Clayton’s Story

I must commend this video to you all. It’s a little over six minutes long, it was filmed and directed by Josh and Jacob Lewis who used to attend church at Emmanuel (Pastor Rick’s two oldest sons). It is an excellent video in every aspect, and it has a message of urgency to all of us. You can view it here and it will remain in my Featured Videos page for as long as it is viewable on the internet. Enjoy.

Clayton's Story

I must commend this video to you all. It’s a little over six minutes long, it was filmed and directed by Josh and Jacob Lewis who used to attend church at Emmanuel (Pastor Rick’s two oldest sons). It is an excellent video in every aspect, and it has a message of urgency to all of us. You can view it here and it will remain in my Featured Videos page for as long as it is viewable on the internet. Enjoy.

Adult Discipleship Update

I hope this message finds everyone well. We have had some challenging weeks since September 9 in our adult small groups. John Piper has charged us with a tall task. Finding our deepest satisfaction in God himself; not in His blessings, not in His gifts but in Him alone. The clarion call of The Blazing Center study has been, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” It has taught us that the unadulterated pursuit of our joy, happiness, satisfaction in God should be the pursuit of our life and should affect us at every level of emotion, in every relationship, and in every decision.

This has left some of us feeling a bit frustrated because we have come to the stark realization that we aren’t there. That’s alright. You’re not alone. Not even John Piper is there. That’s why it is a pursuit. It’s something we are following after, not necessarily something we always possess. Our complete possession of this joy will only be fulfilled when we are transformed completely into the likeness of Christ that glorious day when we stand before him at last. So don’t be discouraged. Be encouraged that you desire to possess that joy. Be encouraged that you know you are pursuing ultimate satisfaction in Jesus Christ. And most definitely glory in those moments when you gain a bit more of the joy that is promised.

Just one announcement. In November my class will be starting a home group that will meet once a month. The dates and times are forthcoming, but there will be childcare provided. The home group is not geared to Bible study, but rather for accountability and fellowship. If you are a young couple, with or without children, and are interested, please be sure to speak with me this Sunday. I want to encourage you that if you are interested in starting a home accountability group (H.A.G. – what a horrible acronym) please let me know so we may help you get it off the ground.

Until next time . . . I’ll be thinking of a better name than H.A.G.

Shane

The Lord is Gracious

This morning, Matt Lambrecht sang a song. I’m not sure of its title, but the chorus goes, “The Lord is gracious, He is slow to anger, He is rich in love, He is good to all.” That song sings right to my heart. This week I’ve been a bit retrospective, thinking much about the day I was born again, and the events surrounding my new birth. It was in May of 1992 at crusade on the New Albany High School football field. I had been raised in church, and had actually already been baptized (twice – ask me later). So you might guess that when the Holy Spirit began convicting me of my lostness, I was a bit confused and not sure of why I was under such heavy conviction. The counselor, Sheldon, and I battled for at least 45 minutes about my salvation. Actually, Sheldon was a spectator to the real battle. I was actually hearing very little of what he was saying to me. My mind and soul was busy doing battle. Satan did his best to keep me confused. Everyone had gone home, and they were packing up the chairs, but Sheldon and I remained. It was the battle for my soul that night. Then very suddenly, all things became very clear to me. The Holy Spirit triumphed, and breathed life into me, giving me the faith I needed for trusting Jesus Christ.

The Lord is gracious. The Lord is slow to anger. The Lord is abounding in love. He is good to all. He was definitely good to me that night. This week I have found joy that I didn’t know existed, just from simply dwelling upon the goodness of God and how He chose to save me, when I was still in my sins. I have wept this week, tears of exceeding joy, because of His grace that He has given to me, an undeserving, wretched worm. He is my King. The joy of my salvation is found in His love and mercy which He has given me. That joy has moved me this week. It has helped me shine brighter for Christ. Due to the joy that has filled my heart, I have had needed conversations with people this week which I have put off for a long time. I pray that you find this joy that is found in God and let it be the pursuit of your life: to seek out and find the joy that is found in Christ.

Many blessings this week.