The Miracle of Grace

"Grace, grace, God's grace; grace that is greater than all my sin . . . " remember that old hymn? It utilizes, very well, one of my favorite words in the whole of the English language. You have heard the word many times before and no doubt used it in your own life as well: Grace. Take a minute and say it. The word literally just rolls of your tongue. It is a good word. It is a strong word. It is the greatest word you and I have in our language because it captures the essence of God's work in your life and mine and in this world in which we live.

All too often, however, we actually experience very little of grace in modern times. Just take a peek at the headlines during a normal day in our culture and you will see what I mean. Of course, most of us don't have to look to headlines. Most of us have far too many examples in our own homes, schools, places of work and yes even churches where grace has not been given nor extended.

Last weekend we got to see an amazing example of God's grace when we witnessed the baptism of 7 new/young converts to the faith. One after the other stepped into the pool becoming a living illustration and testimony of God's grace in the midst of humanity. I was so moved to hear the testimonies of how God's grace has been received and applied in their lives and how they recognized that His grace and His grace alone covers a multitude of sins! Yes, that pool was cold, but His spirit warmed my heart and the dozens of folks who stayed after service to witness that awesome event. This whole week has been marked by that one moment for me and been a constant source of encouragement in all that I am and do!

As we gather this weekend I want to challenge each of us to 'anticipate' God's grace to move in our midst and work in our hearts. We are going to take a look at chapter 15 in the book of Luke, a great, great chapter on grace, and consider the many different ways in which grace can save and the many types of life which are in need of God's saving grace!

Take a look at Luke 15 ahead of time and come ready, come anticipating the miracle of grace this weekend. Do you have some friends and family members in need of experiencing grace? Why not invite them to join us this weekend!

Anticipating Grace!

Biz

NEEDED: Volunteers for the Easter Outreach and bags of candy donated to this great effort! Easter is just around the corner - pass out those invite cards - let's fill up all three services this year!

When a Walk becomes a Ride

I think God must be into taking long walks. I mean, think about it - He began this whole thing 'walking' with Adam and Eve in the Garden. He took Israel on a 40 year walk - you got it, four decades of walking (by the way they did not have sidewalks back then and the footwear was definitely not they type you could pump up for more support). Scroll down a few centuries and you find that much of the Old Testament Prophets spent their entire life walking. Don't forget about Jesus, he pretty much walked everywhere and spent a life changing walk on the Emmaus road with two of his own. He also met Paul on the road while he was walking to Damascus - well you get the picture.

Perhaps that is why the New testament often calls our life with him a 'walk' or 'journey' that is designed to bring us ever closer to him day by day. Funny thing. We don't walk anywhere anymore. The only time I ever see people walking is on a treadmill (which gets you nowhere). If given the choice to walk somewhere or ride somewhere we almost always choose the latter - to ride. After all, walking is hard work - even with sidewalks thrown in their for pedestrian comfort.

So, if God is into walking and if His people have always been a people who walk and if the Bible pictures life as a walk with him (e.g. 'Keep in step with the spirit,' Gal. 5:25 and 'be careful how you live/walk,' Eph. 5;15), then what are the implications for a people like you and me who know little if anything of walking? One of the implications is that riding somewhere implies a 'destination' is the goal but walking somewhere doesn't - in fact walking implies more of the idea of a 'journey.' A walk is more about what happens on the journey. It is about the path we choose, the struggles we face, the people we are with, etc. A ride is more about what we are going to do when we arrive at our destination. The path, struggles, relationships, etc. are all peripheral, they are components we tolerate because they are necessary to get us where we already want to go.

Where are you headed today in life? Are you so bent on getting somewhere that you are overlooking the journey all together or are you aware of Christ's call on your life to 'walk' with Him day by day? As we continue to discover Christ in the Gospel of Luke this week, I want to encourage you to get out and walk a little more! After all, a real authentic walk with Jesus may just become the ride of your life!

Walking with Him!

Biz

Making Much of Jesus!

The Shrimper was a little restaurant in the town where I grew up. I frequented the Shrimper pretty often in my teen years and early twenties on trips home from school. As a junkie for anything deep fried, I could always count on the Shrimper to serve up every form of fish under the sun as a wonderful dish of pure delight.

Of all the times I ate at the Shrimper, one in particular stands out in my mind. I was getting pretty close to being done with seminary and was home on a short break. One evening dad and I some how ended up being the only ones home so we decided to head out for a bite to eat - to the Shrimper. At some point during the meal my father looked up and said, 'son, be sure you make your ministry about one thing (as he held up one finger, pointed straight to the sky): Preach Christ and Him crucified - just give your church the simple Gospel message.' That was pretty much it. I said, 'okay, dad' and then we both went back to eating.

I often reflect upon that one moment and how right my dad was. My focus as a pastor must be resolutely upon Christ and Him Crucified. I was reminded of this just this morning as I was reading the Bible. I found myself in Colossians 1 (check it out later) and I was simply amazed at the Apostle Paul's resolute and unflinching preaching of Christ. I was so overwhelmed that I had to stop and thank the Lord for such a clear teaching. Paul was focused on Christ and Him Crucified. You know, Westside - there is truly none like Christ! I believe that the hope of the world is in the truth of Christ alone! Not only that, but closer to home, the hope of your marriage, your parenting, your work, your community, your church - all have their greatest hope in this one who is Greater!

As we gather together this weekend for our Friends and Family day, our focus will be on making much of Jesus Christ. We will hear from fellow Westsiders, worship Him in song that lifts up His name and hear from His Word the truth that Christ is Someone Greater in our life and the life yet to come! Then we will have some time on the grounds to have some fun together and share in a meal. While one of the reasons for the meal is in order to help you be able to invite your unchurched friends and family, there is a deeper reason to eat together. A meal on the grounds after service, might just be a ripe environment to extend the conversation with our friends and family that we are going to begin during the services. As I have been working my way through the Gospel of Luke I am intrigued by how often a very important conversation happens while they are gathered around a table!

So, this weekend (and every) let's make our ministry about one thing: Christ and Him Crucified. If our friends and family can see the difference He has made in our lives, then perhaps the struggles, hurts, habits, problems and pains they are dealing with might once an for all be turned over to Him! Now, wouldn't that be amazing?!?!

Looking forward to a great weekend together!

Biz