Weekend Update

We had a great weekend at PCC as we wrapped up our Gospel series. We baptized tons of new believers and celebrated the changed lives that are happening right here in our house. Man this never gets old watching people turn from their old life and commit to following Jesus.

We were just shy of 1900 in attendance and are experiencing a great wave of momentum as we get ready for the our new series this weekend, End of the World. You don't want to miss this weekend. Invite your friends to come!

Here are a few picture highlights for this past weekend.

Gospel Day #19

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

Jesus loves kids. He said heaven is for people who are just like kids. When I think of my kids I would describe them as: trusting, in need of care and protection, sometimes helpless, full of love, painfully honest about their emotions and unpredictable. Thank God heaven isn't for perfect, well-put-together, in need of no-one and nothing, kind of people. What a relief.

"Father, thanks for making heaven for someone just like me - a big kid. I need your grace, mercy and help to make it through another day."

Laying Low

This week I've been laying low due to sickness. I've hardly been out of bed for the past 3 days. As you can imagine, it's been difficult for me to blog or even read much this week. I appreciate your prayers and look forward to sharing more of my insights from the Gospel reading next week.

Gospel Day #9

"And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everyone." Luke 9:6

It seems that everywhere the gospel is preached it is accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders. A blind man is given sight. A demoniac is set free. A man born lame walks. The simplicity of the gospel message changes lives. Marriages restored. Sins forgiven. Jesus and his Kingdom is not just a matter of talk, but of power. It would stand to reason that where lives are not being changed the gospel is not being preached.

"Father, help me to keep the gospel message - Jesus Christ and him crucified, the main message of my ministry. Please demonstrate your power in my day to change lives and destinies for your glory."

Gospel Day #8

"But say the word, and let my servant be healed." Luke 7:7

The words spoken by the Centurion filled the air with faith. In fact, Jesus said his faith was unusual - like nothing he had ever seen. He simply asked Jesus to heal his servant by just speaking a word. This audacious faith captured the attention of Jesus and he responded to it. What would my life look like if I operated with that kind of faith? Instead of second-guessing, or worst-case-scenario planning ... today may I be guided by a "just say the word" kind of faith that fills the atmosphere with expectancy and anticipation.

"Father, I thank you for reminding me today that you have been given all authority in heaven and in earth. May I trust in you and live with audacious, bold faith today. Amen."

Gospel Day #5

"But at your word I will let down the nets." Luke 5:5

Jesus was calling his disciples to follow him. He went to the wharf and met some fishermen who had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. Without hesitation, they obeyed and caught a huge catch.

Instant obedience to the word of Jesus bring instant success. When Jesus speaks, I must obey without hesitation. A simple "I will" reply is all that Jesus asks. An obedient and submissive spirit that follows Jesus without delay will yield great joy and satisfaction in life and ministry.

"Father, help to obey your Word today without hemming and hawing or questioning or complaining or second-guessing. I want to follow you with first-time, cheerful obedience, knowing full well that you will weigh down my life with your blessing."

Gospel Day #4

Matthew 4:4 "But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness prior to the beginning of his preaching ministry. While there, Jesus fasted for forty days. Satan tempted Jesus three different times. On each occasion, Jesus responded with "It is written." The Word of God is the only offensive weapon we have to fight the devil (Eph. 6). Every time the devil opens his mouth, we should simply open the Word.

"Father, thank you for your Holy Scriptures that not only comfort me in times of trouble, but also defeat the work of the enemy in my life and ministry. As I study it and memorize it, please sear it on my heart and conform me to its likeness."

Gospel Day#3

John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."

John was preaching the gospel and baptizing people in water. After he baptized Jesus in the Jordan river, Jesus himself began baptizing people. Many of John's followers began to follow Jesus.

Instead of flying into a jealous fit of rage and envy, John simply recognized that everything he had received was ultimately from God. And that his job was to make the name of Jesus famous, not his own. Sometimes life in the limelight can make you blind. It's good to remember that it's never been about me, but it's always been about Jesus.

"Father, thanks for reminding me to not be a diva. And if I ever start to show diva-like tendencies, kick me in the butt and remind me that it's only about bringing glory to one name - Jesus."

Gospel Reading Plan and Online Forum

Here's a copy of the 30 Day Gospel Reading Plan. If you haven't received one, go ahead and print this out and start reading today.

Also, if you would like to join the online Gospel reading forum at PCC, go here and jump into the conversation.

One last thing, check out the practical tips below on how to spend 30 minutes

with God each day as you read through the Gospels.

Gospel Day #2

Luke 2:52 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."

As a result of Jesus' submissive spirit to the authority in his life, namely his earthly parents at the time, Luke tells me that he grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. The key to spiritual growth is a submissive spirit. Jesus walked this earth with a humble heart.

"God, give me a submissive heart to the leading of your Spirit. May I live in such a way that I can learn from anyone. Lead and guide me today through your Word, your Spirit, and others that I encounter. I humble myself and ask you to help me grow and give me your favor with everyone I meet."

The Gospel in the Old Testament

Check this awesome video out by Tim Keller. It's about how to preach the gospel message from the Old Testament. Great stuff. Thanks Levon for sending me the link.

Impossible

Day One

Luke 1:37 "For nothing will be impossible with God."

In Luke 1 we find a string of miraculous events surrounding the birth of Christ: a barren woman named Elizabeth conceives (mother of John the Baptist), angelic appearances, an understanding husband, a mute husband (both would be miraculous events in my house) and most notably - a virgin birth.

The very birth of Christ reminds me that nothing is impossible with God. In fact, it appears that God specializes in taking seemingly impossible situations into possibilities laden with unlimited potential.

Areas for God to work the impossible in my life this week:

• my unsaved friend who is seeking Jesus / Lord save her
• another friend who's marriage just ended in divorce / that God would heal them and put the pieces of their life and marriage and ministry back together
• for God to heal my friend who just found out she has breast cancer
• for supernatural provision of staff, leaders, volunteers and finances for our church

God, nothing is impossible with you. You are a God of miracles. Please work miracles in my life, church and family for your glory. Forgive me for my doubts and strengthen me in my faith.

Gospel

This past weekend we kicked off a brand new series at PCC called Gospel. In addition to the weekend services, we are reading through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) in thirty days. I'll be sharing some of my personal thoughts as I make my way through this reading plan. I'm excited about how we are all going to grow closer to Christ and develop an increasing hunger for his Word during the next month. If you missed this past weekend services, check back later and I will post a copy of the reading plan and some practical tips on how to spend time with God each day through Bible reading, journaling and prayer.