Monday After The Sermon

Sunday April 22, 2007/Sharing the message

"Sharing the Message"

Lu. 4: 16 - 20

I like many was saddened and bewildered to hear the news of the Virginia Tech tragedy. As the reports of the shooter began to unfold I wondered what had prompted Cho Seung Hui to do such a thing?

It had been stated that he did not talk a lot, and was always quiet and to himself. Then later stories began to unfold that he had been teased a lot while attending both Jr. and Sr. high schools.

Then after watching the video, I began to think this is someone who had lost hope of a brighter future. I then thought what could have been done to prevent such a terrible action. Did anyone share the message of Jesus Christ with Cho.

So often, we come into contact with people every day who are hurting for one reason or another, and the message about Jesus could change their lives.

What do we need to know or understand as believers about the obligation to share the message of Jesus Christ?

1. Purposed to share the message.
2. Pardoned for a new future.
3. Purposed to proclaim God's goodness.

PL

Virginia Tech Tragedy

The tragedy at Virginia Tech University has shocked and shaken all of us in one way or another.

My continued prayers are offered to the families and students of those who have met this tragedy head-on. Jesus says: Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted.

PL

the gospel remix by Ralph C. Watkins

This weekend I finished reading the gospel remix by Ralph C. Watkins it was enjoyable and I learned a lot. Dr. Watkins gave some insight into how to understand the values of the Hip Hop culture. I appreciate the way he points the reader in directions to do further study and exploration of this very complex culture.

Also how to make use of available resources like CD's, Club Flyers, Vibe, Source and XXL Magazines etc. The models that have been given on how to do evangelism to this group were helpful. The use of media pod-casting, blogging, radio commercials, club flyers are just a few things that can be done to reach the Hip Hop culture. On last night I took the time to read an XXL magazine, which was interesting, and it showed in a vivid way the values of the Hip Hop culture.

All of these things make me feel like I am from another time, being a Baby Boomer, but willing to embrace the Hip Hop culture. There is even a place were the rapper Kool Mo Dee identifies elements that are relevant when preaching to Hip Hoppers. Ministry to this group is crucial to what the church can learn and how we can continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope to have a future dialogue with Dr. Watkins and/or some of the pastors who have been acknowledged in this book.

I am interested in finding ways to do ministry with this group in the Winston Salem community. Sunday afternoon I had a short conversation with a few of my young adults of the Shiloh Church about the use of "Club flyers" and reaching the Hip Hop Culture. They advised me how these items could be used to further the Jesus message and stated that they would share more in the coming days. This sounds exciting and I can’t wait to hear more.

PL

SundayApril 15, 2007/ The Mission

This Sunday I had the opportunity to speak at the Christian Faith Baptist Church of Raleigh North Carolina where David Forbes is the senior pastor. I always enjoy spending time with the the Forbes family whom I have known for many years and to share with the Christian Faith congregation was a plus. Both worship services were exciting and uplifting. It was a great day and God's Spirit was present.

Matthew 28:16-20 seemed like a great text to share immediately following Easter. To go back and
re-vist some of what Jesus shared with his disciples after the resurrection.

The Mission of the Church

1. The Pronouncement (v.16-17).

2. The Imperative (v. 18-20a).

3. The Promise (v.20b)

PL

Bible reading plan

This is one approach for reading the whole bible in a year and if you have not done so it is an exciting journey.

PL

Sunday April 8, 2007/What Easter Means 2 Me

Easter has always been the biggest of the “big days” for most Christian churches, and Sunday was no exception. Even though it was extremely cold in Winston Salem, North Carolina on Sunday morning large crowds still attended church. The goal of this sermon was to talk about the resurrection and what Easter means for us all. When I was a child many times on Easter Sunday, the preacher would try to explain the whole doctrine of the resurrection. However, what I sought to do was to share, in bite size pieces, the meaning of resurrection day and its affects upon us all.

“WHAT EASTER MEANS TO ME”

1 COR. 15. 12-28

1. Easter means that God loves me.

2. Easter means that I don’t have to be perfect.

3. Easter means that because of what God did though Jesus I will ultimately prevail.

What does Easter Mean 2 U????

PL

Current Reading

Good to Great by Jim Collins - revisiting this work again.

LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET by Rainer Maria Rilke - This a revisit and I always learn something new.

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama - I got this book from itunes and listened while at the gym working out. I just finished it about a week ago. Mr. Obama shares his philosophy of life and what he believes would be good for this country. It will be a long political race and we shall see.

The blogging church by Brian Bailey - This is a great book about blogging and it has been a great help to me.

The Gospel Remix reaching the hip hop generation by Ralph C. Watkins- Just finished reading this book on Saturday and I thought it was great. I will make a posting about the book soon.

The Kingdom Agenda: what a way to live By Tony Evans - I will be reading this for sometime.

Spring Reading List

Jesus and the Hip-Hop Prophets by Alex Gee

Resident Alians: Life in the Christian Colony by Stanley Haurwas

Seven Practices of Effective Ministry By Andy Stanley

The Big Idea: Focus the message-multiply the Impact (The leadership net innovation series) by Dave Ferguson

The Hip-Hop Church:Connecting With the Movement Shaping Our Culture By Efrem Smith

The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier

Sunday April 1, 2007/Hosanna

Mt. 21: 4-11
Lu. 19: 41-44

“Hosanna”

Matthew shares the story of Palm Sunday with Jesus riding into Jerusalem sitting upon a borrowed colt. The people who stood by spread palm leaves before him and cried, “Hosanna blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.” The account given by Luke states that Jesus began to weep while approaching the city. My goal within this sermon was an attempt to look at this entire event and make application. The word Hosanna means: to save or save us now; this was the cry of the people, as Jesus entered Jerusalem. While crying Hosanna an additional phrase was added: blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. There are times in life when we all say: “Lord help” or “Lord save me” and we wonder does the Lord really understand what we are going through. Because Jesus wept while approaching the city, he must have known something or felt something in regards to the state or condition of those who cried Hosanna. Because Jesus feels our pain, and understands our circumstances several movements can be considered:

1. Jesus sees beyond the surface.
2. Jesus is concerned about our pain.
3. Jesus sees new possibilities.

PL