Well...early Wednesday morning Kyle and I are headed to Oklahoma City for the MinistryTECH Conference. I am pretty jazzed about learning new things and getting great ideas. I am very excited about hanging out and just being away from the grind for a while.
Also, I am really jazzed about attending services on Saturday night at Life Church. Craig Groeschel is the lead Pastor and he is a great speaker! It will be a great experience to see their venue in person.
I'm hoping not to have to stop 88 times on the way down to Oklahoma for pee breaks! I'll try to post a bit while I'm down there!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Easter Reflections
Okay...I've had a few days to process and think over Easter weekend. Here are a few of my thoughts (plus I asked a few others there thoughts as well):
1. I believe that we did a great job of capturing visitor information this year. It enabled us to do a better job with follow-up.
2. We had a great crowd, but it may be over-capacity. I think next year we need to go to TWO services for Easter Sunday.
3. I think an apologetic approach at Easter is the route to go in preaching.
4. I think that we need to do an Egg-Hunt again and have that be better marketed next year.
5. I think the breakfast was fine but the time can/should be changed.
6. I think with TWO services next year we should really map out how we want that to occur. Maybe we could have an 8:00 first service, 9:00 Breakfast, 10:00 second service? I don't know...we'll have to find the right slot.
7. We need to ensure that our greeters are there helping greet/usher even after service begins.
8. We most definitely need childcare and Jr. Church during worship.
9. Worship was fantastic...maybe more instruments next year.
10. Maybe we need to do something with our parking next year as well. Like having people help out in the parking lot and having leadership and elders park in grass to make more room.
The ultimate deal for me is seeing someone come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Ross Hraha did that very thing on Easter Sunday. He was baptized by his Grandpa Bob. It was very cool to see this young man make this step of faith. That's what it is all about! There is nothing more important than that...
1. I believe that we did a great job of capturing visitor information this year. It enabled us to do a better job with follow-up.
2. We had a great crowd, but it may be over-capacity. I think next year we need to go to TWO services for Easter Sunday.
3. I think an apologetic approach at Easter is the route to go in preaching.
4. I think that we need to do an Egg-Hunt again and have that be better marketed next year.
5. I think the breakfast was fine but the time can/should be changed.
6. I think with TWO services next year we should really map out how we want that to occur. Maybe we could have an 8:00 first service, 9:00 Breakfast, 10:00 second service? I don't know...we'll have to find the right slot.
7. We need to ensure that our greeters are there helping greet/usher even after service begins.
8. We most definitely need childcare and Jr. Church during worship.
9. Worship was fantastic...maybe more instruments next year.
10. Maybe we need to do something with our parking next year as well. Like having people help out in the parking lot and having leadership and elders park in grass to make more room.
The ultimate deal for me is seeing someone come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Ross Hraha did that very thing on Easter Sunday. He was baptized by his Grandpa Bob. It was very cool to see this young man make this step of faith. That's what it is all about! There is nothing more important than that...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter Eve
Okay...all the planning that can happen has already occurred. All the practice that can already take place, already has. All the preparations that need to be made are over.
It is the eve of something huge. I want to remind you to pray like crazy tonight. I'm not kidding. Stop what you are doing and pray. Pray that something humongous happens in our lives. Pray that God changes us completely. Pray that lost people find Jesus!
That's it for me. I just want someone else to know. I have a fire in me and I gotta let it out. And tomorrow I am going to unleash it all. Pray for the message. Pray for the hearts that hear it. Pray for transformation.
Also, pray that our computers behave. Pray that they perform exactly like they are supposed to. I know that sounds trivial but it can really become an obstacle if it fouls up. So let's pray for that too.
See you on the other side.
It is the eve of something huge. I want to remind you to pray like crazy tonight. I'm not kidding. Stop what you are doing and pray. Pray that something humongous happens in our lives. Pray that God changes us completely. Pray that lost people find Jesus!
That's it for me. I just want someone else to know. I have a fire in me and I gotta let it out. And tomorrow I am going to unleash it all. Pray for the message. Pray for the hearts that hear it. Pray for transformation.
Also, pray that our computers behave. Pray that they perform exactly like they are supposed to. I know that sounds trivial but it can really become an obstacle if it fouls up. So let's pray for that too.
See you on the other side.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Co-Habitation
As a pastor I deal with a lot of young couples that seem to think that co-habitation is a good idea. There is this mindset that they embrace that says, "Everybody's doing it." Actually, no, nearly half of couples are not.
Many young couples believe that "Living together is a step toward marriage." No, it is actually a step toward break-up - either before or after the wedding.
A lot of couples that live together think, "We are in a committed relationship." Untrue. The ONLY truly committed relationship is marriage.
I've met many young couples that think that living together is a trial marriage. (You know the old, you don't want to buy a pair of shoes before you've tried them on mentality.) Actually, co-habitation is the worst possible preparation for a healthy marriage. It increases the odds of divorce by 50%.
One of the biggest reasons I have come across that couples share about living together is this: "We can't afford to move apart." The truth is that singles can save just as much money by living with someone of the same gender.
I've been told, "We love each other, so it's okay." Well, the way I see it, if you really loved each other, you would do what's best for each other and for the relationship - what's sanctioned by God and proven through the ages to be the safest, best, most fulfilling way to love.
Young couples reason, "It can't hurt anybody." At least one partner is hurt if the relationship disintegrates, which it is likely to do. Also, since co-habitors are as likely as married couples to have children, if the relationship ends, the children feel abandoned and experience significant trauma that can have lifelong effects.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard this one, "A marriage license is just a piece of paper." No, it represents a way of life, a state of being blessed by God and sanctioned by the church, government and community. That "piece of paper" affects every aspect of life: health, happiness, longevity and sex. They're all better with that "piece of paper."
Young couples think that it doesn't matter because, "We're getting married anyway." Don't be so sure. Half of couples living together never marry and those who do are much more likely to divorce. Even a month's co-habitation damages the relationship.
Most people that live together think, "What we do is no one's business." Co-habitation is everyone's business. It threatens society morally and burdens it financially. Eight out of ten co-habiting relationships will fail before or after the wedding, which costs taxpayers a staggering $185 billion a year.
Here's the deal, Jesus takes a serious stand on this issue. Look what he said to the woman at the well in John 4:17b-18. It was a gentle rebuke, but she was convicted. She left him telling everyone, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did," in John 4:29.
What it boils down to for me is this. When couples live together before marriage, they cheat themselves of the marriage covenant.
A marriage isn't about a wedding day, or a dress, or a "piece of paper." It is about a Promise that the couple makes not just to a pastor and not just before a crowd of supporting loved ones...but it is a Promise made before a Holy God who takes it very, very seriously! So should we!
Many young couples believe that "Living together is a step toward marriage." No, it is actually a step toward break-up - either before or after the wedding.
A lot of couples that live together think, "We are in a committed relationship." Untrue. The ONLY truly committed relationship is marriage.
I've met many young couples that think that living together is a trial marriage. (You know the old, you don't want to buy a pair of shoes before you've tried them on mentality.) Actually, co-habitation is the worst possible preparation for a healthy marriage. It increases the odds of divorce by 50%.
One of the biggest reasons I have come across that couples share about living together is this: "We can't afford to move apart." The truth is that singles can save just as much money by living with someone of the same gender.
I've been told, "We love each other, so it's okay." Well, the way I see it, if you really loved each other, you would do what's best for each other and for the relationship - what's sanctioned by God and proven through the ages to be the safest, best, most fulfilling way to love.
Young couples reason, "It can't hurt anybody." At least one partner is hurt if the relationship disintegrates, which it is likely to do. Also, since co-habitors are as likely as married couples to have children, if the relationship ends, the children feel abandoned and experience significant trauma that can have lifelong effects.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard this one, "A marriage license is just a piece of paper." No, it represents a way of life, a state of being blessed by God and sanctioned by the church, government and community. That "piece of paper" affects every aspect of life: health, happiness, longevity and sex. They're all better with that "piece of paper."
Young couples think that it doesn't matter because, "We're getting married anyway." Don't be so sure. Half of couples living together never marry and those who do are much more likely to divorce. Even a month's co-habitation damages the relationship.
Most people that live together think, "What we do is no one's business." Co-habitation is everyone's business. It threatens society morally and burdens it financially. Eight out of ten co-habiting relationships will fail before or after the wedding, which costs taxpayers a staggering $185 billion a year.
Here's the deal, Jesus takes a serious stand on this issue. Look what he said to the woman at the well in John 4:17b-18. It was a gentle rebuke, but she was convicted. She left him telling everyone, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did," in John 4:29.
What it boils down to for me is this. When couples live together before marriage, they cheat themselves of the marriage covenant.
A marriage isn't about a wedding day, or a dress, or a "piece of paper." It is about a Promise that the couple makes not just to a pastor and not just before a crowd of supporting loved ones...but it is a Promise made before a Holy God who takes it very, very seriously! So should we!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Easter Passion
Romans 1:16 has been speaking to me lately. Our upcoming Easter services really have me pumped and excited. I never want to apologize for passion. I want to live for Christ as a risk-taker.
That's how I am approaching this weekend. I seriously believe that Easter is the SUPERBOWL of worship services. The tomb is empty...this changes everything!
This is the one weekend of the year where we can easily get our friends and family to join us if we will only extend an invitation to them! I am committed to praying like it depends on God and working like it depends on us! I truly believe in my heart that this will be a monumental experience for our church.
That's how I am approaching this weekend. I seriously believe that Easter is the SUPERBOWL of worship services. The tomb is empty...this changes everything!
This is the one weekend of the year where we can easily get our friends and family to join us if we will only extend an invitation to them! I am committed to praying like it depends on God and working like it depends on us! I truly believe in my heart that this will be a monumental experience for our church.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
How many five year olds can you take on?
An interesting tid-bit I learned about myself today...
22
I saw that on a blog I read regularly and had to do it. Pretty cool information. Now I know if I ever get locked in Jr. Church with no escape, I know my limitations!
22
I saw that on a blog I read regularly and had to do it. Pretty cool information. Now I know if I ever get locked in Jr. Church with no escape, I know my limitations!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Worship Survey Results
Several weeks back I put up a survey online concerning worship preferences. We had a really good response to that online survey. Over 78 people responded. I want to take time to share with you the results of that survey.
The first question was, "When I come to church I think the atmosphere should be..." 56.5% responded that they felt it should be comfortable. The next significant answer was "sort of like when I visit family." (30.4%) This means that we have to work hard at making sure when people come to the building to worship we need to make sure we have a relaxed, family-like atmosphere to welcome them.
Ways to accomplish this may be the way we paint. Maybe the type of music we play as they enter. But nothing can replace the importance of YOU, the individual making sure you greet those you don't know and making them feel welcomed.
The second question was, "I think the most important thing in a worship service is..." And over 60% thought "PREACHING" was the most significant aspect. That was followed closely by "MUSIC" (46%) and "COMMUNION" (37%). This means that we need to make sure those three elements are done very well. The preaching should be engaging and relevant. The music should be lively and positive. The communion should be clear and done with purpose. Overall all aspects need to be done with excellence.
The third question was interesting. It was simple and straightforward. "I prefer the worship style to be..." And the two possible answers were "Traditional" or "Contemporary." The majority of people responded "Contemporary" (74.6%). I believe that this means we need to understand this is what most people enjoy in their worship style. I believe we have come through any worship wars of the past and have moved on. No need to dig up old corpses. We need to know that this simply is the way that we are going to reach lost people...period.
The next two questions were about the use of media and who the worship service should be for. Simply stated most people enjoy varying forms of media that we use and overwhelmingly most people believe that the worship service should be for BOTH the non-Christian and the Christian.
Questions six and seven dealt with the importance of smooth transitions in a worship service and the place that announcements have in the service. Most people don't care if it is absolutely polished or not. (Which I find interesting. Maybe we should care about our authenticity instead of having a seamless flow to the service.) And, surprisingly to me, most people want to have announcements included during the worship service.
Question eight dealt with the sermon. 65% of people felt the most important part of the sermon is "CONTENT" followed closely by "RELEVANCE" (43.5%) and "APPLICATION" (41.3%). Which means it isn't so much how something is said as much as it is what is said and what that means in my life.
Question nine was no surprise. It dealt with the importance of communion. Overwhelmingly, 67.4% felt that communion in each weekly worship service is "ESSENTIAL." It's good to have our foundations affirmed.
Question 10 was probably the biggest surprise for me. It dealt with hearing prayer requests during the worship service. Most people (60.9%), want to hear requests shared. I think as we grow, realistically we will not be able to accommodate hearing requests shared from the floor. So the compromise is sharing them via the prayer cards we provide in the chairs.
All in all, the thing I think everyone should take away is that we are wanting to improve our corporate worship experience. I don't think we should take it for granted that we can just get together each week and sing a few songs and preach a sermon. We need to always be working on it. We need to make sure that the God we serve is getting our very best. He deserves it.
And the people who walk through our doors need to sense that it is our highest priority that when we gather on Sundays to worship together that we are doing something that we have put a lot of energy, effort and thought into. Eternity is at stake. So we need to quit playing games and be real and do our very best for the Lord!
The first question was, "When I come to church I think the atmosphere should be..." 56.5% responded that they felt it should be comfortable. The next significant answer was "sort of like when I visit family." (30.4%) This means that we have to work hard at making sure when people come to the building to worship we need to make sure we have a relaxed, family-like atmosphere to welcome them.
Ways to accomplish this may be the way we paint. Maybe the type of music we play as they enter. But nothing can replace the importance of YOU, the individual making sure you greet those you don't know and making them feel welcomed.
The second question was, "I think the most important thing in a worship service is..." And over 60% thought "PREACHING" was the most significant aspect. That was followed closely by "MUSIC" (46%) and "COMMUNION" (37%). This means that we need to make sure those three elements are done very well. The preaching should be engaging and relevant. The music should be lively and positive. The communion should be clear and done with purpose. Overall all aspects need to be done with excellence.
The third question was interesting. It was simple and straightforward. "I prefer the worship style to be..." And the two possible answers were "Traditional" or "Contemporary." The majority of people responded "Contemporary" (74.6%). I believe that this means we need to understand this is what most people enjoy in their worship style. I believe we have come through any worship wars of the past and have moved on. No need to dig up old corpses. We need to know that this simply is the way that we are going to reach lost people...period.
The next two questions were about the use of media and who the worship service should be for. Simply stated most people enjoy varying forms of media that we use and overwhelmingly most people believe that the worship service should be for BOTH the non-Christian and the Christian.
Questions six and seven dealt with the importance of smooth transitions in a worship service and the place that announcements have in the service. Most people don't care if it is absolutely polished or not. (Which I find interesting. Maybe we should care about our authenticity instead of having a seamless flow to the service.) And, surprisingly to me, most people want to have announcements included during the worship service.
Question eight dealt with the sermon. 65% of people felt the most important part of the sermon is "CONTENT" followed closely by "RELEVANCE" (43.5%) and "APPLICATION" (41.3%). Which means it isn't so much how something is said as much as it is what is said and what that means in my life.
Question nine was no surprise. It dealt with the importance of communion. Overwhelmingly, 67.4% felt that communion in each weekly worship service is "ESSENTIAL." It's good to have our foundations affirmed.
Question 10 was probably the biggest surprise for me. It dealt with hearing prayer requests during the worship service. Most people (60.9%), want to hear requests shared. I think as we grow, realistically we will not be able to accommodate hearing requests shared from the floor. So the compromise is sharing them via the prayer cards we provide in the chairs.
All in all, the thing I think everyone should take away is that we are wanting to improve our corporate worship experience. I don't think we should take it for granted that we can just get together each week and sing a few songs and preach a sermon. We need to always be working on it. We need to make sure that the God we serve is getting our very best. He deserves it.
And the people who walk through our doors need to sense that it is our highest priority that when we gather on Sundays to worship together that we are doing something that we have put a lot of energy, effort and thought into. Eternity is at stake. So we need to quit playing games and be real and do our very best for the Lord!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
New Normal
I watched a driver's safety video the other day re-enforcing the idea of wearing one's seat belt. It was entitled "Room to Live." You can watch the video HERE. But a couple of things stood out to me from the video.
In one part, there was an interview with a couple who had lost their teen daughter in a roll-over accident where had she worn her seat belt she would have lived. It was devastating to the parents obviously. But something the mom said that just hasn't left me.
She said at one point, "We just have to find a new normal." She was referring to life without their daughter. But for me I find more in her words than she intended.
I think in the church we need to always be on the prowl for the new normal. One of my greatest fears as a leader is that I will grow fat and happy and begin to fear change.
I want to never stop changing. I want the church to always be in process. Our search for the new normal must be a relentless pursuit. We must never settle. We must never be satisfied with how we are doing.
I believe that we can always evaluate ways to do what we do better. We can always be trying to find our "new normal."
In one part, there was an interview with a couple who had lost their teen daughter in a roll-over accident where had she worn her seat belt she would have lived. It was devastating to the parents obviously. But something the mom said that just hasn't left me.
She said at one point, "We just have to find a new normal." She was referring to life without their daughter. But for me I find more in her words than she intended.
I think in the church we need to always be on the prowl for the new normal. One of my greatest fears as a leader is that I will grow fat and happy and begin to fear change.
I want to never stop changing. I want the church to always be in process. Our search for the new normal must be a relentless pursuit. We must never settle. We must never be satisfied with how we are doing.
I believe that we can always evaluate ways to do what we do better. We can always be trying to find our "new normal."
Monday, March 10, 2008
Very Cool Must See...
If you were a fan of Facing The Giants, then you need to know Sherwood Pictures (a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church) is at it again! They are in the final production phase of their latest project Fireproof. Here is the brand new teaser trailer for the movie:
We need to make sure we get out and support this movie. This group is doing it right! They had a God-sized vision and God has blessed them with opportunities beyond their imagination. It really is cool.
We need to make sure we get out and support this movie. This group is doing it right! They had a God-sized vision and God has blessed them with opportunities beyond their imagination. It really is cool.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Problems are good
I have learned of some "stuff" that is going on in some folks lives in our church and some folks that are even disgruntled and I thought, "Yeah, God! If we are experiencing some spiritual warfare then that means we're back on track!"
That really does excite me to know that all my prayers are causing a problem for the enemy. So we are two weeks out from Easter and just wait and see what happens when Satan sees the
lives that are impacted then. How cool is it that everything isn't peaceful and calm?
Here's my new prayer focus...God, do whatever it takes to help The Fort be the church you are calling her to be!
I also had a kick-butt small group meeting Sunday night! I love our group. Real people being real about their walk.
Andy Stanley said this in a lesson we watched...
Ask God to enable you to speak his words with boldness.
That was worth sharing.
That really does excite me to know that all my prayers are causing a problem for the enemy. So we are two weeks out from Easter and just wait and see what happens when Satan sees the
lives that are impacted then. How cool is it that everything isn't peaceful and calm?
Here's my new prayer focus...God, do whatever it takes to help The Fort be the church you are calling her to be!
I also had a kick-butt small group meeting Sunday night! I love our group. Real people being real about their walk.
Andy Stanley said this in a lesson we watched...
Ask God to enable you to speak his words with boldness.
That was worth sharing.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
True Knowledge
It's pretty late, but I'm up here at the church in my office. I have preached through the sermon twice and feel good about it. I am so desiring from my heart of hearts that as I begin this series tomorrow and see it conclude on Easter Sunday that there will be real life change. That people will come and hear that there is a real reason to believe this stuff that so many of us have already put our trust in...and we're not all crazy! Many of us understand that there are many evidences that point to the reliability of the Word of God.
And if God's Word is true then that means it is time for me to wake up! Life isn't about endurance. It isn't about acquisition. Life is about knowledge. It is about the knowledge of God. And until we really understand that God doesn't want us to be happy but that He really wants us to know Him...then we are headed on a path for destruction.
To know Him and the power of His resurrection, that is my goal. That is my prayer as a pastor for everyone I preach to. That I can help, in whatever minute way, for them to know the Father.
And if God's Word is true then that means it is time for me to wake up! Life isn't about endurance. It isn't about acquisition. Life is about knowledge. It is about the knowledge of God. And until we really understand that God doesn't want us to be happy but that He really wants us to know Him...then we are headed on a path for destruction.
To know Him and the power of His resurrection, that is my goal. That is my prayer as a pastor for everyone I preach to. That I can help, in whatever minute way, for them to know the Father.
My week
I have been using my new iPod now for almost a week. I am in love! It is a great peice of technology. I have had a good week. I am very pumped about starting this new series Verdict this weekend. It will culminate in the series finale on Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday at The Fort is going to Rock! It will be our best worship experience we have ever had. You will see life change! You will see God move and work in people's lives like you haven't before.
I have been reading Scripture this week and one Scripture has really staid with me. It is 2 Corinthians 4:17. In light of all the things my wife has dealt with this week, this verse has put things in perspective for us. It is amazing to me that Paul described his own circumstance as temporary and light.
If he can do that, we can do that. By the way, Shannon's eyes are slowly getting better. The doctor is really happy with her progress. But keep it in prayer for us.
I have been reading Scripture this week and one Scripture has really staid with me. It is 2 Corinthians 4:17. In light of all the things my wife has dealt with this week, this verse has put things in perspective for us. It is amazing to me that Paul described his own circumstance as temporary and light.
If he can do that, we can do that. By the way, Shannon's eyes are slowly getting better. The doctor is really happy with her progress. But keep it in prayer for us.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ipod Touch
I am writing this post to you from my new Apple iPod Touch. I won it in a contest. All I can say is that it is the coolest piece of new technology I have ever used. But I can honestly say that I won't be posting anymore on my blog with it because it takes forever to type on this. But that doesn't limit the seriously cool factor though.
On a separate note, for those of you who know me, please pray for my wife. She is dealing with some issues right now with her vision that has us pretty concerned right now. Thanks in advance.
On a separate note, for those of you who know me, please pray for my wife. She is dealing with some issues right now with her vision that has us pretty concerned right now. Thanks in advance.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
ISU Basketball and Worship
This past Wednesday I went up to Ames, IA with one of my very good buds and we watched Iowa State's milk shake get drunk by Kansas State. You can read about that game HERE . One of the things that struck me while I was there in Hilton Coliseum was this nagging question. Why can't the people of God worship the Lord like these people are experiencing this basketball game?
The environment was electrifying. The whole arena was like a living organism. When our team scored, there was undulated exuberance. The crowd went absolutely nuts every single time.
During time-outs and during half time the music and the fun that the crowd had was unbelievable. Why can't that be how we worship our amazing God?
People painted their faces, shook paper in the air, screamed unashamedly, waved flags and danced like it was the final game in the season and they are just about to win it all.
At one point one of the referees made a call that the crowd didn't like (well, just about every call they made the crowd didn't like...but this one more than others) and the entire arena started chanting something in unison. I couldn't figure out what they were saying so I leaned over and asked my buddy what they were saying. He didn't answer me. And then it hit me what they were saying.
They were all chanting "Bulls***" at the same time. Even that made me wonder why can't the church act like that? Why can't we all with one voice cry out against sin and injustice? Why can't we let this surrounding culture know what we think of it's attempts to mold us into it's image?
As we were leaving and I was telling my buddy about my thoughts he had a couple himself. He said that it would be awesome if Christians tithed like the alumni give to their Alma Mater.
Why can't we honor God with our finances like a dedicated alumni?
There was one thing that all those people had in common in the arena, they wanted their team to win. Every single person was willing their team on. Even though they lost, everyone wanted their team to win.
I wish Christians in the church would wake up and get real. We serve a great and awesome God who deserves painted faces and crazy screams from a people that desperately want to see His Kingdom advanced.
We'll see what happens tomorrow at church...
The environment was electrifying. The whole arena was like a living organism. When our team scored, there was undulated exuberance. The crowd went absolutely nuts every single time.
During time-outs and during half time the music and the fun that the crowd had was unbelievable. Why can't that be how we worship our amazing God?
People painted their faces, shook paper in the air, screamed unashamedly, waved flags and danced like it was the final game in the season and they are just about to win it all.
At one point one of the referees made a call that the crowd didn't like (well, just about every call they made the crowd didn't like...but this one more than others) and the entire arena started chanting something in unison. I couldn't figure out what they were saying so I leaned over and asked my buddy what they were saying. He didn't answer me. And then it hit me what they were saying.
They were all chanting "Bulls***" at the same time. Even that made me wonder why can't the church act like that? Why can't we all with one voice cry out against sin and injustice? Why can't we let this surrounding culture know what we think of it's attempts to mold us into it's image?
As we were leaving and I was telling my buddy about my thoughts he had a couple himself. He said that it would be awesome if Christians tithed like the alumni give to their Alma Mater.
Why can't we honor God with our finances like a dedicated alumni?
There was one thing that all those people had in common in the arena, they wanted their team to win. Every single person was willing their team on. Even though they lost, everyone wanted their team to win.
I wish Christians in the church would wake up and get real. We serve a great and awesome God who deserves painted faces and crazy screams from a people that desperately want to see His Kingdom advanced.
We'll see what happens tomorrow at church...
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