stage" writes:
"clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols
jerk the pews and all the decorations too
until the congregation's few then have revival
tell your friends that this is where the party ends
until you're broken for your sins you can't be social
seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store
and know that great is your reward so just be hopeful"
I had a great conversation with a couple of the youth in my youth group while we were in Las Vegas. There are some radical changes coming. We're moving toward being more focused and being deeply passionate about what we're doing (and why).
We've cleared the stage and have new sound and lights already. Hmm... I know that the song is speaking more figuratively than literally, but we're definitely on this path. We also got rid of the old plastic chairs in favor of the new cushy ones. We're definitely on our way.
Now as for the congregation being "few..." I want to see group passionate about knowing and seeking God. If it ends up being just a few of us to start with so be it. But that's where we're going on this path.
And we're going to seek the Lord and see what He's got for us.
Pray.
Pray.
Pray.
Let's just pray and see where God takes us.
(and of course, there will be queso along the way from time to time...)
Let's see where this ride will take us.
It's been an interesting journey so far.
Ross King, in his song "Clear the Stage" writes:
"clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols
jerk the pews and all the decorations too
until the congregation's few then have revival
tell your friends that this is where the party ends
until you're broken for your sins you can't be social
seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store
and know that great is your reward so just be hopeful"
I had a great conversation with a couple of the youth in my youth group while we were in Las Vegas. There are some radical changes coming. We're moving toward being more focused and being deeply passionate about what we're doing (and why).
We've cleared the stage and have new sound and lights already. Hmm... I know that the song is speaking more figuratively than literally, but we're definitely on this path. We also got rid of the old plastic chairs in favor of the new cushy ones. We're definitely on our way.
Now as for the congregation being "few..." I want to see group passionate about knowing and seeking God. If it ends up being just a few of us to start with so be it. But that's where we're going on this path.
And we're going to seek the Lord and see what He's got for us.
Pray.
Pray.
Pray.
Let's just pray and see where God takes us.
(and of course, there will be queso along the way from time to time...)
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