Thursday, July 31, 2008

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!!


















a2 PREVIEW SERVICE NOTES
DANGEROUS CHURCH – 1



SIX FACTS MADE CRYSTAL CLEAR IN BOOK OF ACTS:

1. It’s All About Jesus. It’s Always About Jesus. It’s Only About Jesus.

Acts 1:1-2 (NLT), Dear Theophilus: In my first book I told you about everything JESUS BEGAN to DO and TEACH 2 until the day he ascended to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions from the Holy Spirit.

One of the most striking things about the book of Acts is its continuing FOCUS and EMPHASIS ON – it’s out right OBSESSION – with JESUS. On what Jesus “began” to do and what He is continuing to do through His followers.

From the outset, if someone asks you what we’re about at a2, this is the answer: WE’RE ALL ABOUT JESUS. WE’RE ALWAYS ABOUT JESUS. WE’RE ONLY ABOUT JESUS.


2. The Holy Spirit Is ACTIVE.

Acts 1:8 (NIV), But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 2:4 (ESV), And while staying with them he ORDERED them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father…

The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is the MAIN PLAYER in of the book of Acts. And He has one goal – to lift up and exalt JESUS!

The book of Acts gives us a picture of the UTTER FUTILITY of attempting to follow Jesus or do life and ministry apart from the Holy Spirit working in and through your life… It’s impossible!

At the outset of a2, it’s important for us to understand that apart from the Holy Spirit we don’t have the POWER necessary to simply live the CHRISTIAN LIFE, much less accomplish the kinds of EXTRAORDINARY MIRACLES God wants to in and through this church.


3. Prayer Makes A Huge Difference.

Regardless of what else may be said about the first century church, it was a “praying church.” These guys and gals actually believed, “When we pray, things happen.”

Check out these passages:

Acts 1:14 (ESV), All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer…

Acts 4:24 (NLT), Then all the believers were united as they lifted their voices in prayer: "O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them ?

Acts 4:29-31 (NLT), And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give your servants great boldness in their preaching. 30 Send your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they preached God's message with boldness.


4. Community Matters.

The book of Acts gives us a picture of what AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY and REALATIONSHIPS really look and feel like. It’s not a vague or illusory thing. It’s not simply a feeling of “good will” towards people. In the book of Acts, it’s a way of doing life.

Check out these passages:

Acts 1:14 (NIV), They all joined TOGETHER constantly in prayer…

Acts 2:1 (NIV), When the day of Pentecost came, they were all TOGETHER in one place.

Acts 2:44, All the believers were TOGETHER and had everything in common.

Acts 5:12, …all the believers used to meet TOGETHER in Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts 14:27, On arriving there (Antioch), they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

A word that keeps showing up again and again is the word “together.” Believers in the first century church believed in doing life “together.”


5. Conflict Happens, But Can Be Resolved.

The book of Acts is very blunt about the fact that the people in the first century church were ordinary people who struggled with relational dynamics.

Check out the stories contained in passages like Acts 6, 10-11, and 15.

The first century church was filled with CONFLICT and TENSION. It wasn’t perfect. But through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit the people in that church learned to live together in UNITY!

At the outset of a2, it’s important to say right up front: EXPECT CONFLICT. It’s going to occur. But lets make a commitment today that we’ll be the kind of church that learns how to RESOLVE IT


6. The Church Is Meant To Thrive, Not Just Survive.

The book of Acts outlines the birth, growth and development of the first century church. Luke peppers the book of Acts with all kinds of bullets about the EXPONENTIAL GROWTH of the first century church.

Check out the following passages: Acts 1:15; 2:37-38, 41; 2:47b; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 6:7; 8:12; 8:38; 9:35; 11:21; 13:12; 14:1; 16:5; 16:30-33; 17:12; 18:8; 19:19-20; 22:22


THIS IS CRUCIAL: The first century church wasn’t “seeker sensitive.” They were “seeker obsessed.” They made sharing the good news about Jesus a “top shelf” priority. It wasn’t something they did occasionally. It was something that defined them as a church.

From the outset at a2, we are going to be committed to OUTREACH and EVANGELISM.


a2’s SIMPLE STRATEGY FOR OUTREACH:

INVEST in people unconditionally.

INVITE to join the adventure.


Acts 28:30 31 (NIV), For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

There's something interesting about the way the book of Acts ends! It ends abruptly! There is NO FORMAL CONFLUSION. In fact, this is the only book of the New Testament that has no formal conclusion! I love what one New Testament scholar says:


“Church of Christ! The records of these acts of the Holy Ghost have never reached completeness. This is the one book which has no proper close, because it waits for new chapters to be added so fast and so far as the people of God shall reinstate the blessed Spirit in His holy seat of control.” ~ Arthur T. Pierson, Presbyterian Pastor

Welcome to the adventure.

BAD TIMING?

The last three days I've shared posts from some of the blogs I regularly read. Today, Shawn Lovejoy, the pastor of Mountain Lake Church in Cumming, Georgia shared a great post on "timing" and opportunity.

I've thought about this a lot lately, as a2 prepares for a "build out" on our retail space and attempts to raise approximately $100,000.00 for start up equipment...

Someone recently looked at me and said, "Chris, it's a real bad time to be attempting to raise money..." As if perhaps we should "cash in", "cash out" or forget about the whole deal because it's going to be really, really hard to raise funds in these uncertain and difficult economic times...

I'm certain this friend's remark was well intentioned and only meant to provide perspective, but this kind of attitude is prevalent...

Sort of reminds me of the mentality of the "lazy person" in Proverbs 26.

Proverbs 26:13-14 (MSG), The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, “I can’t go outside because there might be a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!” 14 As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.

There will always be a reason to "wait". Some of them are good. Some are even reasonable. Some are just excuses.

Sometimes you just have to take a step of faith.

Shawn's post from this morning on "bad timing" spoke volumes to me as we attempt to pursue what we believe to be God's purpose and plan for a2, in the face of a "downturn" in the economy and several other challenges.

HERE is Shawn's post.


BAD TIMING?
Shawn Lovejoy

Alot of people I talk to in the rest of our community and country can not BELIEVE that our church is moving forward in a LARGE building program in the middle of of an uncertain economy! To be honest with you, there have been moments when I've asked the same question! Our church is being affected by this uncertain and unstable economy like everyone else! We have seen our giving take a hit because people are LOSING THEIR JOBS, and struggling to make ends meet! At times, all of this has caused me to scratch my head and ask:"God, what are you up to? This is bad timing for all of this!" Ever been there?

However, several months ago, God led my mind back to a time in the life if the Israelites when it seemed like God was calling them to move forward in the midst of what had to seem like the worst timing possible. The story is found in Joshua 3. God tells the Israelites that after 40 years of wandering, it's FINALLY time to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. He tells them to get up the next morning, get dressed, and prepare to cross the Jordan.

Then I saw it: Joshua 3:15 (NLT) says: "Now it was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks." Are you kidding me? God has waited for 40 years for the "right time" to allow the Israelites to cross the Jordan, but then He leads the Israelites to cross the Jordan when it was at its highest flood levels of the season? What?! Wouldn't it have made more LOGICAL SENSE to have the Israelites cross the Jordan after they had a drought? When the rocks of the stream were showing, and people could jump across on the rocks? I assure you many Israelites had to ask: "Now? Why now? This is the worst timing possible to cross the Jordan!"

But look what happened:"...But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water began piling up at a town upstream called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho (v.15b-16)". God did the miracle. The people crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land just like God has "promised". Here are some of the things God reminded me from this passage:

What seems like a flood to us, is not even a mud puddle to God!

What seems like the worst timing is usually God's timing.

The greater the flood, the greater the potential miracle.

Faith is moving forward in the face of the flood!

So at MLC, even though we are in the middle of the flood, we will NOT shrink back from what God has promised! We will trust God! We will trust Him when things add up, and when they don't! We will be faithful to serve, love, and give in obedience to God, even when the numbers don't add up! We will get up, every day, put our clothes on, and prepare for the miracle. We will move forward in the face of the flood! We will be the church! Now is God's timing for us to shine! Now is a great time to watch God do a miracle! And when it's all over, we won't be able to take any credit for anything except being faithful!

IF I WERE THE DEVIL


Perry Noble is the pastor Newspring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. Today he shared this thought provoking post on his blog. Perry's post takes on a "C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters" kind of feel...

It's one of those posts that made me stop and think... "If I were the devil, what would I do..."

HERE is Perry's post... After you read it, join the conversation. "If you were the devil, what would you do..."

IF I WERE THE DEVIL
Perry Noble

Here are some things I would do…

I would tell church leaders that “it’s not about the numbers!” That they should be more concerned with quality than quantity. I would make them take pride in the fact that they were reaching no one, and actually get them to criticize the people that are.

I would convince church leaders that the quality of their worship services do not matter.

I would tell Christians to not allow themselves to be polluted by the world, but rather to attack it consistently so that those who are in it would be driven further from the church.

I would convince church leaders to DREAM SMALL! The last thing I would want would be people realizing that God is honored by people who really do believe that He can do the impossible! (Craig had an AWESOME post on this!)

I would get the church to focus on politics, getting them to believe that they are doomed unless a particular political party holds office.

I would make sure that those who believe in reformed theology and those who don’t hate each other; after all, if they fight with each other they have no time to fight me.

I would tell bloggers that they are “just” and “right” by setting up websites that do nothing but attack other ministries and tear them down.

I would tell pastors that it is perfectly acceptable to substitute ministry work for their personal walk with God; after all, He should understand.

I would convince pastors and church leaders to focus on what other churches are doing “wrong,” thus taking the focus off of their church.

I would tell churches that boycotting “secular” organizations is the most practical and effective way to reach the world.

I would tell young church planters that they cannot teach Scripture, call for repentance or take an offering, for that would be offensive. (What I would not tell them is that the only people that ever offends are “Christians!”)

I would get denominations to focus way more on inwards preferences and religious politics, allowing those who give the most money to call all the shots.

I would tempt the church to focus on issues and not Jesus.

I would tempt pastors to buy into the lie that things “will be better at the next church,” thus causing them to never dig roots in a community and build a great work for God.

I would tell pastors to disguise their jealousy over other pastors with statements like, “I am really concerned with such and such church down the road,” OR, “what you don’t know about THAT church is…”

I would make churches feel prideful in their particular Bible translation.

Those are just a few things…



So, what about you?

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

THE LIFETIME OF AN OPPORTUNITY

Just read this post from Steven Furtick, the pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. It really resonated with me as I wrestle with the opportunity before me and the people God is bringing together to form a2.

Here's the link to Steven's blog. I've taken the liberty to paste Steven's post below:

“The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.” ~ Leonard Ravenhill

Every opportunity has an expiration date. Exceptional people, churches, and businesses possess the agility to move at the speed of God. This usually means merging into oncoming traffic at breakneck speed.

A lot of people I know are more fearful of making a wrong move than making no move at all. Not me. I’ve been alive long enough to know that if I just sit at the intersection after God has given a green light, He’ll only honk a few times before He passes me by in the other lane. Doesn’t mean He’ll stop loving me or stop using me. It just means that that opportunity is gone. Forever.

If you are currently considering a great, godly, risky opportunity, consider this:

The cost of missing out can be greater than the cost of messing up.

The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.



Wow! I love the last two sentences in Steven's post: "The cost of missing out can be greater than the cost of messing up. The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity."

The message? If God has placed an opportunity in front of you... If God has given you a "green light." Get your foot off the brakes. Hit the gas. Go for it. This is your time! This is a moment God has created for you to partner with Him in seeing Him do something exceptional...

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

I'M SURE THIS STARTED AS A GREAT IDEA...

I've seldom laughed as hard as I laughed when I watched this video.

Having participated in my fair share of programming meetings where the goal was to come up with really cool ideas that would present truth in a creative, catchy, interesting way, there have been several times when a "good" idea didn't pan out like we had originally envisioned.

Well, this guy experienced a good idea gone bad first hand... Check out the video here... Smile... Laugh... Think about the last time your great idea didn't turn out so great... We're in good company...

FACING SOMETHING IMPOSSIBLE?

"[God delights in impossibilities.] One man says, 'I will do as much as I can.' Any fool can do that. He that believes in Christ does what he cannot do, attempts the impossible, and performs it." ~ C.H. Spurgeon

Friday, July 25, 2008

a2 PREVIEW SERVICE - THIS WEEKEND!!!

a2 Preview Service
Inverness Vineyard Church
This Sunday, July 27, 5:30 PM
4733 Valleydale Road

Don't miss a2's first official PREVIEW SERVICE. This Sunday, July 27 at 5:30 PM at the Inverness Vineyard on Valleydale Road.

This will be an "all out" WORSHIP SERVICE with music, prayer and teaching from God's Word.

Immediately following the PREVIEW SERVICE, we will divide into LAUNCH TEAM STRATEGY SESSIONS on ministry areas like Prayer, Hospitality / Guest Services, Worship and Children.

CHILD CARE WILL BE PROVIDED. Make plans to attend today. If you need directions or have questions, feel free to contact Chris at 205.447.5948 or Janet at 205.979.3633. We look forward to seeing you there.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

DIDN'T I TELL YOU, "GOD IS GOOD!!!!!"?

Last week I included a post on this blog titled: GOD IS GOOD. Well, today let me add, "God is good. Really good. Amazingly, extravagantly, incredibly GOOD!"

This week we had a BREAKTHROUGH of SEISMIC PROPORTIONS on the "build out" of our worship space for a2.

Here's the miracle: The "build out" on the a2 Launch Site is being underwritten through the generosity and assistance of an a2 partner... You may want to read that line again... SLOWLY... Yeah, I am still speechless!

John Hudson of Dungan Nequette Architects is in the process of drawing up the necessary plans that will bring us into code compliance. Once the plans are completed, we will apply for the necessary permits and the "build out" will begin. You can be sure, we'll update you regarding upcoming WORKDAYS.

Due to all that's involved in this kind of "build out," our first services will not be held at the a2 site. This week we are working on securing a temporary space for worship until the "build out" is complete. a2 will still LAUNCH on August 17. Mark that date down. But we will LAUNCH in a temporary space while the construction is being completed on the site at Vestavia City Center.

I continue to be blown away by God's incredible faithfulness. Yesterday my day started with me staring at a mountain of construction costs estimated at $75,000.00. By the end of the day, that mountain had literally been "cast into the sea." Child's play for our GREAT GOD!

Last evening, I sat down and stared at the costs behind all the equipment needed to make a2 possible. Stuff like:

Sound, Lighting and Video
Nursery Equipment
Children's Ministry Equipment
Chairs / Seating
Office Furniture and Equipment
Telephone System

All in all, we've been told that this equipment will probably cost us somewhere in the neighborhood of $100,000.00. Oh, yeah... You read that right. That's a HUGE NUMBER!

But after seeing our GREAT GOD come through in such a HUGE WAY related to our construction costs, I'm looking forward to seeing what He does with this mountain. To our great God, it's nothing but a simple mole hill!

Yesterday during my devotional time, I read an incredible story about a time in the history of the people of God when they desperately needed a breakthrough. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah had entered into an alliance with Joram, the king of Israel and the "no name" King of Edom, to attack a group of outlaws and renegades in Moab.

The battle plan for this alliance put these three armies in the desert for seven days without a drop of WATER. Joram, the king of Israel was ready to give in, give out and give up. He was certain they were all about to bite the dust - literally; when Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there a prophet of God anywhere around we can talk to?"

Enter the prophet Elisha. Elisha was pretty ticked at Joram, the king of Israel, as well as the "no name" King of Edom. In fact, he said, "...if it weren't for the respect I have for Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I wouldn't give either of you the time of day."

Then God's power came upon Elisha and this was God's Word to a group of imperfect people.

2 Kings 3:16-18 (NLT), ...he said, "This is what the LORD says: This dry valley will be filled with pools of water! 17 You will see neither wind nor rain, says the LORD, but this valley will be filled with water. You will have plenty for yourselves and for your cattle and your other animals. 18 But this is only a simple thing for the LORD, for he will make you victorious over the army of Moab!"

And true to His Word, that's exactly what God did! He provided a HUGE, GOD-SIZED MIRACLE!

Yesterday morning during my devotional time, as I read this story and thought about all that will be required to launch a2, I felt as if God reminded me of this realtiy: "Chris, this is only a SIMPLE THING for the LORD, I will make a2 victorious..."

Before the end of the day, that's exactly what God did!

Oh, I know. It's only one miracle. But it's a HUMONGOUS MIRACLE! (Yes, that's a word...)

And guess what? If God did it on the "build out," HE CAN DO IT when it comes to nursery equipment, telephones, sound equipment, the works. "This is only a SIMPLE THING for the Lord."

Yesterday I got a glimpse of just how SIMPLE!!! YEAH, GOD! Stay tuned for the next update in the story of God's activity at a2...

GOD IS SO GOOOOOOOOOOD!!!

Friday, July 18, 2008

MOVIES OF THE SUMMER





Here's a list of my favorite movies of the summer, so far...

The Dark Knight
Why so serious?

This may be the best movie I've seen since "No Country For Old Men." This is a summer blockbuster infused with profound questions about the nature of evil, our propensity for sin and compromise, the importance of character and our desperate need for a Savior.

Make no mistake about it. This is a serious movie. Heath Ledger's performance as "The Joker" is mesmerizing. Much like Anton Chigurh, the psychopathic killer in "No Country," "The Joker" is the embodiment of evil. He thrives on chaos. He could care less about money, sex or power. His desire is to reveal the hypocrisy in humanity and our inclination for depravity. We are all capable of unbelievable evil, all we require, he says, "is a little push."

Ledger's performance as "The Joker" is the stuff of which legends are made. He is amazing. Ledger's Joker is right up there with the most terrifying villains in movie history: Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs and Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh in No Country. This performance is that good. It is unsettling and terrifying.

Batman, Harvey Dent, Gotham's new District Attorney, and Lt. James Gordon form a "trinity" of sorts to wage war on Gotham's crime lords. At first, this alliance prevails. But evil doesn't take a right hook to the chin and go down for the count. it fights back. BIG TIME.

As "The Joker" rises to power and establishes his rule as Gotham's ultimate crime boss by not only evading Batman, but turning every apparent breakthrough into a huge setback or complete disaster, Batman struggles with how to take a stand against such relentless evil without losing his moral center - without becoming the very thing he hates. This internal struggle is fascinating and meaningful.

Ultimately, Batman assumes the blame and guilt of another individual. He takes that individual's shame upon himself, so that the guilty could be declared innocent. In this selfless act, there are echoes of what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. And in The Joker's defeat, there are reminders that even though evil is relentless, ultimately everything will be set right.

There's so much more I want to write, but I don't want to spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it.

Batman is not simply a graphic novel or comic book movie put on the big screen. We've had that before. This film is a work of art. It is dark. It is beautiful. It is moving. It is scary. It is redemptive.

Warning: this movie is NOT for children. But it is well worth seeing. In fact, the movie is so well written, artful and complex, it's worth seeing more than once.


Wall-E
Beautiful. Hope-filled. Touching. Meaningful. Timeless. Redemptive.

For very different reasons, this movie stands right along side "The Dark Knight" as one of the best movies of the year. I loved it.

Here are a few other movies I really enjoyed:

Kung Fu Panda
Jack Black as an over weight, martial arts fighting panda. It's funny and it works.

Iron Man
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie. Robert Downey, Jr. does a great job as wealthy industrialist, Tony Stark. The story is interesting, smart and redemptive.

Hancock
Will Smith is "the man." This movie has more language than we are used to in a "Will Smith" movie, but the story is good. Will Smith is great. The movie is ultimately redemptive.


What movies have you really enjoyed this summer? I would love to read your list of summer favorites.

THE PRICE ON OUR HEADS


1 Corinthians 7:23 (NLT), God purchased you at a high price. Don't be enslaved by the world.

The first half of this verse grips me...

"God purchased you at a high price..."

The Message read, "...a huge sum was paid out for your ransom..."

Have you ever taken some serious time to reflect on the price tag of your redemption? Do you regularly pause to remember what your salvation cost God?

Here's the truth about me...

I can meander through life and go days without stopping to think about and reflect on what my salvation cost an Omnipotent, Almighty, Holy, Just and Loving God...

The result?

I rationalize "shady" attitudes, thoughts and actions... I tolerate all kinds of junk in my relational world... I wink at sin and smile at rebellion... I live less than the life God had in mind for me when Jesus went to the cross...

But then I read a verse like this...

"...a huge sum was paid out for your ransom..."

And I remember... I remember the truth of Isaiah's words...

Isaiah 53: 4-6 (NIrV), He suffered the things we should have suffered. He took on himself the pain that should have been ours. But we thought God was punishing him. We thought God was wounding him and making him suffer. 5 But the servant was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us. 6 All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own way. And the LORD has placed on his servant the sins of all of us.

Read that verse again, SLOWLY... Notice all of the pronouns... Notice the language of SUBSTITUTION...

"HE suffered the things WE should have suffered."
"HE took upon HIMSELF the pain that should have been OURS."
"HE was pierced because WE had sinned."
"HE was crushed because WE had done what was evil."
"HE was punished to make US whole again."
"HIS wounds healed US."
"The LORD has placed on HIS SERVANT the sins of all of US."


That's how much we matter to God! That's how much YOU matter. It's how much I matter...


Paul was a real religious guy. His life had been spent learning the rules and then following the rules. Why?

Maybe...probably...because if he didn't follow the rules, he felt shamed, guilty, maybe even afraid.

But then Paul met Jesus... He had this first hand encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus... And after experiencing GRACE; instead of fear, guilt and shame motivating his behavior and lifestyle; love, gratitude and GRACE became the motivating force behind all of his attitudes and actions and behavior...

So, Paul writes to the church at Corinth... He writes to them about their sexuality... He writes to them about their selfishness... He writes to them about how they've become too tolerant of sin - especially sin in the church... Check out the first six chapters of 1 Corinthians. And then he reminds these believers of the ULTIMATE MOTIVATION for our obedience... For a life of holiness...

Paul says, "...a huge sum was paid out for your ransom." "God purchased you at a high price..."

In others, "Hey guys... Stay focused on the CROSS... Think about all that preceded the cross - betrayal, torture, false accusations, torture... Stay focused on the CROSS... Let what Jesus accomplished for you on the cross motivate your attitudes, actions, words, and conversations... Let it change the way you approach and live your LIFE... Learn to live in the shadow of the cross..."

Wow!

Here's the truth about me... When I fail to focus on the cross, I can get real sloppy... But when I pause long enough to remember the CROSS... When I think about the "price on my head, heart, hands, life and future..." It changes EVERYTHING. It softens my heart. It adjusts my attitudes. It alters my behavior. It influences my conversations. It prompts my worship, adoration and stimulates my obedience.

When I forget, it's another story...

So, my prayer today: God, help me live in the shadow of the cross...

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

IS THIS A LINE-UP OR WHAT?




Talk about a line-up! Wow!

Third Day, fresh on the heels of their upcoming release, Revelation, which hits stores on July 29.

I've been a Third Day fan since their first indie release. I'm really look forward to Revelation. The band recorded the CD in Los Angeles with Howard Benson at the producing helm. Howard has produced material by Flyleaf, P.O.D. and Daughtry. By the way, you can pre-order the CD at Lifeway Christian Stores for an amazing $7.99.

Switchfoot, one of the best rock bands out there right now, who also happen to be serious followers of Jesus. In my opinion, their CD, "The Beautiful Letdown" is one of the best Christian CD's ever!

Robert Randolph and the Family Band. If you haven't heard these guys you are missing out on a treat. A unique sound all their own, with loads of love, hope, peace and joy to spare...

Jars of Clay. Anybody need an introduction? These guys have written some incredible music.


The tour hits Birmingham, Alabama on September 18. I plan on being there.

You can learn more about the tour by clicking HERE.

THREE BOOKS I'VE READ THIS SUMMER





Here are just a few thoughts on each book:

A Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God: Spirituality for the Rest of Us by Larry Osborne

This is an excellent, easy to read book that doesn't stoop to a "one size fits all" approach or neat little formula when it comes to growing in your relationship with Jesus.

Sometimes the book will make you cringe. Sometimes it will make you laugh. Sometimes it will cause you to say, "Oh, now I see..." Sometimes it will cause you to sit up right and say, "What? What has this guy been smoking?" Regardless of your reaction, the book does what great books are supposed to do: make you stop and think and hopefully take some kind of action.

My review: I recommend it. Two thumbs up.


The Shack by William Young

A work of fiction that contains the sometimes touching story of a father struggling with the loss of his youngest child. The father's name is Mack, and he receives a mysterious note inviting him to meet with God at "The Shack," the place his youngest daughter was likely murdered. While at "the shack" this Dad has a supernatural encounter with the members of the Trinity.

Several people have found this book to be touching and meaningful to them in their walk with God and understanding of the Trinity. Some of my friends rave about this book. I'm really glad they found it helpful.

Unfortunately, while the story is sometimes touching, it's important to remember that this is a work of FICTION. As theology, it has some flaws...

Personally, I thought the book was okay... If you're going to read it, read it as a work of fiction. If you're looking for theology best to look somewhere else...

My review: So-So. Not bad. Not great. Just so-so.


Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff

This book is difficult to read. It is NOT a "Christian" book. In fact, David Sheff is not a believer at all. He begins the book as an avowed atheist. But one of the things I found interesting as I read this book is that as this father struggles to make sense of his son's addiction, he finds himself crying out to a God he doesn't even believe in...

Please be aware. This book contains some very strong language. It also contains some disturbing images of the pain and devastation of addiction. It's also somewhat depressing, as you read about a young man's demise. But I also found this book helpful in understanding the cycle and problem of addiction.

While I recommend the book, I do so with reservations. This book will challenge, anger and probably sadden you. But for me, it also gave me an increased burden for those who struggle with addiction and need the freedom that only Jesus can bring.

My review: Recommended with reservations...


What are you reading this summer? Anything that's really speaking to you? Would love to hear your recommendations.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

LIFE IS A WORK OF ART

I love great quotes. Here's one from Erwin McManus's new book, Wide Awake.

"Life is a work of art. The canvas you paint first is your life. Then your life becomes the brush from which you paint that part of the world you touch while you are here on this planet. You are an artist. What work of art will you leave behind?"

What a great question. What about it? What work of art will you leave behind?

Monday, July 14, 2008

THE VISION

The Vision is "a poem, a prayer [and] a prophecy (in part)" by a guy named Peter Greig.

Some time ago a friend of mine recommended that I check out Peter's book, "The Vision and the Vow." I did. It gripped me. BIG TIME. It resonated deep within me...

The Vision is a statement primarily directed towards young adults... I'm a few years...okay maybe several years...out of that age category, but these words still do something to my heart...

Check them out... Let me know what you think...


THE VISION
Peter Greig

So this guy comes up to me and says "what's the vision? What's the big idea?" I open my mouth and words come out like this…

The vision?
The vision is JESUS:
obsessively, dangerously, undeniably Jesus.

The vision is an army of young people.
You see bones? I see an army.

And they are FREE from materialism.
They laugh at 9-5 little prisons.
They could eat caviar on Monday and crusts on Tuesday.
They wouldn't even notice.
They know the meaning of the Matrix, the way the west was won.

They are mobile like the wind, they belong to the nations.
They need no passport.. People write their addresses in pencil and wonder at their strange existence.
They are free yet they are slaves of the hurting and dirty and dying.

What is the vision ? The vision is holiness that hurts the eyes.
It makes children laugh and adults angry.
It gave up the game of minimum integrity long ago to reach for the stars.
It scorns the good and strains for the best. It is dangerously pure.

Light flickers from every secret motive, every private conversation.
It loves people away from their suicide leaps, their Satan games.

This is an army that will lay down its life for the cause.
A million times a day its soldiers choose to loose that they might one day win
the great 'Well done' of faithful sons and daughters.

Such heroes are as radical on Monday morning as Sunday night.

They don't need fame from names.
Instead they grin quietly upwards and hear the crowds chanting again and again: "COME ON!"

And this is the sound of the underground
The whisper of history in the making
Foundations shaking
Revolutionaries dreaming once again
Mystery is scheming in whispers
Conspiracy is breathing…
This is the sound of the underground

And the army is discipl(in)ed.
Young people who beat their bodies into submission.
Every soldier would take a bullet for his comrade at arms.
The tattoo on their back boasts "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain".

Sacrifice fuels the fire of victory in their upward eyes.
Winners. Martyrs.
Who can stop them ?
Can hormones hold them back?
Can failure succeed?
Can fear scare them or death kill them ?

And the generation prays
like a dying man
with groans beyond talking,
with warrior cries, sulphuric tears and
with great barrow loads of laughter!

Waiting.
Watching:
24 – 7 – 365.

Whatever it takes they will give:
Breaking the rules.
Shaking mediocrity from its cosy little hide.
Laying down their rights and their precious little wrongs,
laughing at labels,
fasting essentials.
The advertisers cannot mould them.
Hollywood cannot hold them.
Peer-pressure is powerless to shake their resolve at late night parties before the cockerel cries.

They are incredibly cool, dangerously attractive (on the inside).
On the outside? They hardly care.
They wear clothes like costumes
to communicate and celebrate
but never to hide.

Would they surrender their image or their popularity?
They would lay down their very lives - swap seats with the man on death row - guilty as hell. A throne for an electric chair.

With blood and sweat and many tears,
with sleepless nights and fruitless days, they pray as if it all depends on God and live as if it all depends on them.

Their DNA chooses JESUS. (He breathes out, they breathe in.)
Their subconscious sings. They had a blood transfusion with Jesus.

Their words make demons scream in shopping centres.
Don't you hear them coming?

Herald the weirdo's!
Summon the losers and the freaks.
Here come the frightened and forgotten with fire in their eyes.
They walk tall and trees applaud, skyscrapers bow, mountains are dwarfed by these children of another dimension.

Their prayers summon the hounds of heaven and invoke the ancient dream of Eden.

And this vision will be.
It will come to pass;
it will come easily;
it will come soon.

How do I know?
Because this is the longing of creation itself, the groaning of the Spirit, the very dream of God.

My tomorrow is his today.
My distant hope is his 3D.
And my feeble, whispered, faithless prayer invokes a thunderous, resounding, bone-shaking great 'Amen!' from countless angels, from hero's of the faith, from Christ himself.

And he is the original dreamer, the ultimate winner.
Guaranteed.


All I can say is, "Wow!" and "Amen."

FINAL INSPECTION

Okay, guys and gals... Talk about a "wake up call." This morning during my devotional time this is one of the passage God used to sort of "BODY SLAM" me...

1 Corinthians 3:11-17 (NIrV), No one can lay any other foundation than the one that has already been laid. That foundation is Jesus Christ.
12 A person may build on it using gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw. 13 But each person's work will be shown for what it is. On judgment day it will be brought to light. It will be put through fire. The fire will test how good everyone's work is. 14 If the building doesn't burn up, God will give the builder a reward for his work. 15 If the building burns up, the builder will lose everything. The builder will be saved, but only like one escaping through the flames.
16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple? God's Spirit lives in you. 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. God's temple is holy. And you are that temple.


My yearly trek through the Bible had me in 1 Corinthians 3, 1 Kings 15-16 and Joel 3 this morning. Not exactly, "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" material... This is "in your face", "judgement time is coming" type material.

And guess what? I need it. So do you. So do WE.

Here are a few of the thoughts I had after I read these passages.


Heavenly Father:

You are God. I am not.

I know this isn't rocket science. I know it's no new discovery. But it is reality. A reality that I often somehow tend to forget, or at the very least, ignore...

You are God. You are Sovereign. Omnipotent. Almighty. Majestic. Holy. Loving. Merciful. Gracious. Forgiving.

You are God. Your purposes stand. Your plans prevail. Your verdict counts. Your justice is perfect.

Help me to live each day in light of the fact that one day I will have to give an account of my entire life to the one true, holy, just God.

My entire life will be inspected. Both the public aspects of my life and the private aspects of my life. My thoughts, motives, attitudes, opinions, actions, behaviors, conversations, all of it... All of it, played out in high definition before the searchlight of your penetrating holiness...

Unfortunately, I forget this... Or, maybe I just ignore it and choose to not think about it... I slip back into attitudes and actions as if the only one who counts is "ME."

Forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me.

Help me to build with the kind of material that can pass "fire inspection." Help me to forego cheaper materials like wood, hay or straw and use the stuff that counts: gold, silver, jewels...

Empower me to live the kind of life that will bring the only verdict that a sold out Christ-follower truly seeks: "Well done, good and faithful servant... Well done.."

As I read the histories of so many of the leaders in Israel's history, I'm struck by their - and MY propensity - to fall back into behavior patterns, thought patterns and outright SIN that ultimately can bring nothing but YOUR JUDGEMENT. A life that might have "appeared" to be really cool in public, but was burnt to smithereens in your searing presence...

Oh, God. Please help me to be a man like David - real, broken, imperfect - but still with a heart after you... A heart that longs for your purpose, plan, will and ways...

I am desperate for a God intoxicated, Jesus centered, Spirit empowered life. I am desperate for the kind of life that can holdup during FINAL INSPECTION...

Help me...



How about you? Have you read this passage lately? Have you thought about it's implications? Have you thought about what it might be like to stand before the one who made you and watch as your life work is totally consumed by the fire of His presence?

It's not enjoyable. It's not fun. These are not the kinds of thoughts we like to entertain... But they are vitally important to those who ultimately want to hear the Father say, "Well done..."

Sunday, July 13, 2008

GOD IS GREAT, GOD IS GOOD!!!

God is good...

That phrase gets tossed around a lot... At least in the circles I tend to run in... But most of the time when it gets used, its used casually, without even thinking; without considering its meaning or implications...

But the longer I live, the more I come to believe and trust in the truth of this simple statement: GOD IS GOOD.

The Bible puts it like this:

Psalm 145:9, "The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all that He has made."

The Message reads, "God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace."

Do you live like that? Do you really believe and live like "everything God doe is suffused with His amazing, incredible and extravagant grace"?

I don't. I forget. I get nervous and apprehensive. I revert to concepts of God based on fear, judgment or guilt... My life would radically change if I really believed God is good and everything He does - including his justice and judgement - is suffused with His grace...


Or, how about this one.

Psalm 118:29, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

The Message reads, "He is so good. His love never quits."

Wow!


Finally, how about this one:

Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

The Message reads: "Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him."

That sort of describes why I'm writing this today... Over the past few days, during my devotional time, I've paused... I've stopped... I've opened my heart, mouth, eyes and mind long enough to reflect on how GOOD God really is... How GOOD God has really been to me...

The result? Today I'm a mess... Not in a bad way... But I have been and am being unraveled by the GOODNESS of God.


If you haven't done it lately, pause for just a few minutes today to remember GOD IS GOOD!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

WASHED BY THE WATER - Needtobreathe


Okay, guys and gals... Those of you who know me know that I am a HUGE music fan... HUGE...

I love great music. Music that moves your soul... Music that opens you up to hope... Music that touches those deep spaces in your heart and soul and causes you to get that "lump" in your throat...

Here is one of my new favorites.

The song tells a story. Maybe it's the place I'm in right now... Maybe it's what's going on with my Dad and the fact that this song tells a story about the songwriter's dad... Maybe it's the lead singer's soulful delivery... Whatever it is, this song has me hitting repeat again and again on my I-pod.

Check out the video here. Check out Needtobreathe's My Space here.

Is there a song in your life right now that is just sort of hitting you in the gut. I would love for you to share...

Sunday, July 6, 2008

a2 WORK SCHEDULE UPDATE

Just a note to update you on our WORK SCHEDULE for next week.

I met with the City Inspector on Thursday, July 3 and after a very productive meeting discovered that there are a few things we will need to complete on the a2 side of things before we begin any DEMOLITION on the LAUNCH SITE.

Immediately after the meeting I spent several hours working on these items and will continue working in order to make certain that we have honored those who are over us in authority and work through this process.

The City Inspector was very helpful and looks forward to working with us. The necessary items will take a few days to complete, but I will email or post an update as soon as we've completed the process.

So, in short: NO DEMOLITION or WORK will take place on the LAUNCH SITE until further notice. We will NOT be having a work day on Monday, July 7 – Wednesday, July 9. I will update you as soon as we have a “GREEN LIGHT” to proceed with demo. In the mean time, please continue to pray for God’s direction and leadership as we work through this process.

Also, please let any of your friends who were planning on assisting with DEMO know that we will NOT be holding a work day next week. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

YOU CALL THAT MUSIC?

Read this post by Dan Kimball today and it made be smile, but it also made be a little sad.

It probably started when Miriam did the "tambourine dance." It's probably been going on for a few centuries. But it continues to amaze and sadden me. We spend a lot of time and energy, arguing over stuff that doesn't really matter, while the issues that DO MATTER and the MISSION OF JESUS often go unattended to.

I'm not certain these quotes can be substantiated, but they sure sound like a lot of the churches I've been involved with for the last few decades...

Check out Dan's post here and let me know what you think.

HOPE

This morning my devotional time included Hosea 6:1-3 (NIrV). These verses moved me...

If you're hurting, struggling, wondering why your world has been turned completely upside down, this passage is filled with something all of us desperately need...HOPE.

The people say, "Come. Let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces. But he will heal us. He has wounded us. But he'll bandage our wounds.
2. After two days he will give us new life. On the third day he'll make us like new again. Then we will enjoy his blessing.
3. Let's recognize him as the Lord. Let's keep trying to really know him. You can be sure the sun will rise. And you can be just as sure the LORD will appear. He will come to renew us like the winter rains. He will be like the spring rains that water the earth."


The hope of the people in the book of Hosea was completely tied up in "returning to" and "knowing" God.

And somehow they were able to bank on this idea - "As sure as the sun comes up in the morning, God is going to reveal Himself to us. And when God shows up, that will be ENOUGH."

They're right. When God shows up, your problems may not be over. There may still be battles to fight and obstacles to face. But somehow, KNOWING GOD, trumps all of these "sideshows" and His glory and presence take center stage in your life. And maybe, just maybe, the scars and wounds that you've experienced, were part of what was necessary to point you back to what really matters - GOD! GOD! And more of GOD.

And with God, comes this amazing promise of not only a new leaf, but a new life.

That's HOPE.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

a2 LOVES KIDS

Children's Ministry at a2 isn't about INFORMATION, it's about TRANSFORMATION. We want to see children come to know Jesus Christ, develop a biblical worldview, grow in their faith and change their world.

Kids are not just part of the church of tomorrow, they're a huge part of what God wants to do in His church today!

Children desperately want and need to be valued, loved and connected to God and others.

You can be a part of helping make that happen. Kids grow best when nurtured by loving caregivers and teachers.

a2 will launch our Children's Ministry using KidMo, a curriculum designed to to help kids do five crucial things:

Know God
Integrate a Biblical Worldview
Discover Truth
Make Christ Know
Offer Themselves In Service


Your help is needed. You really can make a difference.

If you're interested in making a difference in the lives of children, several service opportunities exist from helping children check in to our Nursery, Preschool and Children's Ministry, to leading a class or being a small group leader.

Discover how you can make a difference by contacting Bill Robbins at invernesbill@mac.com. We believe it's crucial that a2 launch with a children's ministry that leads kids into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. You can help make it happen. Contact Bill today.

DIRECTIONS via MAPQUEST to the a2 LAUNCH SITE

From I-65 NORTH
Merge onto MONTGOMERY HWY / US-31 North via EXIT 252 toward VESTAVIA HILLS. Travel approximately 3.1 miles.

As you approach Vestavia City Center (on your left) you will pass Publix, Starbuck’s, Moe’s, Panera Bread, Rave Theaters, and Steinmart. After the traffic light at the intersection of MONTGOMERY HWY / US-31 and KENTUCKY AVE. go to the next traffic light. Oxford Realty and Pet Supermarket will be on your left.

Turn LEFT onto LAUREL ROAD. Go approximately 30 yards and turn LEFT into the parking lot. The LAUNCH SITE for a2 will be in front of you.


From TRUSSVILLE
Take I-459 South toward Montgomery.

Merge onto US-280 West / AL-38 West via EXIT 19 toward MOUNTAIN BROOK. Travel approximately 3.5 miles.

Take the AL-149 exit toward HOMEWOOD / MOUNTAIN BROOK. 0.1 miles.

Turn LEFT onto SHADES CREEK PARKWAY / AL-149 North. Continue to follow AL-149 North for 0.8 miles.

Take the US-31 South ramp.

Turn RIGHT onto US-31 S/MONTGOMERY HWY/AL-3 S. Travel 1.6 miles.

As you approach Vestavia City Center, Oxford Realty and Pet Supermarket will be on your right.

Turn RIGHT onto LAUREL ROAD. Go approximately 30 yards and turn LEFT into the parking lot. The LAUNCH SITE for a2 will be in front of you.

PRAY LIKE CRAZY!!!

At our last Launch Team Meeting we distributed Impact Cards. A few days ago one of our Launch Team members shot me a text with an idea: “Ask the Launch Team members to post the a2 Impact Cards on their mirror in their bathroom, the dashboard in their car, any highly visible place that will remind them to PRAY for a2.”

Great idea!

So, if you attended the last Launch Team Meeting you should have received an Impact Card that looks like the card below. Post this somewhere and PRAY LIKE CRAZY for God’s activity at a2. Pray that God will anoint and bless our efforts. That we will honor God in all of our actions. That God will use a2 Church to share the message of the gospel with people who desperately need to hear. Pray “LIGHTS OUT” that the purpose and plan of God will be accomplished. PRAY!!! PRAY!!! PRAY!!!

Pray for the finances necessary to complete the “build out” on the new space and to furnish the space. Accomplishing all that needs to be accomplished will require a “God-sized” miracle. Let’s believe God to do only what He can do.

a2 LAUNCH SITE SECURED

It’s official! On Monday evening, June 30, in a Conference Call with a2’s Initial Board of Directors, we received a “green light” to move forward on securing a meeting space for a2. So, yesterday, me and Janet met with Brynnen Baker, a commercial real estate agent with AIG Baker in Birmingham and signed a lease on 11,400 square feet of meeting space located in the Vestavia City Center for a2 Church.

AIG has developed more than 20 million square feet of retail space in 20 states. During the conversation Brynnen indicated that this is the FIRST TIME AIG has leased prime retail space to a CHURCH. It just doesn’t happen... But somehow it has happened!

So, if someone asks you, “Where does a2 Church meet? Where do you guys gather for worship?”

Here’s the answer:

a2 Church
600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208
Vestavia City Center


Need Directions? I’ve included a set of directions on this site...

So, what’s the plan?

Well, on MONDAY, JULY 7 we will begin the “DEMOLITION” aspect of the “build out” on the space. And we have a TON of work to do before our Launch on August 17.

So, if you like to tear stuff up and you’re available at 8 AM on Monday, make plans to meet us at the a2 Launch Site with your work gloves, eye protection, bottled water and necessary tools. We’ll begin pulling up the carpets and flooring, as well as taking down all the mirrors in the space. Keep in mind that the space is NOT air conditioned. It will be HOT. You will need to drink plenty of WATER. Also, this will be HARD WORK. If you have health problems, you may want to take a “pass” on this phase of the process. Finally, during the demolition phase this will probably not be a space where you want your kids to hang out. They could get hurt. We’ll work as long as the heat allows.

By the way, if you want to grab a quick breakfast before jumping in to the work, I’ll be at Panera Bread at 7:30. See ya there.

Wall-E and Seth

Friday night was movie night. Me, Janet and all three girls (Chelsea - 20, Caley - 16, Camryn - 8) loaded up and went to see the new Pixar / Disney flick Wall-E.

What an incredible movie!

One word: Wow!
Another word: Masterpiece!
Another word: Magnificent!

I could keep going... I can't say enough good things about this movie.

The movie contains a beautiful love story and an important message. It rises to the standard of creative excellence and there's a "timeless" quality about it. All three of my girls - the sarcastic college student, artsy high school student, and wide open third grader - walked out of the movie blown away and completely in love with Wall-E.

If you haven't seen it, this one definitely makes my "BEST OF" LIST for the year.

Yesterday, I read THIS POST from marketing guru Seth Godin, and it made me think about why we loved this little movie so much.

Regardless of what you're called to do, you might want to check out Seth's comments and think about how you can pursue excellence in your chosen field. Sometimes the "payoff" can be huge, even when you're not doing it for the "payoff."