Thoughts:
Awesome - that’s the people of C3. Next Sunday will be a special service with some unique elements. We will also be having communion.
God changed lives today.
I can’t get over this cough!
My kids are growing so fast…
Sunday’s wipe me out.
A lot of people serve and make a difference in lives through C3. I’m so grateful for these people.
Sugar Boy… still barks at me when I enter the room (Angie’s “purse dog”).
I love “Bad Ass Coffee” (don’t freak out - it’s the name of a Hawaiian coffee shop in south Orlando - named after mules that carry the coffee beans out…) - it’s great - they also have about 15 sugar-free flavors, sugar free whip cream, and the ice for “iced coffee” is not frozen water, it’s frozen coffee! (John Young and 417).
I can’t wait for next Sunday - you never know what may happen… well, you’ll see.
I’ve got to make a trip to south Orlando now…
Is there anything in my life more important to me than loving Christ and loving others? Anything that takes 1st place above my relationship with Christ? This morning I was thinking about a message I heard by Mark Driscoll a few months ago. Here’s an excerpt.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCjHm9kzHBg]
Time is flying!!! There’s so much to get done and the clock is ticking. We have a contract on our campus and we’re working through the details. The relocation to the theater is going to be a huge transition and I’m pumped. To think of the numbers of people we’ll be able to reach and the greater impact we’ll be able to have is jolting. As we’re putting systems in place for the move, we’re also continuing to prioritize ministry and life-change (last Sunday we had 4 adults become Christ-followers!!!).
Because we function as a team, we pray through and discuss the major decisions. Additionally, I have people I look to for wisdom and counsel. People like Robbie Robison and Jamey Ragle, who are on our Board. Also, friends like Claude Thomas and Thom Rainer. All of these men possess a love for Christ, a wisdom gained through experience, and a love for me and C3 Church. God obviously knew what he was talking about when he said here. Choosing who you invite to the table to have input is vital to success. (There are always people who think they should be at the table, and they’ll be ticked when they’re not there - so what?! Don’t be pressured to go against what you know inside isn’t wise).
Many decisions are being made daily right now. The results will have significant ramifications for our future. So how do I process that. Several questions (questions are one of our greatest tools. When answered honestly, they reveal gages that will lead you to success).
- What does God say about it? (Is there a scriptural principle that speaks directly or indirectly to the issue(s)).
- What do those I TRUST say about it? (trust is key).
- What do I sense inside? (How is the Holy Spirit leading me - this one is huge. He may be leading me differently than what I’m hearing from trusted friends).
- What does our C3 Reality dictate? (These are the core values of our church that keep us focused on our vision).
- What does wisdom say?
- What are the projected or expected results of the decision? (I have never based a decision on what the outcome will be, however, I like to be prepared so this is a question that is considered for the purpose of navigating the days that follow).
These are just a few that help us. I love seeking God about the decisions that are in our future. He has a plan, so we must seek him to know it. The problems or obstacles that confront us are not ours, they are God’s and he is more than able to overcome anything that would stand in the way of the vision he has for C3. Here are a couple more things we keep in mind:
- What if what happened in the Bible could happen in church? Stop… read that again, please!!! Don’t gloss over that - then think about this, what if what happened in the Bible could happen in your life……
- We’re not called to cope with change or manage change–we are called to LEAD change!
Hang on, it’s an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime ride, so let’s chase Christ with passion!!! Invest and Invite.
This Sunday we will wrap up “The End.” We’ll be talking about the final 2 judgments that will take place. I can’t urge you strongly enough to be at C3 this Sunday. If you’re C3 invest and invite! Don’t miss this opportunity. This series has been a blast and it’s going to end big.
I’m also jacked about our next series, “Dirty Little Secrets” which begins October 14.
You might have figured out that if we’re ending “The End.” this Sunday, and beginning the next series Oct. 14, there’s a Sunday in-between. What are we doing that day? Well,…it’s a SECRET.
During “Dirty Little Secrets” we’re going to dive into some deep stuff. During this series, because we’re going raw and uncensored - talking about real deep issues rated TVMA - children in 5th grade and under will not be allowed in the Service. At C3 we believe in creating environments where people can encounter the living God.
We have a ministry team of very gifted and committed individuals who will invest in and teach your children in an engaging way that they understand. This way, our kids learn about Christ, and that it’s a blast to know God and do life with him, and as parents we’re able to concentrate and fully focus on the service. It’s the best of both worlds. If you’re children haven’t checked out First Look or Powerhouse yet, their in for the best Sunday of their lives.
Get ready for “Dirty Little Secrets” beginning October 14.
We all have secrets, private things, things we don’t want our spouse, our close friends or parents to know. Both male & female, young and old,-we all wrestle with different temptations and that inner struggle to give in. The gripping power of guilt can consume us. Join us at C-3 Church for this compelling new series “Dirty Little Secrets” and discover how you can overcome and defeat your most destructive desires.
What’s your dirty little secret?
I hear a ton of “church people” talking about the Great Commission. How it’s our responsibility to share Christ and reach “the lost.” Really? Are you? Sadly, I know many pastors, teachers, church members and “scholars” who will debate all day about how church should be done. They will tell you how you should pastor. How much attention you should give them. What their ideal pastor looks and acts like and how you don’t really cut it. If you’re a pastor and this barrage begins, ask one question. One is all it takes. Here it is: “Who have you led to Christ in the last month?” If they can’t answer you could through out one more: “Okay… in the last year?”
It cracks me up when I hear, “the way you do church is just not for me.” Sounds really spiritual. Which part is not for you: the reaching people, or the being selfless enough to do church in a way that draws the unchurched, or is it the following what Jesus said about loving God and loving others more than I love myself?
Don’t say it and spray it unless you play it! Quit debating and begin imitating (he came to seek and save that which was lost…).
Recently, a pastor told me of a conversation he overheard at the fairgrounds. According to him, a group of people were talking about C3 Church. (They were working at a denominational booth, representing Christ, etc.). Several of these people were former members of our church. One of the made the comment, “Somebody needs to go over there and deal with that Byron Bledsoe…” Really… Why, because you couldn’t? You’ve got some, uh… “issues” so you can’t make the appointment, but you’re looking for volunteers, right?
A gentlemen overheard his selfish and ungodly remarks about C3 Church, and challenged him, stating that he had never met me, but that all he keeps hearing around town is that “C3 Church will do whatever it takes to reach people far from God.” Now that’s a reputation I can deal with. C3 - invest and invite!!!
I love this clip…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp2SFA8aQ2I]
