Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (12.18.14)

Whoa, can you believe Christmas is a week away?  It has crept up on me faster than ever this year.  I'm excited about our Christmas services, as this year we'll host four services, all with the same message.  So pick one that's the best fit for you.  And invite a friend or neighbor.  You can send an e-Vite with all the details here.  

This Sunday, we'll wrap up "That Awkward Moment" as we talk about the Wise Men and the big shift in direction that their journey took.  I believe it's a story to which we can all relate.

Thought for the Week
"The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat.  The calf, the young lion, and the fatling will be together, and a child will lead them."  Isaiah 11:6

If you've been in church around Christmas much in your life, you've probably heard that passage.  Isaiah contains many prophecies about he birth of the Messiah, and it's often read in preparation for Christmas.  But it never gets old.  The world sorely needs the power of Christmas, and only the Christ-child can give us that hope.  It seems unattainable.  Heck, we can't even live with PEOPLE who think or look differently than us.  More than ever, we are a culture with deep divides:  red state/blue state, black/white, immigrant/native, conservative/liberal.  We are divided by for and against.  We don't seek to understand one another -- we just argue, fight, and post.  The power of the Christmas story told in Isaiah's prophecy is that what divides us no longer does under the leadership of the child born for all.  In Christ, we are all equal.  In Christ, we love one another.  In Christ, the last shall be first.  In Christ, there is no Greek nor Jew, male nor female.  In Christ, we pray for our enemies.  In Christ, we love our neighbor just as we love ourselves.  In Christ, the wolf does not eat the lamb.  They lie together.  The weak and the strong become friends.  The hunted and the hunter share a couch.  This is Christmas.  The arrival of a new day on earth.  If we want to be a people that truly 'spreads Christmas cheer' throughout the year, this is what it looks like from the perspective of God's Word.  We break down barriers.  We cross the battle lines.  We risk for new relationships.  That's what Jesus did in coming to earth.  That's what we are called to do.  That's Christmas.  I think our world needs Christmas more than ever before.

Season's Greetings,

Carter

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (12.12.14)

I hope you're having a fantastic week.  It's hard to believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away.  This Sunday we'll continue with our series "That Awkward Moment" in which we look into the characters of the Christmas Story and their awkward moments with God.  This week we'll be talking about Joseph.  Hope to see you there!

Also, don't forget to be making plans for Christmas @ Church of the Way.  We've got four different Worship Experiences to choose from:

Grayson Campus @ the SE Gwinnett Co-Op
Tuesday, Dec. 23
6:00 p.m. - Modern Acoustic Worship

Lawrenceveille Campus @ Archer High School
Wednesday, Dec. 24
4:00 p.m. - Traditions Communion Service
5:30 p.m. - Family Experience for Adults & Kids
7:00 p.m. - Classic Experience

Childcare is provided for all services.  Invite friends and family with an e-card here.

Thought for the Week
"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."  Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel -- God with us.  That is the story of Christmas.  In fact, that's the story of God's relationship with us, really.  We would rather God's story be another one.  We would rather the story be that we never have to go through anything difficult.  We would write a story in which life was easy and we were removed from any uncomfortable situation.  That is not God's story.  God's story is that He is WITH us.  Impossibly and incredibly with us.  In a manger.  Fleeing to Egypt.  With us.  In disease and divorce.  In the loss of of jobs and loved ones.  In tears of joy and cries of laughter.  In pain and suffering.  On top of the mountain and in the valley.  God is with us.  If we could really wrap our heads and hearts around the idea that God is with us, how would that change how we walk through the valleys?  Would we walk with more confidence knowing that the God of all creation walks alongside us?  Be encouraged.  No matter what you're doing through, God is with you.

In Christ,

Carter

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (12.5.14)

I hope you've had a great week and looking forward to a great weekend.  We are right in the thick of our Christmas Season Series as we talk about "That Awkward Moment" and look at the awkward moments from the original Christmas story.  This Sunday we'll be talking about Mary's awkward moment. Also, an exciting part of our merger with Harmony Grove UMC is that James Savage, and his wife, Lindsay, will be able to move into the parsonage.  This coming Monday (Dec. 8) from 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. all are invited to come help clean the parsonage, do a little yard word and spackle nail holes.  We'll pick up some pizza and have fun getting the house ready for James and Lindsay.  The address is 1385 Harmony Grove Church Rd., Auburn, GA 30011). Thought for the Week "...unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure."  Lamentations 5:32 Have you ever wondered if you've wondered too far for God to forgive you?  Is my sin too big?  Was my mistake just too far over the line?  Jeremiah asked those words at the end of Lamentations.  Had the people gone too far for God?  Was God angry?  We've all wondered that.  The answer is no.  No sin is too big.  No one wonders too far.  God is not angry with us beyond measure.  God is disappointed when we sin.  Any parent is disappointed when their child disobeys.  We know they haven't chosen the best way.  We know they haven't taken the best path.  But parents always welcome children back.  A parent's love knows no bounds.  This is just a small snapshot of the love of God.  No matter what you've done, today is a great opportunity to take a step back.  You are not rejected.  You are loved as the way a loving father loves his child.  You are welcome to return. In Christ, Carter

Hope for the Hurt

This past week, I had the honor of praying at a Candlelight Vigil for those from Gwinnett County that had been murdered in the last year.  It was sponsored by the District Attorney's Office of Gwinnett County.  We prayed, sang songs, lit candles, reflected and read the names of every murder victim from the last year.  There were too many names.  One is too many.  People from all walks of life and every nationality gathered in remembrance.  Past victim's families also gathered, as they have become a part of this make-shift yearly congregation of hurt and loss.  I asked myself a question as I left, "Why do we hurt each other?"  How could that many people be murdered in the last 11-12 months in my county?  Why are we killing each other?

The events in Ferguson and the death and anger over Eric Garner continue to raise difficult issues.  I would not begin to understand the emotions, evidence and politics behind it all.  I grew up white in the deep South.  Those are the only shoes I've ever walked in, and the only experience from which I can speak.  I'm not an attorney and wouldn't dare to dive into legal issues I don't understand.  But I know this:  we've got to stop hurting each other.

A couple of months ago I flew out to a conference, and I was struck by a sense of despair as I prepared to put my shoes, everything I had on me and my belt in the X-ray machine.  My shoes.  We are now afraid of my canvas crocs.  We don't trust each other.  We are afraid that if we trust others, we will get hurt.  So, we choose to not trust and when when there is one step past the imaginary line we have drawn, we hurt others to protect ourselves.

We do this emotionally and spiritually, and in recent tragic cases, we do so physically.  A teenager is dead because of a lack of trust.  Maybe it was well-founded.  Maybe it was completely unfounded.  Rioters have taken to the streets to inflict hurt because they lack trust in authorities.  The natural order of our DNA is to hurt others if we fear getting hurt.  I'll bet you know someone who does this with their heart and tongue.

But, Jesus gave a different kinds of commands, "Love one another as I have loved you" and "Love your neighbor as yourself."  Don't protect yourself from hurt -- love!  The thing about love (and you learned this at 13 with your first 'steady') is that if you love and trust, you can get hurt.  But it's the only way.  I don't now all the answers to stopping crime.  I don't know the answers we're all seeking in race relations.  I don't know the issues to fix our legal system.  I do know the answer the world needs, though.  We have to show radical love.  I have to believe we live in a world hungry for it.  And I have to believe that if the Church would do as our Lord commanded us to do in our communities around the world, that people might want to know where that love comes from.  And we might get the opportunity to tell them that it's not a 'where' but a 'who' that is the source of our love.  Love someone.  Trust someone.  Risk for love.  If you follow Christ, this is the only way.

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (11.26.14)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope your week is winding down and you're close to gathering with family and friends.  We're looking forward to doing the same.  This Sunday, we'll be beginning a new series called "That Awkward Moment" as we take a unique look into the lives of the characters of the Christmas Story.  Christmas is a great time to invite friends.  You can send someone an e-Card here.  

On Sunday, we made a huge and historic announcement.  Church of the Way has merged with Harmony Grove United Methodist Church in Auburn to form two strong campuses, giving us our first permanent home in Auburn and taking another step toward a permanent home in Gwinnett.  Beginning March 1, our morning worship will move to our new permanent home at the Harmony Grove Church of the Way (1385 Harmony Grove Church Rd., Auburn, GA 30011) with 9:45 a.m. Modern Worship & 11:00 a.m. Traditions Worship.  Our Gwinnett Church of the Way will meet on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. at the SE Gwinnett Co-Op.  This move is another step in the journey to be the church God has called us to be.  Archer High School has been so gracious to host us for nearly five years, and we're excited to still reach out to the Archer Community through One Way on Wednesday nights and connecting in the community, but we're elated to have a permanent place to be a mission outpost for ministry.  We're excited about new friends at Harmony Grove and partnering to increase our borders to reach more people.  God has given us a great gift, and the best days are ahead!  This will also free us up to truly find the best permanent location for a Gwinnett Campus.  I hope you'll be in prayer about the days ahead.  We've got an exciting season before us!

Thought for the Week
"Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes this stumble."  Psalm 119:165

On the eve of Thanksgiving, it's my tradition to make a list of things for which I'm thankful.  With the events in Ferguson, MO, it seems more striking this years.  I don't understand why we hurt each other.  I don't understand injustice.  I don't understand fear of one another.  I don't understand why we have such a hard time understanding people different from us...or why we don't want to.  There is a lot of ugliness happening in the midst of this mess, but I want to cling to God of peace.  All I can do is my part.  All I can do is love His instruction and embrace the peace that comes with it.  I'm thankful for that this season.  

I am thankful for...

• The blood of Jesus that covers over all my sins.
• The new life I have in Christ...daily.
• A wife who loves me more than I deserve.
• Four healthy children who love the Church and Christ's mission.
• The diversity in our community and church.
• Leading a risk-taking and missional church.
• Pastoring a church that is truly open to ALL people.
• Mentors.
• Friends.
• The people who have allowed me to mentor them.
• Music.  I love music.
• More food in my fridge and pantry than I can eat.
• A house that suits our family.
• Cars that run.
• Getting to do many of the hobbies I enjoy.
• My health.
• Good books.
• The new friends I've already made at Harmony Grove.
• The United Methodist Church allowing me to serve in ministry.
• Fried Turkey, dressing and my mama's pumpkin pie.
• My wife's mac'n'cheese.
• Football.  

We all have much to be thankful for.  May our nation find peace in the turmoil and in our hearts this Thanksgiving.

With Thanks,

Carter

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (11.13.14)

I hope you are settling into Fall and having a great week.  It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  I'm excited about sharing about "Living Generously" again this Sunday as we continue to learn from God how to live life with open hands.  In this season of counting our blessings, the natural response is generosity.  Truly, gratefulness breeds generosity.  Can't wait to see you Sunday!

Also, our Christmas series called "That Awkward Moment" will begin Sunday, Nov. 30.  I can't wait to dive into some Christmas stories from a brand new angle this Holiday Season.  Mark your Calendars!

Thought for the Week
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:9

I don't know what I don't know.  I keep thinking that.  The farther along I get in my walk with Christ, the more I feel like I know.  There was a time I was certain about a lot of things, and my certainty has waned.  There was a time I could always come up with an answer; now I've figured out that there is a lot that is unanswerable.  I don't know a lot.  There's even more that I don't know that I don't know.  Did you follow that?  We get obsessed with certainty.  We want to carefully plan our lives.  And we want to understand everything that happens.  We want to just have God all figured out.  I thinking I've figured out that I don't have God figured out.  What I do have figured out what He has revealed to us in Jesus and His Word, the Bible.  I've figured out that God loves us so much he sent His Son to die for us. I've figured out that He wants His spirit to live in me and guide me.  I've figured out that 'spirit living in me' deal is kind of muddy and messy.  I screw up a lot.  And there are times I don't even know I'm messing it all up.  I don't know why some of my prayers are answered and others aren't.  I don't know why good things happen to people that are seemingly bad and seemingly bad things happen to good people.  I don't know why one person seems to catch all the breaks and another doesn't catch any.  I don't usually know why God puts me in the situations He puts me in.  I just don't know a lot...because his ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts.  And I don't always get it.  What I'm learning is that it's not what I know.  It's who I know and by whom I am know.  I am my beloved's and He is mine.  That's enough to know to walk through all I don't.

In Christ,

Carter 

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (11.6.14)

I hope you're having an awesome week.  I missed being with you on Sunday and I'm looking forward to diving back into where James left off with "Living Generously."  This week we're going to see how God calls us out of our comfort zones to be generous with our lives.  God challenges us and calls us to new directions.  I can't wait to see you there!

Thought for the Week
"'Please don't kill my son,' the baby's mother screamed.  'Your Majesty, I love him very much but give him to her.  Just don't kill him.'"  1 Kings 3:26

Have you ever read this story about Solomon's wisdom?  It's nuts, but it's powerful story.  Two mothers of newborns come to Solomon with a dispute.  They are both claiming to be the mother of a baby.  One mother had accidentally rolled over on her baby and killed it.  Now, she was trying to steal this other lady's baby.  Of course, this is before DNA test or anything.  How do you know who the baby belongs to?  Solomon says they should cut the baby in half and brings a sword out.  That way, both of them can have a part of the baby.  Of course, this solution will not end well.  One one woman agrees, but the other woman answers with the line above.  Solomon knows, at that point, who the true mother is and gives the baby to her.  The true mother would do anything to spare her child, even give the baby up.  Solomon creates tension and stress to reveal the truth.  Have you ever noticed how tension and stress reveal our true character?  When we are under pressure or stress, often our true colors show.  Are we callous, angry, selfish, or self-centered?  Are we faithful?  Do we hit our knees in prayer?  Do we look to God?  Do we turn inward or do what's best for others?  Do we have integrity or try to hide our shortcomings?  Do we do what's right or what's easiest? 

What tension are you feeling now in life?  What is it revealing about your character?  The best news is that God wants to continue shaping our character to look more like His so that when the chips are down, when the pressure is on, when the air tenses up...we respond with God's character.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Carter 

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (10.23.14)

I hope you're enjoying this beautiful Fall weather and having a great week.  I so missed worshiping with you on Sunday, but I'm looking forward to being back with you this week as we begin a brand new series, "Living Generously."  It's a really new experience for us as a church, as we'll really weave a story together over five weeks as we walk through life with a family going through some of the same things we go through.  Hopefully, we'll learn what it means to have God's generous heart permeate our entire lives.

I'll also be leading a small group study to go along with the series beginning next Monday night (Oct. 27) at 6:30 p.m. at our Grayson Campus.

Looking forward to seeing you this week!

Thought for the Week
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8

Last week I took advantage of Verizon's offer to turn in my old iPhone for the new iPhone 6.  Now, you must understand that I went to a liberal arts college.  I don't really 'do' technology that well.  It took me a least a full day to get it up and running after many attempts to throw my computer, old phone and new phone out the window.  It was incredibly frustrating.  I thought, "This is how it must feel when people are going through change."  I'm a pretty good adapter to change (new personal technology devices aside).  We've built our church on changing with the direction of God's Spirit.  Nevertheless, change is often very frustrating, even if you know something is better on the other side.  Now, I love the new phone, but the process of changing over was frustrating.  We face all kinds of changes:  family changes, job changes, church changes.  Life changes.  Kids grow up, we take new jobs, friends move away.  Change happens.  I think there are two things to remember.  In the midst of frustration during change, we need to keep our eyes on the better days ahead.  Yes, it will be frustrating to take a kid from pre-teen to teen, but there will be lots of fun experiences with teens.  It will be difficult to have your youngest leave the house for the real world, but many new experiences will be awaiting you as an empty nester.  Seeing friends move will be sad, but your best friends ever might be the next ones to move in next door.  Just remember...you'll love the new phone if you can get through the change.  Of course, the greatest comfort is that Jesus is the same in the midst of our change.  As the world changes, Jesus is the Rock.  As life ebbs and flows, Jesus remains steady.  So, hitch your wagon to Jesus.  You can't stop life from changing.  It's supposed to.  Jesus doesn't.  Make sure you're anchor is in Christ.

Be blessed,

Carter

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (10.9.14)

What an awesome week!  I hope you're having a good one.  Good things are happening at Church of the Way and I can't wait to see what God does next.  Hey, have you heard about our One Way Middle School ministry on Sundays at noon at our Grayson Campus?  Check it out!

This Sunday, we'll be concluding the "CRAZY" series on King David by talking about his relationship with his son, Absalom.  It is a powerful story.  It's been speaking to me for months as we planned this series.  I hope to see you there.  

Thought for the Week
"The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord."  Judges 10:6

Again.  If you read Judges, that's the theme you'll find.  I've been teaching about Judges recently and we keep reading that word.  Again.  Again God's people turned away.  Again they were unfaithful.  They did was was evil in the sight of the Lord...again.  Do you struggle with again?  Why don't we get it?  What speaks to me in all the 'agains' is that God keeps coming back.  We often feel like "this time" we went too far for God.  He'll never take us back.  We've turned away one too many times.  We've done it -- again.  There a few lessons here:

1. If we are not diligent, we'll fall back to former ways again.  When we don't focus on God, spend time with God, take time to pray and read God's Word, get ourselves in a Bible Study, or whatever makes our faith grow, we'll be sure to stagnate and, again, fall away.
2. God's love stretches beyond 'again.'  God pursues us because of His great love.  We don't deserve.  We might run away, but God always runs after us again.  He loves us that much.
3. Bonus:  What would it mean for us to have the heart of God when others hurt us again and again?  That's a tough.  We'll talk more about that on Sunday.

Have an awesome weekend!

Carter 

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (9.25.14)

I hope you're having a great week, and I hope you've considered what we talked about on Sunday and you're taking the high road to get to the right place God has for you.  I'm excited about this Sunday as we'll be talking about another "CRAZY" story about David when he 'danced madly' before the Lord.  We'll learn what it means to truly be devoted to God.

Also, don't forget if you've got some time this Sunday at 1 p.m. we'll be cleaning out our old storage trailer at 1505 New Hope Rd.  You might even get a treasure as we look through old supplies.

Thought for the Week"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

As I sit here and type this, I'm tuning in and out to a little Thursday Night College Football on ESPN.  I usually love watching the Thursday night game.  Oklahoma State is playing Texas Tech, but I don't recognize them.  Most folks know I'm a pretty avid college football fan, and I'm kind of a uniform junkie.  More and more, college teams are wearing multiple uniforms and helmets.  You have to look closely to figure out who's playing.  I'm kind of a traditionalists when it comes to uniforms, so I'm not crazy about it.  I like flipping it on an knowing who's playing immediately.  I wonder if non-Christians feel that way about Christians sometimes, like we're always changing uniforms.  I wonder if they can recognize us.  I turned it on tonight and the Cowboys and Red Raiders were both in brand new uniforms...again.  They weren't wearing their iconic helmets.  It was confusing.  For the Christian, the iconic look is love.  This is what we're to be known for.  When we wear something other than love, we confuse people.  We don't look like ourselves.  We are a cheap imitation of what Jesus intended.  Disciples love each other.  They love others.  Love.  When we come out in resentment, jealousy, or hate, we don't look like disciples.  We look like a different team.  Hey, if you like all the funky new football uniforms -- different strokes for different folks.  However, let's make sure that we wear our iconic Christian uniforms.  Let's make sure we are recognized by love.  Maybe you're still on the journey.  I hope you know that love is what we Christians are supposed to be known for.  Know that we sometimes get it wrong.  We're trying to wear the right uniform.  A uniform of love.

In His Love,

Carter 

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (9.18.14)

I hope you've had a great week.  It's been another crazy one around the McInnis household -- fitting for our current series!  Hey, if you don't have plans tonight and you're a big college football fan, come on over to the home of Noah & Mariah McNeely (100 Herring Rd., Grayson, GA 30017).  We'll have food and fun.  You can bring food to share if you like, but you don't have to.  All ages welcome.  We'll watch the Auburn vs. Kansas State game and have a short devotion and prayer time at halftime.  Don't worry if you've got head home early.  Come out at 7:00 p.m.  Kickoff is at 7:30.  You can contact Noah at noah_mcneely@yahoo.com to let him know you're coming if you're bringing a crowd!

This Sunday, we'll be continuing the series "CRAZY."  I'm going to be teaching about David and Saul, and how they dealt with their respective situations differently.  It's a powerful story of what it means to walk faithfully with God, in His time, when it's so easy to take shortcuts.

Thought for the Week
"Then Saul's son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and encouraged him in his faith in God."

We're not touching on Jonathan in the story of David, but he was another prominent player.  I couldn't help but think of him this week as I've thought a lot about encouragement and friendship.  I learned recently about a friend who had a moral failure.  It his ruined his career, and it's a body blow that will take him a while to recover from.  We don't see each other much, but I thought about the times we did and the subject came to faith.  He was about 12-13 years older than me and had a much higher social standing in life because of his position and pay scale.  For that reason, it seemed to get awkward around conversations in faith.  It can be strange to challenge, encourage, rebuke or guide someone who is older and makes more money.  I thought this week about how I might have been the only Christian in his life who ever asked him about faith or church.  I should have encouraged him more.  In the end, his job and income couldn't save him from his sin, and it's wrecked his life for now.  God puts us in people's lives and others in our lives for a reason.  I hope you'll receive encouragement in the faith when a spiritual mentor offers it.  They may be trying to save you from heartache to come.  And I hope you'll give encouragement in the faith to a friend that might need you to say something no one else will.  Is there someone God is calling you to be more of an encourager to?  Be a Jonathan to someone.  And listen to the Jonathans in your life.

In Christ,

Carter 

The Culture of Condemnation

A long time ago, Jesus arrived on the scene into a culture of condemnation.  The religious culture was run-a-muck with self-righteous leaders who had the appearance of piety and holiness and handed down judgments of condemnation to those sinners who committed the most heinous and public sins.  Stone the adulterer.  Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.  Cast out the sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes.  Demonize the unclean.  Jesus turned things upside down.  He said that being angry was the equivalent of murder.  He said that adultery starts in the heart, and that lusting after another is just the same as the act.  Wait...what?  Jesus said that there isn't one of us that has it all figured out, even the ones that look like they do.  He went on to say to the religious leaders some pretty harsh words:  "On the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matthew 23:28).

Social media has again ushered us into a Culture of Condemnation.  Our keyboards have simply made it easier to condemn everyone -- athletes, movie stars, politicians, and acquaintances.  Everyone has an opinion, and we now have a forum to share it -- with little consequence.  In fact, we'll probably get a few affirming 'likes' for our tirade.  The situations in the NFL over the last week or so has brought this to light even more.  Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, and Greg Hardy have shed an ugly light on abuse and violence.  Domestic abuse to anyone, especially to a woman or child, is reprehensible.  We can all agree on that.  Moreover, when laws are broken, society needs people to be held accountable.  However, what I have noticed is how these situations have allowed so many of us to get on our high horse and condemn these men.  "We would never do such a thing."  "They are monsters."  "They deserve the worst."  Maybe all those things are true.  I'd never hit a woman or child.  They certainly need to be punished as anyone else would.

But I keep thinking about what Jesus said.  I keep thinking about how I might not have broken laws on the outside, I'm often "full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."  I keep thinking...

• What if my worst moment was caught on camera like Ray Rice?
• What if there was a camera in my soul?
• I'd never hurt or hit someone...but does it count if I've thought about it?
• What about all those times I've been so angry at someone I could scream?
• What about the times I did scream?
• Have I ever crossed the line in disciplining my children?
• Do lies that no one knows about count?
• What about lust?

Don't get me wrong.  We need to discipline law-breakers and educate people on how to be good citizens.  But, Jesus seemed much less concerned about 'just being a good citizen' in the neighborhood.  He said you could look like a good citizen and be dead on the inside.  He said we're all broken.  Jesus challenges us deeper.  This is why I'm so slow to condemn.  I've got so much of my own mess to clean up.  I think we know wrong when we see it.  No one that hears of the pending cases in the NFL could dispute that.  But I know there is stuff that I don't know about everyone that gives me pause to condemn.  And it's what I do know about myself that gives me the most pause.

Create in me clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (9.11.14)

I hope your week is going great.  Today is one of those days on the calendar that most of us will always remember (more on that below.).  It's also our church birthday.  We launched our first Worship Experience on Sunday, September 11, 2005 at Simonton Elementary School.  It has been quite a ride.  A lot of people asked me why we chose that Sunday.  I said that we'd be sure to remember the date, and more importantly, we wanted to bring a positive memory to a date etched in our brains.

This Sunday we'll be continuing the "CRAZY" series on the life of King David.  We'll be talking about the story of David and Goliath this week.  Hope to see you there!

Thought for the Week (Day)
"Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me."  Psalm 23:4

I can't tell you how many funerals during which I've read Psalm 23.  It is one of those passages that brings hope and comfort.  It is hard to imagine now that week after Tuesday, September 11, 2001.  It was surreal.  No work.  No Friday night football games.  No flights.  No Saturday College football.  No School.  No stock market.  No Sunday NFL.  Everything just stopped.  We just sat with our families and watched the 24/7 coverage.  And wept.  The world shut down.  Sunday church was the first time many of us ventured out of the house.  I sat in my parsonage late at night one evening that week with my newlywed wife asleep and wondered if this was just the beginning -- were they coming for all of us.  What would I do to protect her and me.  I didn't have any good answers.  None of has any answers that week.  We knew that we wanted to be with the people we loved, we wanted to pray, and we wanted to go to church.  Perhaps we wanted to hear those words:  even in the darkest valley (the valley of the shadow of death as the King James Version calls it), God is with us.  September 11 reminds us that there is ugliness in the world.  We also recall heroic efforts as many fought to save innocent lives in New York, DC, and over a field in Pennsylvania.  We still have questions.  There will be more dark valleys, for our world, country and family.  We will experience ugliness.  There's no promise that we won't.  It's nowhere in the Bible.  But we can rest assured that God is with us.  God walks with us.  Thirteen years ago God walked with us as a nation in the U.S.  And He will walk with you through whatever you're going through.

Because of Him,

Carter 

Hope in the Brokenness

There is a great deal of hurt and brokenness going on in the world.  I'm reminded of that with ugliness going on around us.  Ferguson, MO is struggling, to say the least, with peace in its community.  There are ugly things happening and being said there concerning race issues we thought or wished were long gone from our country.  The ISIS threatens peace everywhere.  We are scared and searching for the ways to deal with terrorist.  We're not even sure we CAN deal with terrorist.  The NFL, the world's most popular sports league, is dealing with the backlash of how poorly it handled an incident of abuse from one of its marquee players on his then fiancee.  The video of Ray Rice seen 'round the globe has opened our eyes to the ugly world of domestic violence.  The situation with Ray Rice has shed a dark shadow on even our justice system.  Prosecutors and the judge HAD SEEN the video that rocked our world this week, and they still accepted Rice into a pre-trial intervention program that will eventually lead to the assault charge being dismissed from his record.  We're learning that our justice system sometimes doesn't bring justice.  And just this week, in a story that hit close to my heart, police and the FBI arrested a man that lives in the small town in South Carolina where my brother and his family live.  The man had killed his five children, driven them to Alabama, and dumped their bodies off a dirt road.  A man capable of killing his own five innocent children was living minutes away from my two nephews.

I'm not in the politics business, so I stay away from politics.  There are a lot of politics surrounding the situations in Ferguson, the ISIS, and Ray Rice.  There will be politics in the trial of this man in South Carolina.  Politics are complicated.  And they don't fully work.  Our world doesn't need more political maneuvering.  Our world needs healing.  Because it is broken.  This is the truth from the Bible that so many miss.  We point to the beautiful things about life that point to how the world really is.  That's not quite right.  The beauty we see or experience points to how things could be.  They are a 'foretaste of glory divine.'

Politics, policies, legislation, suspensions, and boycotts don't save people.  Jesus saves people.  Our world needs saving.  Our world needs Jesus.  The problem is that getting Jesus to the world is complicated.  You won't get a chance to meet Ray Rice.  You're probably not looking to meet someone from the ISIS.  You probably don't have a vacation scheduled to Ferguson, and I don't think a revival in Ferguson is the answer.

The answer is you and me.  The answer is teaching our sons how to honor all people (including women) because the Bible tells us to honor others above ourselves.  The answer is to treat our co-workers and neighbors as children of the Most High God, made in His image, instead of according to our differing skin colors.  The answer is in praying for our enemies because Jesus told us to pray for those that curse you.  The answer is loving our neighbor as ourselves, instead of ignoring their drug and alcohol abuse, before they do something horrific in a substance-induced rage.  The answer is in being Jesus for a broken world, one person at a time.  The answer is in showing others another way of life, a new world, a Kingdom in which love of God and love of neighbor reign supreme.

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (8.28.14)

I hope you're having a great week and beating the heat.  I can't believe it's almost September!  This Sunday is Tailgate Sunday, so I hope you'll plan to bring a side dish or two and wear the gear of your favorite team, school, or driver.  We'll have awards for Best Outfit, Best Side Dish, & Best Dessert.  

We're also finishing up the Legacy series as we talk about what kind of legacy to leave for our children and grandchildren.  I believe God has an important word to speak to all of us as we conclude this series.

Thought for the Week
"Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves."  Genesis 11:4

For thousands of years, humans have been trying to make a name for themselves.  Whenever it is about our fame, our fortune, a name for ourselves...it is coming from the wrong spot in our hearts.  The story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis was about age old struggles with which we all deal:  arrogance, pride, and fame.  They wanted to make a name for themselves.  The problem with this mindset is that it isolates from others and God, and we were created for relationship, not isolation.  When we seek our own glory and fame, we naturally create competition with others.  Our success becomes more important than the success of others, the team, the company, the society.  We isolate ourselves that our name might be lifted up, and we hurt others along the way.  Moreover, we isolate ourselves from God.  The more we seek to be our own god, the farther we get from God.  As we seek to make a name for ourselves, we begin to feel like God is pretty lucky to have us on the team.  We miss God's amazing grace then.  When we walk in humility, we are able to embrace God's mercy and love, which we don't deserve, which makes us more humble.  We then work to lift up the name of Jesus, the redeemer of our souls.  And we begin lift up others because we begin to have the heart of God.  Isn't it interesting that what God did by confusing the languages at Babel was, essentially, isolating the people.  That is what arrogance does.  In what ways or in what areas are you seeking a name for yourself rather than making great the name of Almighty God?
 
Something to think about.

In Christ,

Carter 

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (8.14.14)

I hope you're having a great week.  God is doing some awesome things among us at Church of the Way.  Last night we had 53 students at our One Way Kickoff.  Praise God for what James Savage and our One Way Team are doing to impact the next generation.  I'm super excited about this Sunday as we continue the "Legacy" Series.  I'll be speaking on what it means to leave a good name for those that come after us.  What goes into a good name?  We'll see what God's Word has to say about it.  Hope to see you there an invite a friend!  As always, go to www.churchoftheway.net to send an eVite to friends.

Thought for the Week
"All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."  2 Timothy 3:16

Do you believe that verse?  The implications of that passage are staggering.  I have come to the conclusion that many don't believe it.  We like some ideas in the Bible, but we're not sure if they're all applicable to our lives.  They don't really "fit" our lifestyle.  Let me put it this way.  Doctors tell us that some foods are bad for us.  Now, many of us still choose to eat those foods.  Why?  Well, there are many factors, but here are the main three:

1. We believe we'll be THE ONE for whom those foods don't have an adverse affect.  They might be bad for others, but not for us.  Deep down, we sometimes believe that we won't be negatively affected by those foods.  They rules simply don't and won't apply to us because our bodies will respond differently than doctors predict.
2. We don't care and like them.  Our appetites and desires are powerful forces.  I know cheesecake and red velvet cake are not good for me.  I don't care.  I like them.  I try to practice moderation and only have them on special occasions.  Maybe moderation will help?  It's certainly better than having a piece of cake every day.  I care enough to cut back, but I don't care enough to never have a piece of cheesecake or red velvet cake ever again.  After all, I don't think they're THAT bad for me.  I'll just run a couple extra miles and make up for it.
3. We're not really sure the doctors know what they're talking about.  This is a big one, and it's legitimate.  We are learning new things about the human body all the time.  And what we're learning is that things we thought we used to know we don't know any more.  We used the thing eggs were bad, remember?  And, we all have an uncle or grandma who ate bacon every morning and fried vegetables at ever meal and lived to be 96.  So, for us, this is evidence that Physicians don't quite have our physiology completely figured out.

Now, think about that when it comes to ALL of God's directions for our life found in the Bible.  They are directions for the most full and healthy life we can have in Christ.  If we are honest, we often treat God's Word like eating directions from our doctor:

1. We think not listening to Him won't have as adverse an affect on us as predicted.
2. We don't care and really like our vice.
3. We're not sure He knows what He's talking about.

Essentially, we're not sure it all has authority for us, but this is not the plan for the full life God desires for each of us.  Let me ask you one question:  of all the people you know, which ones have the most full and joy-filled lives, the ones who are most closely aligned with God's Word or the ones who steer farthest from it?  And which one do you want to be?

In Christ,

Carter

Robin Williams: Three Things the Tragedy Can Teach Us

Some movies that seem to be on TV a lot.  A few of them always stop me for at least 10 minutes of viewing.  Talladega Nights.  A Few Good Men.  Old School.  Country Strong.  Bruce Almighty.  National Treasure.  And Mrs. Doubtfire.  Sometimes I stop for more than 10 minutes while surfing channels on a lazy evening.  Every time I stop for a few minutes on Mrs. Doubtfire, Robin Williams makes me chuckle.  We've seemingly lost that kind of comedy in modern culture.  Like many, Williams' death on Monday brought me sadness.

Robin Williams was raised Episcopalian.  Of course, none of us really know how much his faith played a role in the inner workings of his heart.  We know he brought laughter to millions of others in a brilliant career.  We know he struggled with substance abuse and depression.  We know he reached a point of despair that caused him to take his own life.  His death sheds light on a subject often left in the shadows, especially in the church.  There are really no answers to some of the deep questions a situation like this begins to ask, but there three insights that I think are worth considering.

1. Life over career.  There is no question that Robin Williams was a smashing success in his career.  If he was in a movie, you simply knew it was going to be good.  If he was on Letterman, you were going to stay up and watch.  If he made a cameo on a sitcom, it would be one of the most memorable episodes.  Dead Poet's Society.  Good Will Hunting.  The Awakening.  Mrs. Doubtfire.  RV.  The Birdcage.  Patch Adams.  He could do it all.  But there were obvious holes in his life.  I don't think I'm passing judgment to say that none of us want to be remembered in our personal lives for three marriages, substance abuse and suicide.  It breaks my heart that someone so gifted, whom I loved to watch perform, was battling so many personal demons.  Nevertheless, it is an important reminder for any of us chasing success in a career that succeeding in life, love, and relationships far outweighs the successes of business or work.  It's possible a "successful" career can even be detrimental to the rest of life.  It's not worth it.  We shouldn't have to choose.  We can do both.  But choose nurturing life and relationships over career.  I don't know if Williams chose career over life.  What is clear is that his professional life soared while his personal life struggled.  It's at least a reminder to nurture our hearts and families first.
2. Substance abuse.  It's no joke.  I don't know anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol who's story ended well.  I know a ton of people who turned things around from addiction and began writing a beautiful story.  You can turn it around.  You really can.  But you're probably going to need help.  Nearly all of those stories of turn-around include therapy or a program or rehab.  There's nothing wrong with that.  Those are people who chose to do whatever it took to get help...to change...to start over.  Don't mess with this stuff.  It won't end well.  It may not end in suicide or an untimely death, but it WILL end with a trail of brokenness and heartache.  It WILL NOT end well.  But you can re-write your story.  God is waiting with pen in hand to help rewrite it.  He loves, loves, loves a good second-chance story.
3. Depression and Suicide need to be talked about in church.  These are real issues.  I wish I could say 'just trust in Jesus more and everything will be okay.'  That's not the case.  Jesus is pivotal in this, but I believe Jesus has gifted talented and wise counselors and physicians to help.  Depression is a real problem and sickness.  You're not crazy or just sad.  It's okay to see a doctor.  PLEASE SEE A DOCTOR!  Talk to someone.  See your pastor.  Talk to a friend.  Then see a doctor.  We don't need to sweep depression under a rug in the church.  We need to help people.  I don't understand it all, but I want to help people get to doctors that do and can help them.  If you know someone might be struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, do whatever it takes to help them.  If you're struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, talk to someone.  Heck, you can email me here.  Jesus loves you so much he died for you, and He has a big plan for you.  Whatever you're dealing with, He wants to walk with you and there are countless others who love you and want to walk with you, too.

I don't have anything profound to add to Robin Willams' death.  I wish it weren't so.  I wish he'd called someone who loved him when he thought there was no hope.  I wish he'd stayed away from drugs and alcohol.  I wish he'd nourished his soul and relationships more, even if that meant making a few less movies.  But I don't know the details.  You don't either.  What I do know is there are lessons to learn there that I can apply to my own life.  And there are lessons that I want to apply to those I love who might be struggling with the same demons.  I want them to know that there are many who love them and that there is a NAME at which even the darkest demons shudder.

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (8.8.14)

I hope you've had a great week, and all you parents, students and teachers in Gwinnett County are getting back in the groove.  I'm super excited about Sunday as we begin a parenting series called "Legacy."  What does it mean to leave a legacy for those that will come behind us?  

Remember, this Sunday we start our new worship times at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.   We'll also have Blue Bell Ice Cream after worship at each experience, so plan to hang around and have some ice cream!  You can still send an Evite to friends right here.  See you Sunday!

Thought for the Week
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  Romans 12:2

This week I began teaching a off-campus Old Testament class for Archer as part of a time-release elective credit program.  This was our theme verse for the week as I challenged students to begin really opening their minds to God and God's Word.  Here's what we have to understand:  our minds are always being formed.  Have you ever craved something that you keep seeing a commercial for?  That's because the ad has shaped your mind.  We can't help it.  We're always growing, changing, and shifting mentally.  We get to choose whether or not we allow God to continue shaping us.  If we don't, we'll end up conformed the world.  We'll think about life the way the world does.  We'll behave as the world does.  We'll conform.  This passage challenges us to be transformed.  Can I make it simple?  Read the Bible.  When we read the Bible, our minds are transformed because we get a glimpse into the heart of God.  And God's ways are different than the ways of the world.  They're better.  If we implement them, even our very lives will be transformed.

In Christ,

Carter McInnis
Lead Pastor
carter@churchoftheway.net
cartermcinnis.blogspot.com

Sports, Art & Kids

A couple of weeks ago, our church hosted our 2nd Annual KidsGames, a free sports and arts camp for the community.  It was an awesome week, and was reminded at the power of sports and arts in the lives of children.  The cool thing about KidsGames is there are kids out there with no background mixed with kids with a lot experience.  The kids with no experience in organized sports got coaching they'd never gotten, and they were delighted by it.  The kids with a lot of experience were happy to be playing without the pressure to perform or their dad breathing down their necks.  It's fun again.

Art teaches the kids to use their creativity, to be the unique creation that only they can be.  Moreover, they build relationships in art that they never would have in sports.  They find that it's okay to like music and baseball, to like drawing and basketball, to like dancing and softball.  None of us are ONE thing.  We do a disservice to our children when we make them into one thing and nothing else.  Sports and the arts are also incredibly important ways to build relationships with children.  Nothing provides opportunities to mentor quite like sports and art.

Education is extremely important.  We need to educate our kids the very best we can because there truly is power in knowledge, but kids need the influence of sports and arts in their lives.  They need to learn competition.  There is something important about winning and losing.  Life includes winning and losing.  Kids need to experience expressing themselves in art.  God made them unique in His image.  In a world of conformity that says we have to know specific answers on specific tests, art teaches kids that there is an answer within them that has never been given.  Let us not teach the next generation that they are a test score.  Let us help them create things that we never would have dreamed of, and let us teach them to compete, to give it their all.  They'll need those skills in life.  They'll need them MORE in life.  I haven't taken a test in a long time, but life calls me to create and compete daily.

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (7.24.14)

What an awesome week it's been here!  KidsGames has rocked as we've welcomed about a 100 kids each night.  We've made so many new friends as about two-thirds of those children are from our community and new to Church of the Way.  It has been so much fun.  On Sunday, you'll get to see a highlight video for some of the amazing things going on this week.

We've got a big Sunday coming up.  We'll be continuing our series on where God's calling us the next 15 months as a church through "Go Beyond:  V15ION".  We'll be talking about how each of us can deeply connect to Jesus.  It's a Sunday you won't want to miss:

• There's a few surprises in this week's message, and it's going to be a lot of fun.
• Sunday morning we've got a baptism and remembrance of baptism.
• KidsGames highlight video!
• Some big, exciting news you'll want to hear.

Also, if you've got questions about Go Beyond or anything, this Sunday at 3:30 we have an "Ask the Pastor" hosted at my home.  We'd love to have you for discussion and dessert.

Thought for the Week
"The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal, with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies."  Isaiah 42:13

This week we've been talking about being a champion at KidsGames.  What does that mean to you?  Does it mean winning the most games, being the best, or accomplishing the most.  If life is all about how we measure ourselves against others, there will always be someone a little better.  And if we do reach the pinnacle and become the very best, it won't be long before we become older and a little less sharp while a new generation comes behind us to take our crown as 'the best.'  It's inevitable.  It's a losing game to see ourselves based on the merit of our accomplishments.  We can be champions because our God is THE Champion, and he created us in His image and called us by name.  Whether you have accomplished a great deal in life or very little, whether you think you measure up or have always doubted that you might not.  God is a Champion...and He is your champion.  And listen really closely -- the True Champion overcomes where you fall short.  And we all fall short sometimes.  The greatest athlete or artist has areas of their life they're not real happy about.  We've all got failures and some dirt in the corner.  We serve a God who triumphs over those shortcomings and cleans up the dirt.  I hope you'll hear this.  If you want to define your life by you ability to win, you'll be disappointed.  While there might be a season your a champion on the field, office, classroom, or whatever, there will be others where someone else gets the job or promotion, wins the game or excels past you in the area in which you thought you were the best.  Don't fall into that trap.  You aren't defined by your accomplishments.  You are defined by a Champion who has power over all the universe, and still calls you into a personal relationship with him.  Jesus loves you not because you are a champion at life but because He is a champion at love.

In His love,

Carter 

Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (7.17.14)

I hope you're doing well.  Our family had a great vacation, but we're glad to be back in Gwinnett and sleeping in our own beds.  I'm really ready for the exciting couple weeks we've got coming up at Church of the Way.  KidsGames starts Monday night, and I can't wait.  This Sunday, we're continuing to dig into God's V15ION for Church of the Way in the coming season.  I'm looking forward to sharing about God's call on our church to reach those far beyond the walls.  I get excited just thinking about the work God is doing and about to do among us.  I hope you'll join me in praying for Go Beyond:  V15ION and KidsGames.

Thought for the Week"The Lord answered Moses, 'Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.'" Numbers 11:23

God said that to Moses.  The great and mighty Moses.  I mean, Moses was as good as it gets, and even his faith sometimes failed.  Even Moses couldn't see a way when there appeared to be only dead ends ahead.  Even Moses saw a God with limitations.  Even Moses doubted.  God's message to his chosen messenger is incredible:  "Moses, your God is too small."  God is saying, "Do you think I can't do what I promised?  Do you think I can't handle this?  You think I'm not big enough to conquer whatever lies ahead?"  If you're like me, you see a plan as to how things should work out.  You see steps and a process for what will bring success.  And you see a time to close up shop and count your losses.  You see when you should take another path because this one is impossible.  But God sees ways through impossible.  He sees a way forward when the path is blocked.  If you live your life by what you can accomplish or what can humanly be done, then you will have a life that levels out at your talent or skill level and a very natural existence.  I don't want that.  I want a life that doesn't make sense.  I want God to do things in me that I just don't see.  I want God to move in supernatural ways that I don't understand.  I want God to stretch out his long arm of grace and cover my family and me.  I want my God to be a Big God in my life.  Is the size of what God wants to do in your life being limited by the size of your faith?  Is your God too small?  Make Him big.  Stop telling God how big your problems are and start telling your problems how big your God is.

In Christ,

Carter

Sunday Preview & July 4th Thought for the Week (7.4.14)

Happy Independence Day Church of the Way!

I hope you're having a great July 4th.  After all of your Independence Day celebrations, I hope you'll make plans to be at worship on Sunday.  For the next five weeks, James and I will be teaching a series pointing to where God is taking our church in the next season.  I'm super excited about what God has in store.  I hope you'll be there for "Go Beyond:  V15ION."  We'll be talking about where we're at in moving toward a permanent facility, and how God is calling us to reach more people with his love in the next year.  And we've got some exciting news about some things happening this August and September.  I get excited just thinking about it.  Can't wait to share with you on Sunday!

Thought for the Week
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17

This passage in 2 Corinthians is the backdrop from one of my favorite worship songs.  In fact, you can listen to it right here.  I can really get a good jog in when that one is rockin' in my iPod.  The old King James Version of the Bible says "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."  Freedom.  Liberty.  Typically those are words we associate with the 4th of July.  Surely, Independence Day is a time to celebrate the freedoms we have in our country.  We should be grateful for that.  But, the kind of freedom we experience DOES have parameters.  We still have rules.  We have a limited freedom, and the rules give us boundaries within that freedom to protect us and allow us some level of choice.  But, our adherence to the rules are for our own preservation, not our devotion to an ideal of freedom.  Let me put it this way.  If there were no speed limits, how fast would you drive?  Now, you probably speed a little, but you keep it 10-15 MPH above the speed limit mostly because you don't want to get a ticket.  So, you might go 45 in a 35, but that's it.  If the sign instead read:  "It's probably safe to go 35-45 MPH here, but do whatever you want"...how fast would you go?  That's the kind of freedom God gives.  His love is free.  And we have freedom to be ourselves and not who anyone else tells us to be.  We are not guided by rules, but by His Spirit.  But, God still gives us clear commands, but have a choice to follow or not.  And He won't love us any less if we 'speed' right through.  We obey in freedom because of our adoration and love for the One who gave us freedom from our sins and brokenness.  But we don't have to.  What will you do with the freedom God has given you?  Follow him or follow your own path.  I know for me, that's an every day decision.  Decide today to follow the Freedom-giver.

In Christ,

Carter 

Faith & the Flag

The flag in front of our home.

In the last week, I have driven by a number of churches of all denominations that have their front lawn lined with American flags.  Now, I love Ol' Glory.  Above is a picture of the small one in our front flower bed.  I enjoy a patriotic celebration as much as the next guy.  During the first Gulf War, I wore a homemade Desert Storm jacket that my mother decorated with flags, stars and military symbols.  I get a little teary during a flyover at a football game, and some of my best friends have served in the military.  Oh, and I still get choked up when Lee Greenwood sings "God Bless the USA" in the Stone Mountain Laser Show.  I mean, what red-blooded American doesn't?  I am so grateful to live in a country that has afforded me the opportunities and freedoms I've enjoyed throughout my entire life.  I do not take lightly the price of that freedom and those opportunities.  I am thankful of the men and women who have fallen, served and continue to serve.

Still...I can't help but wonder what kind of message we are sending when the Church joins arms with patriotism.  The religious leaders of Jesus' day wanted faith to be nationally focused.  It was for Israel.  Jesus made a new way.  It was for Non-Jews, too.  The Apostle's struggled in the Early Church with this concept, but God gave Peter and Paul a vision to reach the Gentiles.  Jesus commanded His Disciples to "make disciples of all nations" and told them they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

This church thing has always been about 'all nations.'  The Church is a global movement, not a national icon.  My faith does not bid me to raise the flag of my country but to raise the flag of my surrender to my Redeemer.  When we link faith to patriotism we run the risk of confusing the message.  Is this church only for Americans?  That's critical in the community in which I serve, which has people from all over the world.  What if I do not align myself as American...am I welcome in a church lined with flags?  Does being an American make you a better or more superior Christian?  One can make an argument that being American hinders our ability to surrender our lives to Jesus because we have so much, so many blessings to surrender.  When we place the flag beside the cross, do we endorse all they both stand for?  We fully endorse the work of the cross and all it means.  Are we ready to say that we stand for all the flag has stood for and stands for?  Certainly not.  The flag and our country are like us, limited and fallible.  America does things we're proud of, and America does things we're ashamed of.

This is critical for Christ followers.  We are Disciples first.  I believe Jesus meant what He said in Matthew 16:24, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."  Deny everything, pick up a cross and follow Jesus.  Deny all that makes us ourselves to embrace a new self.  God didn't create us as Americans -- God created us in God's image.  All of us.  Every tribe, every nation, all peoples on earth.  We are about helping all nations experience the restoration of that image.  When we stand before God, our allegiance to Jesus, not our allegiance to the flag, will be the only thing of any importance.  

Celebrate this July 4th.  Celebrate the country in which we live. We have the best justice system, the most freedom, and the greatest country that I believe has ever existed.  America has done more for goodwill in the world than any other nation in history.  We have become freedom fighters not only for our people but for people all across the globe.  I am so proud to have been born here and to live here, but let us not forget that our nationality is of secondary importance to the one in whom we were born again and offers us life.  It is this life that the world needs from Christ's Church.  Let us offer this life, for it alone is the only hope salvation for the world.