New Worship Time 10:30

Starting Sunday, May 16, Lifepointe will offer....

WORSHIP at 10:30 AM

Bible Study and Discussion at 9:00 AM

Kidzone and nursery all morning.

For more on Lifepointe Church in Carmel, IN, see our website:

www.lifepointeindy.com

Above All

In Phil 1:27-28, Paul shows three pictures - images - in teaching on church health.  He shows an illustration of a citizen, then of an athletic team, then of a 'game face.'  He teaches three priorities to church health in times of opposition --

1.  Behavior that is in keeping with being a citizen of heaven.

2.  Teamwork that moves the purpose of the church forward despite opposition.

3.  Confidence and poise even when the adversary appears.

A lot is packed into those two verses.  And a lot is 'hidden' from the English translation reader because the images are visible in the original Greek words and their usage in the day.

But under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul clears away the underbrush and shows us clearly the minefield that undermines the effectiveness of a church for the gospel.  Just take the three health given behaviors and turn them on their heads and you'll see what distracts and sometimes destroys a church.

1.  Bad behavior.  Behavior that is unbecoming of a believer.  Behaviors, attitudes, and speech patterns that do not reflect the character of Christ.  The gospel is dismissed or even ridiculed when non-believers watch or listen to so called Christians who's lifestyles, speech and attitudes are ungodly.

If the gospel has any hope of gaining footing among people 25 and under in the USA - aside from a miracle moving of God's sovereign grace -  it will require 'church people' to start living out of Holy Spirit empowered love and acceptance of people who are not yet Christians.  It will require radical kindness and graceful communication of the truth.  But it all starts with living a life that attractively godly and distinctive.

2.  Disunity and factions.  This has been Satan's secret weapon for ages: "divide and conquer."  Sow some dissension over here, a little discord over there, seed in some doubt, questioning and grumbling.  Next thing you know that church is no longer functioning as a unified team, all pulling in the same direction.   No longer reaching out in a cooperative way.  No longer welcoming in in an accepting way.
The energy of leadership is sapped and the morale of the congregation wanes.


3.  Ignorance of spiritual opposition or, worse, fear of entering the arena.  It's amazing how many people have no idea that there is even a battle going on.  It's disheartening when half of 'God's army' is untrained, ill equipped and seemingly unarmed.  But more disturbing are the number of believers who 'tuck their tails' any time someone opposes their faith  - or anytime spiritual warfare breaks out.

So Paul, writing from prison in Rome, makes it clear that for the gospel to advance - it must be advanced by a church that is made up of people who exhibit character, cooperation and confidence.

May God grant it.

To hear Pastor Woody's sermon on this scripture, click HERE after Monday, May 3.

Cruise of a Lifetime

BIBLELAND'S CRUISE

November 11-23, 2010

Join me for the "Trip of a Lifetime" to all the best New Testament sites from Jerusalem in Israel to Mars Hill in Athens, Greece.

Get all of the details by clicking HERE

or

linking from the calendar page of www.lifepointeindy.com 

and

Attend the no obligation INFORMATIONAL MEETING

this Sunday, May 2, 12:15 PM, Lifepointe Church

Stellar Sunday

Congrats to Jim Clayton and Journey Church in Franklin, IN for a stellar Easter Sunday!

Journey launched last September and already has been averaging 220.  A strong and essential start. Studies of thousands of church starts have shown that churches that do not break 200 in the first three years are not likely to ever do so.  Now, six months after their launch, Journey had 356 on Easter!  Jim hadn't gotten the final count but it appears that something near a dozen people accepted Christ as Savior!

It's wonderful to hear the excitement in Jim's voice, a note of amazement at what God is doing there in that small town.  As a member of Jim's Board, I can see the ways that the story is amazing.  For one, Jim had preached a total of six sermons in his life - three of them in preaching class - before starting Journey.  But he is has a genuine love for the Lord and lost people and naturally connects with them.

What's more, in the days leading up to the launch, Jim's father died.  Then a key launch team family left in a huff because he moved the worship time to 11 AM instead of a tad earlier.  And then just after the launch, he and Jodi had their first baby.  The emotions were all over the board.  But Jim never lost focus on his vision for Journey Church in Franklin.

I know, because I see the books, that the current giving at his church is minimal as most of his congregation has no idea about giving to a church.  Jim takes no salary.  In fact, Jim has personally provided much of the church's first year income.  That has to stop soon, we have advised, but my point is that Jim is fully invested, he's all-in.  

And his people are all-in.  Together they are on their way to a great church-chart story.

Congrats to Jim and Jodi and Franklin Church for 356 on Easter.

Broke 1000

My friend J R Lee continues to lead his new church start to Kingdom success.  Just two years into their journey, they broke 1000 for the first time on Easter.  139 first time guests.  39 people accepted Christ.

So great to see a congregation so captured with the vision of reaching their community for Christ.  As he wrote just a week or so ago, he credits much of the success to the congregation being "inviting machines."  See the link to their church on the right side of this page:  Freedom Church, Acworth, GA.

Congrats to J R and his team for a job well done on Easter Sunday!

Cruise to Best NT sites

BIBLELAND'S CRUISE

November 11-23, 2010

Join me for the "Trip of a Lifetime" to all the best New Testament sites from Jerusalem in Israel to Mars Hill in Athens, Greece.

Get all of the details by clicking HERE

or

linking from the calendar page of www.lifepointeindy.com

Video of Living Lord's Supper

Living Lord's Supper on Palm Sunday 

at Lifepointe Church.

See it by clicking HERE

Easter 2010

Three Easy Steps

How to make the most of this (and any) blog "in three easy steps."

1.  Comment.  The real fun isn't in what the blogger writes but in the comments that you and others write.  Many times the comments become a conversation between comment posters.

2.  Email.  You can send any blog post to a friend or many friends by clicking the envelope button below.  For example, let's say you'd like to forward the Easter Invitation (the post below this one) to a friend.  Just click the envelope, put in their address, and even put in a message of your own.

Go ahead and try it - email the Easter Invitation post to yourself just to see what it looks like.

3.  Follow.  You can become a follower of this blog by clicking the follow button to the right.

Blogs are not designed primarily to be informational.  They are designed to be interactive discussions. In fact, it's a lot like Sunday morning.  You can watch or you can participate.  As with everything, you'll get out of it what you put into it.

Enjoy!

Easter Celebration Worship

You are Invited

EASTER CELEBRATION WORSHIP

9 AM & 11 AM

Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15 AM

Biblical Message of Hope

Heart-felt Contemporary Worship

KidZone for K - 5

Safe Clean Nursery

Lifepointe Church

12770 Hamilton Crossing Blvd

Carmel, IN  46032

 (one block west of US 31 and W Carmel Drive)

map and info on site:  www.lifepointeindy.com

Biggest Event of All

There is no bigger event in history than Easter.

There is no bigger event in eternity than Easter.

There is no bigger event in your life than the day that the risen Christ becomes your Lord and Savior!

Today could be your day!  For how, see this:  www.heavenforfree.blogspot.com

New Venue Launched

Aaron Story and Indy Metro Church opened their new East Side venue in Irving Theater last night.  They had done a ton of work on the old theater and also had done a lot of servant evangelism leading up to the grand opening.  The "Indy Metro East" workers were well prepared, smiling greeters, nice refreshments, well-designed guest materials, attractive signage, and staging.  I was impressed by the spirit in the place - very good worship participation and Aaron did a nice job preaching the first sermon in a new place.  I don't know the number but with children I'd guess it was over 100.  Aaron's heart for the city shows.  Congrats to five year old Indy Metro Church for expanding to a second venue - downtown and now Irvington.  God bless Aaron Story and Indy Metro Church.

See their site here:  http://www.indymetro.org

Palm Sunday Worship was Excellent

The Lord was present in our Palm Sunday service this morning.  More than one person used the word, “powerful.”  It’s good to be in church where the gospel is presented and the Holy Spirit is at work.

The re-enactment of the Last Supper was really excellent.  Thanks to each of the guys who took the time and made the commitment to rehearse and present so that the congregation could be blessed.  Thanks to Jimmy who played Jesus.  Thanks to each of the disciples:  Jeff, Eric, Ryan, Josh, Charles, Marcus, Matt, Josh, Gary, Justin, Todd and Rob.  Thanks to Phil and Frank for great music all morning. 

Thanks to Sheila and all who helped her with the ‘upper room’ set.  Thanks to Gord and Jim for putting up the drape back-drop.  And to Gord for running sound today.

It was a team effort to present a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ great love and compassion.

Thanks to those who show their commitment to the gospel and to Lifepointe by inviting friends.  As was said in a very first description of Lifepointe five years ago, Lifepointe is not to be ‘consumed’ but given away.

Glory to God and thanks for His gift of love.

Palm Sunday

The Living Lord's Supper

Dramatic Re-enactment of Jesus' Last Supper

Communion Service

11:00 AM, Sunday, March 28

Lifepointe Church

Just Wondering

After the Prime Minister of Israel visited Washington, D.C. this week and was, for a second time, snubbed by the current U S Administration - no photo op, no joint press conference, no photos released of the meeting and the Israeli media reports that Obama walked out on the Israeli delegation at dinnertime and left them to find dinner on their own - all over President Obama being rebuffed on his demand that Israel divide it's capital as a pre-condition for 'peace talks' to resume.

Wonder if anyone at the White House has read the prophecy of judgment in the book of Joel?

       I will gather all nations
       and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
       There I will enter into judgment against them
       concerning my inheritance, my people Israel,
       for they scattered my people among the nations
       and divided up my land.   Joel 3:2

Inviting Machine

My friend J R Lee is quickly building a dynamic young church in the Atlanta, GA area.  Just a little over two years old, they regularly have over 600 in attendance.  Scores are coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  What's the secret?

He touched on at least one key in a tweet today.  Here's what he said:

We've had 452 First Time Guests in the past 10 Weeks! Inviting machines are the people at freedomchurch! Keep it up!

J R say that the secret to 452 first time guests in 10 weeks - over 45 per week - was not a great staff, great preaching, great music or great events (though they have all of those) - no, the secret is THE PEOPLE becoming "inviting machines."

Miracle Delivery

Tonight, my small group study is in chapter nine of Bruce Wilkinson's "You Were Born For This."  It's on the "five steps of delivering a miracle."  It is very interesting.  On the one hand it seems 'out there' that I could be involved in delivering a miracle and yet on the other he presents in a natural way.  Natural and supernatural meet!

We have all come to conviction that God is more interested in delivering miracles that we are in being involved in delivering them!  But think about it - a miracle is essentially God meeting a human need.  How many people do not have a need?  So, the opportunity for miracles is all around us every day!

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. - 1 Cor 4:20

Maybe the church would be gaining instead of losing 'market share' in America if we Christians would talk less and live by God's power more.  There's nothing like a miracle or two to get people's attention!

No New Thing

We are doing a verse-by-verse study of Paul's letter to the Philippians on Sunday mornings at Lifepointe.  There is a lot to learn and apply in this short letter!  I'll give it to Paul, he knew how to pack a lot in a few written words.

Phil 1:7 was our key verse on Sunday - actually just phrase from that verse was the focus of our attention:  "defense and confirmation of the gospel."  We did a word study on 'defend' and 'confirm.'

It turns out that the need to defend the gospel in Paul's day mirrors the need in our own day.  The gospel was challenged from all sides back then:  spiritual, cultural, legal, academic, religious and philosophic.  It's no different today.  The challenges come from the same sources today.

Especially in that, as the President has said, "America is no longer a Christian nation."

For more on how to defend and confirm your faith, listen to the message from 3/21 on the sermons page at www.lifepointeindy.com.

Defend and Confirm

You, your children and your grandchildren live in an increasingly biblically illiterate and gospel ignorant world.  That void is filled with every error and twisted perception of the true and living God.  What are you to do?  Are you equipped to answer skeptical questions about God, the Bible and Christianity?  What ‘proof’ do you have that your faith is real? 

This Sunday, learn how you can be effective in the “defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Phil 1:7) as the Rejoice! message series continues.

Up to Something New

A lady said to me tonight, "God is doing something new at Lifepointe." 

She is right.  And she is not the only one to notice.  Others have made similar statements.

It's like an intangible.  It's an "it."  Whatever "it" is, God is doing it.

As Henry Blackaby has taught, one secret to the satisfying Christian life is "finding where God is at work and joining Him there."

People are sensing that God is at work at Lifepointe Church and joining Him there.

Worship is More

Worship is expressed in more ways than just singing.  In fact, the reason a worship service is called a worship service is because it's all worship!  Singing, praying, hearing and responding to God's Word, giving, ministering to each other and to all generations.

Third Thursday Praise is your chance to express your worship in several ways.  It's just 50 minutes but it's packed full of expressive worship opportunity.

Marcus Hendry will be on keyboards and a friend of his on guitar.  He has a nice music set planned.  But they only play for part of the time.  You can also express your worship through meditation, confession, the Lord's Supper, artistic expression, and outspoken words of thanksgiving.  It's like an MCL of worship expression.  Something for everyone.  Take what you like, leave the rest.

Some fellowship and light snacks follow.

It's low key, casual, easily accessible, self-pacing, non-threatening yet it can be fully engaging.

You have to be there.

With a friend.

C U then. 

The Missional Church

God Story

If you are a Christ-follower, you have a "God Story" that is as unique as your fingerprint.  It's your own story of how Jesus Christ has impacted your life.  It may be the story of when you came to know Him in faith - the day you were saved.  It could be a significant mile-marker on your faith journey.  Maybe it's how you saw God work, "right before your eyes" in a way that could only be Him.  It could have to do with a relationship, a job, an illness, a healing.  Whatever its content, you have a God Story.

Your God Story is your faith conversation starter.  It's your calling card when it comes to faith related discussions.  It's your unique contribution.  Because it happened to you, there is nothing to memorize.  It's not canned.  It's not rehearsed.  It's just an authentic story of God at work in your life.

Why not take some time in the next few days to think about your God Story.  What are the elements in your story with which everyone can identify?  Many times those are emotions - fear, doubt, uncertainty, sadness, joy, surprise, happiness.  How is it a God Story?  Identify elements of faith, prayer, scripture, church, or Christian relationships that played a part in your story.  Try to boil your God Story down to just a handful of sentences - just the essence.  You can always expand it if you have time but start with something that you can communicate in a minute.  I call it the "elevator" version.

Here's my hunch:  if you have your God Story ready to tell, God will give you chances to tell it!

Then you'll have more stories to tell!

The Best Sunday Yet

Do you think that this Sunday will be the greatest Sunday in the history of Lifepointe Church?

Do you think that the answer is dependent upon the song selection?

Do you think that the answer is dependent upon the preaching?

Do you think that the answer is dependent upon your own attitude and participation?

Personally, I think that the music and the preaching are big factors - but not the biggest.

What do you think?

You can give your thoughts by clicking comment below.

Expect God

Last night a person commented about last Sunday at Lifepointe saying, "the room was full of the Holy Spirit!"  It true.  In fact, the last few weeks at Lifepointe I have sensed a new season arriving - a fresh wind of His Spirit among us.

One reason for the sense of His presence last weekend, I believe, is that there were many people there who had been at the Deeper Walk Conference the week before and were full of faith and fresh vision for the work of God in our hearts.  They brought faith and expectancy into the room!

Much of what happens in any church on Sunday morning is dependent upon the congregation.  Most people think it depends on the music and the preaching.  Not so.  Jesus doesn't do miracles where the people are in unbelief (Matt 18:58).  Let me say it another way.  There are some churches where nothing would happen even if Jesus himself gave the sermon!

A good way to think of "faith" is "expectancy."  Faith can be a nebulous word.  So think "expectancy."  One dimension of faith is that you expect God.  You expect Him to answer prayer.  You expect Him to speak to you though the Bible.  You expect His Spirit to guide you into truth.  You expect Him to meet you in worship.  You expect that God will save, restore and renew people.

Do you expect God?

If so, you bring that expectancy into whatever room whatever relationship, whatever circumstance that you enter.

So, expect God today!  (This Sunday, too!)

Exciting Sunday Coming Up

This Sunday, March 7, is a 'don't miss' Sunday for sure.   In fact, it's a bring a friend Sunday.

9:30 AM -- Pastor Woody teaching on "Forgiving from the Heart."  This is one of the most important and freeing teachings in the entire scripture!  It is the golden key to freedom from bondage to hurts from your past.  Almost all emotional healing involves this essential step.

11:00 AM -- Dr. Karl Payne, pastor of Youth Ministries and Leadership at Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, WA, and chaplain to the Seattle Seahawks professional football team, is speaking at the 11 AM worship service.

Bring a friend and share the blessing of what God is doing at Lifepointe!

Henry Blackaby and more

You are invited to grow in your faith and ministry practice by attending the Deeper Walk Conference this Thursday - Saturday, March 4-6 at Marriott East Conference Center in Indianapolis.  At the conference, you can learn from:

Henry Blackaby - the author Experiencing God
Edwin Lutzer - the Pastor of Moody Memorial Church
Neil Anderson - founder of Freedom in Christ ministries

These internationally known leaders and many more are presenting this week at Deeper Walk Conference.

Check out all of the details at www.deeperwalkinternational.org

Great Day at Lifepointe Church

"Was that the Holy Spirit, or what," one lady said, blotting tears from overflowing eyes.  "A Wow morning," another said.  "That was one great morning," said another man.

It was an excellent Sunday at Lifepointe!  So many great comments about the ways that God was at work.

The message of "emotional healing" at the 9:30 bible study was very impacting.  The worship singing was expressive all day.  The little letter to the Philippians continues to serve up rich and relevant words for living.  And the testimonies from Rod Farney, Jim and Betty Moore about the Jamaica Construction Mission were heartfelt.

People remained long after the service talking with each other.  It's a warm fellowship of believers that has gathered at Lifepointe Church.  Praise God for the ways that He is working in our church.

Biblelands Cruise - The Trip of a Lifetime!

BIBLELAND'S CRUISE

November 11-23, 2010

Join me for the "Trip of a Lifetime" to all the best New Testament sites from Jerusalem in Israel to Mars Hill in Athens, Greece.

Get all of the details by clicking HERE

or

linking from the calendar page of www.lifepointeindy.com

When it Dawns

God empowers people to help people.  That is an amazing thought really.  God doesn't need.  There is no such thing as a 'needy' God - that goes against the whole definition of God.  God is completely self-sustaining and literally, ultimately independent.  Not dependent.  So, God doesn't need me or you to get his purpose accomplished here on earth.

God chooses to bring you in on His activity.  It's His choice.

It's your choice, too.  You can choose to go along with His invitation or let it pass by unacknowledged.  God's work will move on.  His work will get done through others.  Why not choose to be used?  He will empower you, guide you, give you the words to say, the gifting that fits the need, the faith to see it through.

When it dawns on us that the Christian life is more about helping others in the name of Jesus (Mark 9:41) than a check-list of daily duties then we will see God's Kingdom advance in our world.

Seahawks Chaplain to speak

Karl Payne

Chaplain of the Seattle Seahawks

will be speaking at Lifepointe on

Sunday, March 7, 11:00 AM

Should be really fun - invite some friends!

Jamaica Construction Mission Photos

Two for Two

Another great night discussing and applying Bruce Wilkinson's new book, You Were Born for This.  The book presents miracles in a whole new light, an accessible one.  He speaks of 'everyday miracles' and truthfully most every family has some story of when God intervened.  But mostly, we are discussing how God wants to involve His people in the delivery of 'miracles' that meet needs.  In fact, God is more willing to provide miracles than we are available to deliver them!  So my small group study is inching closer to using the Master Key to predictable miracles:  that is, the prayer of not just availability but commitment to delivering God's miracle to the person of His choosing whenever we get the nudge.  More on how that is done as we proceed - what an adventure!

Jamaica Construction Mission Update

Here is a report from a ministry partner in Jamaica to Mike Yost, our Missions Director, telling of how our construction mission is progressing...

Hi Mike,
It has been a great week so far.  God has blessed us with some great weather
to work in.  We have enjoyed some wonderful fellowship working arm and arm
with the members of Maranatha doing some wonderful improvements on the
church.  The tile is progressing, sidewalk is done and the entry way has
been moved.  Today will be more tile and doors followed by an evening of
bible club with 90 children from our neighborhood.  The team has been a
blessing in all aspects of service.  Better go for now.  God Bless, Harold

Guest Blogger

Want to be a contributor to LPClive?  Let's say you are involved in Ladie's Bible Study and would like to express some thoughts about how it's going, what you are learning, or an encouragement to attend.  Or say you are involved in the Thursday Prayer Time --- or maybe you participated in the Third Thursday Praise night --- and you want to write about your experience.  Or maybe God is doing something in your life and you want to let others know.  We welcome guest blog posters.  All you have to do is write your blog post copy and email it to woody@lifepointeindy.com.  Put "blog post" in the subject line.  You have to be willing for your name to be signed to the post.  You then will be a proud resident of cyberspace!

Comment

One purpose of a blog is to create conversation, solicit opinion.  I encourage you to comment.  All you have to do is click 'comment' at the bottom of any post.  So, for example, Josh has a couple of blog posts on here.  Would it be good to encourage him?  It's easy.  Just click "comment" and post your own thoughts!

Jamaica Construction Mission

The Lifepointe Construction Mission Team has arrived in the Mango Valley area of Jamaica.  Mango Valley is east of Ocho Rios which is on the north side of the island. Mango Valley is a mountain community.  The construction mission is focussed on improvements to Maranatha Baptist Church, which serves the people of Mango Valley and is the location of Lifepointe's summer VBS mission.  Pray for the safety, health, energy and ministry of the men and women working on this construction mission.

New Youth Group Meetings

For the past year, our youth students have all been meeting together on Sunday nights. This has been a good experience, but now it is time to change things up a bit. So here are the changes:

Jr high students  (6th-8th grade)
Thursday nights at 6:30  pm
Pullen House (160 Irongate Drive, Zionsville, IN 46077)

Sr high students (9th-12th grade)
Sunday nights at 6:30 pm
Cook House (12420 Windsor Drive, Carmel, IN 46033)

Hopefully these changes will encourage all of the students to bring more friends as well as promote more in depth discussion. As always, please keep all of our students in your prayers.

- Josh Riedy

WhiteOut Weekend

Ohh wow...where do I even begin?!?! WhiteOut Weekend was absolutely amazing! For those of you who don't know what I am talking about let me give you a little background. Last Friday 10 of our students left for Camp Amigo in Michigan to meet up with another church for a weekend retreat. The weekend had tons of activities planned like cross country skiing, snow tubing, engleball, dodgeball, volleyball, etc. We played so many different games I honestly can't remember them all. But more importantly than that the foundation and main reason for the weekend was to build our relationships stronger and closer with Jesus. The theme for the weekend was lukewarm (still makes me laugh a bit considering it was freezing cold there). Every day the students were challenged with what it means and looks like to be lukewarm and what to do about it. It basically boiled down to needing a crazy love for God.

Mark 12:30 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

The students were really challenged to be more than a Sunday morning Christian. This Sunday morning you can hear a couple of testimonies from the students themselves about the weekend and what they learned. You won't to miss it.

For me, this weekend was a huge encouragement. Not only was I challenged with being lukewarm, it was so amazing to see the students respond in the way they did. Every morning during devotional time and every evening during cabin time the students lead the discussion and kept it focused. They really  wanted to figure things out, hold each other accountable, and grow in their own personal relationship with Jesus. Nothing could have made me more excited than that! God is sooo good.

- Josh Riedy

Off to a Strong Start

The kick-off edition of Third Thursday Praise went exceptionally well.  It was, as the planners had hoped, very different from Sunday morning - anything other than "Sunday morning warmed over."  It was a creative, expressive, open, varied, self-pacing, self-accessing and intimate time of worship.  There was joy, there were some tears, there were private commitments and deepened relationships.  I hope that you will mark your calendar for the "third Thursday" of the month - bring an open heart and bring a friend. Thanks to Phil and Denise for excellent musical worship leadership.  Thanks to Sheila for helping with the set-up of the auditorium.

Third Thursday Praise

Third Thursday Praise - 6:30 PM - Feb 18 - Lifepointe Church

I am excited about our first "Third Thursday Praise" night.  It is going to be an informal, fun, creative, different, expressive, participatory, varied, real loud & real soft, celebrative & contemplative, visual, verbal, non-verbal, personal, private, open and public time of praise to Jesus!

What I am saying is that Third Thursday Praise is not "Sunday morning warmed over."

There is no sermon.  It is not a concert.  It's not 45 minutes of standing up singing one song after another until you scream, "make it stop."  Oh, and this will be very important to a few folks, there is no 'forced intimacy' small group prayer time.  LOL  Though you may choose to pray with others at any time during the evening. 

Third Thursday Praise is about your opportunity for personal and corporate praise.  There will be a lot of worship 'elements' made available to you.  It will be your choice as to how which elements you choose to include in your worship mix this Thursday.  It's like a worship buffet-line.  You can choose any combination that you wish -- one combo this month and another next month.  You can choose to nibble around the edges or jump in with both feet.

We will have some snacks and fellowship afterward.

Invite a friend.  Bring your family.  You will enjoy it on whatever level you choose.

Third Thursday Praise starts at 6:30 PM at Lifepointe Church.

"Thursday Night Prayer Time" is still offered at 5 PM.  Usually the Thursday Night Prayer group lasts less than an hour.  I encourage all who attend the prayer time to remain for the Third Thursday Praise at 6:30 PM.

See you tomorrow!

You Were Born For This

Tonight I started a new small group study using Bruce Wilkinson's book, You Were Born For This:  7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles.  It's one of the best books that I have read recently so I got pretty excited about helping some others get exposed to Wilkinson's insights.  Plus, at least some of what he says is close to some experiences that I have had through the years - but he has packaged it in a way that helps others sense that they can be part of God's miracle in another person's life.

As soon as the first session was over, the excitement in the room was obvious!  "This is going to be a really good study," one participant said.  Another said, "I'm going to start reading this book tonight!."

It's not too late for you to join us.  It's Tuesday evenings at 7 PM.  If you'd like to do the snacks and fellowship then plan to arrive a little early - anytime after 6:30 PM.  For more info, email Woody at woody@lifepointeindy.com or call the church office at 571-0630.

Joy Under Pressure

Tomorrow I start a new verse-by-verse series on Paul's letter to the Philippians.  It's a small book with a large message about experiencing joy even when under pressure.  The Christians who originally read Paul's letter were regular folks who had everyday emotions and situations:  worry, conflict, hope, opposition, poverty, sickness, ambition, grumbling, love, pride, and faith.  In it all, it's possible to find joy.  In the Lord, you can rejoice regardless of the circumstances!

Philippians is loaded with block-buster verses - words of promise and prescription for Spirit-filled, Christ-centered living in the real world.   It's a book that's so short that you can read it in five minutes yet it's truths  will live long in your heart.  It's a book for new believers as well as people who have known Jesus for many years.  It's a book for seekers who wonder if Christianity 'works' in everyday life.

I hope that you will join me Sunday at 11 AM at Lifepointe Church for the start of this new series.  Bring you bible and bring a friend.  By the way, at 9:30 AM we have a Bible Study and table-discussion time that's perfect for meeting new friends and going deeper in your faith.

Back from the Desert

I am back from the desert where it was anything but dry and hot.  It was rain and cold every day!  Not much of a break from the cold of Indiana.  Still, it's good to take some time away and I appreciate Lifepointe leadership encouraging me to be more intentional about taking more personal time way this year.

Josh Riedy, our Youth Minister,  did an excellent job preaching in my absence.  It was his first ever Sunday morning sermon.  He will remember that day as all preachers do.  Thank you to everyone who encouraged him after the morning worship.  Thank you and God bless you, Josh!

Some have said that the test of a church is how many show up to the mid-week prayer meeting.  That may be one test.  In my opinion, a larger test of church is how many show up when the pastor is away. 

Visionary Day

It was a visionary day at Lifepointe Church - celebrating the advances of 2009, looking realistically at some areas that need a boost and anticipating with faith the new ministry initiatives of 2010.  

Thanks to Tim Deckard for the teleprompter prop!  Fun!

We underscored today the 2 scriptures, five purposes and one big goal on which Lifepointe is built.

We also emphasized that Lifepointe is not designed to be a program-based church.  We are not about being church-busy.  Our hope is to see more and more people released to minister in their own God-given gifting.  Some will minister inside the walls of Lifepointe but the real hope is that most will minister outside in our community.  You don't have to go someplace new to minister God's love and grace - He has you in the perfect spot for this moment.  As the old saying goes, "bloom where you are planted."

Several new ministry initiatives for 2010 were announced today:

1.  Adding two Elders.  Currently Pastor Woody is the only Elder.  Soon we hope to have three.
2.  Turning Point - a new ministry for those needing freedom and recovery starts in September.
3.  A clearer path to spiritual growth - more identifiable and easier for you to communicate to others.
4.  A new Christmas Outreach event featuring music and drama.

There is at least one other initiative that God has placed on my heart but it's just at the discussion phase.

Pray for these new initiatives to add further strength to what God is already doing at Lifepointe.

State of the Church Address

Yes, ladies and gentlemen - this Sunday morning Pastor Woody will deliver the 2010 State of the Church address.  It will not be 70 minutes long.  It's doubtful that there will be any standing ovations.  It's also doubtful that anyone will shout out "liar" or even silently mouth the words, "not true."  But you will get to hear about expanding soul-care, an evangelism stimulus package, no kid left behind and so much more.  It will be fun, informative and visionary.  This Sunday, Jan 31, 11 AM.

Don't forget that the 9:30 AM bible study hour is a great time to meet new friends and apply the bible at oblong-table discussions!

Return to the Father

Looked today at one of Jesus's most well known and powerful parables - usually referred to as the parable of the 'prodigal son.'  It's really more about the heart of the Father than the runaway son.  One big lesson is that no matter how far you run, God can turn up the cold winds of reality that will make home look much more attractive than when you left.  But the huge lesson is that your Father waits on the porch of heaven ready to welcome, embrace, kiss, accept, and restore you as soon as your heart turns toward home in repentance and faith.  What's more, three times in Luke 15, Jesus refers to the party thrown in heaven every time the a lost person is comes to eternal life by faith.  Why not come home to the open arms of your loving heavenly Father today?

Sunday and stuff

I am excited about this Sunday at Lifepointe Church. 

At 9:30 we continue in the Essential Christianity series - looking specifically at "Living by Faith."  Honestly, I could wish for everyone to come to 9:30 and skip 11:00.  After all, "without faith it is impossible to please God" Heb 11:6.  What topic could be bigger than living by faith?  

At 11:00, I am opening up one of the most famous, familiar and significant parables - what's commonly known as the parable of the prodigal son.  It's part three in the series called RESET:  The Way Forward is Back.  Certainly the 'prodigal' learned that lesson in a large way!  Though it's a familiar story, you will be challenged and inspired by the revelation in these verses.

The situation in Haiti is better but that's a very relative statement.  It's better 'as disasters go.'  The situation on the ground there is still quite desperate and will be for a long time.  There is still a need for generosity - even though governments have given multiplied millions (except of course Saudi Arabia, the hub of fanatic Islam, which hasn't contributed a dime - don't get me started).  Scroll down this blog and you will find five ways to give with confidence to the Haitian relief effort.

I was at Don and Karol Cook's home on Tuesday evening - a nice fellowship meal at 6 PM followed by a  time of sharing and prayer at 7 PM.  I appreciate the Cook's hospitality and their commitment to opening their home to those who want to seek the Lord together. 

A huge thanks goes out to Steve Harbaugh and John McDowell who worked many hours designing and building a 'drum isolation booth' for our auditorium.  It looks good but more importantly it will allow Jimmy Nye to have far greater control over the volume when the band is playing.  Better quality sound too -- thanks!

No Routine Worship

The situation in Haiti is so pitiful to see.  While watching the images of devastation and suffering, I was struck with a thought.  Last Sunday the Christ-followers of that nation met for worship.  The singers sang, the preachers preached, the people offered worship and had fellowship.  Little did they know that it would be the last Sunday that their church building would be standing.  Little did they know that most in that congregation would be homeless by the next Sunday or that some of them would be dead or injured.

Some heard the gospel for the last time and did not respond thinking, "I'll get around to that someday."

It struck me that there is no such thing as a 'routine worship service.' 

Every opportunity to worship the true and living God and His Son Jesus is a special event.  Every chance to sing praise, to hold out the life-giving gospel is a special hour.  Every chance to equip and encourage the body of Christ is a special.  There is no such thing as a routine worship service!

Losing Your First Love

As recorded in his Revelation, the apostle John was given a vision of heaven and God's plan for the future.  But to start with John was given a guided tour of some churches on earth.  He got to see how some churches look from heaven's perspective.

Today at Lifepointe, we looked at Revelation 2:1-7.  John got heaven's perspective on the church at Ephesus.  It was a good news - bad news review.  The church scored high on doctrinal fidelity and church discipline.  They also weathered some tough times and had persevered through them all.  This church had some good things going - it might be the kind of bible-centered church that you would want to join.

But Jesus' review had some bad news as well.  Really bad news.

Seems for all of their doctrine and discipline, the church at Ephesus had left their first love.  They had lost the key to the the peace and the power of Christian living.  Simply put they lost their INTIMACY with Jesus.

See, they had it at the head level - they were quite well studied, articulate and disciplined in their practice and and preaching.  But they had lost it at the heart level.

They had a church that was coldly correct.

The warm light of the gospel was flickering.  Their lamp was no longer showing the way to the lost and dying of their community.

The passage is a bold reminder that Jesus is serious about His mission to seek and to save those who are lost.  After all, he suffered and died for that purpose.  And it's a reminder that there is no such thing as a heartless faith.

How about you?  Have you left behind your first love - the love you had for Jesus at the first?  Has it gotten lost in good things, religious things, family things?  Like losing your keys - nobody intends to do it.  But once you do, you've lost your security and your mobility.  You are locked out of your home and your car.  Nothing happens until you recover your keys.  You go all out to find them.

Is it time to admit that you've lost the key to intimacy with Jesus?  Is it time to go all out to find it?

If so, the passage gives the way back to personal intimacy and church vibrancy.  Remember the height from which you have fallen.  Repent.  Then start doing the things that you did at first.  What were those first things?  Time with God in prayer?  Time with God in His word?  Talking with others about your faith and His word?  Heartfelt expressive worship?  Daily filling of the Holy Spirit?  Sharing your faith with others?  Why not start doing those things again?  Why not look for and find the keys to Christian living - to personal intimacy with Christ?

for more on this topic hear Pastor Woody's sermon "Reset:  Renew Your First Love" on the sermons page of www.lifepointeindy.com

Help Haitians

You can help the survivors of the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti.  Give with confidence through one of these organizations:

The American Red Cross - Send a $10 donation by texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999 (I did) or give online at www.redcross.org

World Vision - give online at www.worldvision.org

Convoy of Hope - give online at www.convoyofhope.org

Samaritan's Purse - give online at www.samaritanspurse.org

Give this Sunday at Lifepointe Church.  Write "Haiti" on the memo line of your check.  100% of funds received will be sent to World Vision.  World Vision sent 18 metric tons of relief supplies to Haiti today for immediate distribution to survivors.  Last year, World Vision provided nearly one billion dollars in various forms of aid to people in need around the world and has a four star rating by Charity Navigator. 

Economy Impacting Churches

A study by Lifeway Research released this week says the following about how the economy is impacting churches:

A full 35 percent of the 1,002 Protestant pastors surveyed in November 2009 said giving in their churches was flat compared to the same period in 2008. Another 29 percent said giving was down, including 18 percent who reported a decrease of 10 percent or more.

See the full article here:  http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100114/churches-not-yet-enjoying-economic-rebound/index.html

Care Ministry

I had a great time with Lifepointe Care Ministry leaders on Sunday night!  A really good group of couples who are each committed to extending care ministry to a list of about 10 families.  We just got this ministry in place at the end of last year but already this group has begun to connect with their families.  Already some encouraging ministry stories are emerging.  I am grateful to these couples for helping me shepherd the people of Lifepointe Church.  Thanks also to Sheila and Gordon Van Kampen for hosting this dessert in their home!

Good Sunday at Lifepointe

Despite the bitter cold start to the day, we had a good crowd and wonderful day at Lifepointe. 

ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY

I'm very excited about the 9:30 AM Bible Study series that we started today!  It's twelve weeks of what I consider to be 'essential Christianity' - topics like The Meaning of the Good News, How to Live in the Spirit, How to Live by Faith, Your Identity in Christ, and so much more.

Here's the format:  20 minutes lesson presentation, 30 minutes of round-table discussion and application, 10 minutes of closing prayer.  It is really a great time to connect with others at Lifepointe AND advance your maturity in Christ.

RESET: THE WAY FORWARD IS BACK

Our January sermon series started today with a look at How to Recover the Cutting Edge.  For Christ-followers the cutting edge is the present, active power of the Holy Spirit in your life.  Unfortunately, we can for various reasons lose our spiritual edge - not lose the Holy Spirit's presence because He is always with us as New Testament believers - but lose the reality of His power at work in and through us.  Today's message focused on what to do when you have lost your spiritual edge. 

You can hear the message by going to the sermons page of www.lifepoointeindy.com

White as Snow

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD.

"Though your sins are like scarlet,  they shall be as white as snow;
 though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."  Isa 1:18

Prayer Emerging

Lifepointe Church was born as the result of a weekly prayer group.  "We believe in the power of prayer to change lives," has been one of our ten core values from the start.  For the past couple of years, a small group of ladies has met weekly to pray for Lifepointe.

Now God is bringing in a new season of prayer at Lifepointe. 

It started with the Ladies' Bible Study doing a study on prayer by Jim Cymbala.  The entire church was given a peek into that study when we showed a sermon by Cymbala on "My House Shall be Called a House of Prayer."  Thanks to Marla and Judy for being sensitive to the Lord's leadership in this study.

The weekly Thursday evening (5 PM) prayer time at the church has expanded in number and interest.

Now the small group hosted at Don and Karol's home has turned it's focus to prayer.  Their meeting is on Tuesdays at 7 PM (with a nice fellowship meal served at 6 PM).

This past Sunday morning the church took time, as we have often done in the past, to form prayer circles and pray for needs expressed within that group.

After the service, in response to a request for prayer by a lady with MS, a group gathered to pray and lay hands on this dear lady for healing.  A first time guest at the church who was suffering from her own set of medical issues asked, "will you pray for me too?"  So the prayer group continued in prayer for her.

God is work calling His people not only to pray but to be ministers in prayer!

One Big Prayer

Accelerate your spiritual journey by praying this one big prayer every day:

Dear God, give me a heart that seeks You!

God promises that when you seek Him with your whole heart that you will find Him!

Click these verses to see for yourself:  Jer 29:13,  Matt 7:7-8, Prov 8:17.

Three Commitments for 2010

Jump start your 2010 spiritual journey with these three commitments:

SEEK              I will seek God with my whole heart!

WORSHIP       I will fully engage in worship!

GIVE              I will give myself in service to God!

For more on these commitments, hear the message "Wise Men Still Seek Him" by Pastor Woody Cumbie.  Click HERE and go to the 'sermons' page.