Grace Part 2

Sickness - Prescription: Grace

We are all aware of sickness, especially when it comes to physical illness. But what about sickness in our relationships with friends and family? The prescription: Grace.

Hungry

Hungry: Elevate Teaching 11/25/09

What are you hungry for? A question we should all ask ourselves from time to time. Also, a look at what the Bible says about hunger and a challenge to increase ours.

Panama Parable

A quick testimony about a trip to Panama and how God uses everyday situations to teach us about His Kingdom.

Matthew 5:14-16

Elevate teaching video 11/17/09

What up Niceville?

Shout out to our possible new Elevate group in Niceville!

Roots: Serving

Serving, huh? Well what is it? Philippians 2:1-10 basically says it all. As Christ followers, we are called to humbly give our time and service to the people surrounding us.

Tuesday night we (Elevate) were given the opportunity to make a meal for a family in our church. A simple act of kindness that was meant to teach us how to serve, ended up being a huge blessing to the family. We started out with a giant, detailed list of tasks to complete and we worked together to get each task completed. It turned out to be a lesson in not only serving, but working together to serve. Oh yeah, and we had a pretty rockin' time doing it!

After cooking the meal, praying over it, and sending two messengers to deliver it, we split into connect groups and talking about serving. In our connect group we focused on that short - but OH so important part of Phil. 2:8 "...he humbled himself..." Sooo, we're called to not only serve, but we have to do it humbly? Yes, HUMBLY. We talked about how hard it is it to humbly serve. We're human, so, naturally, we want the praise that we deserve. BUT, that's not what serving is about. Serving is about doing something for someone, even if you don't get any recognition. Serving is about giving your time to the poor/the weak/those who no one else wants to help. Serving is about helping your church family through hard times. Serving is about giving people just a LITTLE glimpse at the love Christ has shown to us.

Then, a challenge from the lovely Sarah Russo: This week, take the initiative to serve through a random act of kindness. Pay for someones gas, buy a table next to yours meal, even pay for the beach toll of the person behind you...

Roots: Unity

Who are we that Christ would pray for us?! And what is it that He prayed for? That we would be one. That we would be United.

I cannot fathom the power that is in unity. Even outside the church there is power when people unite together for a single cause. How much more when we, the Body, unite in spirit and truth? Mmmm, it is "where God commands His blessing," and that is a goooood place to be.

What would happen if a group of DISCIPLES united in spirit and truth in the city of Pensacola... and they didn't let little things like gossip, slander, pride, arrogance, racism, anger and divisions get in the way... but they acted with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love?

Matthew 16:18 perhaps? We'll see...

It's kind of like a guitar...

Roots: Disciple

Tonight we kicked off the roots series by talking about the word "disciple." What? Yeah, Disciple. Why we as a church, or "christian society" have focused more on making "converts" rather than taking the call to make disciples seriously. The focus was on taking a look at what a disciple looked like according to the bible and how that translates to us today in 2009. What does a disciple look like in 2009? How do we make disciples in 2009? After hearing some people share about modern day discipleship experiences in their own lives and sharing some ideas about how we could disciple each other and those around us, a consensus started to come together.

It's not about putting a bulls-eye on peoples backs and moving on once they've said a prayer or joined our church. It's not about rules. It's not about a certain type of system. It's not a class. It's not a talk. It's life. It's a lifestyle. In the words of Ryan Mac and Allan Castleberry, "it's about love." We gotta do life with each other. We have to ask questions and go "deep" (ask Nathan Castleberry about why that's in quotes). We have to pour out Jesus on people and let Him pour into us through other people. We have to humble ourselves and seek discipleship. We have to get over our insecurities and feelings of inadequacy and make disciples.

It's reproducing the Jesus in us. It's investing time and effort in relationships. It's never-ending. The life of a disciple is just that... life.

Matthew 28:19

Roots

Why Roots?

It’s simple. These are just some things we want to stand for as Elevate. In a way it is our DNA. We never want to forget or stray away from the concepts of Being and Making Disciples, Unity, Prayer and Being Servants. These are our roots. Yes there are many other core values we hold on to tightly, but these four are things we want to be known for. Values, that like roots, as time goes on and we, and the ministry grow, only get deeper and stronger.

Just like roots, our roots will support us, keep us grounded, and allow us to grow strong. It’s where we come from. It’s who we are. It’s why we will be what we will be. These roots grow from the seed of salvation, in the soil of truth and community and produce good fruit-bearing trees of life.

A look back...

Tonight was incredible! We talked about differences in the Kingdom and how those differences can be used to unite us. Sooo good and sooo true. We also prayed for Griffin as he walks through a time of transition in his life moving on to steward being an officer, a fiance/husband and finishing up as a student. Griffin, you have done and will do a great job. We love you bro!

Looking back over the past month we have talked about differences, anger, loneliness, reacting to circumstances and several other relevant topics that Griffin and the leadership team have taken us through. Let's not forget what we've learned. Instead, let's remember, apply and run forward "pressing on to the goal."

The picture above was taken while on a trip in Guatemala on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It reminds me that we can always look behind us, in the past, and see where we've been and what we've done. But as the shadow shows us, we must turn around and face the sun, stare into it's glory and our future, and move forward. Elevate, let's move forward into the glory of the Son!

Next week: Roots: Disciples?

Romans 12:9-13

Mathew 28:16-20