When we do God's work, we will inevitably encounter resistance, obstacles, or trials that seek to hinder us and get us off track.
One does have to wonder if the resistance is from God or from the enemy. It is possible that God may send resistance because we are seeking our own will and not God's will.
But if you know that you are seeking God's will, then the resistance we encounter is due to our pursuit of God's will.
As we see the next level...
I. Expect Resistance and Embrace the Challenge: It's bound to happen, but when it does see i
t as an opportunity to overcome and conquer for the glory of God. Personally, I love a challenge, I thrive on it.
(see Ezra 4:1-15; Nehemiah 4:1-8; Nehemiah 6; Hebrews 13:16-18)
II. Pray first, then try harder and trust in God: How do you respond? What's your gut reaction? For me, I usually panic and stress and consider all the worse case scenarios.
(see Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 2:4-5; Nehemiah 4:4; Nehemiah 4:6, 9, 14; Nehemiah 6:9; Philippians 4:6-7)
III. Activate God's Grace and keep climbing: How do balance what God is suppose to do and what we are suppose to do? Some have a mentality of "let go and let God" and it's as if let go of the steering wheel and assume God is going to drive. Some have a mentality that we need to drive and make sure God just enjoys the ride in the backseat. I've been learning that God will do His part, and we need to active God's grace by doing our part.
(see Nehemiah 4:16-23; Nehemiah 6:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 1:19-27)
As a fairly new church plant, the next level may initially sound like it's a church strategy about how to grow our church bigger. In actuality, church growth is the fruit. Jesus never commands us to "bear fruit" in John 15, but rather he exhorts us to "remain in Him" and the spiritual result of this abiding is fruitfulness. I feel a strong conviction that it's the same way for The Vine. Everyone must remain in Christ and take their spiritual journey to the next level. That is our mission and focus for this year. I truly believe that we need to grow "Big People" for Jesus. I fully trust in whatever God's blessings are in store.
On a personal note, I've been really understanding how important it is to "do less and be more." It is so true that we are "human beings" and yet I live like a "human doing". Now consider that I am a highly driven individual that thrives off of "doing a lot." So for me to practice the discipline of "rest or sabbath", it's counter intuitive. And yet, God has designed for His people to work 6 days, and rest 1. My genetics also believes in this principle. It's as if my body was made to work 6 and to rest 1.
The next level is really about less doing and its more about being. Praise the Lord.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Game Plan
As I've studied through Nehemiah and Ezra, I am realizing more and more about the truth that "God is faithful to bring about His Plan" through ways that are way too complicated for any one human person to coordinate.
God is the greatest administrator, director, conductor, chess player, story writer and general. I am continually blown away by the way that God coordinates His perfect plan.
When I first read Ezra and Nehemiah, it at first seemed like a great story of God's faithfulness to bring about a successful Temple reconstruction with the exiled Jews. Then, as I studied more and more, I realized that how other OT books are spin-offs of these historical books (Ezekiel, Zephaniah, Haggai, Daniel, Esther). It forced me to read and study these other books, and helps me to appreciate how complicated world history truly is and how only God can coordinate all the events to bring about a sustained Israel nation. How else would Jesus be able to come from the lien of David and fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12)? Amazing! Amazing Grace! Just perfect! God you are the master story-teller.
One of my favorite movie genres is "Dramatic-Thriller" where the conclusion brings about a witty and clevey ending. For example, M. Night Shyamalan's movies have that clever twist at the end (The Village, The Sixth Sense, Signs). I also enjoy "The Game" and "The Spanish Prisoner". Those movies bring about clever endings that ties all the loose ends together and just makes anyone cry, "ingenious."
But when you read the stories of God's "Dramatic-Thrillers", they are truly ingenious because they're real. God is a genius. That's an obvious reality, but it's more so as I read the Hebrew Scriptures (OT).
This past week, I shared with the Vine family about "The Game Plan: How we are to take it to the Next Level?"
1. Spiritual Leadership: God wants some of you to step up and lead. (Ezra 1:8,11; 2:2; Nehemiah 2:17-18) - We need more spiritual leaders to step up.
2. The Playbook: God wants us to follow His playbook with vigilance and conviction.
(Ezra 3:2-3) - We need to follow God's Word because He knows the best directions to His Kingdom goals.
3. Sacrifice: God wants you to practice sacrificial stewardship to fund Kingdom causes.
(Ezra 3:4-7) - We need to grow in our stewardship responsibilities.
4. Team Effort: God wants you to be faithful role players on God’s team. (Ezra 3:8-9; Ezra 7:27-28; Ezra 3:1) - We need everyone to get in the game.
5. Celebrate & Worship: God wants us to celebrate God’s work in us and through us.
(Ezra 3:11-12; Nehemiah 6:15-16) - Let's enjoy life and celebrate together.
I realize that God's primary Game Plan for His Kingdom really involves "people." God uses people to accomplish His plans.
There are five areas
God is the greatest administrator, director, conductor, chess player, story writer and general. I am continually blown away by the way that God coordinates His perfect plan.
When I first read Ezra and Nehemiah, it at first seemed like a great story of God's faithfulness to bring about a successful Temple reconstruction with the exiled Jews. Then, as I studied more and more, I realized that how other OT books are spin-offs of these historical books (Ezekiel, Zephaniah, Haggai, Daniel, Esther). It forced me to read and study these other books, and helps me to appreciate how complicated world history truly is and how only God can coordinate all the events to bring about a sustained Israel nation. How else would Jesus be able to come from the lien of David and fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12)? Amazing! Amazing Grace! Just perfect! God you are the master story-teller.
One of my favorite movie genres is "Dramatic-Thriller" where the conclusion brings about a witty and clevey ending. For example, M. Night Shyamalan's movies have that clever twist at the end (The Village, The Sixth Sense, Signs). I also enjoy "The Game" and "The Spanish Prisoner". Those movies bring about clever endings that ties all the loose ends together and just makes anyone cry, "ingenious."
But when you read the stories of God's "Dramatic-Thrillers", they are truly ingenious because they're real. God is a genius. That's an obvious reality, but it's more so as I read the Hebrew Scriptures (OT).
This past week, I shared with the Vine family about "The Game Plan: How we are to take it to the Next Level?"
1. Spiritual Leadership: God wants some of you to step up and lead. (Ezra 1:8,11; 2:2; Nehemiah 2:17-18) - We need more spiritual leaders to step up.
2. The Playbook: God wants us to follow His playbook with vigilance and conviction.
(Ezra 3:2-3) - We need to follow God's Word because He knows the best directions to His Kingdom goals.
3. Sacrifice: God wants you to practice sacrificial stewardship to fund Kingdom causes.
(Ezra 3:4-7) - We need to grow in our stewardship responsibilities.
4. Team Effort: God wants you to be faithful role players on God’s team. (Ezra 3:8-9; Ezra 7:27-28; Ezra 3:1) - We need everyone to get in the game.
5. Celebrate & Worship: God wants us to celebrate God’s work in us and through us.
(Ezra 3:11-12; Nehemiah 6:15-16) - Let's enjoy life and celebrate together.
I realize that God's primary Game Plan for His Kingdom really involves "people." God uses people to accomplish His plans.
There are five areas
Sunday, January 07, 2007
I want to take it to 'The Next Level' (2007)
2007 is the year where we challenge everyone to take it to "The Next Level".
I shared about this biblical principle this past Sunday (Jan 7) with our Church community. As I studied through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the compelling truth that repeats itself is the idea that "God is faithful to bless!"
God is precise about the details of history to bring about His promised blessing. If God had not been faithful to restore the exiled Jews back to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple and it's wall, then we would not have the benefit of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Everything points to the cross. That's turning point in our mankind's relationship with God.
Praise God that we don't have to go to a temple to experience God, we have God living in us (in the person of the Holy Spirit) because we are the living temples of God. And this temple is mobile and can travel the world to take God's light to the lost.
I. Remember where you've been on your spiritual journey; and be motivated because God is always faithful.
Something to think about: How did God show his faithfulness recently in your life?
II. Realize where you currently are at in your spiritual journey and seek God fervently.
Something to think about: How do we seek God fervently? What does this entail?
III. Resolve to reach Kingdom goals as we cast off for Kingdom causes.
Something to think about: What are some goals for your spiritual life one year from me? What do you envision about you one year from now?
Listening to Lately: Pastor Rob Bell's Sermon (Mars Hills Bible Church) Audio Adrenaline Lift (Album)
Happenings this Week: my beautiful wife's birthday (don't ask about her age), going back to work at LAB, studying through Ezra and Nehemiah, meeting with Cluster Leaders on Thursday, watching the National Championship game, anticipating the season premiere of "24"
I shared about this biblical principle this past Sunday (Jan 7) with our Church community. As I studied through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the compelling truth that repeats itself is the idea that "God is faithful to bless!"
God is precise about the details of history to bring about His promised blessing. If God had not been faithful to restore the exiled Jews back to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple and it's wall, then we would not have the benefit of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Everything points to the cross. That's turning point in our mankind's relationship with God.
Praise God that we don't have to go to a temple to experience God, we have God living in us (in the person of the Holy Spirit) because we are the living temples of God. And this temple is mobile and can travel the world to take God's light to the lost.
I. Remember where you've been on your spiritual journey; and be motivated because God is always faithful.
Something to think about: How did God show his faithfulness recently in your life?
II. Realize where you currently are at in your spiritual journey and seek God fervently.
Something to think about: How do we seek God fervently? What does this entail?
III. Resolve to reach Kingdom goals as we cast off for Kingdom causes.
Something to think about: What are some goals for your spiritual life one year from me? What do you envision about you one year from now?
Listening to Lately: Pastor Rob Bell's Sermon (Mars Hills Bible Church) Audio Adrenaline Lift (Album)
Happenings this Week: my beautiful wife's birthday (don't ask about her age), going back to work at LAB, studying through Ezra and Nehemiah, meeting with Cluster Leaders on Thursday, watching the National Championship game, anticipating the season premiere of "24"
God's Vision for The Vine Church
What is The Vine Church (VC) seeking to become? To be a Christ-Connected Community of Spirit-Empowered Catalysts in the Local and Global Communities. (John 15:1-8; Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8)
It is the dream of the VC to become a community of multi-national people (varying ethnicities) that is faithfully connected to Christ and to one another, and continually bearing "the fruit" of converts. (John 15) Thus, this community ought to be composed of "3-C" persons.
What is a "3-C" persons? Someone who has made Christ the primary relationship in their life, someone who is Connected to the Community of believers, and someone is who is being a Catalyst in their workplace, family, neighborhood, school and the world. The Vision of the VC has five characteristics to it.
1. Authentic Biblical Community (Real People in Relationship with a Christian Worldview)
It is the vision of The Vine to form authentic relationships that are deeply inter-connected to Christ and to one another. It is the dream of developing life-long learners that know the ancient Scriptures and can make it’s principles known. It is the dream of creating an accredited Christian Institute where any person can grow in biblical scholarship, and be equipped to be sent out as a short-term or career missionary. (John 15:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:19; Matthew 18:1-35; Deut 6:4-9; Acts 17:11)
2. Mosaic Community (A Church for all Nationalities, all Generations, and all Backgrounds)
It is the vision of The Vine to welcome thousands of members of any nationality into the fellowship of our church family, as we love, learn, laugh and live in peace together. The church ought to be a place for all generations, all backgrounds, and all ethnicities where unity is found in Christ. (Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:1-7; Galatians 3:8-14; Galatians 3:26-28; Genesis 12:1-3)
3. Multi-site Community (Spreading the Vine across the Lands)
It is the vision of The Vine to create multi-sites for members to experience community in closer proximity so that they can have cataclysmic impact in their local community. Each multi-site congregation will become rooted with a customized staff & leadership yet unanimity shall be practiced through teaching, programs and ministry concepts. It is the vision to launch 10 sites that become church plants, and grow to be a community church. (James 1:1; Act 1:8; Acts 16:5; John 15:4-8)
4. Mission Sending Community (To Commission 70 Career Missionaries)
It is the vision of The Vine to send out 70 career missionaries all around the world with each multi-site fully supporting 7 missionary families. It is the dream of sending our members by the hundreds on short-term missions projects to every continent. It is the dream of making disciples of International Students who can go back to their nation and be catalysts for Christ. (Luke 10:1-16; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 3:13-14; Eph 4:12)
5. Catalytic Community (Ambassadors of Christ in the local community) It is the vision of The Vine to share the Real News of Jesus Christ with the thousands of residents throughout Southern California so that the hurting, frustrated and confused can grow to be a fully devoted disciple of Jesus, and be Spirit-empowered Catalysts doing significant ministry in their social context. (Matthew 10:1:15; Luke 15:3-7; Luke 19:10; James 5:16; Rom 12:1-2)
This is Our Vision, Our Dream as we "Forsake what was not, Hope in what is to come, and Dream of what can be."
Pastor Marcus Lead Pastor of The Vine Church: A Community of Christ-Connected Catalysts
1. Join the Yahoo Group for updates. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheVineChurch/
2. Come visit The Vine. http://www.vine-church.org/
2007 A New Year a New Theme
Friends
2007 is the year where we challenge everyone to take it to "The Next Level".
I shared about this biblical principle this past Sunday (Jan 7) with our Church community. As I studied through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the compelling truth that repeats itself is the idea that "God is faithful to bless!" God is precise about the details of history to bring about His promised blessing. If God had not been faithful to restore the exiled Jews back to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple and it's wall, then we would not have the benefit of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Everything points to the cross. That's turning point in our mankind's relationship with God.
Praise God that we don't have to go to a temple to experience God, we have God living in us (in the person of the Holy Spirit) because we are the living temples of God. And this temple is mobile and can travel the world to take God's light to the lost.
I. Remember where you've been on your spiritual journey; and be motivated because God is always faithful.
Something to think about: How did God show his faithfulness recently in your life?
II. Realize where you currently are at in your spiritual journey and seek God fervently.
Something to think about: How do we seek God fervently? What does this entail?
III. Resolve to reach Kingdom goals as we cast off for Kingdom causes.
Something to think about: What are some goals for your spiritual life one year from me? What do you envision about you one year from now?
Listening to Lately:
Pastor Rob Bell's Sermon (Mars Hills Bible Church)
Audio Adrenaline Lift (Album)
Happenings this Week: my beautiful wife's birthday (don't ask about her age), going back to work at LAB, studying through Ezra and Nehemiah, meeting with Cluster Leaders on Thursday, watching the National Championship game, anticipating the season premiere of "24"
2007 is the year where we challenge everyone to take it to "The Next Level".
I shared about this biblical principle this past Sunday (Jan 7) with our Church community. As I studied through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the compelling truth that repeats itself is the idea that "God is faithful to bless!" God is precise about the details of history to bring about His promised blessing. If God had not been faithful to restore the exiled Jews back to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple and it's wall, then we would not have the benefit of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Everything points to the cross. That's turning point in our mankind's relationship with God.
Praise God that we don't have to go to a temple to experience God, we have God living in us (in the person of the Holy Spirit) because we are the living temples of God. And this temple is mobile and can travel the world to take God's light to the lost.
I. Remember where you've been on your spiritual journey; and be motivated because God is always faithful.
Something to think about: How did God show his faithfulness recently in your life?
II. Realize where you currently are at in your spiritual journey and seek God fervently.
Something to think about: How do we seek God fervently? What does this entail?
III. Resolve to reach Kingdom goals as we cast off for Kingdom causes.
Something to think about: What are some goals for your spiritual life one year from me? What do you envision about you one year from now?
Listening to Lately:
Pastor Rob Bell's Sermon (Mars Hills Bible Church)
Audio Adrenaline Lift (Album)
Happenings this Week: my beautiful wife's birthday (don't ask about her age), going back to work at LAB, studying through Ezra and Nehemiah, meeting with Cluster Leaders on Thursday, watching the National Championship game, anticipating the season premiere of "24"
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