TLCC's Big Idea Blog

Jesus Manifesto....Let's surrender to the Supremacy of Christ!

2009-09-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

A Magna Carta
for Restoring the Supremacy of
Jesus Christ
a.k.a.
A Jesus Manifesto
for the 21st Century Church
By Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola
Christians have made the gospel about so many things … things other than Christ.
Jesus Christ is the gravitational pull that brings everything together and gives them significance, reality, and meaning. Without him, all things lose their value. Without him, all things are but detached pieces floating around in space.
It is possible to emphasize a spiritual truth, value, virtue, or gift, yet miss Christ . . . who is the embodiment and incarnation of all spiritual truth, values, virtues, and gifts.
Seek a truth, a value, a virtue, or a spiritual gift, and you have obtained something dead.
Seek Christ, embrace Christ, know Christ, and you have touched him who is Life. And in him resides all Truth, Values, Virtues and Gifts in living color. Beauty has its meaning in the beauty of Christ, in whom is found all that makes us lovely and loveable.
What is Christianity? It is Christ. Nothing more. Nothing less. Christianity is not an ideology. Christianity is not a philosophy. Christianity is the ―good news‖ that Beauty, Truth and Goodness are found in a person. Biblical community is founded and found on the connection to that person. Conversion is more than a change in direction; it’s a change in connection. Jesus’ use of the ancient Hebrew word shubh, or its Aramaic equivalent, to call for ―repentance‖ implies not viewing God from a distance, but entering into a relationship where God is command central of the human connection.
In that regard, we feel a massive disconnection in the church today. Thus this manifesto.
We believe that the major disease of the church today is JDD: Jesus Deficit Disorder. The person of Jesus is increasingly politically incorrect, and is being replaced by the language of ―justice,‖ ―the kingdom of God,‖ ―values,‖ and ―leadership principles.‖
In this hour, the testimony that we feel God has called us to bear centers on the primacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Specifically . . .
1. The center and circumference of the Christian life is none other than the person of Christ. All other things, including things related to him and about him, are eclipsed by the sight of his peerless worth. Knowing Christ is Eternal Life. And knowing him profoundly, deeply, and in reality, as well as experiencing his unsearchable riches, is the chief pursuit of our lives, as it was for the first Christians. God is not so much about fixing things that have gone wrong in our lives as finding us in our brokenness and giving us Christ.
2. Jesus Christ cannot be separated from his teachings. Aristotle says to his disciples, ―Follow my teachings.‖ Socrates says to his disciples, ―Follow my teachings.‖ Buddha says to his disciples, ―Follow my meditations.‖ Confucius says to his disciples, ―Follow my sayings.‖ Muhammad says to his disciples, ―Follow my noble pillars.‖ Jesus says to his disciples, ―Follow me.‖ In all other religions, a follower can follow the teachings of its founder without having a relationship with that founder. Not so with Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus cannot be separated from Jesus himself. Jesus Christ is still alive and he embodies his teachings. It is a profound mistake, therefore, to treat Christ as simply the founder of a set of moral, ethical, or social teaching. The Lord Jesus and his teaching are one. The Medium and the Message are One. Christ is the incarnation of the Kingdom of God and the Sermon on the Mount.
3. God’s grand mission and eternal purpose in the earth and in heaven centers in Christ . . . both the individual Christ (the Head) and the corporate Christ (the Body). This universe is moving towards one final goal – the fullness of Christ where He shall fill all things with himself. To be truly missional, then, means constructing one’s life and ministry on Christ. He is both the heart and bloodstream of God’s plan. To miss this is to miss the plot; indeed, it is to miss everything.
4. Being a follower of Jesus does not involve imitation so much as it does implantation and impartation. Incarnation–the notion that God connects to us in baby form and human touch—is the most shocking doctrine of the Christian religion. The incarnation is both once-and-for-all and ongoing, as the One ―who was and is to come‖ now is and lives his resurrection life in and through us. Incarnation doesn’t just apply to Jesus; it applies to every one of us. Of course, not in the same sacramental way. But close. We have been given God’s ―Spirit‖ which makes Christ ―real‖ in our lives. We have been made, as Peter puts it, ―partakers of the divine nature.‖ How, then, in the face of so great a truth can we ask for toys and trinkets? How can we lust after lesser gifts and itch for religious and spiritual thingys? We’ve been touched from on high by the fires of the Almighty and given divine life. A life that has passed through death – the very resurrection life of the Son of God himself. How can we not be fired up?
To put it in a question: What was the engine, or the accelerator, of the Lord’s amazing life? What was the taproot or the headwaters of his outward behavior? It was this: Jesus lived by an indwelling Father. After his resurrection, the passage has now moved. What God the Father was to Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is to you and to me. He’s our indwelling Presence, and we share in the life of Jesus’ own relationship with the Father. There is a vast ocean of difference between trying to compel Christians to imitate Jesus and learning how to impart an implanted Christ. The former only ends up in failure and frustration. The latter is the gateway to life and joy in our daying and our dying. We stand with Paul: ―Christ lives in me.‖ Our life is Christ. In him do we live, breathe, and have our being. ―What would Jesus do?‖ is not Christianity. Christianity asks: ―What is Christ doing through me … through us? And how is Jesus doing it?‖ Following Jesus means ―trust and obey‖ (respond), and living by his indwelling life through the power of the Spirit.
5. The ―Jesus of history‖ cannot be disconnected from the ―Christ of faith.‖ The Jesus who walked the shores of Galilee is the same person who indwells the church today. There is no disconnect between the Jesus of Mark’s Gospel and the incredible, all-inclusive, cosmic Christ of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. The Christ who lived in the first century has a pre-existence before time. He also has a post-existence after time. He is Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, A and Z, all at the same time. He stands in the future and at the end of time at the same moment that He indwells every child of God. Failure to embrace these paradoxical truths has created monumental problems and has diminished the greatness of Christ in the eyes of God’s people.
6. It’s possible to confuse ―the cause‖ of Christ with the person of Christ. When the early church said ―Jesus is Lord,‖ they did not mean ―Jesus is my core value.‖ Jesus isn’t a cause; he is a real and living person who can be known, loved, experienced, enthroned and embodied. Focusing on his cause or mission doesn’t equate focusing on or following him. It’s all too possible to serve ―the god‖ of serving Jesus as opposed to serving him out of an enraptured heart that’s been captivated by his irresistible beauty and unfathomable love. Jesus led us to think of God differently, as relationship, as the God of all relationship.
7. Jesus Christ was not a social activist nor a moral philosopher. To pitch him that way is to drain his glory and dilute his excellence. Justice apart from Christ is a dead thing. The only battering ram that can storm the gates of hell is not the cry of Justice, but the name of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of Justice, Peace, Holiness, Righteousness. He is the sum of all spiritual things, the ―strange attractor‖ of the cosmos. When Jesus becomes an abstraction, faith loses its reproductive power. Jesus did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live.
8. It is possible to confuse an academic knowledge or theology about Jesus with a personal knowledge of the living Christ himself. These two stand as far apart as do the hundred thousand million galaxies. The fullness of Christ can never be accessed through the
frontal lobe alone. Christian faith claims to be rational, but also to reach out to touch ultimate mysteries. The cure for a big head is a big heart.
Jesus does not leave his disciples with CliffsNotes for a systematic theology. He leaves his disciples with breath and body.
Jesus does not leave his disciples with a coherent and clear belief system by which to love God and others. Jesus gives his disciples wounds to touch and hands to heal.
Jesus does not leave his disciples with intellectual belief or a ―Christian worldview.‖ He leaves his disciples with a relational faith.
Christians don’t follow a book. Christians follow a person, and this library of divinely inspired books we call ―The Holy Bible‖ best help us follow that person. The Written Word is a map that leads us to The Living Word. Or as Jesus himself put it, ―All Scripture testifies of me.‖ The Bible is not the destination; it’s a compass that points to Christ, heaven’s North Star.
The Bible does not offer a plan or a blueprint for living. The ―good news‖ was not a new set of laws, or a new set of ethical injunctions, or a new and better PLAN. The ―good news‖ was the story of a person’s life, as reflected in The Apostle’s Creed. The Mystery of Faith proclaims this narrative: ―Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.‖ The meaning of Christianity does not come from allegiance to complex theological doctrines, but a passionate love for a way of living in the world that revolves around following Jesus, who taught that love is what makes life a success . . . not wealth or health or anything else: but love. And God is love.
9. Only Jesus can transfix and then transfigure the void at the heart of the church. Jesus Christ cannot be separated from his church. While Jesus is distinct from his Bride, he is not separate from her. She is in fact his very own Body in the earth. God has chosen to vest all of power, authority, and life in the living Christ. And God in Christ is only known fully in and through his church. (As Paul said, ―The manifold wisdom of God – which is Christ – is known through the ekklesia.‖)
The Christian life, therefore, is not an individual pursuit. It’s a corporate journey. Knowing Christ and making him known is not an individual prospect. Those who insist on flying life solo will be brought to earth, with a crash. Thus Christ and his church are intimately joined and connected. What God has joined together, let no person put asunder. We were made for life with God; our only happiness is found in life with God. And God’s own pleasure and delight is found therein as well.
10. In a world which sings, ―Oh, who is this Jesus?‖ and a church which sings, ―Oh, let’s all be like Jesus,‖ who will sing with lungs of leather, ―Oh, how we love Jesus!‖
If Jesus could rise from the dead, we can at least rise from our bed, get off our couches and pews, and respond to the Lord’s resurrection life within us, joining Jesus in what he’s up to in the world. We call on others to join us—not in removing ourselves from planet Earth, but to plant our feet more firmly on the Earth while our spirits soar in the heavens of God’s pleasure and purpose. We are not of this world, but we live in this world for the Lord’s rights and interests. We, collectively, as the ekklesia of God, are Christ in and to this world.
May God have a people on this earth who are a people of Christ, through Christ, and for Christ. A people of the cross. A people who are consumed with God’s eternal passion, which is to make his Son preeminent, supreme, and the head over all things visible and invisible. A people who have discovered the touch of the Almighty in the face of his glorious Son. A people who wish to know only Christ and him crucified, and to let everything else fall by the wayside. A people who are laying hold of his depths, discovering his riches, touching his life, and receiving his love, and making HIM in all of his unfathomable glory known to others.
The two of us may disagree about many things—be they ecclesiology, eschatology, soteriology, not to mention economics, globalism and politics.
But in our two most recent books—From Eternity to Here and So Beautiful—we have sounded forth a united trumpet. These books are the Manifests to this Manifesto. They each present the vision that has captured our hearts and that we wish to impart to the Body of Christ— ―This ONE THING I know‖ (Jn.9:25) that is the ONE THING that unites us all:
Jesus the Christ.
Christians don’t follow Christianity; Christians follow Christ.
Christians don’t preach themselves; Christians proclaim Christ.
Christians don’t point people to core values; Christians point people to the cross.
Christians don’t preach about Christ: Christians preach Christ.
Over 300 years ago a German pastor wrote a hymn that built around the Name above all names:
Ask ye what great thing I know,
that delights and stirs me so? What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in? Jesus Christ, the crucified.
This is that great thing I know;
this delights and stirs me so: faith in him who died to save,
His who triumphed o’er the grave: Jesus Christ, the crucified.
---
Jesus Christ – the crucified, resurrected, enthroned, triumphant, living Lord.
He is our Pursuit, our Passion, and our Life.
Amen.
*****

Broken

2009-08-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone has heard the expression, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." The good Lord does not adhere to that advice. In fact, He most often breaks us in order to fix us, even when we think we're running along smoothly in life. I am currently in this process, and I don't care for it much. It seems this breaking process is cyclical and difficult, and I'm the one who makes it difficult because I resist. It's not that God doesn't like or love me as I am. It's just that He knows I can be better.

Looking back over my life, I see a pattern of these breaking times, and they usually occur just when I get to the point that I like and accept the finished result of the previous breaking. Comfort. Not a word Christians should really want in their vocabulary because comfort is fleeting for the Christian. The sermon today was on following Jesus. If you're comfortable, can you really be following? I'm not too sure that it's possible. I believe you can be content to follow, and should be content following Him. After all, He is all we need, right? So contentment is good, being comfortable is not. Walking in someone else's shoes should never feel comfortable. It should feel uncomfortable. Perhaps God breaks us, so that those shoes don't get comfortable for us, and He does it at just the precise moment we begin to feel comfortable. New shoes, new direction His son takes for us to follow, or new things for us to do for His kingdom that might cause incredible discomfort.

I'm getting married in just over four months. I'll have a new husband and stepson. I'm moving to a new town where I know probably 5 people, if that. Let's not even mention the job search I'll have (nothing with time off as sweet as I have now, that's for sure). I'm leaving the church family I've had for 12 years now. Finding a new church is no easy task. I've got a lot of breaking going on.

I've been single, and living with just my children, since 2003. That's a long time, and I'm a bit set in my ways. I have to be willing to compromise some of those ways, and that'll be fine. With three young children, you get pretty easy-going about stuff like that. A certain amount of pride accumulates when you're a single mother. And not the kind of pride you want to have. It's almost boastful. When I got divorced, I wanted to avoid this at all cost. It accumulated anyway, however, and I didn't realize it until the last few days. I'd gotten very used to taking care of the kids and myself, doing everything on my own (I even patched drywall and fixed my piano and moved heavy furniture and everything). When you're married, though, it's not about doing everything on your own. Spouses lean on and help each other. I have a very "I can do it myself" demeanor. That demeanor has to be broken, and it's being broken right now. It hurts. It's humbling. I don't like it, but how could I possibly be a good wife and mother if I don't go through it? I am, once again, going to be a helper to a wonderful man, and God is simply making me a suitable helper for him (Genesis 2:18).

There are many other things in me that need to be broken in order for me to achieve my goal of being a Proverbs 31 wife (this has always been a goal of mine, but cut short upon divorce. God has renewed this goal for me). In the difficult process of God breaking me to make me what I should be for my soon-to-be husband and our children, I will become a better follower of Jesus. Funny how the Father can fulfill two purposes at once. Being broken won't be comfortable (and isn't), that's for sure, but by keeping my eyes on Jesus, following Him, perhaps I won't notice it so much. By making Jesus my treasure, everything else I desire to be for Him, and for my family, will fall into place in His time. And because following Jesus is, as Pastor Dave said, evangelistic in nature, my experiences over the last several years in being broken and made whole again just might help someone else going through the same thing.

Tell me what you see!

2009-06-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine, they lay down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend.
"Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."

Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars."

"What does that tell you?" Holmes asked.

Watson pondered for a minute, then replied:
"Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.
Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are small and insignificant.
Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.
What does it tell you?"

Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke.
"Watson, you idiot. Somebody has stolen our tent!"

Read the gospel of Mark with Me

2009-04-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

For the next several weeks we are going to be studying the gospel of Mark and talking about the Power of Jesus! I would love it if you would join me and read a chapter each day in Mark. I will share my humble thoughts. And you could share yours!
Looking forward to reading what God shows us together as we read through this exciting book.

Part II of our journey away from the Shack

2009-02-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Shack in a very tiny nutshell:
Mackenzie Phillips (Mack) lost his youngest daughter, Missy, in a tragic abduction. Police suspect that Missy was murdered in an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. Her body was never found. Four years later, Mack finds a note, supposedly from God, inviting him to that shack for the weekend. Mack confronts his pain and dialogues with God (a black-woman named “Papa”), and the other members of the trinity (Jesus the Middle Eastern Carpenter; the Holy Spirit an Asian woman named Sarayu) about the weighty and important issues of the world. It is these dialogues which comprise the majority of this book, and which concern this review. The Shack is a metaphor for the psychological constructs we make out of our pain.

The Shack and The Atonement:
While some would say it is unfair to judge a fictional work from a theological perspective, the language of The Shack (not to mention the raving endorsements on the cover) make it apparent that this work is theological in nature. At its essence, The Shack seeks to provide answers to one of the greatest theological problems in the world: pain and suffering. Nitpicking and pettiness, which mark far too many Christian reviews, are not necessary in order to find the flaws in this novel. The author clearly seeks to break down the reader’s conception of God, and rebuild it with new conclusions. Technically speaking, any discussion of God is theology. The Shack is most certainly theology; simply in narrative form. The question is not whether theology itself is good or bad; but whether The Shack promotes good or bad theology.
Whether Christians agree or disagree on the varying topics in this book, the atonement presented by W.P. Young cannot be accepted by anyone who calls him or herself a Christian. Historically, it is a proper understanding of the Trinity that has distinguished orthodox Christianity from unorthodox (for a detailed discussion of the Trinity in The Shack see the linked article). While The Shack certainly falls outside the bounds of Christianity on the Trinity, the most devastating consequences of this subversive theology are in its views of salvation. Consider the following excerpt:
“Papa sat forward and crossed her arms on the table. “Honey, you asked me what Jesus accomplished on the cross; so now listen to me carefully: through his death and resurrection, I am now fully reconciled to the world.”
“The whole world? You mean those who believe in you, right?”
“The whole world, Mack. All I am telling you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I have done my part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.” (p. 192)
Young claims to answer the following question on behalf of God:
What did Jesus accomplish on the cross?
Answer:
God is now reconciled to the world.
When Mack clarifies “You mean those who believe in you?” and Papa restates “The whole world.” Not only does Young fail to describe in what way Christ has restored the world to God, the clear implication of this statement is that people will be saved without believing in Jesus. At best Young’s portrayal is lacking many important details, and at worst it is an all out call to universalism – the belief that everyone will be saved. Young’s choice of words neither affirms nor denies universalism, but he also fails to describe the means by which a man can be reconciled to God.
Consider another confusing dialogue. Jesus explained paradoxically that He does not intend to make Christians out of people:
…Does that mean...that all roads will lead to you?
'Not at all,' smiled Jesus...'Most roads don't lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you' (182).
Biblically, God will save people with no distinction to status, race, or gender (Rom. 3:22, 10:12). Everyone who believes in Christ will be saved regardless of their background. While Young certainly accommodates this view, he fails to mention that not all men will be saved. Furthermore, he implies that the term “Christian” is a non-biblical or institutionalized term (see Acts11:26). Rather than discussing what it means to truly be a Christian, the author plays games with language.
Other statements leave the reader equally confused about the nature of the atonement. Jesus tells Mack “I am the best way that anyone can relate [to God]” This is a far-cry from John 14:6 in which Jesus makes the claim that He is the only way to God. Toward the end of the book, Young states that God has forgiven all humans for their sins (p. 225). Throughout The Shack, language remains ambiguous enough that the reader cannot nail down any solid conclusions.

Turning a Fortress into a Shack (Part 1)

2009-02-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

Over the next few days, we are going to post a three or four part blog discussing a very popular book in Christian Circles today. Our hearts' desire in everything for you is that the discussion, study and thought brought about by honest intellectual and emotional engagement will draw each of us closer to God and aid in transforming us into the very image of Jesus!

Turning a Fortress into The Shack
W.P. Young’s The Shack makes a muddle out of Christ’s atonement
by Blake Loy

The reason for this article:
Bottom line: No issue is more important than the atonement of Christ. What Christ accomplished on the cross is the most important topic in the entire universe. While Christians would do well to let many disagreements and petty debates fade into oblivion, the atonement of Christ cannot be compromised. W. P. Young’s triumph of independent publishing, The Shack, addresses many spiritual concepts. While Christians can “agree to disagree” on many of the unorthodox views presented The Shack, Young’s portrayal of Christ’s atonement must not be accepted by any Christian.

Caution:
It is not my intent to deride William Paul Young or those who support the message of this book. Christians must stop throwing “babies out with the bathwater,” and must begin to embrace art which is beautiful and effective. I intend the utmost of respect and humility when approaching this review, and I hope that it will be helpful not slanderous or poorly received. Witch hunts are prevalent in Christian culture today. Unfortunately, evangelical Christians have developed a nasty reputation for rejecting film, music, and books for petty reasons. Culture is waiting on writers to make novels which are artistically relevant, and spiritual in nature. The Shack is an example of such a work of art; which bridges the gap between quality workmanship and religious appeal – in that I applaud the efforts of this author.

Great Words from Thomas Jefferson, 1801

2009-02-12T12:25:00.003-08:00

Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer, not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Thomas Jefferson, Washington D.C., March 4, 1801

Every Thursday at noon, I get together with people from the church to pray for our nation and most of all the Kingdom of God. I found this in a prayer book that we have used for the past several months. I especially liked the last sentence.
I would love to hear your thoughts about his words!

David

Theme for the Year!

2009-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks Janae DeWeese for creating such a great design for the entire year!!!
Looking forward to this Sunday. Don't forget to bring your Bible and a friend with you to church!

Love you all!

David

2009 Sermon Series

2009-01-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Check out the up and coming sermons for 2009! Our theme this year is...

Everything Jesus!

The PERSON OF JESUS

4-Jan Everything Jesus
11-Jan Living Logos John 1:1 and Hebrews 1
18-Jan I AM The Bread of Life
25-Jan I AM The Light of the World
1-Feb I AM The Door
8-Feb I AM The Good Sheperd
15-Feb I AM The Resurrection of the Life
22-Feb I AM The Way, the Truth, and the Life
1-Mar I AM The True Vine
8-Mar I AM
15-Mar He is Serious! Cleansing the Temple - $ (John 2:12-16 and Malachi 3)
22-Mar HE is Savior of the World (John 3)
29-Mar He is Sovereign (John 4)
5-Apr He's Our Comforter (John 14-16)
12-Apr EASTER - Our Redeemer (John 20)

THE POWER OF JESUS

19-Apr Change your Career (Mark 1:14-20)
26-Apr Calm your Storms (Mark 4:35-41)
3-May Heal the Sick (Mark 5:21-43)
10-May Mother's Day - To Give you a Song When You Don't Feel Like Singing (Mark 14:12-26)
17-May Multiply your Resources - $ (Mark 10:17-31)

PARABLES OF JESUS

24-May Sower (Luke 8)
31-May Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
7-Jun Rich Fool - $ (Luke 12)
14-Jun Great Banquet (Luke 14)
21-Jun Lost Son (Luke 15) - Father's Day
28-Jun Shrewd Business Manager - $ (Luke 16)
5-Jul Will the Real America Please Stand Up?
12-Jul Pharisee & Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
19-Jul Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

THE PASSION OF JESUS

26-Jul Baptism/Great Commission (Matt 28)
2-Aug Christlikeness (Luke 19:10)
9-Aug Vine - Bear Much Fruit (John 15)
16-Aug Sending of 72 (Luke 10:1-16)
23-Aug Zacchaeus
30-Aug Adulterous Woman
6-Sep Nicodemus
13-Sep Two Thieves

THE PREACHING OF JESUS

20-Sep Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5)
27-Sep Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6)
4-Oct Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7)
11-Oct Cost of Discipleship (Matt 8:18-22)
18-Oct Sending out of the 12 (Matt 10:1-42)
25-Oct Word to the Hypocrites (Matt 15:1-9)
1-Nov Value of Children (Matt 18:1-9)
8-Nov Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:34-39)
15-Nov Rich Young Ruler - $ (Matt 19:16-30)
22-Nov Marriage and Divorce (Matthew 19:1-11)

THE PROPHECY OF JESUS

29-Nov Signs of End Times (Matt 24:1-30)
6-Dec Days of Noah (Matthew 24:36-51)
13-Dec Sheeps and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
20-Dec Simeon (Luke 2:22-39)
27-Dec What's On Your Resume? (Matt 1:1-17)

A Prophetic Word!

2008-11-03T20:51:00.001-08:00

Max Lucado has a pray for tough times.

2008-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

More on Proposition 8 - Interview with The Parker Family

2008-10-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

A serious matter...

2008-10-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to direct your attention toward another blog today. Dudley Rutherford is the Senior Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church in Porter Ranch, Ca, one of the fastest growing churches in the Independent Christian Church and Church of Christ movement. His most recent entries are a must read for all of us who carry the Name of Jesus and are contending for the Faith.

Many of you already know that I am from California. This is my great friend and mentor. I credit Dudley for turning my heart toward God's calling to preach and the burden to reach the masses with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that my home church, as well as many others in California are living in an Epic time for the Kingdom of God! They need our prayers. We need to pray that they stand firm, and live courageously as they contend for the cause of Christ.

I believe that Christians have been silent too long. We have embraced our love of comfort with arms of complacency.

Not only do we need to consider the issues during this critical election, we need to consider where we stand with God and His Word.

Please take time to read his blog and feel free to write me your thoughts.
http://dudleyrutherford.blogspot.com/

David

Pray for Proposition 8

2008-10-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

On November 4 voters will go to the polls in California. One of the propositions on the ballot is Proposition 8 amending the California constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

Back in 2000, 61% of Californians (52 of 58 counties) voted to preserve the traditional definition of marriage (the 6 counties that did not are all in the vicinity of San Francisco). But then the California Supreme Court, by a 4-3 vote, overruled the will of the people and the design of God by saying that marriage does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation.

One of the reasons we should be praying for the November 4 vote is because there are no residency requirements in the Golden State. Homosexual couples can travel to California, marry, and return to their home state that will then be forced to recognize their marriages or face legal challenges.

University of Pennsylvania constitutional law professor Kermit Roosevelt, quoted in the Los Angeles Times, said, “[M]ore states [will] follow California’s example and the U.S. Supreme Court [will] eventually rule in favor of same-sex marriage….That decision will come at the end of a process that is now just beginning.”

All the more reason to pray.

Reprinted with permission from: Knowlesletter, October 2008, Vol.16, No. 10

Declaration to Satan!

2008-10-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

I shared this prayer that at the close of my sermon on Sunday. I obtained this prayer from a great friend and Pastor in CA, Dudley Rutherford. Many have asked for a copy of it, as I promised, I am posting it to the blog. May you continue to stand strong against the devil's schemes. This is no time to stand on the sidelines. Never stop praying against the devil. Remember that we who have put our faith in Jesus our victorious!

Pray! Pray! Pray!

Declaration to Satan
Satan, take note and listen well!
We are the Church of the Living God.
We are bought with blood, charged with power, married to Jesus,
indwelt with His Spirit, destined for victory, immune from destruction.

We’re part of the company of the committed,
the crowd of the covenant,
the congregation of the courageous.
We’re a fellowship of the faithful, a battalion of believers,
a regiment of the redeemed,
a division of the devoted, an army of the approved,
a team of the triumphant, and a platoon of the powerful.

Satan, you will not conquer me.
For I am blood-washed, daily-delivered, strongly-sanctified,
Spirit-soaked, in-Word, and indwelt.
You are wasting your energy on me.
My fate is set. My victory is assured.
I am linked with a sovereign and eternal power.

You are a deceiver, but you will not deceive me.
You are a roaring lion, but I am not devourable.
You are extremely subtle, but I am on to your ways.
You parade as an angel of light, but I walk in a stronger light.
Your days of deception are over with me.
I won’t be detoured, derailed, distracted, distorted, discouraged, or disillusioned by your schemes.

I am off limits to you now. My doors are closed and locked and I've thrown away the keys.

You won’t walk in, crawl in, slither in, sneak in, pry in, or barge into my life.
I have permanent and precious friend who lives inside of me, and He will not share this temple with anyone, especially you.

His name is Jesus.

He and I know that you know your time's almost up.

You may lie, lure, linger, lurch, and laugh, but you won’t get in.
Your days are numbered; your designs are dwindling; your evil is eroding; your devilishness is dissolving; your progress is poisoned; your success has been subverted.
So get off my property; get off my porch.
Get out of my sight.
For He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world.
Leave my family alone; leave my children alone; leave my church alone; and leave my friends alone.

God is on my side. Rather, I’m on God’s side.
I have the same power that delivered Jesus from temptation and sin.
I have the same power that raised Him from the grave.
I have been promised the victory, and I have claimed that victory.
You can summon all your hosts, but you will lose the battle!

We are the Church of the Living God! Blood-washed, Spirit-filled, battle-scarred, unrelenting and indestructible. And in the blessed words of Jesus Christ, the gates of hell will not prevail against us.

In Jesus’ name.
In Jesus' name.
In Jesus' name.

Are you listening?
In Jesus' name.

Amen and Amen!

We are the Champions!

2008-10-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hi there. This is Alana. You'll see my name over there to the side listed as a "contributor", although I haven't contributed much here on this blog, except for simply getting it started. I have been a member of what I call "blog world" for a little over a year and it has blessed me greatly. I think this blog has a lot of potential for helping us create more community within our church. Dave and I have been brainstorming ideas to spruce things up around here (the blog) as well as adding content that will leave you wanting to visit more and perhaps even join in the discussion.

One of the ideas we've spoken about is a forum type discussion on the sermon. Of course, in order to have a forum, we'll need you to get involved via the comment section. If you'd like to join in the discussion, simply leave a comment. In order to leave a comment, you must first create a google account with a username. Then at the end of the post, you simply click on "post a comment" and offer your thoughts.

I thought this week's sermon was a great place for us to start, so I will offer a few of my thoughts and then offer a couple of ways for you to enter the discussion, if you so choose.

The title of today's sermon was "Victory". Dave's starting thought was...

Don't forget: We are in a battle. (Ephesians 6:12)

I think as I mature in life and in spiritual life I am becoming more and more aware of this. I have started to recognize the areas that Satan targets me and have learned to resist him with scripture and calling on God to fight the battle for me. Because after all, we know in the end that He is the victor! This brings me great comfort and empowers me to fight instead of walking around in defeat. There are a couple of areas in my life that he has learned are easy targets. Although, by the grace of God, I see the targets getting smaller! For the sake of being transparent and in hopes of starting of the discussion, I will share a couple of them with you.

One area is in my desire to please men. I have always been a people pleaser, and although not all of you will relate to this, some of the darkest times in my life were when I had conflict with someone and was unable to resolve it. I'm also a peacemaker, so when there is unresolved conflict in my life it can take me to a dark place. A dark place where Satan is waiting and more than willing to "devour" me.

Another area is in my want for things. This manifests itself in different ways for me. One way is in regards to food and another way is with actual material things. I have bought into the lie for too long that these are needs and not wants and that I would not be "okay" without them. God has been teaching me lately that I can be more than okay without these things. In fact, I can be FREE without them. He has no desire for me to live in bondage.

Okay, it's your turn to enter the discussion. Here are a few questions to get you started...

1) Are you aware of the "battles" in your life?
2) In which battles have you found victory?
3) In which battles are you still struggling?
4) What are some of your favorite scriptures for "resisting" the Devil?

"...for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

1 John 5:4-5

HOPE!

2008-09-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

I hope that this video encourages you during this time of economic uncertainty. Crown Financial Ministries has so many resources to offer the local church. This is a great message from the CEO of the company. I think TLCC can make an impact in this community, specifically in the area of finances. Put your trust in Jesus!

2008-09-29T21:28:00.001-07:00

Your vote counts! Please watch this video and vote with wisdom and discernment. There are issues that deserve our attention and our vote.

Will you give your Life for the Kingdom?

2008-09-09T12:42:00.001-07:00

Patriot Nathan Hale Was Hanged
September 22, 1776
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Have you heard this famous declaration before? American patriot Nathan Hale said it on September 22, 1776, his last words before he was hanged for spying on British troops. How did this come to pass? Hale, born in Coventry, Connecticut, on June 6, 1755, and a teacher by trade, joined his five brothers in the fight for independence against the British.

Five of Nathan Hale's brothers fought the British at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. Nathan joined them on July 6. From there, he quickly rose to the rank of captain in the military. He fought under General George Washington in New York, as British General William Howe began a military build-up on Long Island. Washington took his army onto Manhattan Island. At the battle of Harlem Heights, Washington, facing Howe in battle yet again, asked for a volunteer to go on a spy mission behind enemy lines. Hale stepped forward.
Disguised as a Dutch schoolmaster, Nathan Hale set out on his mission on
September 1.
For a week he gathered information on the position of British troops, but was captured while returning to the American side. Because of incriminating papers Hale possessed, the British knew he was a spy. It is said that his cousin, a British sympathizer under Howe's command, betrayed him. Howe ordered young Hale to be hanged the following day. That's when Hale, who gave his life for his country, said those famous words.

Taken from www.americaslibrary.gov

Jesus commands that his followers must be willing to give their very life for him and the Kingdom. How is your life of Jesus-like self denial going?

Blessings!

One CRAFTy win!

2008-09-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Last night, I stayed up to watch UCLA upset the Vols in OT. What an exciting game. The first half didn't look that promising. the score really didn't tell the whole story at the end of the first half. Only down by 7 points, the Bruins went in the lockerroom with four interceptions from the third string quarterback.

Craft, came out and played a completely different second half and led the Bruins to an electrifying victory in OT.

No matter what the first half look like for you this morning, don't give up!
God's mercies are new every morning.

There are so many great lessons from this game. Many of the seniors on the team encouraged Craft and let him know that they were't giving up on him.
That was the first thing he stated in the post game interview.
Never underestimate the power we have to encourage one another!!

Be encourged. Don't Quit. We win! Because He already won. All we have to do is get out on the field and play!!!

The Spoken Word

2008-08-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Imagine a church that looks like God! TLCC can be this church, even in Southwest MO!

everyone is a missionary!

2008-08-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

So, the other day I read this statistic that if the world was a village of 100 people, 67 of them would not know Jesus.
Do the math. 33 people know Jesus. 67 don't. why? What are the 33 doing with the GOOD NEWS? Could they be doing more?
I want to make a difference in my "village" that I live in. I know that you do too. Oh, how the number of 67 could dramatically change if the 33 were burdened, motivated, and convicted to be the missionaries that God has called us to be.
Let's win our village to Jesus!
In the fall of 08 we are going to be speaking about missions around the number "67". Put your creative hats on a think with the team as we come up with ideas that center around this incredible number.
What could you do with 67 dimes?
Send out 67 postcards?

we would love to use one of your creative ideas!

David

When God Changes a Life!

2008-07-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

This was on Dave Ferguson’s Blog, I wanted to share it with you!

If you are a baseball fan then you watched Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers set a new single round record with 28 homers in the first round of Home Run Derby. Much more amazing is Josh Hamilton's story of how God saved him from a life of drugs and alcohol that almost ruined him. He said, "When I get the urge to have a drink or do something I'm not supposed to do, I think about what a hypocrite I would be to my Christianity and my sobriety." He continued, "My wife told me in the midst of my addiction that God was going to let me get back to baseball." Then Josh Hamilton added, "Being able to share my story, that's what it's all about." If you want to read more about his story here is one version in the Dallas News. My favorite line of the night was from one of the ESPN announcers while Hamilton was clobbering homer after homer out of Yankee Stadium, "It's not a good night to be an atheist."

I have a dream too!

2008-03-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

I have a Dream by John Stott

In a sermon given by John Stott, preacher and author, given on the 150th anniversary of All Souls Church in 1974, he concluded his sermon with his own dream for the church. He was asked to celebrate the history of the church while looking to the future.

This is what he wrote: (by John Stott, The Living Church, Intervarsity Press: 2008)

I have a dream of a church which is a biblical church-
which is loyal in every particular to the revelation of
God in Scripture,
whose pastors expound Scripture with integrity and
relevance, and so seek to present every member
mature in Christ.
whose people love the word of God, and adorn it
with an obedient and Christ-like life,
which is preserved from all unbiblical emphases,
whose whole life manifests the health and beauty
of biblical balance.
I have a dream of a biblical church.

I have a dream of a church which is a worshipping church-
whose people come together to meet God and worship him,
who know God is always in their midst and who
bow down before him in great humility,
who regularly frequent the table of the Lord Jesus, to
celebrate his mighty act of redemption on the cross
who enrich the worship with their musical skills,
who believe in prayer and lay hold of god in prayer
whose worship is expressed not in Sunday services
and prayer gathering only but also in their
homes, their weekday work and the common things of life.
I have a dream of a worshipping church.

I have a dream of a church which is a caring church-
whose congregation is drawn from many races,
nations, ages and social backgrounds, and exhibits
the unity and diversity of the family of God,
whose fellowship is warm and welcoming
and never marred by anger, selfishness, jealousy or pride,
whose members love another with a pure heart
fervently, forbearing one another’s burdens,
which offers friendship to the lonely, support to the
weak, and acceptance to those who are despised
and rejected by society,
whose love spills over to the world outside, attractive,
infectious, irresistible, the love of God himself.
I have a dream of a caring church.
I have a dream of a church which is a serving church-
which has seen Christ as the Servant and as heard
His call to servant too,
which is delivered from self-interest, turned inside
out, and giving itself selflessly to the service of others,
whose members obey Christ’s command to live in the
world, to permeate secular society, to be the salt of
the earth and the light of the world,
whose people share the good news of Jesus simply,
naturally and enthusiastically with their friends,
which diligently serves its own parish, residents and
workers, families and single people, nationals and
immigrants, old folk and little children,
which is alert to the changing needs of society,
sensitive and flexible enough to keep adapting its
program to sever more usefully,
which has a global vision and its constantly
challenging its young people to give their lives in
service, and constantly sending its people out to serve.
I have a dream of a serving church.

I have a dream of a church which is an expectant church-
whose members can never settle down in material
affluence or comfort, because thy remember that
they are strangers and pilgrims on earth,
which is all the more faithful and active because it is
waiting and looking for its Lord to return,
which keeps the flame of the Christian hope burning
brightly in a dark, despairing world,
which on the day of Christ will not shrink from him
in shame, but rise up joyfully to greet him.
I have a dream of an expectant church.

Such is my dream of a living church. May all of us share this dream, and under God may the dream come true!

Amen Church! Amen!

In Love,

David

Sabbath Rest

2008-02-29T06:09:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday Nights at Tri-Lakes Christian, a group is studying Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero. Great Book! In the most recent chapter that we studied entitled, Discovering the rhythms of the daily office and sabbath, he shares a marvelous story concerning the sabbath and that we are more rested and productive in our journey with the Lord and in this world when we take time to sabbath.

There is a story of a wagon train of Christians traveling on their way from St. Louis to Oregon. They observed the habit of stopping for the Sabbath during the autumn but as winter approached the group began to panic in fear they would not reach their destination before the snows began. a number of members of the group proposed they quit the practice of stopping for the Sabbath and travel seven days a week. This caused an argument in the community until it was finally decided to divide the wagon train in two groups. One group would observe the Sabbath day as before and not travel. The other would press on.

Which group arrived in Oregon first? Of course-the ones who kept the Sabbath. Both people and their horses were so rested by their Sabbath observance they could travel much more efficiently the other six days.

See you Sunday!

David

The Greatest Highlight!

2008-02-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

Right now you can place your vote for the greatest highlight of history in sports, on ESPN with Chris Berman as the host. The two final highlights to choose from are the Boise State's Statue of LIberty beats Oklahoma and the "Miracle on Ice" when Mike Eruzione's goal gave the USA hockey team the lead against U.S.S.R.. you can view them at www.ESPN.com
Which one will you vote for?

Funny how both are victories? Would they even be considered if they didn't end in victory?

The two greatest highlights that have my vote would never been found on the list of ESPN. Both end in victory. One is a victory over sin, the other over death...

One is Calvary, the other an Empty Tomb...which one wins your vote. I know, you can't have one without the other. Without Calvary, there is no resurrection. Without the resurrection the death of Jesus would not have been the perfect sacrifice.

This Easter we celebrate the amazing highlights of Jesus' death and resurrection. God died and God came back to life!

Chris Berman...which one has your vote?

Biblical Mannhood on Ice!

2008-02-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

On the sovereign grace web site, C.J. Mahaney had this picture and thought. I completely agree...

"In the midst of the Super Bowl hype you may have missed an example of masculinity.

Last Thursday, after the Washington Capitals defeated Montreal 5-4, Alexander Ovechkin was quoted (in broken English) saying, “Today was special day. I broke my nose, I have stitches, I score four goals.”"

I pray that the men of Christ realize that Biblical manhood is not for wimps. We are in a battle. Men, I pray that today is a special day. As you fight for the souls of your sons and daughters, may you walk away with a broken nose and some stitches!

Being a Christian man never sounded so cool!

I wonder if Christ ever asks, "which one of you will fight like a man?"

Blessings,

David

Tornadoes Ravage the Ozarks

2008-01-08T06:21:00.001-08:00

The night after the storm. An early estimate is around 10 to 12 tornadoes touched down last night across the Ozarks.

Currently by the Grace of God, only two people lost their lives. several were injured. Our thoughts and prayers wre with those today.

TLCC has a few families that were directly in the path of the severe weather last night. We are thankful that everyone is safe and doing well today.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord. He gives and takes away. Our hearts will praise Him in the storm and we will praise Him in the warmth of the sun.

I love you all. If there is a need because of the storm last night that you are aware of. please contact the church office so that we can be of assistance during the recovery efforts.

Blessings!

David Patrick

2007-12-13T12:10:00.001-08:00

This is a prayer I found in a book I am currently reading:

I asked God for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might humbly learn to obey.
I asked for health that I might do great things,
I was given informity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power when I was young that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need for God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

Praise God! I am blessed.

2007-11-12T13:49:00.001-08:00

Pray!

Let's begin to really Pray! Pray for TLCC to make a difference as she leaves the building.
Pray for hearts to surrender and the waters of the baptistry to be stirred.
Pray for the Youth of this area to come to Christ and for the Student Ministry of TLCC to grow.
Pray that the men of the church rise up and start leading their families and this church for the Glory of God!

Pray! Pray! Pray that the Holy Spirit move people toward repentance and that we begin to move in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel of Jesus to a lost and dying world!

Pray for the Children's Christmas Musical to be a blessing during the Christmas season.

Pray for me. Just because!

Pray so that we may stand against the devil's schemes.

Pray....Maranatha! Maranatha. Come quickly Lord Jesus!

David

Widgets!

2007-11-08T10:19:00.001-08:00

I have a new widget for my dashboard for the MAC. Just testing it out.

I love the mac world!

David

Contagious!

2007-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

A new series is just around the corner. every year around this time in the fall, we cover the topic of stewardship. This year the title comes from a book by Barry Cameron, Contagious Generosity. I pray that over the next three weeks, that every person catches this principle from God's Word. Join TLCC as we discover the key to continuos blessing.

On completion of Contagious Generosity, we will launch into our Christmas series: The Perfect Christmas.

I am curious, what is your idea of a perfect Christmas?

December 9th, we will host Christmas at the Lakes! This will be an event for the whole family. I can't wait. the Children are working so diligently on their musical called Christmas Crosstalk. We will also have a great worship time that will warm your heart and turn your eyes toward the light of the world! The team is also working on some other fun and exciting things that will make it a night to remember. Don't miss Christmas at the Lakes.

give us your thoughts...

Love you all dearly,

David

Open Doors!!!!

2007-11-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

I hope that you have been motivated and encouraged to invite someone to Church this week. I am praying that even between now and Sunday that many of you will make it a priority to call a friend, neighbor, even a loved one and invite them to church.
If you look at the image for the sermon series, you will notice that the door is open. Indeed, the door is open. The door is open like never before in our culture, in our town, in our communities to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Look for those open doors and if you don't have an open door, pray for God to open them! Paul in his letter to the church in Collosee asked them in his final thoughts to pray for doors of opportunity to be open so that he may proclaim the gospel even while he was in chains. Do you see the irony of it? Paul is not praying that God open doors of freedom so that he could get out of the chains that were shackeled to his feet. No, Paul was praying for open doors of oportunity to share the gospel while standing in the chains that bound him. Wow!

"In Chains" some of us probably feel like God has allowed us to be "in chains." But could I encourage you for a bit? Those chains just might be the very "pulpit" or "platform" that enables you to share about Jesus and how he has changed your life.
What chains has God allowed to shackle you so that the great "go" mission might be fulfilled?

Some of us miss the open doors of opportunity that God puts before us because we are too focused on how we think God should open doors. I pray for a lot of things, I think I am going to start praying more for open doors of opporunity to share the Gospel.

Hello Church!

2007-10-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am so proud to be your Pastor! I think that TLCC is made up of some of the most loving, gifted, sacrificial and enthusiastic people I know. I also think that we have some very creative people in our chairs every Sunday.

the Big Idea team wants to hear your ideas and thoughts. give us your feedback on things.

The upcoming series is The Church has Left the Building!

this week: What is in it for me?
October 28th: The Great "Go" Mission!
Nov. 4: The time is NOW!
Nov. 11: Transformed by love.

What do you think of when you see these titles?
Are you inviting your friends, neighbors and co-workers?

Thank you for treating Mark Moore so kindly. I told you he was good! He and his wife Barbara enjoyed their visit. You blessed them with your hospitality. Thank you!

I thank God evyday that I get to be the Lead Minister of TLCC at this very time in this very place. Oh, what fun!

David Patrick

New Church Has Left the Building Image

2007-10-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

Rich asked me to post this image to the blog. Feel free to leave feedback...

The Elephant has left the biulding!

2007-10-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Poverty. AIDS. Homosexuality. Abortion. Pornography. Some big elephants in the room were discussed. I am curious to know what the Big Idea Team thought and would also like to know Elephant in the room topics for next year.

What do you think?

TCHLTB Image

2007-09-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Church has left the Building

2007-09-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

The elephant is still in the room. abortion and porn Sunday is all that is left of the sad elephant. If I can figure out how to upload the images to flickr, once I figure out how to grant access, I will post the image for the next series...The Church has left the Building!

A great read...for the readers in the team is The Gutter by Craig Gross.

It's time to leave the building and go to the gutter. Jesus said "go!"

The schedule for that series is:

The Great "GO" Mission - Jesus said Go...enough said!
Looking out for #1 - serving others before serving ourselves
Starving Jesus - Matthew 25
Following Jesus - following Jesus to the gutter...several portraits

Just getting started...

Welcome to the Table!

2007-09-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Dave and I are both excited about this new method for us to brainstorm and share ideas for the Big Idea Team at TLCC. Check out Dave's post below to see what he has to say about it!

The idea with the blog is to have a forum for us to discuss upcoming sermon series, share constructive criticism, and brainstorm. We're looking for ideas to better communicate the Big Idea (or the theme of the service, sermon series, etc.) to the people of the church. Think broad. Don't be afraid to share ideas and put yourself out there. Some ideas we will use, some we may not use, and some we'll table for later.

We're still trying to figure out exactly how this will work, but bookmark this blog in your favorites and check back often. When you have a thought or idea to share, scroll down to to the end of the relevant post and leave a comment.

If you have questions, please feel free to email or call!

What's the Big Idea?

2007-09-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hey Team...
I am so jazzed about this new opportunity for the Big idea team at TLCC.
A big Idea thanks to Alana for nudging me thru the door to the "blogger" world. I am lost, but I am here...that says something doesn't it?

The more we communicate and share ideas and collaborate, the better the team will be. I thrive off of input from the TLCC Big Idea team...your ideas and creativity are inspiring to me.

Do you feel innovative...

Now that Blake has come on board to lead our Student Ministry and Worship Team, Alana will be able to focus much needed attention on this team.

This team has so much potential. I am amazed at the gifts, and talents that God has brought to this church. We will be getting together soon! Alana will let us know when that will be.

Without Him we are nothing. Because of Him we are here, right now, for this very purpose.

Thank you Lord Jesus!