The Next Top Model…

This TV Reality Show with Tyra Banks take some everyday girls who would like to break into the Modeling Industry and gives them a shot at becoming America’s Next top Model.In 1Thessalonians 1:6-8 Paul talks about the Thessalonians who followed after the example of Paul and Jesus and became a MODEL for others throughout Achaia and Macedonia.

In John 13:15 Jesus said He came as an example for us to walk in.

What kind of Model are you?

I understand Paul’s pride in those who were being models to others.  I get excited when I see people on Sunday intentionally being an example of the kind of worshiper we should be.  There are a couple of guys I know who are our church’s Top Models.  Pastor Ben, whether he realizes it or not, is one of my biggest cheerleaders on Sundays and I try to be his.  He pulls out his Bible and takes notes.  He stays engaged with me throughout my sermon Modeling what it means to be a disciple who desires to learn and apply the Word of God.  For Pastor Ben I try to be near the front to model the kind of worship that God deserves and hopefully becomes contagious to others.  I also think of the example of  my father who has a way of changing the entire atmosphere in a room when he worships because he models an enthusiasm and passion for Jesus in worship that is an encouragement to the worship-leader and an example to other worshipper.  This reminds me of the scripture that says the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David.

Our whole life is about modeling the example that has been given to us by Jesus and others.

Are you The Next Top Model?

 

What do you think?

I am currently reading a book called “I’m OK - You’re Not: The Message We’re Sending Nonbelievers and Why We Should Stop“, which I’ll write about after I’ve finished it.  However,  I would like to pose a question that it has raised and see what you think.  Here it goes.  What is more important, to love people or get them saved?  Does the great commandment trump the great commission?  Should we pay more attention to the Great Commission than the Great Commandment?  (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:33; Matthew 28:18-20)  OK, that’s maybe 3 questions or the same 3 ways.  So, what do you think?  Please Comment.

How an Atheist ministered to me…

You ever thought about what goes through the minds of some people?

As christian leaders, this is the question.  This has to be “the question.”  We have to evaluate our ministry based upon this question. 

When someone walks through the doors of our church it is our job to remove as many obstacles as we can between that person and them having an encounter with God.  There is much about what we do as Christians that makes no sense to an unbeliever.  There is frankly much that we do in church that makes no sense to unbelievers.  We have to ask ourselves, as we look at what we do, what would an unbeliever think?  Would this be an obstacle to them or would this help them encounter Jesus. 

I believe a sign of maturity is when our attention turns from ourselves and how we want it in our churches to the needs of others, especially unbelievers.  Paul told the church in Colossee to be wise in how they act toward those outside the faith.  Colossians 4:5  He also tells us that we need to be mindful of the needs of others. Philippians 2:4  We have to ask ourselves what the needs of unbelievers are when we are ministering to them.  What goes through their minds?  If we are wise this will affect how we do what we do.

Some food for thought.  How an Atheist ministered to me…  Take a look at this little book by Jim Henderson & Matt Casper called “Jim & Casper Go To Church.” Jim is a Christian / retired pastor and Casper is an Atheist.  They team up and travel the US visiting 12 well known Churches documenting their experiences at and their reactions to each one.  This is an easy and interesting read.  It will cause you to take a look at what we do in our western Christian Churches and if we really know what is on the minds of those who we say we want to reach with the love of Jesus.   Read this book!

Christmas Message Series…

Presence  

If you could ask for one life changing thing, what would it be? 

This could be just another year of Christmas as usual - visiting relatives, eating too much and spending the rest of the year paying off the credit cards, or it could be a year God’s presence transforms your life, your relationships, and your community. 

Join us over the next three weeks as we experience the Presence.  Invite a friend or co-worker to this Life Transforming time in God’s Presence.

Presence >>> Current Series: December 9, 16 & 23 @ 10:30 am  (also on the 23rd @ 7:00 pm)

Becoming The Dwelling Place…

Someone asked me the other day, “Are you double blogging?”  The answer is yes.  How crazy is that?  Like I have time?

Anyway, I just wanted you to check out this other site.  It is directly related to our Church and what God is doing with us and developing through us.  I hope you will check it out, pray for us and leave your thoughts and encouraging comments.

www.becomingthedwellingplace.wordpress.comEphesians 2:22