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.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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?
Friday, January 22, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, January 18, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Help Haitians
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You can help the survivors of the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti. Give with confidence through one of these organizations:
World Vision - give online at www.worldvision.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
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
Monday, January 11, 2010
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!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isa 1:18
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, January 4, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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