True Love Is Contagious

As I was sitting at my best friends wedding this weekend I couldn't help but smile.  Everyone there was so happy for the couple that was married.  No matter how they personally felt towards marriage, other people, or the couple themselves, every single person there was ecstatic that day.  I realized something then and there at the reception: true love is contagious.  When we see something so pure and real we cannot help but be amazed by it.  Not only are we amazed by it, but we desire it.  How would the lives of those around us changed if we could put on display our true love for God?  Would people be changed?  Is our love for God so pure that other people cannot help but admire and desire it?  My challenge is that if you want to see those people around you changed, what can you do to help them along the way?  Show your love for God through your service and good deeds.  Show your love for God through your interaction with others.  Love your spouse with everything you have.  I promise that if we do then we will change our world and the lives of those around us.

Excited about "Changed"

Let me first say that I am really pumped about this series that The Pointe is getting ready to start on Thursday night.  Here's why: it deals with a man whose life has been drastically changed by Christ.  It's a change of heart, change of attitude, change of perspective...ultimately what is awaiting change is his reputation with people he used to come across.  The book of Philemon deals with a man being restored to others.  It's a story of redemption.  It's my prayer that at the end of these three weeks we will all see the process of change in our lives and put it to action.

New Series Beginning Thursday Night: "Changed"

He became a slave. Who became a fugitive. Who came to know Christ. And overcame it all. Hear the story of Onesimus, the slave who betrayed Philemon, and the passionate efforts of Paul to convince Philemon to change his mindabout this truly changed man.  Join us for the next 3 weeks as we look at a life that was forever "Changed". 

Reaching Teenagers

So I think we have finally gotten to the point where we have to find new ways to reach teenagers.  We have a steady group of roughly 20 every week, but we seem like we have hit a wall with our attendance.  Now lots of people might be happy with a student group of 20 when you have only 3 teenagers with parents in our church, but that couldn't be farther from the truth for me.  I can't help but think that there are sooo many teenagers in Inman, Spartanburg, and the surrounding areas that need a relationship with Christ.  So much work to do...

Remembering The Stones In Your Own Life

Working hands on with a church plant for the past 10 months has taught me a lot.  I had always had a burden to work with a new church (and possibly plant one down the line) so being at Ridge Pointe Church has been the best thing for me.  It's insane for me to look back at the past ten months and evaluate what I have seen and remember all of the lessons that I've learned, whether by my own recognition or what Shane has taught me, and think that it's not even been a year yet.  

I encourage everybody to journal what you have and are learning about yourself and your specific situation.  Take the time to remember, because if you do I promise you will lessen your chances of making the same mistake twice.  Also, take time to write down and remember your "wins".  What has God done for you and the people you come in contact with?  Remembering and reflecting are some of the most powerful tools we can ever hope to have.

"When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?', then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off.  So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever." (Joshua 4.6-7)

Glorified Delivery Boy

So I've been trying more and more lately to evaluate what I do.  I try to figure out when it comes to preaching what my intent is/was, what God was trying to get across to our group and me as leader, and whether or not I delivered.  A friend once explained to me that being in ministry was like being a "glorified delivery boy".  That same friend also told me that it doesn't matter how it's delivered, but that the delivery boy brings it.  I know it sounds cheesy, but him saying that to me last summer has really meant a lot to me since becoming a youth pastor.  I try to focus on perfection, not realizing that as long as I'm trying my best to hear and be what God is calling me to be that everything will more than work out.

Along with all that, this week I evaluated.  What kept coming to mind was that I constantly qualify what I say when I preach.  I have been feeling the need to make sure that no one gets upset or that everything sounds "correct".  What I realized the other day, and what God has been pounding me with, is that my first job is to be the delivery boy, not necessarily the friend.  My priority must be delivering what God has for His Church, not what makes me more popular in His Church's eyes.  Always be willing to stand for God, no matter what the opposition, whether it comes from yourself or someone else.  Remember, we in ministry are called to be first and foremost a "glorified delivery boy" to our churches.

The Extra Pointe 10.3.08

"Zip It" week 1:  Containing Complaining

-your words reveal the condition of your heart: Matthew 12.34-37

-a negative heart brings negative words, which ultimately results in a negative life

-3 positive promises each of us must make:
1. I will not always hang out with negative people
-...bad company corrupts good character: 1 Corinthians 15.33

2. I will speak words of life
-the tongue has the power of life and death: Proverbs 18.21

3. I will be thankful for what I have
-give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus