Reformission
Today is not only Halloween it is Reformation day.
On this day in the year 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg Germany.
The church as a whole had been selling forgiveness and misrepresented God’s truth. Luther’s act helped people to see that forgiveness is not bought or earned, it is given by grace through Jesus.
This simple act is marked as the beginning of great change in the church… the Reformation. A change that brought the Bible out of hiding, a change that brought God’s grace into light and a change that cost people a great deal personally.
Luther himself said, “Peace if possible, truth at all costs.”
Many say that today is a time that again great change is needed in the church. Many believe it is a time for reformission. Time for the church to stop living for it’s own needs and start going out with the missional and eternally significant story of Jesus. Time for us to get to work!!
Thank YOU!!
Both Brian and I are have been overwhelmed by your “Pastor Appreciation” gifts.
You need to know that it is our honor to be a part of this movement with you and that our greatest joy is watching God move through you.
We thank you… but know that you all are the real gift!!
Jesus and Halloween
I know there are a lot of different opinions about what Christians should do or not do on Halloween.
The purpose of this post is not to create debate on that topic, but rather to equip you to use this time to love your neighborhood and share Jesus.
The following is a short list of ways to point people toward Jesus this Halloween.
Remember that “You live in a mission field!” and this Friday they are going to come knocking on your door!
3 Simple Ideas
1- Thank you notes.
Have your children pre-create “Thank-you” notes to hand to everyone they receive candy from. Simply include a Bible verse that points to Jesus.
2- Say “Hello!”
Step up to the door… say “hello” to your neighbor. Never underestimate the impact of a smiling face and an open invitation.
3- Give more than candy
This idea is as old as Candy Corn. The concept is simple, tag your candy with a Bible verse. The prophet Isaiah writes that God’s word always accomplishes what he desires of it! Let’s get some of that sweet truth out there!
Why I believe. (week one)
Here’s the video from Sunday.
Thanks again to Jon for both sharing his story and answering questions afterward.
There were a couple of questions we didn’t get to because of time. I’ll throw them out here for discussion.
1) How would you approach a conversation / open a discussion with a close friend who is a Buddist or some other sort of belief to talk to them about Jesus?
2) Will people of other beliefs go to hell?
Also a special thanks to Stan for the background music. You can hear more of his stuff at Stansmusic.com!
Money perspective…
So, how rich are you compared with the rest of the world? Check out this little test to find out!
Makes me think of Jesus words,
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
Thanks to Todd at the Well for the link.
Wordle Message
Just for fun I took my notes from last Sunday’s teaching and threw them onto Wordle.net. (a random text cloud generator)
I had titled the teaching, “When all else fails” and this is what it kicked out.
Click on the pic for a larger view.
Anything stick out to you?
Video Shoot :: Why I believe.
We just did the raw video shoot for week one of our new series entitled, “Why I believe.”
Must say I am excited for this one.
We’re also going to try something new for us. Live Q&A time on Sunday.
Meaning… we’ll see someone’s story on the “big screen.” Then get to ask him questions directly via the magic of text messages!
Beware… Brian and I are getting the filming bug.
Thanks to All…
We had another awesome weekend at the women’s shelter. But how can you go wrong when things like chopping down trees, pinatas, concrete, pumpkins and food are on the to-do list.
I continue to be amazed by all of you! Keep it up friends and “Take it to the Streets!”
Some pics of the day…
Dane on the roof, the man is fearless! And Judith chopping trees!
It’s hard to see but the Pinata is being lowered here!
And here are Brian and his groupies leading some worship music.
Appearances can be deceiving…
Here’s a grandmother you wouldn’t want to mess with.
68 year old grandmother chases down 3 teenage thieves on foot!
Her bag was snatched by two teenagers. She out ran them and brought them to justice.
Christmas time…..is here?
Call me crazy, but I like my seasons and the holidays that come with each one. This being fall; I look forward to leaves changing, kids in batman costumes and of course Turkey day. So you could imagine my surprise when I stumbled across a slew of newly released Christmas music while reading through reviews.
This discovery was bittersweet though. On one hand as a worship leader of a church that is more rock n’ roll than pipes and brass I enjoy trying to find more non traditional renditions of ancient yuletides and even some of the more recently written tunes have been pretty decent. But c’mon, it’s hardly October!! The Vikes are only 3-3, can’t we at least wait until they are 3-8 (I love my Vike’s but seriously, they deserve some serious ridicule) before we starting singing along to Burl Ives?!
I know this probably sounds Scrooge-like and my wife would probably agree with you. So let me ask you this; what are some of your favorite discs, tapes, albums (you know you have ‘em!) that get pulled out of storage every year in preparation of the newborn king?
Don’t just give me the classics here either. Chipmunks, Muppets, Snoopy and any Ratpack member are off limits. That’s just a given. If you don’t like any of those you probably despise snow angels as well.
My fave’s:
-Third Day: Christmas Offerings
-Jars of Clay: Christmas Songs
-City on a Hill: It’s Christmas Time
-James Taylor: James Taylor at Christmas
-Brian Setzer: Boogie Woogie Christmas
-the WOW series Christmas discs (02 & 05)
Alright that’s plenty….I still have a LAWN TO MOW. Humbug!
