I got an text last night while I was working at our Fall Carnival that told me ESPN was reporting Sam Bradford, OU quarterback, was going to have season-ending surgery and he would enter the NFL draft in April. In essence, he would never play another down of football for the Sooners. I was sad, and I have heard on TV and the radio how grateful people are for what Sam Bradford has meant and means to OU football. It is good to hear when people are grateful, isn't it?
Now, as you process the fact that I receive texts updating sporting news, and you think whatever you want to think about me, let me share something that I am grateful for! No, it's not that I love my wife. If you were here Sunday, you already know that (and I am in big trouble for embarrassing her). Over the past two Sundays, I have shared some very difficult messages about how Jesus is polarizing and how we have to choose when it comes to Jesus. We must either follow him or walk away - there is no middle ground! We either conceal him or we reveal him - making the most of EVERY opportunity!
We will continue this series for the next 3 weeks, and just like Jesus' disciples in John 6, many times we say, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" I always want to challenge you with Scripture, but I never want to deflate your tires every Sunday, so let me share my gratitude for you. In a church as old as Antioch, there are so many of you who are following... you have not walked away. You are not just following Jesus, but you are in tune with His Spirit, and for you I am so grateful. You are the ones who encourage me to keep living out my faith. Thank you for loving and following Jesus!
Yesterday, I talked about how we reveal our love for OU or OSU or the Yankees... or how we talk about our politics with pride, but sometimes we struggle with revealing Jesus to a lost and dying world. But what I didn't say was that there are MANY of you who share Jesus with people around you all the time. You are the reason they come to Antioch. You are the reason they even found Jesus in the first place. You inspire me to share Jesus with my words and confirm him with my life. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am forever grateful for you and your faith and your witness.
Now... KEEP IT UP! "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)
P.S. I want to brag on my small group. They are so awesome! If it weren't for them, the Fall Carnival would not have happened. Their tireless dedication to ministry here at Antioch causes me to be filled with joy. Thanks to my wife Sharla and my kids, Lauren & Nick, Rick & Angela Cole, Mike, Alicia & Conner Benton, Ken, Karen & Kelsey Brooks, Patrick & Jill Shaw for all the prep work and the running of the concession stand. I love you guys. Thanks also to Clarence Maxwell for the hayride, Rhonda French for taking the pictures, Tom & Kara Kordic's small group for helping with the booths, Kathy Evans, Shonna Owens, Julie & Carly Ramick for helping with the booths, Kyle & Sam Schasteen and their group for organizing & running the cake walk, Kirk & Erin Depaw for creating and running the "hug" booth, Jerry & Susie Pendley, Denise Tornquist, and the many others who helped clean up. I know I will forget people, and I am sorry in advance, but I am so thankful and grateful for Antioch and the willingness of our people to serve in ministry. Keep up the good work.
10.26.2009
10.13.2009
What Is Your Purpose?
We had an interesting event happen in our weekend celebration this past Sunday. The mother of one of Antioch's members fainted during the message by Spencer Garner, a missionary we support from Mongolia. Our plans for worship were suspended for about 20 minutes as we waited for the paramedics to arrive. I have to admit that I have no formal training for what to do in these circumstances.
911 was called... chairs and people were moved from around Mary Newman so she could get some air... Spencer sat down and waited to continue... we all prayed... and then something really awesome happened. The people in our church who are experienced medical professionals went to work while we waited for the ambulance. There were no less than 4-5 people who knew what to do that responded to the scene. There were people around who were not medical professionals who also assisted as they could. There was even a woman who showed up in the lobby because she didn't know what time our worship started, but when she found out something was going on, she began to ask questions. I told her and asked her if she was a nurse. She said, "yes", and this woman whom I have never met went into the auditorium and began to help with the situation. Again, I felt helpless, but if I had tried to do anything, I would have just been in the way.
We received an e-mail from Jennifer Stier, Mary's daughter, and I want to share it with you:
"Just a brief update on my mom, Mary Katherine Newman, who became ill during Sunday's service: She was taken to Southwest Medical Center and was admitted for further testing. A stroke has been ruled out, but they are looking for an underlying cause for her fainting. We cannot thank all of you enough for your assistance and your prayers Sunday morning. When I think of all the kindness shown us, I know why I have stayed in this fellowship for over 26 years."
I have reflected on this event the past two days, and it reminds me that God has wired each of us with gifts and talents and passions for moments such as this one. You might not see this as a spiritual event, but I see it as the Body of Christ in action. Everyone who helped Sunday should realize that they are living out their purpose in ministry when they act like they did. Each of us should ask ourselves these questions: "What am I good at?" "What do I like to do?" "What desire burns in my soul?" This might change from day to day or from week to week, but when you see an opportunity where you are moved to act, don't hesitate! It might be in that event that you find your divine purpose! This is the Body of Christ being the Body of Christ! I couldn't be any prouder of Antioch than I am today!
911 was called... chairs and people were moved from around Mary Newman so she could get some air... Spencer sat down and waited to continue... we all prayed... and then something really awesome happened. The people in our church who are experienced medical professionals went to work while we waited for the ambulance. There were no less than 4-5 people who knew what to do that responded to the scene. There were people around who were not medical professionals who also assisted as they could. There was even a woman who showed up in the lobby because she didn't know what time our worship started, but when she found out something was going on, she began to ask questions. I told her and asked her if she was a nurse. She said, "yes", and this woman whom I have never met went into the auditorium and began to help with the situation. Again, I felt helpless, but if I had tried to do anything, I would have just been in the way.
We received an e-mail from Jennifer Stier, Mary's daughter, and I want to share it with you:
"Just a brief update on my mom, Mary Katherine Newman, who became ill during Sunday's service: She was taken to Southwest Medical Center and was admitted for further testing. A stroke has been ruled out, but they are looking for an underlying cause for her fainting. We cannot thank all of you enough for your assistance and your prayers Sunday morning. When I think of all the kindness shown us, I know why I have stayed in this fellowship for over 26 years."
I have reflected on this event the past two days, and it reminds me that God has wired each of us with gifts and talents and passions for moments such as this one. You might not see this as a spiritual event, but I see it as the Body of Christ in action. Everyone who helped Sunday should realize that they are living out their purpose in ministry when they act like they did. Each of us should ask ourselves these questions: "What am I good at?" "What do I like to do?" "What desire burns in my soul?" This might change from day to day or from week to week, but when you see an opportunity where you are moved to act, don't hesitate! It might be in that event that you find your divine purpose! This is the Body of Christ being the Body of Christ! I couldn't be any prouder of Antioch than I am today!
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