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!
Spiritual Growth
05/17/2012
05/15/2012
03/26/2012
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!!!
02/29/2012
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!
02/20/2012
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!
02/16/2012
Old School: A sermon from 1859...
The following is an excerpt from a sermon preached by Charles Spurgeon on February 6, 1859. I found it interesting on several levels. I imagined sitting there in the New Park Street Chapel, listening to a man who had a firm grasp on Scripture and was able to get his point across to his audience. I was also amazed because a sermon from 1859 spoke to me. Yes... truth is timeless. Read on...
"Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1
Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 23:23-28
"Some people I know of are like inns, which have an angel hanging outside for a sign, but they have a devil within for a landlord. There are many men of that kind; they take good care to have an excellent sign hanging out; they must be known by all men to be strictly religious; but within, which is the all-important matter, they are full of wickedness. But I have sometimes heard persons mistake this matter. They say, “Ah! well, poor man, he is a sad drunkard, certainly, but he is a very good-hearted man at bottom.” Now, as Rowland Hill used to say, that is a most astonishing thing for any man to say of another, that he was bad at top and good at bottom. When men take their fruit to market they cannot make their customers believe, if they see rotten apples at the top, that there are good ones at the bottom. A man’s outward conduct is generally a little better than his heart. Very few men sell better goods than they put in the window. Therefore, do not misunderstand me. When I say we must attend more to the inward than the outward, I would not have you leave the outward to itself. “Make clean the outside of the cup and platter”—make it as clean as you can, but take care also that the inward is made clean. Look to that first. Ask yourself such questions as these—“Have I been born again? Am I passed from darkness to light? Have I been brought out of the realms of Satan into the kingdom of God’s dear Son? Do I live by private communion near to the side of Jesus? Can I say that my heart panteth after the Lord, even as the hart does after the water-brooks?”
Sermon no. 237
6 February (1859)
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02/02/2012
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.
01/24/2012
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
01/01/2012
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.
09/26/2011
New Hope Church: What's next...
This weekend we introduced The Great CoMission stewardship emphasis at New Hope Church. What follows is brochure #1 which gives an overview of the projects. It also gives some info about "your mission" in the Co-Mission effort. Here's a hint: Jesus said, "Go!"
09/22/2011
End of the World Question: Will there be color in heaven or is it going to be black and white?
Question: Will there be color in heaven or is it going to be black and white?
Answer: Color! (Like High-Def-on-steroids color!!)
Check out the description of the walls and gates of heaven, found in Revelation 21. (Note: Numbers on pictures above correspond with layers in these verses...)
19 "The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.[f] 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. 22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there." -Revelation 21:19-25
What an amazing, colorful place it will be!
09/21/2011
End of the World Question: What age are we in Heaven?
Question: What age will we be in heaven? (Like, if a child passed away – and someone else passed away when they were 90 years old, will they be that old in heaven?)
Answer: That's a great question. The Bible doesn't tell us what "age" we will be (or will appear to be) in heaven. When talking about the people there it stays pretty general. Look at this verse from Revelation 7:9...
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." -Revelation 7:9 (NIV)
Although a baby could wear a robe and hold a palm branch, I feel pretty safe in saying that the people he was referring to were of an age where such a task would not have been difficult. Some have speculated that we will all appear to be the "perfect" age. What age is that? Ask Arnold (pic above) and I'm sure he won't tell you his present age. :)
So, what if you lost a child when they were just a baby? When you get to heaven, will you know that the perfect young adult standing in front of you with a big smile on their face reaching out for a hug is your child? I would have to say, YES! You will know... no matter what age they "appear."
Bottom line: Heaven will be a good place - beyond your imagination!!!
09/19/2011
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!"
09/16/2011
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!
07/26/2011
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.
07/12/2011
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!
07/08/2011
Haiti building dedication... pure joy!
Many of you are aware of our involvement with a young man in Haiti named Caleb. Caleb feeds almost 200 kids twice a week and teaches them songs about Jesus and Bible stories. He also teaches them leadership lessons based on Bible principles. All this took place under a tarp/tent until the last few days. Now they have something more weather proof. Our church, New Hope Church, recently funded the building of a "shelter" where he can run his ministry. Here are some pics of the final clean of the building and the finished product. (That's Caleb front right in the above picture.) Pray for Caleb and the children of Haiti. And rejoice with them in their new shelter.
07/05/2011
The smartest kid you know...
Today we have a guest blogger. His name is Eric Holt. Eric is seventeen years old and will be a Senior this fall at Elkins High School in Missouri City, TX. His mom, Carrie, is a staff member at New Hope. The reason I asked Eric to write a blog is because he is extremely intelligent. Super intelligent. In fact, after being pursued by several colleges for their summer programs, he is currently attending Berkley University. He is number one in his class at Elkins and is looking forward to pursuing a career as a theoretical physicist. Eric has been part of the New Hope family since 1994. On the heels of our "God Loves Science" lesson, I asked him to answer the question: Why does someone who is super-smart like you believe in God? in 300 words or less. The following is his 291 word answer. Remember, he's 17. Enjoy.
"Why do you believe in God?" is indeed a profound question, simply because absolute proof of God's existence cannot be realized by any human being. Therefore, in order to believe in God, we must have faith in Him and His word. Just as Hebrews 11:6 says, "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Such faith, however, does not come easily, especially in a world in which mankind's knowledge is exponentially increasing. Perhaps a better question would be, "Why is it that when we think we are smart we believe that a creator is impossible?" When the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe was proposed, many people lost faith in God. We live in an era where our faith is constantly being tested by untruthful teachings. The only true, holy teachings we should believe in are those of the Word of God. I believe in God, because otherwise, everything and everyone in the universe, including you and I, are all part of a big accident. From a logical point of view, the sheer probability of the latter occurring is overwhelmingly close to zero. How could an accident possibly have caused the earth to be placed at precisely the right distance from the sun, have precisely the right mixture of gases in the atmosphere, and to have the countless other conditions necessary to support life? I don't know about the other scientifically-minded individuals out there, but I for one believe in a God who not only created the entire universe, but who loves us and wants to have a personal, intimate relationship with each and every one of us.
06/27/2011
06/23/2011
06/20/2011
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.
06/14/2011
Dads: How to have the best Father’s Day ever…
Back in 2003 I was in a plane going somewhere and tucked in the pocket in front of me was a GQ Magazine. (That’s not an endorsement.) There was an article by an assistant at GQ who had quit his GQ job to go to Hollywood to make movies. That’s what the article was supposed to be about: Him leaving GQ to go to Hollywood to make movies. However, it was more about his dad. I tore it out and have kept it since then, waiting for a time to share it, hence, the folds in the pic above. It’s not a typical blog for me and it’s longer than usual. But I want you to read it because it shows the power dad’s have in their children’s lives. This is the first part of the Dave Kalstein’s article. I’ll join you again at the end for a closing thought…
“Steven Spielberg said making movies is dreaming for a living, but he’s a liar. Making movies is waiting for your phone to ring. Anyone who works in films – writers, directors, actors – spends 90 percent of his time listening for the phone and, if he’s lucky, the remaining 10 percent making movies. We wait to hear from the people who make movies happen: producers or agents who, in turn, wait to hear from one another. A silent phone renders certain rituals impossible: attending your high school reunion, waving at an ex-girlfriend or calling your dad, because the last time any of them saw you, you were going off to make movies. And real men don’t come back as failures.
It’s been three years since I told my dad I was going to make movies, right after college graduation. He gave me this look – a look common to frugal self-made Jewish doctors who have just invested six figures in their eldest son’s college education – that said 'You must be drunk' (I was) and 'This is all my ex-wife’s fault' (it wasn’t). Dad didn’t raise his voice. He just found a mantra: ‘You and everyone else. What makes you special? A man doesn’t make his living that way. You don’t have a chance.’
The mantra became the centerpiece of every phone call we had, so I stopped calling. But sometimes I would catch myself writing father characters into screenplays in absurd places, just so I could hear the sound of his voice in my head. It’s the oldest story around: Son chases the Big Break so one day he can look his dad in the eye. Spend enough time waiting for your phone to ring and you’ll start to think that’s the plot behind every movie that’s ever made. Some guys hate Leonardo DiCaprio out of petty envy. I hate him because he can call home whenever he wants.” -Dave Kalstein
I’ve got an idea for this Father’s Day. Instead of waiting for your kids to tell you how amazing you are, give them the gift that every child wants: Your love and acceptance. Yes, every one of our children have had/will have their struggles. But we dad’s can remove the incredible burden of “looking for dad’s approval” off of their shoulders and take them to a new level with one line: I love you and I’m so proud of you!
You’ll say it from your hospital bed when your time here is coming to a close. Why not go ahead and say it now?
1 John 3:1
06/09/2011
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!
06/06/2011
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.
06/03/2011
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.
06/02/2011
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!!
06/01/2011
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!!!!
05/26/2011
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.
05/23/2011
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.
05/22/2011
Book: The Case for a Creator
This is the book I mentioned in the services this past weekend. Lee Strobel was an atheist who investigated the claims of the Christian faith, hoping to discredit them. However, because of the evidence he found, he gave his life to Christ. He’s written other books, such as, The Case for Faith, and The Case for Christ. If you have a scientific mind and want to hear from someone who has done the research, The Case for a Creator is a must read.
05/16/2011
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.)
05/10/2011
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.
04/25/2011
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!!
04/19/2011
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!!
04/12/2011
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!
04/04/2011
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!
03/28/2011
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!
03/24/2011
Get ready! The world is ending on Saturday...
Well, according to the billboards it will end on May 21! I’ve had a number of people ask me about it, so I thought I would address the subject. I looked up the website, read the claims thoroughly, and will give you my take. They’ve done a calculation based on dates in the Bible and are convinced that the world will end on May 21. One problem with their theory: Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 that, “no man knows the day or the hour.”
So if someone says they know it’s going to be a certain day, then you can just about bet it won’t be that day. Jesus instructs us in verse 42, “Keep watch, because you do not know what day your Lord will come.”
It will happen eventually.
In verse 44 He says, “So be ready, the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
You know what this means? He's probably not coming back on May 21. With that said, there's a good chance we'll still be here for the “End of the World” lesson series this fall at New Hope Church!
So, if we're still here... be there!
03/21/2011
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?
02/28/2011
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.
02/22/2011
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!)
02/16/2011
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.
02/10/2011
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!!
02/02/2011
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/.
01/31/2011
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!
01/28/2011
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!)
01/24/2011
One Reason Heaven is better than Hell…
Matthew 5:22 contains a reference to Hell (Gehenna) which is tied to the Valley of Hinnom. This valley, outside the city of Jerusalem, was made infamous in the Old Testament because of child sacrifices, then desecrated to keep the people away. (See 2 Kings 23:10.) It was outside the walls of the city, was at a lower elevation, and was far removed from the centerpiece of the city, the Temple, where God’s presence* was said to have dwelt. By Jesus’ time, the valley had become the city dump with perpetually smoldering piles of trash and constant fires producing ever-present smoke that drifted into the air day and night. Today, it’s been cleaned up (as you can see in the pic). But back in the day, Jesus used the valley as a picture of the real Hell for us. And it’s not a pretty picture for one very painful reason...
To be “there” was to be outside of God’s presence.* That’s hell. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:9)
Attach whatever biblical metaphor or literal description you want to it, but the thing that makes Hell hell, is that God’s presence is not there. Fortunately for us, the thing that Hell lacks that makes it so bad is the thing that Heaven has that makes it so good: God’s presence!
Here on earth all of us are blessed by his indirect presence. Someday, when He calls us home, because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we will take a step into his direct presence! (See 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)
That, my friend, is Heaven!
Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrificial death on the cross that takes away the sins of all who accept you as Savior and Lord!
01/18/2011
East Campus Breaks 1000!
Our East Campus had over 1,000 people in church this past weekend. We’ve done it before (Grand Opening & Christmas Eve) but this was the first time on a “normal” weekend that East crossed that threshold. No guest speaker. No prize giveaways. Just church. And the thing that makes it even more impressive was the downright ugly weather we had Sunday: Constant downpours on a cold, dank day. But even the weather couldn’t keep people away from church.
If you’re wondering why I’m telling you this, let me put it in perspective: It took 10 years to reach 1,000 people in attendance in our church (total). Our East Campus has done it 4 months after getting into their new building. [Insert your own, “Wow! Praise God!” here.]
Thanks to everyone who believed in this vision. Thanks to all the amazing volunteers and staff at East. And thanks to all of you who are giving to the “.Beyond” campaign!
Tell someone in that part of the world about our East Campus! (FM2351 & FM518 in Friendswood.)
For further study: Acts 1:15; 2:41; 2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 6:7; 9:31; 9:42; 11:21; 11:24; 11:26; 12:24; 13:44; 14:1; 14:21; 16:5; 17:12; 18:8; 21:20
Tim Liston
Forgiven sinner, reluctant leader, passionate Christ-follower, lucky husband, amazed dad! Pastor of www.newhopechurch.tv.
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