I just want to take a second to reflect on what happened at "Encounter" tonight. I'm sure that everyone has heard by now that we have been blessed to purchase 13 acres of land right on Highway 52, just past Gateview Elementary School! Tonight's unveiling was one of the greatest highlights of our young church's history. If you missed tonight's worship experience, it was definitely one for the ages! But as you all know, we are just getting started. We are not content with land, buildings, or material items. We can't and WON'T stop reaching those who are far from God whether we are in a school, a gym, a tent, or anywhere else. Our mission and vision is never "permanent" space, but it will always be about Jesus and people. So, here is a highlight of tonight's message on Nehemiah to remind us all of our mission:
1. Action Plus Excellence Equals Nervousness
The enemy saw that not only had Nehemiah started rebuilding the wall, but it was done with excellence. Not only that, but Nehemiah was not content with progress, but instead motivated by the vision. The enemy hates a church that strives for excellence and passion in all that it does. We're about to make the devil nervous...
2. Don't Come Down From the Wall
People will come from everywhere to try and get your focus off of the vision and get you to come down from the wall. DON'T LISTEN TO THEM! We don't have time for haters, negative people, pessimistic people, and doubters. There will always be people who want to distract you from the work of God. But just as Nehemiah said; 'we are in the middle of a great work, we can not come down.'
We need people who will NOT come down from the wall of: serving, giving, staying connected, and leading.
3. Stay Above the Fray
Gossip and slander will become a distraction the larger we get and the more people we reach. Stay above the fray and remember that lies, back biting, and bitterness are from the enemy. Lead above it and stay focused on reaching people, not tearing them down. Remember that the enemy wants to make this about you, but it's about God's mission. You didn't volunteer for this; but God by His grace and mercy ALLOWED you to be a part of His movement. It's never about you, it's about what God is dong through you. Remember, we GET to do this....
4. Embrace Grace
Five is the number of grace, and five times they tried to get Nehemiah off of the wall. But in Chapter two, Nehemiah recognizes the 'gracious hand of God was upon him.' If our God is for us, who could ever stop us?! Remember to embrace the gracious hand of God and to serve with a relentless passion; knowing that He is leading us!
5. Beware of the Two Headed Monster
Nehemiah said that the enemy was trying to do two things: Intimidate him and discourage him so that they would quit the work of God.
Remember that no one has the right to tell you that you are less than what God has called you to be. When we start listening to people's opinions about us, we forget what God has said about us. And discouragement is the last step before we throw in the towel and quit the work of God. Be like Joshua; "strong and of good courage". God has led us to it, so don't hesitate to take the land...pardon the pun ;)
6. Fuel for the Fire
I love how Nehemiah responds to the haters, the negativity, the doubters. He simply says, "Now, we will continue this work with greater determination"! That fires me up! Through trials, tough times, adversity, doubts, we will use all of it as fuel for the passion that grows in each of us who are dedicated to the vision and mission of this church! Remember, "we are the movement, we are a church on fire...YOU are unstoppable!" (LOVE the new worship song by the way...great job, band!)
So if you missed tonight, we are gearing up for our fall series; "Unleashed" which begins September 29th. Details will be out this week. But for the rest of this year, we are using the hashtag #stayonthewall to encourage and inspire each other when tweeting about GC and our mission. Whenever you feel like giving up; stay on the wall. When people doubt what God is doing in your church; stay on the wall. When people try to drag you down; stay on the wall.
Let's continue to be faithful in what God has called us to do, church. I can't tell you how excited I am about what's in store. But let's not lose sight of the right now either. In 7 days Sunday will be here again. So...who you bringing?
Love you all, heart and soul.
Pastor B
