e-news for week of 2/27/11

If every month of 2011 was like February 2011, we would:

 Baptize 144 people
 Come in $160,000 above projected budgeted expenses
 Have set up an additional 1200 (composite number of 20-30 a week) chairs to accommodate 3rd service seating
 Walk an additional 12 miles a year (at least as a staff, elders, and deacons) because we are parking up on the north 40 to help ease parking
 Involve 120 teenagers in disciple making ministries

Let’s keep pursuing God and His design for our lives with a passion.

Okay, I’ll admit it – I’m still sore from the push ups in the sermon last Sunday…

We start a new series this Sunday called, “I.D.: Intense Disciples.” This series will focus on the book of Revelation. A minister was asked this question, “If you only had one book of the Bible that you could have with you, what would it be?” His answer of “Revelation” surprised me. His explanation as to why still inspires me:

In essence he said, “The gospels reveal Christ as Savior and Lord. In them we see His teaching, His dying image, and testimony about the resurrection. The book of Revelation, however, paints a picture of Jesus as He is right now. Triumphant, victorious, King of kings, Lord of lords. Too often we dwell on the past rather than experience the present. Revelation is a book of encouragement to the saints that keeps us all centered on the triumphant Christ. The world may spiral out of control, but God is always on His throne.”

I’d never thought about it that way before. Frankly, reading that is energizing. We think about the cross of Christ often – His sacrificial death. We do it around the communion table weekly – as well we should. In a phenomenal way however, Revelation reminds us – no matter what the circumstances – that Jesus Christ is triumphant and WE ARE HIS!

KABOOM – that is revolutionary, life altering, eternity impacting truth that should affect our daily attitudes. We’ll be in Revelation 1: 9-20 starting this Sunday.

[Stop reading if you are tired of reading – you’ve read the most important part – which is where we are in the word of God]

COUPLE OF BIGGER PICTURE ITEMS:

God wants us to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Toward that end, we’ve got some small asks and some medium sized asks for you as a body:

1. We’re praying through some realignment of Sunday morning ministries to help with space, growth, and flow. We need to ask for everyone to be praying for the best wisdom and discernment as to how to effectively achieve this as well as flexibility and the Forum “can do” spirit. (That’s the small ask)
2. We’re putting in front of us as a church body an over and above our tithes Easter Offering goal of $50,000. Our next connection piece will be coming out soon explaining all the details. This offering is designed to help facilitate growth (that’s the medium ask that will be in front of you). Easter is April 24th so we’re giving about a month and a half time for prayer, thought, and reflection for you and your family. As I say, greater details will be coming out soon.

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.

Scott