As today winds down, I find myself filled with gratitude for the grace of God. Today with TJC was a great day. We finished Ephesians 2:10 this morning. I believe it is one of the most important sermons I have ever, or will ever, give. The whole issue surrounds the question: how are we to live? In light of the grace of God through Christ, how then shall we live in this world? We emphasized the idea that we only have one life, don't waste it. We don't want to waste our lives on vain pursuits. We don't want to live pursuing the American Dream, we are called to pursue the Kingdom of God. The message should be posted tomorrow on the Media page of our website.
Two elements of our service today that stood out to me were our prayer time at the end of service and our corporate singing of "I Surrender All" as a church to conclude the message. I plan for us to do this a bit more frequently than we have in the past. I would like for us to take more time in our services to pray specifically for those who have needs. Today was a good start to that practice.
Next Sunday we begin a 5 week series called Counter Culture: Living for Christ in a World that Hates Him. We are going to explore how believers should approach living in a culture that is hostile toward Christ and Christians. We are going to look at many of today's hot-button topics and see what the Bible teaches us. Don't miss this series as we explore this vitally relevant discussion on living as Christians in this culture. Invite a friend.
Lastly, this week I will be writing several blog posts that I believe will be helpful to you and your faith. I'm going to write on accountability in our lives, the reality that there is much more to walking with God than many experience in their lives, defining and understanding biblical manhood and womanhood, and more. I'm going to be covering a variety of topics, but each of them are intended to help you grow in your faith and help point you in the ways of God. I hope you stop by and read.
I pray this for you as you prepare to start a new week: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26 ESV).
It is the end of a great Sunday. I truly love getting to pastor this church and spending my life with all these wonderful people.
Highlights of the day:
**Josh and Philip did an amazing job, once again, in leading the church in worship. We miss Robbie and we are grateful for all his leadership over the years. But it is wonderful to watch these two guys, as well as the whole band, step up to the plate and lead the church in worship. I can really tell they are settling in and growing more comfortable.
**We also had communion following worship today, which is usually where we do the offering. I thought this worked well, and I especially enjoyed giving the kids who have made professions of faith an opportunity to share in that moment with us.
**I felt the sermon went okay. I never leave church feeling like I've hit a grandslam. I'm always wondering if it connected with everyone. I'm always left praying God will take it and make it powerfully applicable to the issues people are facing.
**The one thing I do pray is left in everyone's mind is the boasting box. I appreciate Frank Bishop and Chris Boykin being my participants this morning. I pray the image will always remain in our minds. We have no room for self-boasting. God's grace is a gift, along with the faith to apprehend it, that should leave us with only one boast - the cross of Christ.
**We commissioned my good friend and fellow laborer, Todd Bates. Todd became an official elder at TJC today. He has patiently endured the process for several years, sharpening his character and skills. It was both an honor and a joy to share that moment at the end of service.
**We had Gospel Community tonight at my house. We had a great conversation around the dinner table about our personal relationship with God. We also talked about how the church can be more intentional in ministering to the hurting on Sundays. It was such an encouraging time. Everyone needs to be in community!!
Important Reminders
**Don't forget about the new series starting in two weeks, Counter-Culture. Be sure to invite people to join you at church for this series. I would love to see us use Facebook and Twitter to promote this series. If you see the series logo be sure to share it with others.
**The Student Ministry begins full board this Wednesday. They will begin meeting at my house. I'm really excited for this. If you have students 6th - 12th grade, we want them to be there. Refer others as well. See: www.tjcstudents.blogspot.com for more info.
**TJC Men are taking a retreat. Guys, you need to get signed up ASAP. It is going to be a great time together. The dates are September 6th-7th. Go to the Connection Point Table to sign up next Sunday.
I love pastoring this church. I pray today was a great day for you. May God bless and guide each of you this week.
Question: what was the highlight of the day for you at church?
