CenterPoint Bible Church

You Are Here » Home

  

---

05/16/11 Monday Morning Thoughts

05/16/2011 3:35 pm
By Angliss, Tim

It’s May 16 and for me (and kids of KidsFocus), that means reading Proverbs 16.

As I read this chapter, I am struck by the limited nature of our planning. As a vapor, we are so limited in our ability to plan for the future. Here is how the Lord explained it in Proverbs 16…


Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Planning is good, but it is limited --- for us.

CenterPoint Bible Church was established in September 2008 with a desire to reach the people of the Spring Mills Community by “Pointing them to Jesus Christ and His Word.” The Lord has blessed our church in many ways. We have been blessed in our spiritual growth, blessed in our relationships, and blessed in our outreach to the community. In a phrase, God has planted a church in Spring Mills.


From the early days, our plan was that we would remain at Spring Mills Middle School (SMMS) as long as we able and as long as SMMS meets our needs as a church. Our ability to meet at SMMS has been another blessing for CenterPoint. We thank the Lord for His provision.


Over the past months, our leadership team has been sensing God’s refinement of our plans (remember Proverbs 16). While we intend to continue meeting at SMMS, we believe that we need to begin the process of moving towards a more permanent facility to better enhance the ministries of CenterPoint Bible Church. While this may not mean moving out of SMMS for now, it does mean that we are seeking the Lord’s direction on potentially obtaining a facility that will allow us to better fulfill our purpose as a church. That driving purpose is to Glorify the Lord by creating an environment where believers can be empowered to live out Intimacy with God, Community with Others, and Influence in our World.


How can you become part of this process?

For now, all we are asking is that you continue to pray for CenterPoint and live out our purpose as a church (Intimacy with God, Community with Others, and Influence in our World). Simply, continue to grow in your relationship with God, invest in your relationships at CenterPoint, and be available to be used of the Lord in your daily life. As we are living out that purpose, asking God for His direction, and then obediently responding by faith, God will establish our plans.

A Few Things to Remember…

CENTERPOINT PICNIC – On June 5, CenterPoint will be hosting a Summer Kickoff Picnic at 4:00 at the Brookfield Picnic Area. We hope to have everyone there. It’s these kinds of activities that allow people to experience real connection with others.

BAPTISM – The Brookfield Picnic Area provides us a great opportunity to hold a Baptism Service in the Potomac River on June 5. If you have not been baptized since receiving Jesus Christ as your Personal Savior, take advantage of this opportunity to be baptized.

Pastor Lowell.

04/11/01

04/12/2011 10:12 pm
By Angliss, Tim

 It was Monday Morning… I had so many things I needed to get done – the To-Do List was haunting me. One of my many things to do was to write Monday Morning Thoughts. And then, it happened. My plans got changed.

Depending upon my attitude at the time, I might refer to “it” in a variety of ways:
• A Disturbance
• An Obstruction
• An Interruption
• A Delay
• A Tangent
• A Rabbit Trail
• A Distraction
• A Coincidence
• An Example of Lucky Timing
• A Divine Appointment

From the annoyance of a “disturbance” to the pious sounding “divine appointment,” it’s funny how we can refer to the same event on different days with such a wide range of descriptors. The difference is not based on our level of busyness for that particular day, but on our recognition of God’s control in our lives.

Could God have a reason for the slow traffic?
Is God big enough to limit the number of cash registers open?
Might God have a plan that uses breakdowns, breakups, and break-ins?
May God’s sovereignty include your bumping into that old friend or new acquaintance?
Is it possible that God is using that problem to fix someone elses?

We all make an effort to plan out our days and try hard to work the plan. The problem is that we don’t typically know God’s agenda for the day. Remember, we are only a vapor. Meanwhile, the Creator and Sustainer of that vapor has a plan. This is exactly why James explains that our attitude and words should be, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." Our typical (and opposite response) is called arrogant and boasting – See James 4:13-16.

Sometimes we don’t get done what we had planned to get done. With the right perspective on God’s control and sovereignty, that can be seen as a very good thing!

I trust that today’s “New Week Thoughts” may point you to that conclusion.

Pastor Lowell.

April 4th, 2011

04/04/2011 12:09 pm
By Angliss, Tim

 Take a moment and read these verses. Think about the all surpassing knowledge of our God.

Matthew 10:29-30, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”

The God that we love and serve cares for even the smallest of creatures. He can also can give us the exact number of hairs on our head! This past Sunday in the service we sang and spoke about how God knows the stars by name. The exact verse is found in Psalm 147:4 which says,

“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”

Can you imagine the immense depth of awareness to know each and every star by their name? In processing through that statement, it is not a far cry to say that he knows the differences each star possesses, and has the ability to recognize their nuances.

Not only does He know the stars, but he knows each one of us. He made us all unique and special. Psalm 139 speaks of God knitting us together in our mother’s womb. If you would like to see evidence of God’s limitless originality, just examine your fingers. Every finger has its own original fingerprint. Not one is the same as any other in all the earth.

Just as a fingerprint is original to the person, so is your story of how you came to personally trust in the Lord. It is a story that you can best tell. The same God who cares for the sparrow and knows you intimately has designed your unique story. One that can not be refuted or denied. One that will help us share His unique story. We will have a chance to learn how to best share what the Lord has uniquely done in our lives in the coming Sundays.

On May 1st and 8th, CenterPoint will be having a combined Focus Group. It is entitled “Your story in History”. In this class, everyone will have an opportunity to learn how best to share their personal story. God has placed each one of us in the position to influence the world around us.

The purpose is to show how your life leads to Jesus, and History. You will be encouraged through the testimonies of others. You will find it is easier than you thought. Will you stand for Christ by sharing your unique story? A good place to start is coming to this Focus Group. We will see you there!

Pastor Billy

03/28/11

03/28/2011 12:43 pm
By Angliss, Tim

  Announcement: CenterPoint Baptism Service – Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

Matthew 28:19-20… “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Baptism has often been and continues to be a controversial subject. It may be surprising to some to realize that throughout history, baptism has often been a starting point for the persecution of believers. For instance, in some parts of India today, converts from Hinduism are accepted and tolerated until the individual is baptized. After baptism, these believers experience opposition, harassment, and persecution.

A logical question is, “Why is baptism such a big deal?” The answer is that baptism symbolizes our identification with Jesus Christ - and that is a big deal.

The physical process of baptism has no spiritual value in itself. Contact between water and skin accomplishes nothing except perhaps to remove dirt. The physical process is significant only in its symbolism, and the symbolism is rich. Baptism pictures a believer’s identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).

When a person is baptized, they are providing all who are present with a clear picture of their own decision to completely depend upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. They have been united with Jesus in His death and in His resurrection --- and they want all to know it!
I have been asked, “Is it okay to be ‘re-baptized’?” The Bible does command us to be baptized, but it does not appear to be something that is repeated over and over again. However, since baptism is simply my identification with Jesus, I would be willing to baptized every week. Why not?

Baptism is my declaration of dependence. I am dependent upon His death, His burial, and His resurrection. He is my Lord. He was willing to die. He conquered death. He is alive today. And because He Lives, I am a new creation. That is what baptism symbolizes.

CenterPoint will be having a Baptism service on Easter Sunday, April 24. If you or a family member would like to be baptized, respond to this email before our first baptism class on Sunday, April 10.

In Christ,
Pastor Lowell

September 6th, 2010

09/06/2010 6:48 pm
By Hearn, Billy

Something has been building @ CenterPoint Bible, and yesterday was the day to reveal it to the church family.  The outreach concept is known as The Lighthouse Initiative. 

Reflecting back on the 2 year life of CenterPoint, we can honestly say we have done our best to be a lighthouse in the community of Spring Mills.  While we can celebrate the many outreach opportunities we have created (coffee give aways, free car washes, Walk In Theater, Saturday Night Life, Newspaper handouts, etc), the desire is to transform from a whole church endeavor to an individual or family approach.

That is why The Lighthouse Initiative has come into existence. Here is some basic information to help you understand exactly what CenterPoint is striving to attain in this opportunity.

What is the Lighthouse Initiative?

YES, in the fact that we all will be reaching out to our neighbor on that specific day. It will be a Sunday evening and most people have that time free.

NO, because the evening is up to the CenterPointer on how they want to design the night.

What exactly would I do?  

How about… a pizza and game night, bonfire in the back yard with hotdogs/marshmallows, watch the Sunday night football game together, grab a movie and popcorn, make a batch of cookies, scrapbooking, go fishing on the Potomac, hit a bucket of balls at the driving range, etc.

The point is not the activity, but the bond built to ultimately share the saving knowledge of Christ with others. 

What if they cannot do it that day?

Try to schedule another evening that week. 

So what is the Plan?

Here are some dates to remember for the Initiative.  Think f these as mile markers to keep us all in line and on course in making this a success for His Name sake.

• September 6^th-  LIST AND PRAY.  Write a list of people that are in your sphere of influence. Pray for the Lord to lead you to one person/family.
  
  
• September 19^th- PRAY FOR 3.  Narrow it down to 3 and specifically pray for them.
  
  
• September 26^th- CHOOSE AND TELL. Let us know to whom who you will be a lighthouse.
  
  
• October 3^rd- INVITE THE ONE. Invite them on or around that day to come to what you’ve planned on the 10^th of October. 
• October 10^th- LIGHTHOUSE MOMENT!
  

Our purpose is to Point others to Jesus Christ and His Word. Our prayer is that the Lord will use us to fulfill His purpose. This is our plan. Will you join us in this opportunity?

 

 

 

August 30, 2010

08/30/2010 10:34 am
By McDonald, Lowell

 Monday Morning Thoughts

August 30, 2010

Announcement:  CenterPoint Baptism Service - Sunday, September 12, 2010 and Baptism Class – Sunday,  September 5, 2010.

Just prior to His ascension, Jesus made the following statement as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20… “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

The New Testament consistently makes a strong connection between the making of disciples and baptism. 

Baptism has often been and continues to be a controversial subject.  It may be surprising to some to realize that throughout history, baptism has often been a starting point for the persecution of believers.  For instance, in some parts of India today, converts from Hinduism are accepted and tolerated until the individual is baptized.  After baptism, these believers experience opposition, harassment, and persecution.

A logical question is, “Why is baptism such a big deal?”  The answer is that baptism symbolizes our identification with Jesus Christ - and that is a big deal.

The physical process of baptism has no spiritual value in itself.  Contact between water and skin accomplishes nothing except perhaps to remove dirt.   The physical process is significant only in its symbolism, and the symbolism is rich.  Baptism pictures a believer’s identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).

When a person is baptized, they are providing all who are present with a clear picture of their own decision to completely depend upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. They have been united with Jesus in His death and in His resurrection --- and they want all to know it!

I have been asked, “Is it okay to be ‘re-baptized’?”  The Bible does command us to be baptized, but it does not appear to be something that is repeated over and over again.  However, since baptism is simply my identification with Jesus, I would be willing to baptized every week.  Why not? 

Baptism is my declaration of dependence.  I am dependent upon His death, His burial, and His resurrection.  He is my Lord.  He was willing to die. He conquered death. He is alive today. And because He Lives, I am a new creation.  That is what baptism symbolizes.

CenterPoint will be having a Baptism service on Sunday, September 12.  If you or a family member would like to be baptized, contact the church office before our first baptism class on Sunday, September 5 at 6:00 PM.  

 

August 16, 2010

08/16/2010 3:18 pm
By McDonald, Lowell

Thinking back over my own experience, September has always been a time for new starts… the start of school, the start of football, the start of cooler weather (hopefully!).  Let me add to our list.  September will also bring the start of our Small Groups at CenterPoint.

We were really thrilled with the success of our small groups last spring.  About ½ of our church was involved in a small group.  Our people enjoyed the real interaction in a more informal setting – connections were formed, spiritual growth occurred, and God used it in lives.

Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting this important part of our ministry and having the signup for our groups.  We are praying that even more CenterPointers will become a part of a small group.  The relationships that are being formed are essential in our walk with the Lord and each other. 

What do we hope to accomplish through these our Small Groups? 

·         A point of entry into the larger church

·         A person to call when life gets difficult or lonely

·         A group of people to finally report as “friends” to our family

·         A place where questions can be asked about the Lord and our faith

·         A set of familiar faces on Sunday morning

·         A means of getting connected to other people and ministries in the church

·         A chance to provide for another small group member in their time of need

·         A friend to call for help with a “two-man job” at their house

·         A group believers who care enough to take our needs to the Lord in prayer

·         A place to connect

·         A place to grow

·         A place to belong

 

Our leadership team is committed to providing as many people as possible with the opportunity to be a part of a small group.  We are just asking you to prayerfully consider joining a group and allow these relationships to become an important part of your life.  You won’t regret it.

 

July 12th, 2010

07/12/2010 4:18 pm
By Hearn, Billy

Have you ever called someone to ask them a question, and then forgot why you were calling?  How about when you walk around Wal-Mart desperately trying to remember 2 of the 3 things you needed?  I must say that happens to me more than I like to admit.

 

Driving to church yesterday morning I was thinking about the announcements I wanted to share with the church family.  The most important reminder was the exact one I forgot to reference!  It was about the IBC/CBC Car Show happening this Saturday, July 17^th, from 8-4pm!!  After church I was chatting with a group of people and someone said the words "Car Show".  It was like one of those slow motion moments where 100 things flash through your mind.  I almost fell over because I forgot to remind everyone!

 

This year, CenterPoint is joining hands with IBC and working to make this a true outreach into our community.  For months, people in our church have been preparing for this opportunity, and Saturday will provide a chance for us to “Show God’s Love in a practical way.”  Saturday, huge amounts of people will walk through the aisles of vintage vehicles, and see many car owner’s labors of love.  If you have not seen some of these automobiles up close, it is a real treat.  The CenterPoint family has the honor of energetically helping with our own labors of love.  It would be wonderful to have our church family help in a few different areas.

 

• Prayer for Saturday-  Only the Lord knows who will walk into the Car Show looking at automobiles, and leave the Car Show looking to Christ.  We need to pray fervently for the visitors, and for opportunities to Point others to Jesus Christ and His Word.
• Food distribution- With a day like Saturday, many people will be hungry, and needing a smiling face to hand them some food. Can you give an hour or two and show the Love of Christ? 
• Drink distribution- If it is as hot as it has been over the past 2 weeks, you could be someone’s new best friend if you had them a nice cold water or soda!
• Transportational drink stations-  We are going to take free drinks out into the crowds, and meet the car owners.  Taking refreshment to them would sure be an act of kindness in the name of Christ.

 

Please email pastorbilly5@gmail.com, and put “Car Show Help” in the subject line.  Even if you can’t help, talk to your neighbors and friends.  Bring them out and walk with them throughout the day. I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday. May we reach out to the lost and point them to Jesus Christ and His Word.

June 21, 2010

06/21/2010 3:39 pm
By McDonald, Lowell

“Great opportunities to help others seldom come,
but small ones surround us daily.” 

--– Sally Koch.

This Saturday, CenterPoint is excited to be hosting an evening worship service at Spring Mills Middle School – Saturday Night Life.  Many of us have had the experience where we invite someone to church and they reply in a manner that indicates that Sunday Morning is challenge.  We are hoping to eliminate that as an obstacle. 

We believe that God desires for the world to experience His love and forgiveness.  Many don’t realize their simple need to hear God’s message.  Pray with us that God will use our relationships, past conversations, and our church to “Point others to Jesus Christ and His Word.” 

Our hope is that the entire CenterPoint Community will join with us in this experiment.  We don’t want this to be a spectator event; rather, that the whole church will see their significant role in this process.  There are several ways that you can be involved.  Some may seem small, but the opportunities they create are great.

•  Childcare – Of course, we hope that visitors will bring their children.  This creates a need to provide quality care for their young children while their parents hear God’s Word.  If you would be willing to help with this ministry, reply back with “KIDS”.
• Connections – We need many people ready to “show God’s love in a practical way” by simply being friendly, striking up conversations, and offering a warm smile.  If you are willing to help with this ministry, reply back with “SMILE”.
• Invitations –Our most used and most effective means of spreading the news about our outreach opportunities is the personal invitations of our people.  We all know people who need to trust Christ and / or grow in their relationship with Him.  Let’s be sure to invite them out this Saturday.  If you would be willing to help with this ministry, reply back with “INVITE”.
• Prayer – God responds to the prayer of his people.  Pray with us that God will bring those who need Him to this event.  Pray that we will live and share the Gospel with those He brings out.  If you would be willing to help with this ministry, reply back with “PRAY”.
• Refreshments – An essential part of the evening will be an intentional connection time after our service.  We will be providing some simple drinks and snacks.  If you would be willing to help with this ministry, reply back with “FOOD”.
• Worship –We believe that God may draw unbelievers and immature Christians to authentic Christ-following through being a part of a real worship service.  We need our body to come out and worship!  If you would be willing to help with this ministry, reply back with “WORSHIP”.

There you are… six small ways that you can be involved in this effort to share Jesus with our community.  Be sure to respond back with the ways you desire to be involved and we will depend upon the Lord together.

June 14, 2010

06/14/2010 11:06 am
By McDonald, Lowell

When CenterPoint Bible Church was started, we knew that it was going to be an adventure. We did not know exactly what God had in store for us, but we knew that we desired to follow Him by faith. From the beginning, we often commented to one another, “Every thing is an experiment.” We were prepared to try different methods to reach people with the message of God’s love and forgiveness. The method could change, but the message would remain the same.

On Saturday evening, June 26, CenterPoint will be conducting an experiment. We will be having a One-Time Worship Service at Spring Mills Middle School at 7:00 PM. As I recall, experiments have some things that are constant (they remain the same) and some things that are variable (they change). In our June 26 experiment, many things will be constants and remain the same, but a few will be different.

Constants --- Things that will Remain the Same
• Jesus Christ – The focus of our time together will be on Jesus Christ... He is our Centerpiece.
• Word – The primary tool that Jesus Christ uses is His Word. The Word will be communicated in a targeted way.
• Worship – When we come together, we can’t help from praising the Lord for all that He has done. We will worship Him in Spirit and Truth
• Relationships – Second only to loving God, is the call to love one another. We will have focused time on building relationships other people.
• Location – God has provided a fantastic place for us to use to meet together. Our place of worship will be the Spring Mills Middle School.

As you can see, most of the elements of our experiment will remain the same.

Variables --- Things that will be Different
• Meeting Day – There are many people in our target community who are not in the habit of worshipping on Sunday morning. Many are overwhelmed with work, family, and life and the idea of adding a Sunday morning “activity” is just too much to consider. We believe that God is calling us to reach and disciple these people. We are praying that this slight change may allow some to become acquainted with CenterPoint and possibly be introduced to Jesus Christ and His Word.
• Meeting Time – In our busy community, a great deal of our Saturday time is devoted to soccer fields, yard work, and shopping trips. But what if God wants to take this discretionary time and use it for a greater purpose? We have scheduled this Worship Service for 7:00 PM so that more people may have the opportunity to consider God’s Truth and It’s application to their lives.

Only 2 Changes --- the day and time! But what a difference they could make for some!

Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” It could be that God has a divine appointment with an individual for June 26 at 7:00 PM.

Join with us in accomplishing His plan of “Pointing Others to Jesus Christ and His Word” by inviting people to come out with you. Then, join with us and allow our community to see that we love the Lord and He is changing our lives.

May 31st, 2010

06/01/2010 7:50 pm
By Hearn, Billy

 

For those of you who did not know, CenterPoint had a spectacular outreach opportunity this past weekend! On Saturday, May 29th, we had our “Spring Mills Community Extravaganza!!”

 

The plan was simple. Design an opportunity for CenterPoint to have effective “touchpoints” in the Spring Mills Community. Specifically, this manifested itself in 1) an open yard sale concept, 2) kid’s activities, 3) free food, and most importantly, 4) provide opportunities to develop relationships with the unchurched and dechurched. 

 

From the event, here are some EARTHLY things that CAN be measured by number.

·         3 excellent moon bounces

·         5 gallons of nacho cheese used

·         10 gallons of tea and lemonade given

·         12 family sized bags of nachos eaten

·         45+ yard sale table registrations.

·         200+ sodas drank

·         348 free hotdogs handed out

 

From the event, here are some SPIRITUAL things CANNOT be measured by number…

 

·         The unknown boy who ate all day and truly looked as if he needed it.

·         The unknown family that came through, not looking for wants, but needs.

·         The unknown amount of conversations about why a church would do this for free.

·         The unknown number of references to giving this away as a picture of Christ giving to us freely.

·         The unknown number of relationships strengthened from within our church body.

·         The unknown number of children who received a sticker, free ice cream and the GOSPEL.

·         The unknown number of parents who heard the GOSPEL by standing beside their child.

·         The unknown number of relationships cultivated outside our church body.

·         The unknown number of spiritual seeds planted in the hearts of those who desperately need Christ!

 

In a society bent on numbers, I vote for the list of things that CAN NOT be measured.  How about you?

 

So how does CenterPoint know if we are “successful” in reaching our community for Christ?  Here are 6 ways we measure a WIN with outreach at CenterPoint.

 

·        A high percentage of unbelievers present

o   If unbelievers are not present, it is not an outreach. Praise the Lord we had a huge number of yard sellers and visitors.

·        God and His Truth needs to be referenced in a targeted way.

o   From explaining why we were there, to specific Gospel presentations, people knew we stood for Christ.

·        Must be personal interaction

o   Evangelism happens best within the context of personal relationship. We set ourselves up for one-on-one conversations thru the yard sale table design!

·        Whole church understanding, belief, and ownership.

o   Understanding =  The church family knew the plan.

o   Belief=  We realized and trusted in the vision.

o   Ownership=  Many involved themselves in inviting others, hands on planning and execution, and prayer.

·        Understanding the next step

o   We Cultivated relationships on Saturday. Next, we Plant the Truth into their minds at our “Walk-In” Theater. Finally, the Lord draws men to Himself, and we are fortunate to Reap His harvest.

·        Must be done with excellence.

o   We always need to demonstrate the best view of our Lord. Before it was over, people were asking about next year, and even this Fall.

 

Now here is a NUMBER in which we can all hold on!  When these 6 things are present, we are “pointing others to Jesus Christ and His Word.”

 

Let me close with this quote from Tim Kizziar who said, “Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be failure but of succeeding at the things in life that don’t really matter.”

Pastor Billy

 

May 24, 2010

05/24/2010 12:49 pm
By McDonald, Lowell

 And Jesus said to them, Go into all the world and… host yard sales???

This Saturday morning, CenterPoint is hosting the “Extravaganza” in the Spring Mills community.  There will be food, games, activities, and a community yard sale.  You may be wondering, exactly how does this fit into the Great Commission, the CenterPoint mission, and your life mission as a follower of Jesus Christ?

To answer that question, let’s consider how Paul lived out his mission…

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.  1 Thessalonians 2:8

In this passage we see that Paul ministered through personal friendship.  He did more than just tell everyone they were sinners in need of a Savior (btw, he did tell them that, check out 1:5,8).  Instead, Paul invested in relationships with the people around him.  He interacted and intermingled with the people in his community.  Then, as time passed and friendship occurred, he came to share God’s burden for them and was used to “Point them to Jesus Christ.”  

Now, be careful, there’s a potential pitfall here.  Paul didn’t spend time with them because he was trying to win their trust and earn an audience – that’s manipulation.  He was “delighted” to share himself with these people who had become so dear to him.  That’s not manipulation, that’s friendship.  

And, that points us down the road to why we host the Extravaganza.

Flash forward 2000 years, Christianity has grown and developed.  And a sub-culture of Christianity has evolved.  Through this sub-culture, we are able to rid ourselves of many non-Christian influences we may encounter.  We have Christian clubs, Christian concerts, Christian cruises, Christian cliques… and all of that is well and fine.  However, we must be cautious.  In our effort to rid ourselves of non-Christian influence, we can rid ourselves of non-Christians.  Then, we are unable to live out the reason Jesus left us here – to share the message of the cross with dying people… whom we love.

How do we love people we never interact with?  How can we “share not only the gospel but our lives as well” with people we don’t even know?  How can people, we never talk to, become “so dear to us?”  These are troubling questions for me. 

And, that brings us to the Extravaganza Opportunity.

The task of the church is to “equip the body to do the work of the ministry.”  Well, in order to do this work, the body has to interact with people who need Jesus.  Some of you do this everyday in dynamic ways, but some of us, have very few fresh opportunities.  The hope is that the Extravaganza will provide one more opportunity to serve our community, interact with those God brings our way, and develop friendships of love and concern.  Then, we can share God’s burden enough to communicate Jesus’ message of forgiveness.  How does that happen at an Extravaganza? ...one table at a time.

Register a table, bring out some food, help with the children’s activities, or whatever.  Just make yourself available – available to the Lord and available to other people.  

May 17, 2010

05/17/2010 2:20 pm
By McDonald, Lowell

The Lord has given us an ability to remember some things with great detail.  I can reminisce about events from my childhood and almost feel like I am right back in the place and time that it occurred.  I have clear memories of things that may have seemed very insignificant at the moment… a car ride to town, a dessert on our deck, or a long, hot walk.  At the time, none of those things seemed important, significant, or memorable; but now, as an adult they provide vivid memories.

One clear memory that stands out in my mind is one morning when we were going to church.  After parking the car, we had to climb a large set of stairs to get to the building.  On this particular morning, my father said, “I’ll race you to the top!”  And he took off.  I remember seeing my father run up those stairs, with young legs and a bright smile on his face.   I’m sure my dad probably does not even remember that race.  It was a short, everyday experience, but it stands out in my mind.

As a parent, I wonder sometimes what my children will remember about growing up – vacations, birthday presents, the make or model of our car?  If my experience teaches me anything it is this, their memories will likely be made up of everyday things that they experience.  And, just as important as the “event” will be the feelings they felt during the experience.  I believe that significant memories are made in the insignificant events of life.

I saw a significant memory happening on Saturday morning.  A small group of people met to setup the school for our Worship Service.  People were arriving and getting tasks finished… chairs moved, tables setup, and signs hung.  This particular week there was a father and his elementary aged son who were working to help setup the room.  The boy was getting some work done, but more significantly, he was watching… watching his father.  And me, I was watching them both.

I don’t think the dad knew he was being watched, by either of us, but we were learning valuable lessons.  Lessons the boy will remember as he grows to be a man.  He was learning that hard work can include laughter, it’s often unnoticed, it often makes you sweat, and most significantly, that Jesus Christ is worthy of our hard work. 

He was learning a lesson about work and I was learning a lesson about life.

I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities for your family to serve the Lord together.  Setup at CenterPoint is one of those opportunities.  Setup occurs every Saturday at Spring Mills Middle School at 9 am on the 1^st and 3^rd weeks and at 7 pm on the 2^nd and 4^th weeks. 

 

Bring the kids, work together, enjoy the fellowship, and stop for ice cream on the way home.   It’s cliché, but true… more is taught than caught.       

May 10, 2010

05/10/2010 2:15 pm
By McDonald, Lowell

John 14 brings me to a regular concern in my life.  In this passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples just prior to his death and warns them that trouble was coming.  He’s very honest with them – there were challenges ahead.  However, He insures them that His comfort and His care were sufficient. 

It can be very hard to accept that the world we are being sent to… contains trouble.  Should I just hunker down and do everything I can to avoid the sinful world we live in?  Should I take my loved ones and retreat to the safety of a castle… with a moat… a drawbridge… and hungry alligators?

In reality, is the situation any different than the disciples with Jesus in the Upper Room?  I think not. 

Consider Jesus’ words…

 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”

 God cares for us (and our children) even more than we do.  He loves us (and them) and He can provide us (and them) with much more care than we ever could.  God is The shield and The protector.

 “No one comes to the Father except through me.”

 The world hates this message, but Jesus really meant this exclusive claim.  It’s part of the reason we are left here on earth – to share Him with the dying.  Our knowledge of the exclusive claim of Jesus Christ compels us to take that message to our friends, our family, our neighbors, and even our enemies.

 “… and will give you another Counselor… I will not leave you as orphans”

 We are never alone… We have the very presence of God in our lives.  We have the greatest ally we could ever desire.  The Holy Spirit is with us… allowing us to be in the world, but not of the world.

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 

 The world is a scary place.  What will we do with that fear?  Allow the realization of the opposition of the world to fuel your dependency upon Christ.  In that dependency, we will find the calm heart we desire.

 "Come now; let us leave.”

It may seem easier to just remain in the upper room.  But that depends upon your definition of easier.  Easier to be safe?  Maybe. Easier to be secure?  Possibly.  Easier to have the joy of following God in a life of adventure for His Glory?  Never. 

After this warning, our Hero, Jesus Christ, stepped out of the door to face the world’s rejection… in the shape of a cross.  Aren’t you glad He did? 

Come now, let us leave.  

May 3, 2010

05/03/2010 4:19 pm
By McDonald, Lowell

 Flash back in time and place yourself into your 8-year old mind, body, and soul.  Go back with me and discover the challenge of a childlike faith.  To do so, we will consider Sunday’s KidsFocus lesson on the “Widows Mite” from Mark 12:41-44. 

© Copyright 2008, CenterPoint Bible Church
5448 Williamsport Pike #4  |  Martinsburg, WV 25404
P: 1-800-875-4395  |  E: webmaster@centerpointwv.org

•