Tim Liston

Alvin Campus Sneak Peek (Great CoMission Update #6)

Here's a sneak peek inside the Alvin Campus building. I'm not a prophet, but I'm believing that God will fill this building up with people hungry for Jesus! (Thanks Pastor Chris for the video and for your work on this project!!) We will totally remake this building - and it will be awesome. (Thank you, Great CoMission givers!!!!!) Consider this a "before" video. Enjoy!

 

Great CoMission Update #5: Digging Trenches in a Dry Land...

 

Pastor Caleb from Haiti posted this on Facebook today: "If you think your house is too small to asking people come to stay with you its ok. But Heaven is Large! Ask theme to come with you!!!"

 

How right he is!! Heaven is big - and what God wants to do for us and through us is usually bigger than we're thinking as well! That's why our church hires, builds, expands, starts new campuses, and why we DREAM BIG!!! If you've been around our church lately, you know God is up to something. Even at this moment, I hear the sound of construction going on at the 288 Campus. Our East Campus recently smashed all previous records with an event held for our Krush students. There is an excitement in Alvin like I've never seen before as we move toward the renovation of our building/campus there. And our efforts in Haiti may have had a breakthrough recently!! (I'll let you know. Keep praying.) WE ARE GETTING READY! Here's an excerpt from a Charles Spurgeon sermon from the 1850's. It reminds us to be ready for what the Lord wants to do. Enjoy...

 

"And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye and your cattle, and your beasts." -2 Kings 3:16-17

 

"The armies of the three kings were famishing for want of water: God was about to send it, and in these words the prophet announced the coming blessing. Here was a case of human helplessness: not a drop of water could all the valiant men procure from the skies or find in the wells of earth. Thus often the people of the Lord are at their wits' end; they see the vanity of the creature, and learn experimentally where their help is to be found. Still the people were to make a believing preparation for the divine blessing; they were to dig the trenches in which the precious liquid would be held. The church must by her varied agencies, efforts, and prayers, make herself ready to be blessed; she must make the pools, and the Lord will fill them. This must be done in faith, in the full assurance that the blessing is about to descend. By-and-by there was a singular bestowal of the needed boon. Not as in Elijah's case did the shower pour from the clouds, but in a silent and mysterious manner the pools were filled. The Lord has his own sovereign modes of action: he is not tied to manner and time as we are, but doeth as he pleases among the sons of men. It is ours thankfully to receive from him, and not to dictate to him. We must also notice the remarkable abundance of the supply--there was enough for the need of all. And so it is in the gospel blessing; all the wants of the congregation and of the entire church shall be met by the divine power in answer to prayer; and above all this, victory shall be speedily given to the armies of the Lord. What am I doing for Jesus? What trenches am I digging? O Lord, make me ready to receive the blessing which thou art so willing to bestow."

 

Charles Spurgeon

 

 

 

Single Parent & Step Parent Kudos!

As your child grows up, you have to lay down a foundation of loving discipline. Doing so allows them to learn early on that there are blessings for good behavior and consequences for bad. If you're a single parent: God will give you what you need. He is the expert at filling in the low places and doing more than we could imagine with what we have. However, every parent (single or not) must make the commitment that they're not going to let weariness get in the way of good parenting. Jesus fed 5,000+ people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. He can take what we are willing to give and multiply it in our parenting efforts.

If you are divorced and have joint custody of the children, then you're going to have to work extra hard to keep your child headed in the right direction. Often one parent is more lenient than the other. Like water, kids flow toward that parent when they want something they know deep down they shouldn't have or do. If you're in a situation like that, it does make parenting tough. This is where conversations with your child that include your reasons behind the rules will help - instead of just saying, "Because I said so." And if you happen to be the bad parent in a situation like that, for the sake of your child's future, please grow up and be an adult.

If you are part of a blended family, there needs to be many, many, many, many, many husband and wife meetings so that you think and act as one. What's more important than the style of discipline is the consistency between the parent and stepparent. However, there are some blended families... (please sit down because I'm about to drop some heavy truth on you)... There are some blended families that might as well be single parent homes, because one of the parents won't work with the other one for the benefit of the children. If you are a part of a blended family, and the kids in the house are mostly not your biological children, that does not give you a pass when it comes to being a support to your spouse, and a godly stepparent to those kids. Life would be so easy if we could just marry anyone and not have to help them at all. But when we marry someone, their situation becomes our situation. Our lives are blended together. THEIR responsibilities become ours as well. The TWO become ONE. And we're not in their lives to be a dead weight. God has brought us together for many reasons, and one of the primary purposes might be to show their biological kids what a godly person/stepparent is really like. Please take your role of stepparent seriously. God is.

Jesus grew up in a blended home. God was his father and Joseph was his stepdad. But Joseph was the one who taught him to be a man, so much so, that in Mark 6:3 Jesus takes on the identity of his step dad. When people saw him they said, "Isn't that the carpenter??"

If you're a part of a blended family, you can't use the excuses that "your real family got busted up..." or "She already had these kids..." or "You're sort of an outsider." If you're married, you have a family. It's your real family. Therefore, you don't get a pass where you can do less. The day you said, "I do" you were actually saying it to the children as well. And to do this right will mean MORE and MORE husband and wife conversations to work out the details... so that the stepparent can be sure they are on the same page with the biological parent... and they can work together as one.

It can work. It should work. And it will glorify God if you give your best!

I leave this thought with this statement: Jesus grew up in a blended family and he turned out all right. Kudos to His stepdad, Joseph!

I stand amazed...

Easter weekend is always busy at church. This year was no exception. We had 9,371 people worship with us. (That alone is amazing!) However, I was blown away by the number of people who made commitments! In EVERY single one of the 12 services people went public with their decision for Christ. And every time I thought I was going to lose it! I've heard some great stories of family members/friends who came to church by invitation and left church a new creation! Thank you, volunteers!! Thank you, staff!!! And most of all, thank you, Lord Jesus for what you did for us!

 

 

 

Great CoMission Update #4: Walls on the ground, on paper, and in dreams...

 

288 Campus: The walls of the 288 Campus expansion have been poured! There will be a week or two wait now as the walls cure and the steel is shipped. Then the walls will be lifted into position.

 

Alvin Campus: Last week we had a meeting about the Alvin Campus and I was  very encouraged! Yes, we have a building. But all of the needed changes are still being worked out on paper. But it's fun watching a dream becoming a reality!

East Campus: We are about to begin the design of the East Campus build out! We've been told this shouldn't be a difficult process because the area is already under roof and everything has been removed.

Haiti Campus: As you heard in the service two weeks ago from Marc Davis, Haiti is a challenge! We knew it would be. We've got our eyes on a piece of land, but are moving forward with caution. It's risky, but the potential for making an impact for Jesus Christ is so great, we are going to keep pressing ahead in faith. Prayers please!!

Thanks again to every faith filled, fully devoted, commited and crazy New Hoper who is giving toward these projects! You are the GREATEST! Much love!!!

 

 

 

 

Teaching for Life Change...

Two weeks ago I mentioned the Bereans who received Paul's teaching with eagerness then went home to check what they had learned against Scripture. That one line in Acts gives us insight not only into the Bereans lives, but also into Paul's teaching. Let me explain by telling you about two types of Bible study...

• A "deductive" Bible study begins from a point that a teacher is making, and then uses a number of scripture verses and examples to support that conclusion. Many sermons and Bible studies are conducted this way.
• An "inductive" Bible study begins with the raw text of scripture. The student (or in our context, the teacher) takes the time to observe what is happening in the text, the “who, what, when, where and why.” The teacher asks questions which help him to understand what is going on, what is being said, and how. Then he moves on to determining the application based on the observation and interpretation.

 

 

I like the inductive approach in study because of the more precise interpretation of the text and, therefore, the correct application that it brings. It is why I went to Bible College. There I went through years of “inductive” Bible study. However, the inductive method in teaching has its limitations. When standing in front of people it is time consuming and laborious to get to the point using the inductive approach. What works in Bible College with students who are committed to years of training in the classroom and are paying to get an education, does not work with people in a service that lasts one hour each week. When people come to church they don’t need to watch the pastor "study" the text on the stage. They need to know the results of the study they are trusting him to do.

 

When you have only about 30 minutes to stand in front of people, it’s important to get to the point quickly. It’s not good stewardship of people’s time to spend 27 minutes “observing” and “interpreting” while only spending the final 3 minutes applying. What people really need when they are receiving the Word is a brief explanation of how you arrived at the specific conclusion and then what to do with it, or how to apply it. They don’t need to sit and watch you observe and interpret. People want and need to know what God wants from them. The pastor/teacher is supposed to deliver the goods, not put on a show of intellect. 

  
However, the inductive method done from the stage is preferred by many Christians who consider the historical and cultural information as “meat” and the application of the text as “milk.” In fact, I've often seen new Bible College students with a semester or two under their belt (i.e. just enough Bible knowledge to make them dangerous) scorn teaching that doesn't sound like one of their classes. They think they are chewing meat when in reality they are crunching back story facts. Hebrews tells us that meat of the word (or solid food) is the application of the Scriptural text in a way that helps us to discern what we should and should not do (Hebrews 5:13-14). In a word, meat is “applicable” Bible teaching, not the details and the minutiae of the back story.

 

James 1:22 actually says that we can listen to the word and be deceived. How? Be not applying it. In Matthew 7:26 Jesus tells us that when we hear His word and don't apply it we're like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. The emphasis of Scripture is on "doing."

 

As always, at New Hope we try to do things in such a way in our services that we do not alienate the people God has called us to reach. Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to do things in their gatherings in such a way as to not alienate the people who were outside of the faith (1 Corinthians 14:23). Therefore, effective teaching that can hold the attention of a wide audience will feel like a deductive study – but is really inductive. The inductive part is done in the privacy of the pastor’s office. The lesson is then put into a form that gets to the application quickly. The Apostle Paul obviously used this method in his teaching. I say this because the Bereans listened to him teach, but then went home and checked the Scriptures to see if what he had said was true (Acts 17:11). The observation and interpretation often found in public in the inductive method was missing from Paul’s sermon(s) – but was obviously done in private because of the purity found in his teaching. 

 

Information without application leads to frustration.

Information with application leads to transformation.

 

And at New Hope we want transformed lives!

 

 

 

 

Great CoMission Update #3: We just bought a bank...

Guess what your church just did: Bought an old bank building in Alvin to start a brand new New Hope Church Campus! We closed on the building last Thursday. As we continue to receive money, we'll do the renovation. Then we'll have a Campus right in the heart of Alvin. I'm so excited I can hardly wait! Thank you faithful Great CoMission givers!!!

That is all.

Oh wait. One more thing: God is amazing!

 

 

Show some love this Valentines Day...

Jane and I plan on going just to show love to someone who has sacrificed so much for our country. You can join us, if you are able. BTW - New Hoper, Terry Collins is one of the Co-Founders of this amazing organization.You can read more about Operation Finally Home here:

www.babasupport.org

 

You can read more about Sara here:

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/pearland/news/marine-s-widow-surprised-with-free-house-in-alvin-at/article_631b4be0-676d-580e-9849-82a499a20a0a.html?mode=story.

 

 

 

Applause vs Criticism

In life you will receive both applause and criticism. How do you balance the two? Actually, you don't have to. Here's what I mean...

 

"A reporter once asked an insightful question when interviewing a woman from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra: 'How does it feel to get a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of your performance and then wake up in the morning to a negative review in the newspaper?' Her response was also insightful. She said over time she has learned not to pay attention to the applause of the crowd or the disapproval of the critics. She was only after the approval of her conductor. After all, he was the only person who really knew how she was supposed to perform."¹

 

As Christians, we live for an audience of One. Applause will come and go. Criticism will come and go. People are fickle in their opinions. It is impossible to please everyone. But, we're not supposed to even try. Paul says in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

 

Recently I spoke "hard truths" in church (in the opinion of someone who was there). They cautioned me, "Coming right out and saying it like that... you're going to run some people off." Actually, that doesn't worry me. I'd rather have a church with 1 person and obey God, than to have a church of thousands where I have to waterdown the truth. Truth is truth. Abraham Lincoln once said, "If you call a dog's tail a leg, how many legs does it have? The answer is four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg."

 

I'll stick with the truth of God's Word, His principles, and His standards. Besides, someday I will stand before God. The people who wanted me to bend the truth or shave off edges won't be standing with me. It will be me and Him. And I want to be able to hear him say, "Well done."

 

 

  ¹ Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul, by Lance Witt.

Cancer, Rebuke, Pastors, Weddings, Christ's bride...

It's early Tuesday morning and I'll admit it: I'm a little all over the map today. It's already been a long week. But somehow, everything around me is related. I sat in M.D. Anderson yesterday praying, reading, and waiting as Ty had his surgery. During that time I made it halfway through the book, Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul, by my friend Lance Witt. I want to share two excerpts with you. In the first, he’s talking about rebuke; why we need it and how it is the highest form of love. The second is an interesting take on a Pastor’s job. Enjoy…

 

“A question I often ask people in ministry is, ‘Who in your life can rebuke you?’ Solomon said, ‘He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.’ When’s the last time a trusted confidant rebuked you about how you treated someone, or an off-color joke you told, or your insensitivity to your spouse, or your distortion of the truth, or your harshness toward a team member? A rebuke can be life-giving in the same way that a doctor exposing and removing cancer is life-giving. There’s temporary pain but long-term gain. Usually when we think of rebuke, we attach words like shame, guilt, and failure. But a well-placed rebuke from a well-trusted friend actually exposes the stuff in my life that could destroy me. If I have a friend who loves me enough to rebuke me, it is a [blessing]…

...As a pastor, my job is to watch after the bride [the church] on behalf of the groom [Jesus]. I am like a spiritual wedding coordinator. The coordinator’s job is to assist and serve the bride and groom, behind the scenes, in making their wedding day a meaningful event. No wedding coordinator worth their salt would ever steal the spotlight from the bride and groom. Jesus said, ‘Father, I want these whom you’ve given me to be with me, so they can see my glory. You gave me the glory because you loved me even before the world began!’ There should never be anything blocking the bride’s view of the Groom’s glory. My constant challenge as a leader in the church is to get myself out of the way so that the bride [the church] will be awestruck by the incomparable majesty of her Groom [Jesus]!”

 

BTW- A question I’m constantly asked is: Why isn’t your name on anything at New Hope? (Some people seem a little disturbed by this!) But the reason is simple: It’s not about me! It’s all about Jesus and for His glory alone!

 

Blessings! And thanks for your prayers for my family!

 

Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul, by Lance Witt

http://www.amazon.com/Replenish-Leading-Healthy-Lance-Witt/dp/0801013542/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327421226&sr=8-1

 

 

Fellowship of the Unashamed...

I read this in church this past weekend. It's something that I wrote in the back of my Bible when I was 18. It's not original with me, and I'm not even sure who the author is. But it described how I felt at the time. Amazingly enough, many years later I still feel the exact same way. After the service I started getting requests for a copy. I posted it on Facebook, but decided to include it on my blog as well. Enjoy...

 

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, “chincy” giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me – my colors will be clear.  

 

Great CoMission Update #2: It has begun!

TODAY: December 12, 2011!! Here's a shot of the very beginning of the New Hope Church 288 Campus Great CoMission project! Dirt is moving as we get ready to pour the foundation. This is something we needed to do in order to allow us to move forward using the building codes from 2011. We'll pour the foundation, then work will pause as we wait for more money to come in. The decision has been made to build only what is needed at this time - as opposed to building unfinished space for future use as well. This will keep us well within our budget and commitments. Vision and resources must intersect!

 

Our Real Estate Lawyer is making some final adjustments to our New Hope Church Alvin Campus Documents, but everyone is ready to ink the deal on the building there. We have our down payment ready and we will continue to move forward on the construction documents for this brand new campus! Pray that God moves - and that people continue to be faithful in giving so that we can get this campus up and running! I'm so excited about what God is doing in our church family!!! Thank you for being a part of this amazing work!

 

(I'll fill you in on our East Campus and Haiti Campus in a later update!)

 

Great CoMission Update #1: Amazing!

Street view in Jacmel, Haiti where New Hope is planting a Campus.

 

We are now at $2.1 million for the 1½ year giving period with commitments still coming in! Thank you, Lord!! And thank you crazy people of New Hope Church!

 

Here’s what we should be able to do with your generous giving *if the Lord wills it…

• Add square footage to our New Hope Church 288 Campus building for the kids.
• Build out square footage at our New Hope Church East Campus so that the kids can have more room and create some additional parking.
• Put the down payment on a building in Alvin and renovate it for our brand new New Hope Church Alvin Campus! (Launch Date: TBD.)
• Start our first international campus: New Hope Church Haiti Campus.

 

BTW – Caleb from Haiti texted to tell us they were holding their first worship service TODAY! (I’ll post pictures when/if I get some.)

* “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” -James 4:13-15 (NIV)

 

Custom Tables in Theater Seating...

This post is for any church or organization that is having an event and needs to add tables to elevated stadium seating...

 

Our 288 Campus auditorium seats 1500+. However, the floor section seats only 500. When you remove the chairs and add tables, the number shrinks to about 250+/- in the floor section. In order to seat the adults who had signed up for our six Great CoMission Thanksgiving Banquets at this campus we needed to add more tables.

 

We found our solution by adding custom tables in the stadium seating. It was an experiment for sure, but our guys came up with a design and made it work like a charm! We added 200 more seats for the banquets and were able to fit everyone in (over 8 nights/2 Campuses). Our guys also made several custom carts for easy storage. The tear down was equally impressive - as seen in the video below. (Note: The band was practicing for weekend services during tear down.) 

 

PS- If you’d like the plans or more pics, email Ken Meredith at mail@newhopechurch.tv.

 

 

 

 

New Hopers and the MLS Cup Championship...

 

This Sunday night, November 20, the Houston Dynamo will be playing David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy for the MLS CUP Championship on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. local time. We've got three New Hopers on the team: Eddie Robinson - defender, Brad Davis who was injured last week but is up for MVP of the entire league, and Tally Hall - goalie! Say a prayer for our guys and cheer them on to victory!

 

 

Trick or Treat?

I’ve been asked the following question many times throughout the years: Can Christians trick or treat, according to the Bible?

 

First of all, the Bible says nothing about trick or treating, since it was written well before this activity began. However, we know from reading the Bible that a Christian is not to do anything that glorifies evil. So, if a particular Halloween costume (or party) is centered on or around demons, devils, evil spirits, or the Dallas Cowboys, then the answer is easy: Don’t have anything to do with it. But... If the costume is not evil (or for our adults: too revealing) and the source of the candy is known, then I can’t find anything in the Bible that would forbid trick or treating.

 

What’s funny is I’ve seen churches preach against Halloween and trick or treating, and then offer an alternative event at the church… where kids dress up and get candy. Uhhh....... What’s the difference? How come if I take my kids to my neighbors or to their grandparents and they get candy it’s evil – but if I take them to a church and they get candy, it’s okay?

 

Take a look at the Christmas tree. It was originally an ancient fertility symbol. Yet, it has become a representation of Christmas and the place where we put the gifts when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Are Christians worshipping a pagan fertility god if they have a Christmas tree in their home? Not at all. That’s because the Christmas tree has now been totally separated from its pagan roots and has become a cultural symbol of the season of Christmas.

 

In 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, Paul talks about meat sacrificed to idols. There was meat left over after sacrifices were made to these pagan gods. This meat was often sold in the market. Apparently, Christians were going to the market, buying, and then eating this meat in spite of its questionable origins. And so the issue arose, "Should a Christian eat such meat?" (We can ask, “Should a Christian eat candy given to them on Halloween?”) Paul said in verse 25, "Eat anything that is sold in the meat market, without asking questions for conscience' sake."

 

This is interesting. He says it is okay to eat the meat bought in the market place even if it was sacrificed to idols. Meaning, meat is meat. To which I say, candy is candy. Yes, Halloween has pagan origins, but I don't think that's the intent of the kindly old neighbor who gives Smarties to your kids. It's become a cultural/social event. And my take is that because of our freedom in Christ, our kids can dress up in (non-evil) costumes, go door-to-door, eat lots of candy, and just have fun. After all, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” -1 John 4:4

 

Ultimately, you'll have to make the decision for your own family - and I'm sure you'll make the right one.

 

 

 

 

 

End of the World Question: Will we recognize each other in heaven?

Question: Will we recognize each other in heaven?

 

Answer: YES!

 

Here on the earth, with human bodies and fading memory, we do pretty well. But someday, when we step into our glorified bodies, recognizing people will not be an issue!

 

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." -1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)

 

 

 

 

End of the World Question: Are there layers in heaven? If so, which layer will I be on?

Question: I remember hearing once that there is several layers to heaven. Is that true and if so what determines who gets to sit near God and who or what type is in the lower levels of heaven? If we have all sinned and fell short of the Glory of God then why would some people have a better home than another one? Is the layer of heaven closest to God based on our deeds and actions?

 

Well, as far as I can tell, that idea is based on this verse in 2 Corinthians where Paul says:

 

“I know a man in Christ. Fourteen years ago—whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows—that man was snatched away to the third heaven. I know that this man—whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows—was snatched away to Paradise and heard things that cannot be expressed in words, things that no human being has a right even to mention.” -2 Corinthians 12:2-4

 

In the Bible there are three heavens mentioned….

• The first is the atmosphere, what appears to be intended by the firmament or expansion, mentioned in Genesis 1:6. This would be where the clouds “hang out” and where we get our weather systems.

• The second, the starry heaven; where resides the sun, moon, planets, and stars; in Genesis 1:17.

• The third is the heaven we think of where God sits on his throne and the saints (that would be ALL of us!) reside with Him for eternity. The Bible says little about a “third” heaven beyond this. But most agree this last heaven is what he is referring to in 2 Corinthians 12.

Since these are the only levels mentioned in the Bible, I feel pretty confident in saying, "You'll be on the right level!"

 

 

End of the World Question: Will our pets be in heaven?

Okay. I just use the Bible. So pet lovers, "Brace yourself!" There is no verse in the Bible that conclusively says, “Pets will be in heaven.” People point to the “lion and the lamb” (Isaiah 64:25) or the “chariot with horses” (2 Kings 2:11) as indicators that animals will be there. But other than those more "figurative" mentions, we are left to speculate.

 

However (and now is where you might get upset with me...) I don’t want ALL my pets in heaven with me! If they were, then that would mean: 4 dogs, 15 cats (our cat had kittens once when I was young), umpteen hamsters, a few snakes, several birds, a thousand+ fish!! and a Praying Mantis. Heaven would be more like an overcrowded animal shelter!

 

Maybe God will let us reunite with our favorite one? Or the one who was most spiritual?? For me that would be the Praying Mantis. :)

 

 

Comments show opposing and personal views of this subject, but that's ok. I may be wrong! Someday we'll know for sure. Thanks for reading and for your comments. Blessings.

 

It's the End of the End of the World Series...

This weekend is the final installment of the End of the World series at New Hope. I'm going to be answering as many of the questions that were sent to me as I possibly can. I'm also going to be using this blog, beginning Sunday evening, to answer the questions I can't get to in the service.

 

Thanks for all your great input and the many questions. I hope that, in the end, you are: a.) Ready for Jesus to come back, and b.) Not Afraid!

 

Blessings!

 

Matthew 24, Left Behind, and an old song...

 

I've had several people mention this song during our End of the World series, plus I heard my wife listening to it the other night, so I thought I'd share. I'm not sure how compelling it will be for those who've never heard it. When I hear it, it takes me back to my youth. Larry Norman, who originally wrote and performed this song, was one of the first contemporary Christian singers who looked the part back in the 70's. (He's the one with the long blonde hair in the video.) The guys doing the singing in the video are from DC Talk. It's taken from the Matthew 24 where Jesus says, "One will be taken, the other will be left behind."

 

Enjoy. 

 

 

 

Helping our Wounded Heroes

New Hoper and BABASOT Board Member, Terry Collins (front right)

 

I’m so proud of all the good work that our New Hopers do every day. Our church family just overflows with the love of God for people. And I love that about you! I want to tell you about a New Hoper who is doing something amazing. His name is Terry Collins and he is one of the Co-Founders and a current Board Member of an organization called Bay Area Builders Association Support Our Troops. BABASOT was established in 2005 and has as its mission to provide custom made homes to wounded and disabled veterans and the widows of the fallen in an effort to get their lives back on track. BABASOT partners with corporate sponsors, individuals contributors, and volunteers to help severely wounded heroes and their families’ transition from the battlefront to the home front. I talked to Terry this past weekend and he said that they just gave away their 29th home to a wounded warrior!

 

Amazing!

 

Way to go BABASOT! Way to go Terry!

 

For more info: www.babasupport.org

Lots on my mind...

My future son-in-law Ty getting chemo at M.D. Anderson.  

 

I just took a break from sermon writing to update my blog. I can’t stay here long, but I just want you to know that I’m so incredibly amped about what God is doing at our church. We have a meeting later this week about the possible addition at the 288 Campus, a possible building for our future Alvin Campus and we’re being updated on our East Campus. And today, all day long, my future son-in-law, Ty, is undergoing chemo at M.D. Anderson. Jane and I took lunch down to him and my daughter a little while ago. He's doing so great! So… lots to think about in addition to the sermon I’m trying to write! (In fact, they are awaiting a Listening Guide from me in the office right now so they can get to the task of formatting, creating slides, and printing. So, I’ve GOT to get back to writing.)

 

Before I do, I’m going to ask you to throw up a prayer for me and my family. The Bible says, “We who teach will be judged more strictly.” –James 3:1. I’m ok with that. But I wouldn’t mind some prayers so I do this life HIS way and not mine! And of course, send most of your prayers up for Ty.

 

God bless. 

Much love.

 

 

30,000 reads?! Amazed to be used by God…

 

As I prepare to publish this post, my total blog “reads” are at 29,364. That means this post, more than likely, will move the reads beyond 30,000 total. Insert my amazed face here: ______!!  I’ve always been amazed that God would use me, at all. When I stand up to preach and look out at everyone (and our East Campus via the screen) I still have this thought after all these years, “Why do these people sit here and listen to me? I wouldn’t listen to me!!” Awhile back, someone was telling me they love the lessons at New Hope. Then they told me they drive an hour each way every weekend to come to church and I actually said, “Why?” Insert my embarrassed face here: _____!!

 

But I truly believe one of the reasons this all works is because it’s not about me.

 

Years ago, I sat down to talk to Howard Agnew (New Hope Worship Pastor). The church had just grown beyond 500 people each Sunday and I was feeling overwhelmed. I told Howard I was troubled that so many people were coming to church and I didn’t know most of them. He let me talk for a moment and then he said, “Well, they’re coming to church to get to know Jesus, not you.” Insert my "ouch" face here: _____!!!!!!!!!!!! Lesson learned: Preach Jesus hard and stay out of the way!

 

Now we move toward the fall with great and wonderful things on the horizon for our church family. And if you’re ever amazed by what God is doing in our church, or through the people of our church, please know that as Pastor… I’m just as amazed!

 

 

 

 

You're not the artist, you're the canvas... ( @prophiphop )

I just watched this video from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Humble Beast. I love creativity and these guys have it. But the thing about this video that spoke to me was the line, "You are not the artist, you're the canvas." Oh man, so true! Lord, help me to remember that!

 

 

 

 

The Next New Hope Church Campus...

 
We’ve been praying about where we should open our next New Hope Church Campus. Our 288 Campus continues to grow with nearly 5,000 people in attendance on a regular weekend. CR58 is nearing completion which will dramatically improve access to that campus. And our East Campus is so strong and amazing with over 1,000 people attending on a regular basis! Utilizing the lessons learned from the East Campus (our first venture into the multi-site model) we are looking to plant again. After much prayer and discussion and more prayer, we’ve come up with what feels like an obvious choice: Alvin, Texas. We have so many great New Hopers in Alvin and we feel like we could reach those who need Christ with more of a presence there. In addition, Alvin gives great access to “points beyond” which is another way of saying, “those people who live out in the country.”  There are a lot of rural areas beyond Alvin with small neighborhoods/communities that we feel could benefit from the ministry of New Hope.

 

Here’s the catch: We don’t have a date or location yet. We’re still praying about that. But we feel that making this news public might give God room to use some New Hopers to help open doors.

 

For those who want to give to fund the start up, simply write, “Alvin” in the memo of your check. If you give online, go to "extraordinary" fund, and then click the "Alvin (future) Campus" sub fund.

 

 

PS: Please pray as we move toward this important step.

 

 

100% of the offering leaves our church...

 Nicaragua: Two little girls cautiously approach the group of New Hopers in the background. Our team was there to serve the people who live in the dump.

 

The weekend of June 11-12 we will be giving away 100% of our offering to missions away from home. If your heart is for overseas missions, then be sure and put some money in the offering bag or give it online. People need Jesus. We want to help our missions partners who are making Christ known in far away places. Please give generously!

 

 

New Hopers in the sky...

 New Hopers Paul Steffenauer & Kyle Engelhardt watch over us from above.

 

Paul rides shotgun and directs the high tech instruments that track and assist in the apprehension of criminals while Kyle flies the chopper. Paul will soon enter flight school to become a pilot as well.

 

Well, I'm convinced: You never know where you might find New Hopers these days!! Recently, I had the privilege of riding for a shift with New Hopers, Paul Steffenauer and Kyle Engelhardt, of the Houston Police Department Air Support Division. Wow! Talk about a thrill ride! (Kyle was willing to increase his tithe if I puked on Paul. I couldn't... not that I didn't try!) It's amazing the support that these eyes in the sky are able to offer the guys on the ground, spotting, directing, warning... Basically, giving the law enforcement personnel on the ground a bigger more detailed picture of unfolding events. I'm a Pastor, so you knew this part was coming: The whole time we were up there I was thinking about how much we miss on the ground when we're right in the middle of "it" - whatever "it" may be - and how helpful a view from above is or could be. 

 

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" -Isaiah 55:8-9

 

That's another reason to call on God: He sees more than we can see. He knows more than we can know. And James 1:5-8 says He's willing to share that information with us.

 

Props to the guys in the skies and to all our law enforcement people who spend their days and nights watching over our safety.

 

New Series Begins...

We live in a society where everybody is peddling joy. Stuffed-shirt types try to sell us "religion" and the legion of advertisers tell us joy can be found in a bottle, pill, or new car. Yet, as we examine the teachings of the Apostle Paul, we will learn where real joy is found. Join us for our new series from Philippians beginning this weekend.   

Beyond expectations, but not unexpected...

New Hope's signature "crown of thorns" becomes permanent in Friendswood.

It was mid-May 2010. The school year was winding down and so was the economy. But our East Campus needed a home and our 288 Campus was being choked by poor traffic flow. And in the middle of a bad economy (and a bad time of the year to raise money) our church family came together and did something amazing: With no fanfare, banquets or home meetings, we pledged to give $650,000 over & above normal giving in 12 short months. Incredibly, a few weeks later the pledge amount had increased to $763,992. It was obvious that our people believed the projects of Beyond were worth the sacrifice!

 

Fast forward one year to today, and our East Campus has more than doubled in attendance and has three Sunday services to fit the 1000+ people (and their cars) on our property there. Over 1600 people attended our East Campus on Easter this year! It’s a rare weekend when there isn’t a baptism or two at East. And on Baptism Weekend this past month, 50 people were baptized at our East Campus. Amazing. You might say it is “beyond” what we ever thought possible!

 

Our 288 Campus now has a new bridge and driveway. Our old driveway was expanded to three lanes, all of which are now “exit only.” We also have an exit for those going west on CR58, increasing our total exit lanes from 1 to 4. Traffic wait times have decreased by approximately two thirds. (That’s even before the CR58 expansion is completed.) Turning lanes are being built on our new county road specifically designed for our church family. All these improvements will make it much easier for our friends and neighbors to come to church! And together, all these changes are "beyond" what we were expecting! 

 

Remember: The final pledge amount was $763,992.00. And now here’s the most amazing news. The total given (as of 06/02/2011) was $791,692.00 (and growing). Yes, it is “beyond” what was even pledged!

 

Somehow, that’s not a surprise!

 

Thank you to everyone who committed and gave so that our church family could continue to reach people for Jesus. What we do is important. I’m so glad you understand that and are willing to sacrifice to make it possible! May God bless you!

 

PS- If you were giving to Beyond and would like to continue we will use that money to continue our campus development projects! Thank you!!  

 

Bring a Bible You Can Write In, Series Addendum...

 
I've had a number of people ask for the Series Addendum because they missed church this past Memorial Day weekend. First of all, shame-shame... :) Second, I want you to bring your Bible every weekend, if possible. We're going to be giving you the opportunity to mark each and every service. And third, here's the addedum! (Complete with typos...)

 

Series: Bring a Bible You Can Write In (Addendum)

 Instructions: Write the topic on each page near the underlined verse when marking a string. (This will keep you from confusing other marked verses on that same page.) To keep the string going, never leave a page without writing where you’re going next. Page numbers apply to the New Hope Bibles only. Add verses you find on your own to the end of the suggested string. “Other” section at bottom includes individual texts – not in a string. Enjoy!

 

 

Topic- First Verse (for inside front cover)                              >Next Verse in String

 

Prayer- Lev 16:2 (p79) >Lu 23:44-46 (p737) >Heb. 10:19-24 (p 843) >Heb 4:15-16 (p 840) >Lu 18:9-14 (p732) >Phil 4:6-7 (p 820) >1 Thess 5:16-18 (p826) >Matt 6:9-13 (p678) >1 Pet 5:6-7 (p852) >Jam 1:6 (p847) >Jam 5:17-18 (p849) >Ps 34:15-18 (p387) >Ps 50:15 (p395) >Acts 12:1-17 (p767)

 

Salvation- Rom 3:10, 3:12, 3:23 (p784) >Rom 6:23 (p786) >Rom 5:6-8 (p785) >Rom 8:1-3 (p786) >Rom 10:9-10 (p788) >Rom 10:13 (p 788) >Rom 6:1-4 (p785)

 

Overcomer- Ps 46:1-3 (p393) >Isa 54:17 (p512) >Rom 8:35-39 (p787) >Jer 29:11 (p546) >Phil 4:13 (p820) >Rom 8:28 (p787) >Isa 40:21-28 (p500) >Isa 41:10 (p501) >Isa 43:2 (p503) >Jn 16:33 (p753) >1 Jn 4:4 (p856) 1 Jn 5:5 (p857) >Rom 12:21 (p768)

 

Science- Ecc 4:12 (p463) 3 strands 1960AD > Isa 55:10-11 (p 513) Hydrologic Cycle 1580 AD >Rom 1:18-20 (p782) Design >Gen 1:1 (P1) Designer >Job 28:25 (p???) Air Weight > Job 30:5-6 (p???) Cave men? Sort of. >Gen 1 (p1) “According to their kinds” used 10 times = Genetic Codes. >Isaiah 40:22 (p500) Round earth >Luke 17:34-35 (p731) Simultaneous day & night – once considered impossible >Leviticus 17:11 (p80) Bloodletting 1616AD >Job 40:15-25, 41:1-34 (p372) Dinosaurs (NOTE: Hyperbole used in description.)  

 

Comfort- Ps 23 (p382) >Ps 103:8-18 (p418) >Ps 91:1-2 (p413) >Ps 139:1-12 (p433) >Ps 73:23-24 (p405) >Jn 10:11-29 (p748) >Matt 8:23-27 (p680) >Ps 30:4-5 (p385) >Phil 4:19 (p820) >Jn 14:1-4 (p752)

 

Speech- Ps 19:14 (p381) >Ps 141:3 (p434) >Eph 4:15, 25 & 29 (p816) >Pro 15:1 (p447) >Jam 1:19 (p847) >Pro 10:19 (p444) >Pro 15:28 (p448) >Pro 17:27-28 (p450) >Pro 18:13 (p450) >Pro 12:22 (p446) >Pro 12:18 (p445) >Jam 3:1-12 (p848) >Pro 25:11-12 (p455)

 

Example- 1Tim 4:12 (p830) >Matt 5:19 (p677) >Matt 18:6 (p688) >Lu 17:1-3 (p731) >Rom 14:13, 19-21 (p791) >1 Cor 8:9-13 (p797)

 

Jesus=God- Dan 7:13-14 (p619) >Mk 13:26 (p710) >Jn 6:38 (p744)  >Mk 10:17-18 (p707)  >Mk 14:60-64 (p710)  >Jn 10:33 (p748)  >Jn 8:46, 58-59 (p747)   >Mk 2:5 (p700)  >Jn 14:6 (p752)  >Rom 10:9 (p788 – we marked this during Salvation lesson. Lord=God.) >Col 1:15-20 (p821)

 

False Prophets- Jer 14:11-16 (p534) > Jer 23:1-4 (p541) >Ez 13:10-12 (p582) >Acts 20:29-31 (p775) >2 Pet 2:1-3, 17-19, (p853-4) >2 Cor 11:13-15 (p808) >Gal 3:1 (p811) >1 Jn 4:1 (p856) >Acts 17:11 (p772) >Rev 2:2-3 (p862)  

 

No Fear- 2 Tim 1:7 (p832) >Heb 13:5-6 (p845) >Ps 27:1 (p384) >Matt 10:28-30 (p682) >1 Jn 4:18 (p857)

 

Forgiveness- Isa 1:18 (p474) >Ps 32:1-5 (p386) >Ps 103:8-12 (p418) >Matt 11:28-30 (p682) >Lu 7:47-50 (p721) >Lu 23:43 (p737) >Lu 15:11-32 (p730) >1 Jn 1:7-9 (p855) >Ps 130:3-4 (p431) >Col 1:13-14 (p821) >Eph 1:7-8 (p814) >Acts 10:43 (p766) >Acts 4:12 (p760) >2 Cor 5:18-19 (p805)

 

Forgiving- Matt 6:12-15 (p678) >Matt 18:21-22 (p688) >Eph 4:31-32 (p816) >Mk 11:25 (p708) >1 Cor 13:5 (p800) >1 Pet 4:8 (p852) >2 Cor 2:7-8 (p804)

 

Sin- 1 Pet 5:8-9 (p852) >Jam 4:17 (p849) >1 Cor 6:12 (p795) >Pro 4:14-15 (p440) >Gal 5:19-21 (p813) >Rom 6:19-23 (p785)

 

Peace w/God- Matt 11:28-30 (p682) >Rom 5:1 (p785) >Jn 14:27 (p752) >Isa 53:5 (p511) >Isa 26:3-4 (p489) >Isa 9:6 (p479) >Ps 4:8 (p375)

 

Children- >Deut 6:6-7 (p126) >Eph 6:4 (p817) >Pro 1:8-9 (p438) >Gen 18:19 (p11) >1 Tim 3:4 (p830) >Col 3:21 (p823) >Prov 29:17 (p458) >Heb 12:6 (p845) >Prov 22:6 (p453) >Ps 127:1-3 (p430) >Matt 19:13-15 (p689)

 

Leaders Lead- Titus 1:5 (p835) >Acts 20:28 (p775) >Ez 33:7-9 (p599) >1 Tim 5:17 (p831) >Heb 13:17 (p845)

 

OTHER individual events/passages you should know (not strings of Scripture)…

Noah and the ark Gen 6:9 (p4)  | Crossing the Red Sea Ex 14:21-22 (p48) | 10 Commandments Exodus 20:1-17 (p52) | Birth of Jesus Matt 1:18-25 (p675) Lu 2:6-7 (p715) Jn 1:14 (p739) | Jesus’ Baptism Mk 1:9-11 (p699) | Temptation of Jesus Matt 4:1-11 (p676) | Sermon on the Mount Matt chapters 5-7 (p677) | Golden Rule Lu 6:31 (p720) | Lord’s Prayer Lu 11:2-4 (p725) | Last Supper Matt 26:20-30 (p695)  | Crucifixion of Jesus Matt 27:26  (p697), Mk 15:24 (p712), Lu 24:20 (p738), Jn 19:18 (p755)  | Love Chapter 1 Cor 13 (p800)| Fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22-23 (p813) | Great Command Matt 22:37-39 (p692) | Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 (p698) | Faith Hall of Fame Heb 11 (p843) |

 

+ MORE TO COME IN THE WEEKS/MONTHS AHEAD!!!!

New Hope on the other side of the world, literally...

 
  
The dedication service of a building in 1ndia where young men who are studying to be pastors stay. Major funding for this building came from our church, which is why they chose the name, New Hope Center.

 

 
  
New Hope Church Operations Leader, Marc Davis, presenting six pastors with motorcycles that will expand the reach of their ministries. C1CM has found that pastors with transportation can reach 3 times as many people for Christ. New Hope Church paid for these motorcycles.

 

 
  
A church of Burmese refugees in the heart of the major city of De1hi in the moments after they received Bibles in their own language. These Bibles were purchased for this church by people of New Hope Church.

 

 
  
Ajai, the director of the Central 1ndia Christian Mission and one of the most amazing people I've ever met, "bringing it" at a youth conference.

 

This weekend, May 28-29, we will be hearing from our 1ndia Missions Partner, Ajai. 1ndia is in a "red zone" for Christianity, meaning, it's dangerous for Christians. (I hesitated to post this blog on the internet, because I don't want him to get in trouble at home. That's why I've purposely left off his last name, and spelled 1ndia with a "1" instead of an "I.") But right in the heart of 1ndia where danger for Christ-follwers abounds, we are seeing the Good News of Jesus spread and change lives. It's soooo exciting for our church to be involved in this move of God! 

 

I know this weekend is a holiday weekend, but I'm going to encourage you to be in church as we get inspired by a modern day hero of the faith! (BTW- June 11-12 is our "MISSIONS OFFERING WEEKEND." 100% of what is given on that weekend goes to support God's work away from our home turf. So please, give generously on that weekend!)

 

PS- This weekend, May 28-29, I'll also be passing out and explaining the "Bring A Bible You Can Write In" Series Addendum. 

You've got to read this! A note from Haiti... #haiti

  
Kids in the mountains near Jacmel, Haiti.

 

  
Birth of a great church? The foundation of the shelter where the kids in Caleb's ministry will be fed and taught about Jesus. This project is being funded by New Hope Church.

 

  
Caleb Midi (left) is our Haiti Missions Partner, along with some of the kids he feeds and teaches about Jesus. Below is a note from Caleb, unedited. Enjoy!

 

Hey everyone at New Hope Church!

How are you all doing? It's a pleasure today to write you this letter and to tell you God loves you and I love you as well. Thanks to God for His Kingdom and all of the people a part of it, especially you guys :) I am so thankful for your freindship. You allow me to see the love of Jesus in all of your hearts and you are always teaching me and encouraging me in so many ways. I would love to tell you, you are all awesome and I love you. Keep doing what your doing for God. He is so proud of all of you and all that you do for His kingdom. I would also love to tell you it is an honor for me to be a servant for the kingdom of God. I would like to let you know the impact you are having here in Haiti. First of all, the childrens program that you support and also me myself. I keep praying for the ministry in America and especially new hope church. I keep praying for all leaders, especailly brother Tim Liston and Pastor John the Hero because I know they are doing amazing things for the Kingdom and especially for new hope church. Thank you for your support and for your prayers and all you do for us. I pray you guys can keep supporting our prject here because we have so much pain here and so many lives to save for the Kingdom of God. I love you! And Im praying for you! And I hope I can see you  in November.

God Bless you!

Brother Caleb Midi the servent.   

 

 

 

Baptism Weekend 2011

 

I’m just amazed. This past weekend 304 people were baptized at New Hope Church. I loved cheering for the people who were going to be baptized who stood at the end of the service. Someone from the East Campus said there was a moment when tears were flowing as people stood to be baptized! Many people didn’t plan to do it, but made the decision on the spot and followed through a few minutes later. How awesome to see so many take this step. One man told me, right before he went under the water, “My detour away from God ends here.” I about lost it.

 

When Jesus was baptized, God the Father said, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” I called that statement, a heavenly high five! I’m sure there were lots of high fives in heaven this past weekend.

 

 I love this church!

 

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” –Acts 22:16

 

(BTW- We baptize people every weekend at New Hope Church. If you haven’t done it, but would like to do so, email the church at mail@newhopechurch.tv.)  

God and Tough Love...

 
Paul tells us in Romans 1:24 & 28 that sometimes God gives people over to their destructive behavior so that they can hit bottom and (hopefully) turn to Him. Nowadays we call this, “tough love.” For anyone who’s had to do it, you know it’s tough. (See also 1 Corinthians 5:5.) It’s especially difficult when the person is saying, “If you love me, why won’t you help me?” Sometimes they ask the question because they’ve gotten real good at manipulating us. (i.e. We help them, but then that help enables them to go back to what they were doing.) But always, they ask the question not understanding that it is because we love them that we will no longer intervene. We put ourselves through short-term pain, in hopes of eternal gain for them.

 

God also loves people with a tough love at times. But as He backs away from them, ironically, sometimes the bad behavior increases. That’s because some assume that God’s silence is a green light. It’s not.  

 

God is giving them time to turn to Him.

 

After all, “…it is his kindness that leads us to repentance.” -Romans 2:4. (ALSO, please see 2 Peter 3:9-10.) Eventually, it will be “party over.” That’s when the real wrath shows up on Judgment Day. But don’t get me wrong here: It is the hope of a righteous, gracious, loving God that all people will wake up and turn to Him. And when they're ready, our church will be ready for them.

 

 

My Prayer for National Day of Prayer...

 
Dear Lord,

We thank You for blessing our nation beyond what any nation has ever experienced. We thank You for our heritage of faith that directed our nation for so long. We’re sorry for the times in the recent decades when we’ve excluded You. We apologize for those who want to remove You from all areas of American life.  (Forgive them for they don’t know what they’re asking!) Please help us to learn to live 'within our blessings' before it is too late. Thank You for the brave men and women who get up every day to stand between us and the evil that seeks to harm us. Watch over and protect them. Bless our leaders and give them wisdom to lead us according to Your will. Please do not remove Your favor from us. Send revival to our land and draw us back to You. Let that revival begin in us, the church.

We ask it in the powerful name of Jesus.

Amen.

PS: Proverbs 21:15 (OBL)

Wow! Easter 2011...

 The LIVE iCampus broadcast of the New Hope Easter service on the big screen of one of our military families in Korea. (Pic courtesy of James & Mallory Sessions.)

 

Wow! We thought we might have a crowd at Easter! This year we wanted to spread out the crowd so that no one would have to sit in the lobby as in previous years. That meant adding 4 services (for a grand total of 12) to our already busy weekends at New Hope. Our East Campus had Saturday services for the first time and the 288 Campus added Friday services. (BTW- Our new drive and multiple exit lanes at 288 seemed to help the traffic flow! Thank you, Beyond Campaign Participants!) Only with the help of the greatest volunteers and staff on the planet could having so many services ever work. But you guys came through in a big way. And get this: 9,489 people heard the gospel this past weekend, and not one of them had to sit in the lobby! There were so many people who committed or recommitted their lives to Christ, it was amazing! Thank you, Lord, and thank you volunteers for making that possible. I love our church family!

 

The best news of the entire weekend is: We serve a risen Savior who is still saving people and changing lives! Jesus is alive!!

 

Pastor sought: Failure to pay toll...

 
Something interesting happened when I was going through a tollbooth years ago. Somewhere along the line, someone had not paid and now each motorist was paying for the person in front of them! It’s not the way it’s supposed to work, but for the moment it was working. Each motorist would put change in and let the car in front of them go. Then they’d creep up to the crossbar and wait for the person behind them to do the same.

 

Now it was my turn to pay for the person in front of me. I put in my change and up went the crossbar for the car in front of me to go through. Then the crossbar came down and I assumed my spot at the gate. I don’t know how long this had been going on, but I can tell you when it stopped: When it was my turn at the crossbar! I kept looking in the rearview and every time I’d make eye contact with the driver of the car behind me he would just shake his head, “No.”

 

So I put my truck in drive and broke through the crossbar. (Just kidding!)

 

Let me put Easter in perspective: We find it hard to give up a little change for someone else – but Jesus gave up His life for us! He willingly submitted to the cross for me and you. Romans 5 says,

^[7] “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ^[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:7-8 (NIV)

 

The cross stands as a graphic reminder of the price that was paid for you and I. And Easter is a time when we celebrate Jesus paying that price and then winning the victory over sin and over the grave! Come celebrate the victory with us this Easter weekend! Twelve services to choose from! www.newhopechurch.tv. I can't wait!!

 

Steal a Donkey for Jesus...

 

If the Lord is prompting you to do something, odds are He’s asking people who can help to be involved as well. Case in point: Luke 19. Jesus is approaching Jerusalem. He told his disciples to go ahead of him and get a donkey. He described the donkey and its location in great detail. Then he said in verse 31, “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

 

What are the chances the line, “The Lord needs it,” would work if you were trying to take someone’s car without their permission? Not good, right!? Unless… (and you’d best be sure!) unless the Lord had spoken to the owner before you got there.

 

Verse 33 says, “As they were untying the colt, its owners asked, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’” End of discussion. No push back from the owner. No 911 call. No more words exchanged. The donkey was taken back to Jesus for His ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

 

Step back from the story and you can easily conclude that the Lord had spoken to BOTH the disciples AND the owner of the donkey at the same time and they were both on the same page. What does that mean for you? It means when God asks you to do something, you’re not the only one He’s asking. If it is His will, He’s going to place others in your path to help you achieve it!

 

Following Jesus by Finishing Well...

 
I’ve always been intrigued by the transfiguration. Jesus goes up on the mountain and there’s smoke and haze, and then Moses and Elijah, gone for hundreds of years, show up and hang out with Jesus for a few amazing minutes. The disciples freak. Peter wants to build tents so they can camp out there, meaning, he freaks too! (Read about it here: Luke 9:28-36.)

 

For fun, let's dig a little deeper...

• Moses represented THE LAW. Moses was a STARTER. He started the work (gave the law) – Joshua finished his work (took the people into the Promise Land.)
• Elijah represented THE PROPHETS. Elijah was a STARTER. He started the work – Elisha finished his work.

 

Moses started... Joshua finished.

Elijah started... Elisha finished.

 

Both Moses and Elijah’s finishers’ names, Elisha and Joshua, mean, “The Lord saves” or “The Lord is our deliverance.” In fact, the name Elisha is a variation of Joshua, which is also the name Yeshua. So, both finisher’s names, Elisha and Joshua, are in essence, the SAME NAME: Yeshua. Both are finishers.

 

Guess what Jesus’ name is when translated into Hebrew? You guessed it: Yeshua!

 

Jesus was/is a finisher.

 

Verse 31 says that Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus “…about his departure which he was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem.”

 

Maybe they spoke to him about finishing well.

 

Yeshua/Jesus: The conclusion of the law, the fulfillment of the prophecies and, as Hebrews 12:2 calls him, “…the finisher of our faith.”  

 

Thank you, Jesus, for being a finisher. And thank you for finishing well. May we also finish well!

 

Don't wait for someone to pick you...

 
Times are changing. There were once identifiable gatekeepers who said who got in and who did not. They had all the power. But now a person can have a hit song without a major record label. You can write a book without a publisher. (Skip the paper and go straight to an ebook!) You can have a dynamic, Bible-believing, Jesus-preaching church that isn’t a part of a denomination. The gatekeepers of the past are becoming irrelevant... and it’s driving them crazy!

 Seth Godin said, “It’s a cultural instinct to wait to get picked. To seek out the permission and authority that comes from a publisher or talk show host or even a blogger saying, ‘I pick you.’ Once you reject that impulse and realize that no one is going to select you--that Prince Charming has chosen another house--then you can actually get to work. If you’re hoping that the HR people you sent your resume to are about to pick you, it’s going to be a long wait. Once you understand that there are problems just waiting to be solved, once you realize that you have all the tools and all the permission you need, then opportunities to contribute abound… Pick yourself.” ¹

 Sure, it would be nice to be picked by another human being. But we’ve already been chosen by God. Jesus said, “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” –John 15:16

So, what are you waiting for? Get busy! 

 

 

¹ http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/03/reject-the-tyranny-of-being-picked-pick-yourself.html

Jesus wants to ride in your boat today...

 

I was reading this morning in John 6 and points of an old familiar story hit me between the eyes. The disciples were out on the Sea of Galilee, it was now night and a storm began to blow. Verses 18-19,

“A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles…”

They rowed a boat 3 or 4 miles! Big deal? Yes. Here's why: The boat was probably like the one pictured above, found in 1986 in the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee during a drought. It was found in close proximity to where Jesus spent a lot of time, where his disciples fished, where Peter lived, and is from the same time period of Jesus. It’s big: 27 feet long and is typical for fishermen of the day. They rowed that sized boat - a big, heavy, wooden boat - 3 or 4 miles... in a storm! (What a workout!)

Now, I’m going to cut to the chase: They see Jesus walking on the water and in verse 21…

“Then they were willing to take [Jesus] into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” 

Ok, see the highlighted comparison?

Rowing and straining for hours to make 3 or 4 miles. Or invite Jesus in, and instantly be where you couldn’t make it on your own.

I've met so many people in my life who are rowing hard, trying to be good enough for God to love them and bless them - when what they really need to do is invite Jesus in and instantly He will give them favor with God. Or others who work hard (rowing!) trying to accomplish things and only end up frustrated, but if they would have invited Jesus to help, He would have made the trip much more productive.

Have you invited Jesus into your boat today? 

 

Props to my hot girlfriend!

 
I’m in love with my wife. (BTW: For those of you who are worried, I call my wife, my girlfriend!) I mentioned in the services this past weekend that she has always been my biggest fan. You might be thinking: “Well, that makes sense: The church is successful! Of course she’s a fan.” But you have to understand, she was a fan back when I’d preach my guts out to a mostly-empty room and a handful of people. After the service was over and  I had locked up the building, we’d get into the car to come home, and I’d be thinking, “I just embarrassed myself. I'm not sure if this is working.” She’d break the silence and say, “That was a great sermon, baby. You’re the best preacher in the world.”

I wasn’t. I’m still not. But for some reason, that doesn’t seem to make any difference to her! She’s still my biggest fan. Either she needs to get out more, or I am the most blessed man on the planet.

 

I say, I’m blessed.

 

NOTE: Please say a prayer for Jane. Today she is headed to Georgia to see her sister, Judy, whose health is failing. Last report was that her organs are shutting down. She and Jane are very close. Prayers appreciated.

 

Giving the keys to the teens...

 
If you were around New Hope Church this past weekend, you couldn’t help but notice what God is doing in our youth. Hundreds of kids dressed in blue tee shirts invaded our services at both campuses. We adults are often concerned about the next generation (and those concerns are valid in many instances). But to see our kids on fire for Jesus was an inspiration to me. In fact, I got teary eyed. You see, I’m not just a Pastor, I’m a dad. I love my kids with all my heart and I want them to love Jesus with all of theirs. To know that that is happening is… Well, let's just say it’s a dream come true.

The day is coming in the not too distant future when we will hand over the keys of the church to the kids. That thought used to scare me. Now I'm excited!!!

 Thank you Pastor B and your team of staff and volunteers for making New Hope a church where kids are loved where they are, yet challenged to go where Jesus wants them to go!   

 

BTW - We're finishing up our Family Tree series this weekend with, "WoMan Talk."  (February is typically a mediocre month attendance-wise. However, our attendance has been at or over 6,000 for the entire month! Let's finish strong this weekend!)  

Big Obstacle < Bigger God

 
It was early Sunday morning, just after sunrise. Three women were headed toward the tomb to anoint the dead body of the Savior with spices. It had been a long night of grieving after a few days of hell on earth for those who loved Jesus. Maybe it was their grief that made them forget an important detail before their journey began: They didn’t have a way to move the stone that covered the entrance of the tomb. When that fact occurred to one of the women, the question was asked, “Who will roll away the stone?” –Mark 16:3. They certainly couldn’t. But (and this is what I love about the story) they kept going anyway. Why?

I think it was the same thing that keeps us going when we know there’s an obstacle in front of us determined to stop us. I believe we keep going forward in faith because we know deep down inside ‘Who’ will move the stone. And if we don’t keep going, we won’t get to see it happen.

When they arrived at the tomb, their walk of faith was rewarded with an encounter with a Savior who was alive and well. The large stone had become a non-factor.

Remember, God is bigger than any obstacle in your life. Keep moving forward in faith!

 

God, please do the impossible in the lives of everyone who reads this post today. Whatever the immovable stone is in their situation, I pray that as they do their part and walk in faith, that you will do what only you can do: Move the stone! In Jesus name I ask it. Amen.  

 

Thank God: Jesus is not my Homeboy

 

When Jesus walked the earth, most people were waiting for a Messiah that would be a powerful, political figure. Someone who would break the rule of the hated Romans and everyone would live happily ever after. Jesus tried to erase that picture, even saying to Pilate before he was crucified, “My kingdom is not of this world.” -John 18:36.

On one occasion, the Apostle Peter correctly stated that Jesus was “the Christ” (i.e. the Messiah). Jesus agreed and then immediately told the disciples what that meant: That he, the Messiah, was going to be killed. Then comes one of the most insane verses in the New Testament, “Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him.” -Mark 8:32.

Bold move by Peter. But why did he do it? The answer is simple: Because what Jesus said did not fit within the picture frame that most people, including Peter, had of the Messiah.  

Then Jesus uttered his famous, though harsh reply to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan.” Apparently, Jesus felt that Peter’s push toward the political was a temptation away from what He really came to earth to do: To give his life as a ransom on the cross for me and you.

Bottom line: Jesus is Jesus. As much as people try, we can’t make him into something he is not. And I'm so glad, because he is so much  more!

He is the Son of God (Hebrews 1:3); The Messiah (Matthew 26:64); The Savior (2 Timothy 1:10); He is Creator God (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3); He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16); He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

I’m so glad He’s not my President, or just a good teacher, or my “homeboy.” 

He is Jesus!!

Unhindered in Concert, Fri, Feb 18!!

 
Unhindered will be in concert at New Hope Church, 288 Campus (cr58 west @ 288) on Friday, February 18th @ 7:00 p.m. Get your tickets in the 288 bookstore for $5 or buy at the door for $10.

This concert is open to all ages, but is part of REVIVE WEEKEND for our students! Find out more or sign your student up at http://www.reviveweekend.com/.

 

Believe it: Origami in the offering bag!

 

I’ve enjoyed teaching the Money Origami lesson series. The above pic shows some actual “offerings” that we’ve received during the series! (What should I have expected from our very creative and fun-loving church family?! I love it!!)

If you know anyone who could benefit from the series, be sure and direct them to our website, www.newhopechurch.tv, where they can view the lessons and download the worksheets. We’re done with the series, but I’m still praying that we can make our money work for us – and glorify God in the process!

Amazed by New Hope Volunteers!

 

I am amazed by our volunteers. Last night, volunteers packed out both campuses and the energy was amazing. These are the people who make New Hope what it is! I’m so thankful to serve our Lord with all of you!! I love the new volunteer tee shirts because the verse from Romans sums up the attitude around our church, "In Christ we, though many, form ONE body and each member belongs to all the others!"  Yes, yes, yes!!! Thank you, God!

I love you guys and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year!

I refuse to run the marathon this year because…

 
I’ve run the half marathon once and the whole marathon once. (The pic is probably after the half because I'm still conscious!) But I’m not running either this weekend and the reason is simple: I am not prepared. At all! Rule of thumb: If a trip to the mailbox makes you short of breath, then you’re not ready for the marathon! You have to be prepared. There is no other way.

Something else we shouldn’t approach without preparation is eternity. It’s way too important to mess up. Jesus said, “You must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” –Luke 12:40.

Wow! What a thought: In an instant He comes to get us, or we leave to meet him, and we don’t know exactly when that moment will happen. Therefore, it makes sense to be prepared!

There are those who believe they can live however they want and then make things right on their deathbed. But honestly, we don’t know if we’ll get that chance. It’s best to be prepared.

I refuse to stand at the start line of a marathon unprepared. And I refuse to live my life unprepared for eternity. That’s why I’ve put my faith in Jesus for my salvation. I’m ready!!!!!! (But not for the marathon!)