GO FALCONS!

I got a pretty awesome opportunity to go to the Falcon's game yesterday afternoon with my father-in-law (later referred to as FIL). To be completely honest, after getting off the MARTA train, I was saying to myself, "there is no way in hell I am coming to another game." I felt like I was being herded with the other cattle on the ranch as they blocked off certain sidewalks so that EVERYONE had to walk one way.

Eventually we got to our seats and sat down. I am not really one to get into NFL games. I don't jump up and hollar on 3rd down "DEEEEEE-FEEEENCE!!!" That's just not what I like to do. I am usually the one at home on the couch with an ice cold Dr. Pepper in the reclining position. But, nevertheless, we were there, and I was truly looking forward to it.

About half way through the first quarter, an older man sat down next to my FIL. I never caught his name, but man was he excited! If anything happened, he was up and yelling, then slapping fives with us. He made the experience worth while.

As I was sitting there in the dome I started thinking. If Jesus was down on that field, I bet I would be up screaming at the top of my lungs for Him. But what about the other 60,000 people in that place...would they be doing the same?

I truly believe that if Christians started living like Christians, this world would become a drastically different place. WE ARE ALL IN NEED OF THE MERCY OF CHRIST! We need to be about Jesus' business of changing lives for HIM!

I continue to pray that 2009 will be a huge year for Jesus. I pray that he would use us as His agents of change in a world shot to crap. What are you going to let Christ do through YOU for OTHERS??

What's Wrong With Us?

It is no surprise that if you look around there is something wrong with this world. Whether you believe it's little things like people telling lies, or people being murdered everywhere. There is something broken in this world...

I have become frustrated with church corporately in the fact that we seem to not address the reason this world is so screwed up; the reason is that we are all sinners. If you put a bunch of sinners together in a room, sin happens. Maybe that's why the non-Christians view Christians as such hypocrites. The truth is that we are all in need of the saving grace of Jesus.

The book of Romans says that no one seeks after God. No one is righteous. So this should explain what is so wrong with the world we live in. The sad part is not the fact that there are lost people out among Christians, it's that Christians could care less that their neighbors are going straight to hell! I mean honestly, if you are a Christian, when is the last time you talked to someone about Christ? And hey, I am speaking about myself as well...I fall WAY short all the time. It's almost like we are afraid to...huh?

How can we be afraid to tell people about the life-changing, chain-breaking, redeeming Savior Jesus? "What's the worst that could happen?" As my father always puts it? They won't listen;they won't accept. In the end, that's God's sovereign power that we must press into. If God wants to save someone, He will. We must plant the seed, God will make it grow (cf Matt. 13).

MAN UP and talk about JESUS! Use the word of God to allow Him to change the community around you. It is possible! Christianity started as a small movement that influenced the community around it. Now it is a huge, impotent one...what are YOU going to do about it??

Each one Reach ONE!

I had posted several months ago that was entitled "Each One Reach One." I am reiterating that post just a little. 

How amazing would it be that if each Christ follower reach one individual that was far from God. Now, before you go and think that someone who is far from God is an individual that shoots up heroin or smokes crack, or maybe even has a drinking problem...these are not the only people that may be far from God...it may be your best friend who has been going to church for a while but has somehow become dormant in their faith. You can reach out to those closest to you at times.

This week, I want to challenge any individual that may come across this blog to invite at least ONE person to your church this coming Sunday. Allow the power of God to change their lives, but it must start with those who are following after Christ to plant the seed. So go out and plant those seeds and watch your church be transformed!

Dredg

Court and I went to see one of my favorite bands on Saturday night- Dredg. I would have to say that they were amazing as always, but something interesting comes to mind. There were hundreds of people raising their hands, banging their heads, and jumping up and down for this band. Some people would close their eyes and just sway back and forth to the rhythm of the songs. I would say there is nothing wrong with that, but there is...I think God should get some of that "worship."

If I compare Saturday night to Sunday morning it makes me cringe. I recall seeing some hands in the air on Sunday, but very few. I also recall a few people closing their eyes, but very few. What's the deal?

I know that I get pumped about college football (except when Georgia gets raped). You see thousands of fans in the stands shouting, throwing up their hands for HOURS on end. But how many of those die hard fans that are Christians do the same for Jesus on Sunday mornings? 

Just something to think about the next time you are at a concert and you want to put your hand in the air... why are you doing that? Maybe something to think about the next time you exclaim loudly when your team scores a touchdown... why are you doing that? What's so great about man that we praise him more than our Creator? Where is the fear?

BLinK!

Yesterday a friend of mine, Erik, talked about serving. It was a great little message on how we blink and a year goes by, or five years go by. So many Christians, and non-Christians I am sure, set out to "do good things" for the community around us. The sad fact is scarcely do we actually do anything.

Erik is the face behind "Dude, Share The Food!" He read an excerpt from a book he is currently reading that went a little like this- 

(This is a paraphrase!)

"Today, we got a shipment in from a local church who will remain nameless. On the top of the box it said, 'for the homeless.' I was excited so I opened the box eagerly and the inside was full of microwave popcorn. We hardly have electricity, and sure do not have a microwave. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. Within a few days we got another shipment in from the Mafia. They sent some bikes for the little girls, a turkey for each family, and donated thousands of dollars to the organization. I guess God can use the Mafia, but I really wish He would use the church..."

This man lives on the street if you didn't catch that. He and some other homeless have obtained a warehouse to live in, and he is there to minister to them as much as possible. It is so sad that the church has better things to do then to spend time with those who are less fortunate than they are. I know I am guilty of that and I was totally convicted yesterday. 

We are just TOO busy these days. At least we like to think we are. "I can't, I just have so much to do." Read or Re-read Matthew 25:31-35...

-cg

What is Church?

I saw this video today and I thought it was great! Perfect example of what the Church should be:

Wake UP!

I had heard about Oprah's new church recently, but did not know anything about it. I came across this video today...CRAZY! Check it out: