Thursday, February 26, 2009

TWO GUYS NAMED BAZ AND OHO

This morning my journey through the Bible brought me to this incredible passage that appears at the end of Exodus 35 and beginning of Exodus 36.

Exodus 35:31-35 (NLT), The LORD has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts. 32 He is able to create beautiful objects from gold, silver, and bronze. 33 He is skilled in cutting and setting gemstones and in carving wood. In fact, he has every necessary skill. 34 And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. 35 The LORD has given them special skills as jewelers, designers, weavers, and embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine linen cloth. They excel in all the crafts needed for the work.

Exodus 36:1-2 (NLT), Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other craftsmen whom the LORD has gifted with wisdom, skill, and intelligence will construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the LORD has commanded. 2 So Moses told Bezalel and Oholiab to begin the work, along with all those who were specially gifted by the LORD.

I love this passage. Love it! I think it gives us a GLIMPSE - just a glimpse - of what God desires for His Church.

When it came time to build the tabernacle, God gifted a couple of artists with the unique and special gifts required to do the creative and artistic work work on the tabernacle. Their names? Bazalel and Oholiab. Just call them "Baz" and "Oho" for short.

Here's the scoop on Baz and Oho. They were "filled with the Spirit of God" (35:31). Why? Because the Spirit is the source of creativity and artistry.

I love the fact that Verse 33 says, they were gifted with "every necessary skill." These guys had everything they needed to accomplish all that God wanted them to accomplish.

Furthermore, from the outset, God didn't want this to be a "two man show" - a duet. He wanted these guys to create a culture that fostered creativity and artistry. God wanted a TEAM. Check out Verse 34 They were gifted to "teach their skills to others."

This was God's expectation, and Baz and Oho lived it. Chapter 35 says that when they began the work, they began it with those who were "specially gifted by God."

A few thoughts from this passage.

First of all, it's crucial that the church stay "in sync" with the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that "hovered over the face of the deep" as God spoke creation into existence lives in every believer and longs to birth creativity and artistry in His church.

It's crucial that we live with this awareness - the Spirit is the source of creativity. He is the ultimate artist. It's our job to stay surrendered and submitted to His leadership and lean into the "leadings" He brings our way.

Second, it's important that the church create a culture that fosters artistry and creativity.

A few weeks ago, my wife met with John Larson, the worship pastor at Church of the Highlands. John said something that has stuck with us since that meeting. I'm certain we've heard it before, but it was great to hear it again.

As Janet and John talked about how create a culture that attracts artists, John looked at Janet and said, "Janet, God always resources His church. Always."

I really believe God has placed incredible and untapped potential in most of our churches that remains latent for years. Somehow the church has to do what Baz and Oho did. We have to create a culture that fosters creativity and artistry specifically among those who've been "specially gifted by God." In fact, one of our responsibilities as leaders is to help these people unlock that potential.

An incredible example of this is what God has done through Darlene Zschech and Hillsongs Australia. Darlene could have sat on her laurels after "Shout to the Lord." Instead, she invested in people like Joel Houston and Brooke Fraser to name a few. Today, the ministry and reach of Hillsong reaches around the world, and will continue long after Darlene exits the stage.

Third, most of the time when we talk about creativity and artistry we get hung up on the musical aspect of these gifts... But Baz and Oho were ARTISTS. They made stuff. Really cool and amazing stuff! When you walked into the tabernacle you would have been BLOWN AWAY by the sheer brilliance of the art on display.

It's important that we remember that the creative arts encompass a huge area that today would include: painting, graphics design, film, graphic novels, animation, directing, acting, drama, improv, poetry, stage design, dance (ballet, hip hop, jazz - the works), visual art, the lists goes on and on and on...

Somehow the church needs to make "room" for these artists. We need to champion them at every stage of development.

I'm certain when Baz and Oho started, everyone wanted their art. After all they were the "masters." They were the "real deal." But Baz and Oho made room for developing artists and gave them a chance to "spread their wings." The church has to do the same today.

Fourth and finally, all of this was not just about being "hip" and "cool." It was about the WORSHIP OF GOD! God wanted to be glorified, and He chose to gift a group of artists to create stuff that would inspire people to their hearts, heads, eyes and ears towards Him.

God wants that to happen every Sunday in your church! He wants your church to create moments of transcendence that lift people out of the muck and mire of the junk that tends to clutter our life and allow them to see God as sovereign and supreme above and over all!

Wow!

Here's my prayer from today's devotional: Oh God, please help us to lean into the creativity you want to inspire among us. You are good. You are God. You are great.

We long for you to birth gifts in our congregation that inspire people to honor You, to live for You, to glorify You, to exalt You!!!

Help us to never settle for easy, predictable, casual or status quo. Help us pursue YOU and all the gifts You want to impart and employ in Your church.

We are yours
.

QUESTION: What kind of prayers are you praying when it comes to creativity, artistry and worship?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

KISS ME - NOTES FROM SUNDAY, 02.22.09 @ a2 CHURCH

KISS ME
GOD LOVE SEX – Part 1

February 22, 2009


Here are the notes from this past Sunday's first message in the series GOD LOVE SEX. We'll continue the series this weekend.

Three Viewpoints on Sex and Sexuality:

1. Sex is god (Romans 1:25, Jeremiah 2:13).

Here are the stats:

Pornography is $97 billion dollar a year global industry.

Americans spend somewhere between $12 – 14 billion dollars a year on porn.

How much money is that?

The revenue off pornography in America exceeds the combined revenues of ABC, CBS and NBC.

According to one source, we spend more money on porn than we spend on Pro-Baseball, Pro-Basketball and Pro-Football combined.

According to US News and World Report, more money is spent each year on porn than on country music, rock music, jazz, classical, Broadway plays and ballet combined.

Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography…

Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing porn…

Every second - 372 Internet users are typing words into search engines looking for more porn…

More than 200 porn films are made in the US every week! That’s more than one an hour. In fact, it’s one every 39 minutes.

72% of those who view porn are men. The other 28% are women… It’s no longer just a “men’s problem.” It’s everyone’s problem.

The average age of a person’s first exposure to porn via the Internet is 11 years of age… Eleven. It’s usually unintentional, but it happens. (Most of these stats come from Family Safe Media.)

Romans 1:25 (ESV), …they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!


2. Sex is sinful, ugly and dirty.


3. Sex is a gift.

Genesis 2:23 (LB), “This is it!” Adam exclaimed. “She is part of my own bone and flesh! Her name is ‘woman’ because she was taken out of a man.”

Genesis 2:24-25 (ESV), Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.


A Couple of Important Principles Flow Out Of These Passages:

• God made us. He created our bodies. He made us male and female and said, “It’s GOOD.”

It’s not like God finished creation, decided to take a day off, walked back into the garden a day lady, found Adam and Eve and said to Himself, “Oh, my goodness. What are they doing? If I’d known they would have come with that, I would have redesigned their plumbing.”

Absolutely not! Sex and sexuality were God’s idea.

• God designed heterosexual marriage as the context in which sex is to be experienced and enjoyed.


Why God Created Sex?

• For pleasure (Proverbs 5:18-19).

• For children (Genesis 1:28).

• To help foster “oneness” (Genesis 2:24).

• As a means of comforting your spouse (2 Sam.12:24).

• For protection against immorality (1 Corinthians 7:1-8).


SOS 1:1 (ESV), The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's.


An Overview of the SOS:

• A collection of poetic love songs or love letters written by Solomon 3,000 years ago.

• It was probably written when Solomon was a young man, before he descended into polygamy and all kinds of immorality.

• The three main characters in the book are:

- King Solomon
- Solomon’s Bride (the Shulammite)
- the Bride’s friends (an imaginary chorus that are sometimes gets referred to as “the daughters of Jerusalem.”)

• Because it is a book of poetry, it doesn’t flow in chronological order. It’s almost like whoever wrote the book, had his iPod on “shuffle.”

• Finally, the Song of Solomon is an ALL OUT CELEBRATION of romance, relationships, passion and SEX within the context of marriage...


Wisdom on Relationships from the SOS:

1. Desire and passion are gifts from God.

(Bride) SOS 1:2 (ESV), Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine…


2. Physical attraction matters, but character is HUGE.

(Bride) SOS 1:3 (NLT), How fragrant your cologne, and how pleasing your name! No wonder all the young women love you!


(Bride) SOS 1:4 (ESV), Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers.

(Friends) SOS 1:4b (ESV), We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you.


3. Most women struggle with insecurity when it comes to physical appearance (SOS 1:5-6).


4. Your spouse needs to be your standard of beauty.

(Solomon) SOS 1:9-10 (ESV), I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots. 10 Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels. 11 We will make for you ornaments of gold, studded with silver.

(Solomon) SOS 1:15 (ESV), Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves.

(Bride) SOS 1:16-17 (NIrV), You are so handsome, my love! So charming! The green field is our bed. 17 Cedar trees above us are the beams of our house. Fir trees overhead are its rafters.

(Bride) SOS 2:1 (ESV), I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.


5. There will always be tons of stuff that needs to be done, make your spouse a top priority (SOS 1:7-8).


6. Marriage was designed to be an oasis in the middle of a desert.

(Bride) SOS 1:12-14 (NLT), The king is lying on his couch, enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume. 13 My lover is like a sachet of myrrh lying between my breasts. 14 He is like a bouquet of flowers in the gardens of En-gedi.

(Solomon) SOS 2:2 (NIrV), My love, among the young women you are like a lily among thorns.


The ultimate purpose of a Christian marriage is to glorify God.

I love the way Charlie Peacock describes God’s intention for marriage in his new book, New Way To Be Human. He makes the following statement:

“…marriage is a public act… …marriage should be a festive celebration of the Art of God. A marriage should say to the world, “Look at God’s brilliance! Look at how he tells beautiful stories through broken people!” ~ Charlie Peacock, New Way To Be Human



Recommended Resources:
Intimacy Ignited by Dillow & Pintus;
The Book of Romance by Tommy Nelson
The Peasant Princess Audio Series by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church

Monday, February 23, 2009

THE BOOK OF LOVE

I first heard this song a couple of years ago while officiating at the wedding of a close friend. He and his wife played the Peter Gabriel version at their wedding. Immediately following the ceremony, I had to ask where to find the song. It blew me away.

Some time ago I ran across this cover by Rose Cousins and Rose Polenzani. Wow. While planning for our current series, I came across this cover again.

I don't know anything about these two girls. But I do know that this cover shows the power of an incredible lyric, beautiful melody and a couple of great voices. I love it.

Enjoy.



By the way, this Sunday we'll continue the series GOD LOVE SEX, and it's possible that you just might hear the a2 band cover this tune...

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD-LOVE-SEX

The Song of Solomon deals frankly with the subject of physical intimacy, especially within the context of marriage. At a2 Church we believe that "all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable" (2 Timothy 3:16). That's one reason we're willing to address any subject the Bible addresses.

Since the topic of sex and sexuality usually raises a host of questions, the following answers are meant to help you understand the purpose, objective and importance of this series.

Why preach the Song of Solomon?
First of all, as 2 Timothy 3:16 indicates, all Scripture is inspired by God.

Second, culture speaks to the issue of sex and sexuality on an unrelenting basis. Cultural icons like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, Hugh Hefner, Kanye and Chris Brown, to name a few, constantly focus on the subject.

Third, sex, sexual sin and sexual abuse can create incredible pain and brokenness in the lives of people. These subjects must be addressed from the pulpit. Instead of allowing culture to be the only voice that speaks to these issues, the church must provide clear and loving guidance from God's Word.


How graphic will the series be?

The Song of Solomon has perplexed a lot of people because of the graphic nature of its content. One commentator puts it like this: "The description of physical beauty [in Song of Songs] is frank without crassness." That's the balance we will be striving for in this series.

We will strive to be candid, while being discreet. We want to be sensitive, while also courageously presenting the truth of God's Word on this very delicate issue.

According to Mark Driscoll, the 21st century church can learn a lot from the early Jews who received this sacred work. They, unlike many Christians in the church today, were not "prudish" in matters of sexuality. The Song of Songs was read at the Passover liturgy, and certain passages were often sung to celebrate marital love and intimacy within a covenant relationship. Driscoll writes, "...such a healthy and God-honoring frank celebration is precisely the kind of cleansing so desperately needed in our dirty age." Amen.


What age should my child be to attend the series?

The content of the series is intended for General Audiences, unless otherwise stated. I believe it is appropriate for children Grades 6 and up... While my eight year old will attend a2 Kids during the series, my 16 year old will be present during the series. I really want her to hear God's Word on this subject.

On some occasions, I may choose to add a disclaimer if we feel that the message could be challenging for younger audiences. But by and large, the content of this series will not only be acceptable, but critically important for teens, young adults, adults and seniors.


I'm praying for you and look forward to seeing you this Sunday @ a2 Church.

NEW SERIES - THIS SUNDAY @ a2

GOD LOVE SEX
The Song of Solomon
February 22 - March 29

Sundays, 9:45 am
a2 Church

People in our culture devote an extraordinary amount of time, money and energy in pursuit of a satisfying sex life and fulfilling relationships. What if the secrets to an incredible relational life and fulfilling sex life were contained in a 3,000 year old collection of love letters?

This Sunday we'll dive into the biblical book of the Song of Solomon and unpack of series of love letters.

Whether you're single, married, thinking about marriage, or struggling in a relationship, we all have questions about God, Lovee, and Sex. God's Word contains real life answers for real life relationships.

What's better than a series on sex and relationships? How about one that just might change the way you think about love and the opposite sex. Make plans to join us this Sunday @ a2 Church.

Monday, February 16, 2009

SUNDAY IN REVIEW 02.15.09

I hate long weekends! Yeah, I hate 'em. I'm pretty sure that if I wasn't a pastor and didn't feel like so much was riding on every Sunday, I would probably love 'em. Get away with the kids. Sleep in. Do something different. You get the picture.

But I'm a pastor, so every time I hear that school will be out on Friday or Monday I prepare myself mentally for the people who are going to take a trip and get out of dodge... After our best attendance day last weekend of 151, we dipped yesterday and were back down to 124. Not bad, but not great.

With that said, it's probably a good time for me to emphasize that after 20+ years of ministry, I've learned that it's not about the "event," it's always about the process or the journey... This is "BIG" for me: if I allow myself to be consumed with an "event" mentality I'll get really, really "high" when things go great, and really, really in the "dumps" when things go...not so great... Not a great way to live.

Furthermore, it's always important to remember that it's not about having a "big crowd." The goal is "CHANGED LIVES." If we continue seeing God "change lives," the attendance figures will ultimately take care of themselves.

Do I believe it's God's will for a2 Church to grow? You bet! Growth is always the by product of life! And if we're "alive" we'll grow... But those of us who do this thing have to remember that sometimes GROWTH can be occurring, even when it can't be visibly seen or observed... Then one day - BOOM - we realize that while we were simply being "faithful" to God's purpose and plan He did what only He can do!

I believe this! I'm committed to it. That's why next week I know we'll have more than 1,235... Just kidding!

Okay, with all of that said, here are a few thoughts about yesterday.

• Good, not great day. It was one of those days when everything felt “off” just a notch. Again, after 20 years I’ve learned that regardless of how much you prepare, some days are just like that. It happens. I think sometimes it happens just so God can show you that He’s still God, and when it’s all said and done, it’s not about you, it’s really all about Him.

• This was yesterday’s set list: Marvelous Light (Charlie Hall), Salvation Is Here (Hillsong), Saved My Soul (Generation Unleashed), Amazed (Lincoln Brewster). We also did covers of Home by Daughtry and Treasure of the Broken Land by Mark Heard.

Mike Shaw “brought it” during home. I love this guy’s voice! Janet and Jason thanks for Treasures of the Broken Land. This song is special to me...

• Wrapped up the “Come Home” series and I really believe people got a new perspective on the gospel of grace. The response from our “Connection Cards” were really positive.

• Shared the story of my Dad’s “Home Going” at the end of yesterday’s service. It’s the first time I’ve shared the story since doing my Dad’s memorial. I thank God for the legacy and memories my Dad gave me. I love you, Dad. And I will see you again.

• I’m really excited about all the activity taking place @ a2 and I am looking forward to the next series. GOD, LOVE, SEX: The Song of Solomon. I’ve really felt a leading to talk about this subject. So this weekend we will take on one of the toughest subjects to address – SEX and HUMAN SEXUALITY from God’s perspective.

• I know the subject of sex gets many people uncomfortable – me included. But what I’ve noticed is that THE CHURCH is really the ONLY entity NOT TALKING about this subject. Everybody else is talking: television, movies, music, science books, peers, co-workers… You name it! And yet, THE CHURCH - commissioned to present God’s truth to a desperate world - is far too often completely SILENT on a subject that can be a tremendous source of joy or a tremendous source of pain. Well, this Sunday, we are going to talk about it a2. We’ll be candid, yet discreet. We’ll be sensitive, yet courageous. God has A LOT to say about this subject. In fact, ONE ENTIRE BOOK of the Bible is devoted to it. This Sunday we’ll begin unpacking a series of 3,000-year-old love letters. I can guarantee you, if you live in BHM, you don’t want to miss it.

• BTW, over the weekend, Paul B. and David W. did a great job re-routing all the stage wiring. We now have clean stage. Janet added several rugs and they give the stage a cool feel. I love the hearts of these guys. They are humble servants who just keep “showing up” and doing the right thing!

• Pumped about the improvements taking place in our Children’s Ministry area. Chris G., Kevin J. and Billy W. have really taken the lead on this. In the next few weeks our Children’s area is going to be totally transformed and create a “wow” experience for a2 Kids. I can’t wait.

• Also pumped about the Student “Hang Out” room that is in development. Just a cool room for students to meet for small group time that will feel like “their” room. Darrell G. and Chris G. are taking the lead on this. Thanks guys.

• In the next few weeks we should see a ton of improvements to the property. Bobby D. is finishing off the floors. Thanks, Bobby.

• New granite counters, sinks and faucets have been donated for the Ladies and Men’s Rest Rooms. That’s right, within the next couple of weeks you won’t have to turn the knobs on the faucets “just right” to turn the water off. They’ll actually work the way God intended. Nice.

• We'll also do an "all church WORK DAY" on Saturday, February 28. We've got lots we want to do. Make plans to lend a hand.

• We’re already gearing up for Easter 2009. Let me just tip you off. Jesus is alive! And we are going to celebrate His resurrection the way it ought to be celebrated. I can’t wait and am already praying for the biggest “harvest” of people coming to Jesus that I’ve ever personally been a part of.

• Well that’s it for this update, I’ll update you on the series mid week. Keep the faith. I love you and I’m praying for you.

Friday, February 13, 2009

FILM AND THEOLOGY - THE DARK KNIGHT

I love this idea! Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington has developed something called "Film and Theology." Here's the way they describe this ministry:

"Cinema is a modern day pulpit; people flock to their local multiplexes, group together, and find themselves moved by a worldview revealed in story form, allowing themselves to be emotionally led by directors and screenwriters who influence how we feel, think, and even act. Film and Theology features monthly film viewings at the MHC | Lake City Campus, followed by an expository exploration of narrative themes and spiritual parallels."

This morning during my workout i listened to James Harleman's exploration of The Dark Knight. By the way, those of you who read this blog know that "The Dark Knight" was in my top picks of best movies of the year. Harleman delivers a thought provoking exploration of the film that I found absolutely riveting.

If you're a movie freak, you can listen to Harleman's exploration HERE. Let me know what you think.

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Here's the overview provided on the Film and Theology web page.

“Why So Serious?”

"The Joker, dripping with greasy clown paint and played with a disturbing vigor by the late Heath Ledger, asks this question with dark sarcasm as he accuses an entire city of being moral hypocrites. Ledger’s performance highlights one of the best movies of 2008.

The question is, does this accuser stand correct in his assessment of humanity, or do the people scrambling to stop him in the name of justice, order, control, or power amidst the rest of the film satisfy the viewer in proving him wrong?

Maybe we’ll see why the Joker finds it all so funny…"


Listen to Harleman's exploration on line. Download it to your iPod.

Harleman draws some interesting political parallels from the film. He provides sound and incredible theological insights about certain themes and insights related to the film.

I believe these are the kinds of discussions believers need to be having on a more regular basis. What about you? What do you think of Harleman's insights? What do you think about a forum where films are viewed and then discussed from a theological or biblical point of view? Does anyone in the BHM area provide this kind of opportunity? Would you participate?

Thanks for your input.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

PUMPED ABOUT SUNDAY

Perry Noble just finished an excellent series of posts on "Seven Things We Allow To Guide Us At Newspring." This was Item #7.

I love it, because I find myself feeling very similar on a regular basis. I love Sunday @ a2! I love this Sunday. I love next Sunday. And I love EVERY SUNDAY.

I walk into every Sunday AM Service expecting it to be our best service ever, and expecting God to totally and completely BLOW OUR MINDS!

Perry affirmed a lot of the stuff I've believed for quite a while. So, if you've ever wondered how I feel about Sundays, Perry does a great job expressing here...



We Are PUMPED About Sunday’s!
Perry Noble, 2.12.09

I once had someone ask me, “Why do you always tell people that the following Sunday is going to be the best ever?”

My answer was simple, “Because I really do believe it is going to be!”

If a pastor and a staff can’t be excited about Sunday…then how in the world do they expect the people who attend to be excited?

SO…we promote Sundays! We pray, plan and then tell people, “Do whatever it takes to get people here next week who do not know Christ.”

AND…the next week when they do come…we try our best to deliver on the deal by presenting a clear excellent presentation of the Gospel…and then BEGGING GOD to make up the difference!

When people ask me which series I am most excited about I always reply, “The next one.” (By the way…if a pastor is most excited about a series he did two or three years ago…it’s over!)

I am looking forward to what God wants to do…THIS SUNDAY. And then, when the day is over…I will be living in anticipation for NEXT Sunday!

Let me say it one more time…if a pastor and staff are not excited about Sunday…are not begging God to show up and so something great…then there is NO WAY they can expect others to be that way.

Let me be very clear…I don’t think I’ve preached my best sermon yet…it is still yet to come, maybe this weekend! (And pastor…I don’t think your best days are behind you either! You are STILL doing what you do because GOD ISN’T THROUGH with you yet…so let Him set you on fire!)

Monday, February 9, 2009

SUNDAY IN REVIEW 02.08.09

A day late in getting this up, but here's yesterday in review...

Above 150 for the first time!!! Wow! Today we hit 151 in total attendance. Amazing!

• Love our Guest Services Team. Walked in yesterday with a girl brand new to a2 (she works at our gym). She was met outside by a lady who invited her to sit with her during worship. At the door, Ahntuan Bui was there to provide a great welcome. Great job, guys.

• Lots of new people in yesterday’s service. We didn’t get a load of Connection Cards turned in , but there were a lot of new faces in the crowd.

• Loved yesterday’s worship set. Today Is The Day (Lincoln Brewster), Marvelous Light (Charlie Hall), Where The Love Lasts Forever (Hillsong United), All About Jesus (Steve Fee).

• Our eight year old stands beside me every week during worship. I love hearing her sing her lungs out! I love talking with her about church on the way home. I love it that she loves what God is doing @ a2. Life is GOOD!!!

• After the service yesterday I discovered that phrases like, “…get jiggy with it…” (Yep! I said it...) are outdated… BIG TIME. Someone said I was “old” but gave me props for at least trying in this person’s words to “…get my crunk on.” I’ve had to spend the majority of the day getting over the fact that someone called me “old.” It will probably take prolonged therapy. Please pray.

• Tough message yesterday. I really felt passionate about it. Covered the second half of “the parable of the prodigal God” (Luke 15:25-32). Oh, man… I really believe this was sort of a prophetic word for the church… (Special shout out to John Ortberg excellent message, “Love for the Bitter Heart” for inspiring a great deal of this message…

• Here's THE BIG IDEA we shared yesterday. Over time, there’s a tendency in every returning lost son to either become more and more like the Father or more and more like the older brother… In fact, it’s real difficult for returning lost sons and daughters to not become like the older brother… It just sort of happens!

• Churches are filled with “older brother types.” Can you imagine how different the story of the “lost son” would have read had the returning son met the older brother first instead of the welcoming arms of the Father? That happens all the time! Too often, people can’t meet Jesus because they can’t get around the “older brothers” clogging the church! Ouch! Yeah, tough message, but stinkin’ important.

• One more thought: God runs to returning rebellious sons and daughters, and He always begs and pleads with religious hypocrites. Bottom line: God can't stand the thought of any of His kids being away from "home." But God WILL NOT STOP THE PARTY for anybody!!! He just won't! He won't give the "older brother" that kind of power and He won't apologize for being the kind of God who "welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-3).

• For some reason we've ran into problems getting the last two messages up on iTunes. We're working on the problem and have made several attempts to correct it. We'll try to get parts 1 & 2 of "Come Home" asap. Thanks for your understanding. We'll keep working.

• I was disappointed with the response to the invitation… I really felt that the altar area would be filled… This will put me on my knees this week… I’m committed to a2 cultivating a culture of repentance... I think it’s crucial to what God wants to accomplish. We will laugh loud and cry hard. We will dance faster and repent more often!

This coming Sunday? I'm pumped about the service. We’re going to wrap up the current series with a message titled, “There’s No Place Like Home.” I’m believing for lots of people to make a decision for “HOME” this week.

• Great evening last night with a2’s first Student Ministry Worship event! I loved it!

• We had a little more than 60 total people out, and about 32 were in the “student age group” category! Wow.

• Special guest worship leader, Ben Murray from Daystar Church in Cullman and the a2 Worship Band did a great job leading in worship. Killer set that included: Salvation Is Here (Hillsong), We Shine (Steve Fee), Living For You (Gateway Worship), Hosanna (Hillsong).

• The Student Ministry Drama Team did an awesome job painting a picture of what success without significance can look like. Great job girls and guys!

Darrell Garrett brought a great word from John 10:10. I’ve heard this passage hundreds of times, but Darrell helped me see it through a fresh set of eyes.

• Great time with pizza and ice cream afterwards.

• So much “fire” in the house we set off the fire alarm… No actual fire, but the fire alarm did go crazy at the end of the service…

I LOVE WHAT GOD IS DOING @ a2. I love it! I believe God has a purpose and plan that would blow us away if we could glimpse it.

My response? I’m going to work like everything depends on me, and PRAY like everything depends on God! He is our SOURCE!!!

• I love you. I’m praying for you. I believe in you. (Philippians 1:3-7)

Friday, February 6, 2009

HUGE WEEKEND @ a2














I'm so excited about this weekend @ a2... I know, I know, I know... I say that every weekend, but this weekend really is going to be AWESOME!!!

First of all, SUNDAY MORNING, we'll continue the series "Come Home," with a message titled, "Religious, But Still Lost." We'll check out the story of the "lost sons" in
Luke 15 and talk about RELIGION and why God can't stand it! That's
right! God's not into RELIGION!

Religion is all about our attempt to make things right with God. But Christianity is all about all that God did to reconcile us with Himself. That's what the CROSS was all about!

Sunday is one of those days when you don't want to attend church alone! Bring somebody with you! It could change their life.


On top of an exciting Sunday AM, SUNDAY PM a2 CHURCH will host our first ever, all out STUDENT MINISTRY NIGHT @ 6 pm.

The band is going to rock! I'm really excited about the fact that Ben Murray, the worship pastor of Daystar Church will be joining the band for the set. Ben is a gifted, high energy worship leader! Check out his Facebook page here.

Oh yeah, Sunday PM will most definitely ROCK! I can almost hear the people in Mariachi's and Pet Supermarket singing, "Salvation is here... Salvation is here and He lives in me!!!

Darrell Garrett has the message for the evening. He'll be answering the question, "Are You Being Robbed?" In John 10, Jesus talks about how the "thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came so that you can experience life in all it's fulness." Darrell will be talking about the life that's possible with Christ.

The service will also include a special media presentation and life-related drama, all followed up with a "do it yourself ice cream bar." Again, if you're between Grades 6-12 (or even somewhere around the edges of that category), you don't want to miss Sunday PM.

What can you do?

Let's pray like crazy for God's will to be done @ a2 Church this weekend.

Let's invite somebody to attend with us. (I just dropped by the gym where me and Janet work out, and one of our friends will be attending Sunday AM.)

Why not get on the PHONE now, send someone a TEXT, make a CALL, shoot off a few EMAILS?
This Sunday could change someone's LIFE.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

MY FAVORITE COMMERCIAL OF THE SUPER BOWL

This Pepsi commercial connected on several levels... What was your favorite commercial of this year's Super Bowl? This was mine. It features Bob Dylan and Will.i.Am. One minute of sheer brilliance.

PRAY LIKE EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON GOD!!!

Just read this post over at Steven Furtick's blog. Steven leads Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. This post is actually written by his Project Manager, Lisa Shea. Lisa shares some great thoughts about the importance of praying for your pastor.

A few years ago I read this quote by Peter Wagner.

The most underutilized source of spiritual power in our churches today is intercession for Christian leaders. ~ C. Peter Wagner

He's right! Intercession for Christian leaders is critical.

Or, how about this quote from E.M. Bounds.

The men and women in the pew given to praying for the pastor are like poles which hold up the wires along which the electric current runs. They are not the power… But they hold up the wires upon which the divine power runs to the hearts of men… They make conditions favorable for the preaching of the gospel. ~ E.M. Bounds

Wow!

For all of you "a2-ers," Lisa nails it with this post. If you do aything for me at all, please PRAY. BIG TIME. I believe a2 is on the verge of becoming a revolutionary movement, but it won't happen unless we are passionately committed to pursuing the purpose and plan of God in prayer.

Here's Lisa's post.

THE NEED TO INTERCEDE
Lisa Shea, Project Manager, Office of the Lead Pastor

A while ago, Pastor Steven asked me to take the role of his intercessor. It’s quite an honor and I take it very seriously. An “intercessor” is a person who prays on behalf of another. You don’t have to be appointed to be one. We are all called to pray.

If you’d like to commit to intercede on behalf of your leader, here are some tips to get you started:

* Commit to praying scriptures over your Pastor regularly and while he is preaching. There is nothing more powerful than God’s Truths spoken over their lives. One example is that it “is not by wise or persuasive words, but by the demonstration of the Spirit’s power”. I also pray that the words spoken come straight from the heart of God and are “sharper than a double edged sword”

* Pray continually for God’s wisdom, revelation and knowledge to be poured out on them.

* Sensitivity and confidentiality is crucial. If your Pastor wants the entire church to know his burdens or battles, he can tell them.

* Pray protection over your spiritual leader. They are prone to burdens and attacks you may never know about. Put on the armor of God for them as found in Ephesians 6.

* Listen to God intently. He can show you things to pray for so you can be on the offensive. Spirit led prayer is the most powerful and effective.

I want to do my part to support Pastor Steven as he fulfills the call of God on his life. Be determined in your prayers for your Pastor and see what God will do through him and your church!

_________________________

Amen!

PS: This is not a one way street! You can bank on this: I'm committed to praying for you.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

LONELY MOON

Mark Heard is one of my favorite singer songwriters, period. Me and Janet began listening to Mark when we were in our teens. Over the years, Mark's songwriting grew somewhat more cynical, lonely, jaded, or perhaps overwhelmed by reality of life in a world scarred by sin... But despite this nagging sense of cynicism, Mark's songs always possessed a sense of resilient hope in God's promise regarding our ultimate redemption.

Here's one of Mark's best songs set to some beautiful and haunting animation. The song describes how this world tends to crush and beat the life out of our hopes, dreams and creativity leaving us somewhat "soul-less."

Every time I hear this song, I hear the words of Paul in Romans 8:22-27 - creation groans..and so do we...

Let's ask God to give us clarity, creativity and the courage to express our deepest hopes and longings in ways that touch the heart and help people recover their souls. This is Mark's song, "Lonely Moon."

May it prompt you to pray and fight for your soul...

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

KEEPIN' THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING

I loved this post by Travis Johnson. An important reminder to make certain we keep the main thing the main thing.


The Main Thing
Travis Johnson, January 27, 2009

It’s human nature to promote projects, things, and ideas that are close to your heart. They may be good. But, that doesn’t mean they are worthy of being promoted by the church. We promote one thing: Jesus. It’s all about Jesus.

At Life Pointe, we won’t:

* Sign petitions for to change something about government.
* Celebrate Simon Bolivar Day.
* Picket against a local Strip Club.
* Distribute Christian Coalition Flyers.
* Tell you how to vote.
* Tell you to drive a Prius.
* Tell you to boycott Disney.
* Sell Green Prosperity Handkerchiefs.

We will keep the focus on Jesus. I want you to buy into Jesus…to drink that kool-aid. Then, let Him change your life…from the inside out and not the outside in.

If in avoiding the thousands of pet projects, forwards, chain letters, and personal appeals that come to me, I somehow become socially oblivious, I can deal with that. I’d rather do that than to forget about Jesus as I’m trying to change the particular behaviors of people who don’t know Him. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

_____________________________

Thanks for the reminder, Travis... This is exactly how how I feel about a2 Church. It's all about Jesus. It's always about Jesus. It's only about Jesus.

Monday, February 2, 2009

SUNDAY IN REVIEW 02.01.09

• Sorry about the delay in getting this up… Huge day yesterday left me completely wiped out today… Took a little time for R & R, planning, a great workout and time with my girls and am back in the saddle tonight.

• I love what God is doing @ a2… I love it!!! I love it!!! I love it!!! Did I mention, I love it!!!?

• Arrived at the worship site at about 9:30 yesterday and was greeted by Sunish M., a member of our Guest Services team. Great job, Sunish.

• Walked inside and Jess and Denise not only had the coffee ready, but they had made certain we had a supply of Krispy Crème donuts on the counter. Camryn went right for the donuts.

• Kevin J. and his brother, Ken had the place decked out with party balloons everywhere and a large “Welcome Home” banner across the stage!!! Oh, yeah, yesterday we had a huge “Comin’ Home” Party!!!

• The band kicked it! Worship was smokin’! Here’s the set list: You Lifted Me Out (Chris Tomlin), Today Is The Day (Lincoln Brewster), Where The Love Lasts Forever (Hillsong).

• Yesterday’s “item numbers” were SWEET. That’s not a “sissified sweet,” that’s a Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald kind of SWEET. The team did an unplugged cover of Daughtry’s “Home.” Wow! Stephen "THE MAN" Riley on upright bass. Bethany "is her middle name Allison Krauss" Borg on fiddle. Carlos on acoustic. Mikey "the guy is an animal" Wilson on electric. And Mike "did your parents make you wear really tight pants when you were kid so you could sing that high" Shaw on lead vocals. I’ll say it one more time, it was SWEET!

• After the message, the team came back and covered Chris Tomlin’s “Come Home Running.” My wife sang the first verse through tears. God anointed. People responded. Awesome!

• Really felt passionate about the message. Luke 15 and the story of the “lost son” and the “lovesick father” moves me. I preached with a lot of passion and emotion. Can’t help it, when I think about the Father’s love for a guy like me, it blows me completely away.

• Awesome response to the invitation! Six people indicated on a Connection Card that they made a decision to “Come Home.” Heaven threw a party! I am absolutely psyched! That’s six people who came home to the Father and trusted JESUS! Yeah, God!!!

• Great buzz at the end of the service. We start at 9:45 on Sunday AM. The service wraps at about 11:15. The last two weeks I haven’t gotten away to between 12:30 and 1. I love it that our people love to hang out, talk, pray, laugh, share… That’s what Acts 2:42-47 is all about.

• Special thanks to everyone who made our first Student Ministry event a success. Last night’s Student Super Bowl Bash was great. More than 22 students were in the house! That pumps me up! An incredible team of volunteers made it all happen.

• Special thanks to David W. and Neal H. for the hook up on the satellite and a/v for the game. The screens and sound for the game rocked. Big time.

• Special thanks to Shannon J, Kevin J. and family for all the help on the refreshments and décor. I really loved how these guys hoodwinked their family from TN to help out with the set up. That’s awesome.

• Thanks to Darrell G. and Julie G. for the help with set up, décor and clean up; as well as hospitality.

• Thanks to Chris G. and Jennifer G. for the help with hospitality. Great job. By the way, Jennifer, from all accounts, Saturday night’s Ladies Night Out was a hit. Thanks for going out of your way to let people know they matter.

• Hats off to Michele L. for the drinks and the courage to oversee the “Rock Band” room. You are brave… Very brave.

• Thanks to Teddie B. for making certain we had PLENTY of food. Chicken wings? Gone. Pizza? Gone.

• Thanks to Bethany E. and Barrett E. for the desserts. The ice cream bar was a huge hit. Thanks guys.

• Thanks to Lee. P and Sheri P. for the cookies, snacks and the printers! You guys got game!

• Most important, thanks to all the students who made the evening worthwhile. I loved getting to hang out with you, laugh with you and watch an incredible Super Bowl game!

• BTW, don’t forget that next Sunday night, we are going to rock the a2 building with a killer night of worship especially designed for students. Invite somebody to attend NOW!!!

• I was totally wiped out at the end of yesterday’s events. Between Thursday AM and Sunday AM I spoke six times! That’s right! Six! Loved getting to be at Lee U. This school makes a difference. Love the relationships sessions at Watts Bar. This is a great church. And I love speaking @ a2… I feel like I’ve been more pumped up and tuned in than ever… I believe it’s only going to get better.

• This week I’m pumped about Wednesday night’s Dream Team Session. We’re talking about leadership in the context of the local church. It’s going to be a challenging, fun and I believe inspiring session. For those of you reading the Driscoll book, we'll be covering Chapter 3.

• I’m totally amped about Sunday @ a2. We’re taking on the last half of the “parable of the lost son” and talking about the older brother… This message is going to be dangerous. It will not be for the faint of heart. I don’t think we’ll be reading any poems… But I’m praying that God give us a prophetic word that challenges us to resist the urge to become like the older brother, and instead pursue the heart of the Father. We'll take on stuff like anger, resentment, judgmentalism and how God wants to set us free from this junk!!!

• Bring somebody with you to a2 this week. It could just change their life.

• Well, there’s more I could share, but I’ll keep it for later.

I love you guys and gals. I’m praying for you and looking for God to do stuff that baffles the imagination and blows us completely away. Buckle up. It’s going to be one more of a ride!