A Word of Gratitude

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.