"Big Ol' Egg Drop" Pics

Thank you to all who came out and made "The Big Ol' Egg Drop" a huge success. Here are a few pics. If you missed it this year, make plans to be there next year!

Why We're Dropping 20,000 Easter Eggs

This Saturday, Peace Community Church has its 3rd annual "Big Ol' Egg Drop" (www.bigeggdrop.com). This event is something we love to do for the community, and it's always a blast for the kids. But there's a greater purpose for the event. This year's egg drop will benefit the "No Child Without Initiative"* of Sumner County Schools, a program committed to assisting the poor and eliminating homelessness in our community. Here are a few ways they help the kids in our area:

• Delivering weekend food packs
• Providing clothing
• Purchasing school supplies
• Tutoring
• Distributing donated items like gifts at Christmas

We've talked with Maureen Wright of Sumner County Schools, and she suggested that we receive monetary donations at the egg drop. So please come this Saturday. Bring the whole family. And please consider how much you may give to this worthy cause so that we can help defeat poverty in our community. We can make a difference--together!

*If you'd like to find out more about the "No Child Left Without Initiative," please click here or here. Also, I would encourage you to contact Maureen Wright for more info: maureen.wright@sumnerschools.org.

The Birthday That Really Matters

Today I celebrate birthday number 33. My folks are coming over tonight to watch the kids so that my bride and I can go out to eat. I can't wait to have some chicken fingers and a little carrot cake at J. Alexander's!

Over the last few years, my birthday has been a day for me to really reflect on the brevity of life and on what really matters in life. For my 30th birthday, I wrote a little piece called "In My Next Thirty Years." Everything I said then is exactly what I feel three years later.

Today, I also reflect on the birthday that really matters. Over and over again, the Bible talks about the need for every person to be "born again." What this means is that every person needs God to change them from the inside out. Until God changes our hearts, it doesn't really matter what we commit to do. Here's how Andy Stanley puts it:

“Until you’ve been born again, it doesn’t really matter what you try to do. If there’s not a rebirth experience, nothing else really matters. . . . Before you try harder. Before you try to turn over a new leaf. And before you try and change all those habits. And before you try and commit to be a better husband and wife and parent. First, you must be born again.”

Being "born again" is not something that we earn or deserve. It's a gracious gift of God that allows us to surrender every area of our lives to Jesus Christ. When we're "born again," we are never the same because our priorities, our desires, and our lives experience a radical makeover. As Ephesians 2:4-5 explains, we're spiritually dead, and nobody but God can wake us up:

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."

So yes, I'm thankful to God for birthday #33 today. But I'm much more thankful to God for the day that He woke me up spiritually--the day He rescued me from sin, adopted me into His family, and gave me eternal life. That's the birthday that really matters to me.

New Small Group Study

What do I do when I'm stressed? Where can I find true satisfaction for my soul?

These practical questions are just two of the many that will be addressed as PCC kicks-off a new Bible study in our small groups this week. It's a DVD-based Bible study on Philippians. The teacher will be Matt Chandler, a young pastor in the Dallas area. He's a passionate, gifted teacher who keeps people's attention and helps people focus on Christ in every area of their lives.

Here's the video promo if you'd like to check it out: http://vimeo.com/6971494

If you're interested in joining us for this study, please email me: michael@peacecc.org. We would love to get you plugged-in!

JustStayMarried.com

Peace Community Church has created a month-long blog for all couples who want to pursue a healthy, God-centered marriage. Check out these daily readings at www.juststaymarried.com. Our goal is to add much more content in the near future so that the website will be a great resource for couples who are serious about just staying married. For now, enjoy the blog written by the members of PCC!

Prayers for 2010

For many, New Year's Day is a time of serious reflection. It's a time to reflect on the past year. It's also a time to reflect on the year ahead--on where we are now and where we want to go. On this New Year's Day 2010, I got out my Bible and thought I would just look up verses that mention the word "new." As I read these verses, I also wrote down some prayers. Here are a few of them. Pray them for yourself if you feel so inclined. And Happy New Year!

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-24

²²The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
²³they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
²⁴"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."

PRAYER--

"God, Your mercies, love, and faithfulness are without boundaries. Your mercies are new every morning AND every year! Therefore, Lord, I hope in You alone in 2010."

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

PRAYER--

"God, You are all about changing lives and giving people new purpose and new life. Thank you for giving me a new life even though I lived a rebellious old life. In 2010, don't let me get over the simple fact that You changed me 4-ever!"

GALATIANS 6:15

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;

what counts is a new creation.

PRAYER--

"At the end of the day, year, and life, nothing matters more than being a new creature who is totally surrendered to Christ and unimpressed with the world. Lord, in 2010, I just want to be attracted to You and Your cross and not distracted by the temporary, futile things of the world."

2 PETER 3:13

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

PRAYER--

"God, You promise us that history will come to an end when Jesus returns, and the world will be renewed to its original glory. I look forward to what You have planned for me in 2010, but I'm more eager to have unbroken and perfect fellowship with You and all Your children in the new world.

Until then, let my hope in that promise of eternal life be the means by which I persevere in this life."

16 Christmases Ago

16 Christmases ago, I was asked to sing a song called "Thank God for Kids" for the Christmas-themed service at my church (see video above). Little did I know then, but 16 years later I would be a father of two, making the lyrics much more meaningful and personal.

Christmas time can be crazy. But let me encourage us all to pause long enough this Christmas to thank God for who and what He's given us. All we have is because of His grace. May we respond with gratitude and gladness, just like the mother of Jesus did when she heard that she was going to give birth to the Savior of the world: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47).

Why Pray?

Today I was listening to a message by Matt Chandler, a pastor in Texas. In this message titled "The Art of Prayer," he talked about the importance of prayer. He shared 7 reasons why we should pray. I found his reasons very helpful as I think about my need to pray intentionally and passionately. Here's the list:

1. Prayer expresses our absolute dependence upon God. It’s a simple, daily act of humility on our part. Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5).

2. Prayer allows us to interact and communicate with God. We speak to God through prayer. It’s all about this personal relationship we have with God.

3. Prayer gives us an opportunity to be involved with global activities that are eternally important. At any moment, we can pray for others in England or Italy, China or India. There is no geographical limit on prayer.

4. Prayer changes things. It changes circumstances, hearts, and lives. What would you like to see changed? Pray about it.

5. Prayer is a means of confession. When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us (1 John 1:9).

6. Prayer is a means of fighting sin. Through this Spirit-driven activity we call prayer, we ask for and receive God’s power to overcome temptation in our lives.

7. God commands us to pray. God has ordained prayer as a means to accomplish His purposes.

Orphan Sunday

This coming Sunday, PCC is promoting "Orphan Sunday." According to The Christian Alliance for Orphans, it's a day that's set aside to "rouse the church, community, and friends to God's call to care for the orphan." As many of you know, my wife and I adopted a boy from Russia last year. We may share a little of our story this Sunday, but we also plan to have a few other families there to share about their adoption journey. It's going to be a great Sunday!

Below is a little biblical taste of the priority that God places on orphan care. After reading these verses, Christ-followers should be compelled to ask themselves: Do we care for orphans like God cares for orphans? If so, then what are we going to do about it? If not, then what are we going to do about it?

GOD'S LOVE FOR ORPHANS

Psalm 68:4-5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 10:14, 17-18 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the - fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Jesus vs. Religion

This weekend, PCC is starting a new message series called "Losing Your Religion." We will focus on the crucial difference between having religion and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In this video clip, Mark Driscoll does a great job explaining the difference. Also, I really love what he has to say to us men. It really does start with us being "Jesus people." Our wives and our kids need to see us leading with humility, confidence, and joy in God.

Note to a Friend Turning 30

I'm always reminded of just how short life is and how real death is. In fact, tomorrow morning I'll be attending the funeral of a 31 year-old young man, a baseball teammate of mine from Goodlettsville. Sobering to think that his life (on earth) is over.

Birthdays are also reminders of the brevity of life. I recently received an invitation to write a note to a friend who is turning 30 this week. Here's the note I wrote, and I thought I'd share:

Man, how time flies. Just 10 years ago, we spent the summer singing together in different churches. 10 years later, we’re husbands and fathers, each of us with two boys!

As you know, life is a vapor. In your next 30 years, keep making your life count for the Kingdom [of God]. Like Jonathan Edwards, resolve “never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God.”

Let me know when you come down to Music City so that we catch up face-to-face. Miss you in good ol’ Goodlettsville!

Happy 30th!
Michael

Pictures from Sept 13

Peace Community Church held two great events this past Sunday: baptism at the YMCA and a new Bible study that started in a local apartment complex. Here are a few pics from these events, courtesy of Mark Kelly.

A PCC Member's Blog

Brian and His Son, Luke

I want to recommend a blog that has just been started by one of PCC's members, Brian Manning. In his first post, he talks about a topic that is very practical and relevant: priorities. I don't know anybody who hasn't struggled with living out what they say they believe. Below is the link. I think you will find his blog encouraging, interesting, and thought-provoking.

http://briandmanning.wordpress.com/

The Oak Ridge Boys Elvira

Enjoying a little "Elvira" at the Kentucky State Fair last night! Giddy up!

Bryan's Baptism Story

This past Sunday, I showed this video of a PCC member talking about the difference Jesus has made in his life. I love these baptism stories!

Baptism: What's the Big Deal?

This Sunday morning, we're going to talk about the purpose and importance of baptism. No doubt that baptism is an emotional topic for many people. There are so many opinions about baptism, depending upon one's religious background and tradition. Our goal for this Sunday is to simply unpack what the Bible says about baptism. Because ultimately, it doesn't matter what we think or what church tradition thinks. It's all about what the Bible says.

As we gear up for this Sunday, I thought I'd post some FAQ about baptism. You'll have to come this Sunday for further explanation :)

BAPTISM FAQ

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

1. Because you want to follow Christ’s example.

Mark 1:9
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.

2. Because Christ commanded it. (Matthew 28:19)


WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

1. It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again.

Colossians 2:12
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.

2. It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. Baptism is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

2 Corinthians 5:17
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

Romans 6:4
By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!


WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who has made the decision to believe and commit their lives to Christ.

Acts 2:41
Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.

Acts 8:13
Simon himself believed and was baptized.


HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

1. Like Jesus was baptized—by being immersed in water.

Matthew 3:16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.

EXAMPLE:
Acts 8:38-39
Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…

3. The word “baptize” (the Greek word “baptizo”) literally means “to dip, to plunge.”

4. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.


WHEN ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.

Acts 2:41
Those who believed…were baptized…that day!

5 Fearsome Facts of Christianity

My wife and I host a Community Group (small group Bible study) at our house every week. Currently, we are reading through a study by Ed Young, Jr. called "I Need to Change." Tonight's topic is VERY interesting as he offers what he says are "The Five Fearsome Facts of Christianity." All 5 facts go against culture, but all 5 facts go with what Jesus said clearly. I just thought I'd list these 5 facts below, along with the words of Jesus on which they are based. If a few of these facts make you a little uncomfortable, that's okay. A lot of what Jesus says causes a little discomfort.

FACT #1 > Not everyone is going to heaven.
-

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

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FACT #2 > More people will go to hell than heaven.

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Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

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FACT #3 > Many who think they are Christians aren't.

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"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' " (Matthew 7:21-23)

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FACT #4 > You will not get another opportunity after you die.

o

Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

o

FACT #5 > This could be your last chance.

-

"When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ " (Luke 13:25)

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These facts/truths would sound pretty arrogant if they came from you or me. But they didn't. These facts are from the mouth of God Himself. Our response to these facts has eternal implications. What's so amazing about God is that He offers eternal life while there's still time:

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"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Obvious Living

Obvious, adj. > easily perceived or understood; quite apparent

Yesterday, I showed a video about a couple with two young children (one newborn) who recently decided to leave the comfort of home and move to Indonesia. Why would they want to do that? Well, for them it is a matter of fulfilling God's purpose for their lives: showing and sharing the love of Christ with those who are not yet followers of Christ. In the video, this young couple said something that I found very thought-provoking:

"We need to live our lives in such a way that demands an explanation."

What they mean is that we (Christ-followers) ought to be so in love with Jesus that our lives are radically different from those who do not yet know Jesus. In other words, our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members should notice something obviously different about us--about the way we spend our time and money, about the way we talk, and about the way we love others. And noticing this OBVIOUS difference in our lives, they should be inspired to ask: What's so different about you? Why are you so crazy about this Jesus guy?

I hate to admit it, but I'm just not sure I'm obvious enough. If I were to interview my neighbors or friends, I'm not confident they would call me a radical, crazy, sold-out follower of Christ. Sure, they might say I was a good guy or a nice neighbor. But following Christ goes way beyond the good guy or nice neighbor kind of living. The world desperately needs to see unmistakable Christ-followers, followers who OBVIOUSLY love God, love the church, and love the people around them. God, give me the desire and the courage to be more obvious.

To see the video I showed yesterday, go to http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/special/media_player.html and view the message by Francis Chan titled "What Do You Need in Order to Be Happy?"

Hudson Comes Home

After almost 5 weeks in the NICU at Baptist Hospital, Hudson Thomas O'Neal comes home for the first time! We are so thankful for all the prayers!

4 Types of Fathers

Father’s Day is only a few days away. I’ve only been a father for a little over a year now, but I find myself asking: “What type of father am I?” I think it’s healthy for me or any father to ask this question periodically.

According to Jesus, there are 4 types of fathers:

(1) The Indifferent Father (see Luke 8:12)—The indifferent father is a father who is not really open to hearing the truth about Jesus Christ. This father would rather not think about God or the implications of becoming a Christ-follower. Unfortunately, this father’s unbelief is what is keeping him from being forgiven and having a relationship with the God who created him.

(2) The Intellectual Father (see Luke 8:13)—The intellectual father is a father who is open to hearing the truth about Jesus Christ. He professes to follow Christ at first, but his shallow faith proves to be merely intellectual. Sadly, his unwillingness to love Jesus Christ with all his heart prevents him from becoming an authentic Christian. Growing up in a church-saturated country, many American fathers fall into this camp. They say they believe in God and Jesus. They are even open to attending church. But when the storms of life hit, or a test of faith comes, they ultimately bail on Christ and His church.

(3) The Interested Father—Jesus says that these fathers appear to be very interested in hearing the truth about Jesus Christ. Eventually, however, they are distracted by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life” (Luke 8:14). The interested father looks very similar to the intellectual father. Both profess to be genuine Christians. Both lack a radical commitment to Christ. For the interested father, it’s not necessarily the problems or trials in life that turn him away from God. It’s actually the “riches and pleasures of life.” In other words, this father’s commitment to this world (money, comfort, work, sports, family, etc.) prevent him from becoming committed to Christ.

(4) The Sold-Out Father—This father not only professes to know Jesus Christ, he actually proves by his actions that he is sold-out to Jesus. The sold-out father loves the Bible and lives under its authority. He loves the local church and serves others faithfully. The sold-out father is truly “born-again,” meaning that he has been forever changed by God from the inside out. Knowing that there is a cost to following Jesus, the sold-out father still decides to surrender every area of his life to Jesus. A favorite Bible verse of the sold-out father might be 2 Corinthians 5:15: “He [Christ] died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

So the question for you and for me is: What type of father am I? This question is important to answer because the type of father you are determines how you treat your wife, how you raise your children, and how you conduct every other arena of life. The type of father you are also indicates whether or not you have eternal life. Out of the four types, only the sold-out father is the real deal. The others are false and fake. I don’t want to be a false or fake father, do you?

No matter what type of father you are right now, the great news is that God loves you and is willing to forgive you and give you a fresh start in life. All you have to do is trust Him with your entire life. And if you do, be prepared to be blown away by your Heavenly Father’s care for you. There is no earthly father that compares to Him.

Go to www.juststopandthink.com for more info about what it really means to become a Christ-follower.