In The Midst Of The Movement

We are so blessed at NorthStar to be a part of a Move of God that was started over two thousand years ago. It should not surprise us that the movement is continuing. Jesus said not even hell can stand against the church.  The reality is God is at work in many churches across the world.  It is exciting to know that there are people literally around the world who share the same vision and passion as NSC. While He is working in many places, I rejoice in the fact that He is working here. We are seeing people almost every week come to Christ.  Since I told the church a few weeks ago about the 594 that have come to Christ over the past six years, we have seen even more take this step of faith right here at NorthStar. In fact we baptized another six this past week.

I want to mention a few things we need to be doing in the midst of this Movement:

1.       We need to stay consistent in our walk with Christ. The church will go no farther than the level of spirituality of its leaders and members.

2.       We must continue in discipleship. Growth is a natural thing. Daily we should be digging into His Word, spending time in communion with Him and seeking to become more like Him.

3.       We should consistently attend a worship experience. Often times we get weak, dry, burned out and frustrated.  Absence from worship is one reason this happens. When we omit worship experiences from our schedule we tend to take our eyes off the vision and off of Christ.  There are so many excuses to justify our absence from worship but they are shallow and unfounded. As we come together on a regular basis for worship we are able to focus, be renewed and energized for the task He has called us to do.

4.       We must be diligent in reaching out to those far from God.  How will they hear if we do not tell them? Aren’t you glad someone took the time to tell you?

5.       We must depend on Him and not ourselves. It is on the stage of our weakness that His strength is displayed. The temptation is to just do it ourselves. This is where we mess up.

6.       We need to pray for, support and follow our leaders. They work tirelessly but joyfully to do the awesome task of leading His people.

7.       We need the power of His Spirit filling, guiding, and empowering us. Again, we are not alone. We need His power.

8.       We need to walk by faith, not by sight.  It is our tendency to figure it out and do it ourselves. A faithless Christian is a weak Christian. We must remember He is not intimidated by our long shot request. In fact, He is insulted when we do not exercise audacious faith.

9.       We need to take the risk necessary to be totally obedient to Christ. He never said it was easy.  In fact, He said: ”…take up your cross and follow me.”

10.   We need to lead our families. They need to see our commitment to Christ. This is not an easy task because we are imperfect people. However it is a needed task. Our families need to know the priority God has in our lives.

11.   We need to let other see these character traits in us. The world needs to see the real deal when looking at us. They need to be able to look at us and realize we have been with Jesus.

The Movement Continues

     This past Sunday we looked at the Message of the Movement and we saw the importance of sharing the Christ with others.  It is so simple.  We can all share this message. I mentioned one step in sharing the message is by simply inviting people to attend with you at NSC.  You invite them and we will share with them.  We have seen this unfold in such an awesome way at NSC. You guys have done an exceptional job at inviting people to attend with you.  I am so thankful for so many who have taken this so seriously.  Please keep up the good work and we will keep sharing the message of Christ with those who come. Pray for opportunities to share your faith with others as well. It is such a simple message. You can do it!
     I love Christ, His Church and specifically NSC.  This is not a perfect church because it is filled with imperfect people.  I have often said if you are looking for a perfect church you won’t find it here.  We are a hospital for sinners.  If you see yourself as imperfect and on a journey to become more like Christ, you have come to the right place.  Paul, for crying out loud, actually had killed Christians.  When they stoned Steven, it was Saul who actually oversaw and approved of this.  But something happened!  He met Christ and no longer would he be called Saul.  Christ changed not only his name but his heart.  We must never forget where we came from.   Oh yes, and Paul stopped killing Christians. I am not who I used to be but I am not who I should be.  Paul’s life changed immediately even though God did an ongoing work of maturity in his life.  Remember this life is a journey not a destination.  We need His transforming work to continue daily in our own lives as well.

The Making of a Movement

When the day of Pentecost came in the New Testament, the disciples must have been so elated at the fact God was bringing to pass just what He promised. I would like to think this came as no surprise to them. They were so poised for something remarkable to happen and they went with it. I am sure at the end of the day they were thinking; "what just happened here?" In some selfless, humble way, they were expecting this to happen. It is not that they felt they deserved it or caused it but rather they believed God was moving among them and they saw this as supernatural confirmation of Him doing what He said He would do.

This is where I want to live. This is what Living in the Movement looks like. Daily expecting God to do the unimaginable among us and through us. Often times we get so caught up in the planning, mundane and busy routines that we fail to see Him moving constantly in our midst. This move is not a twice a year thing. It is an ongoing move of God that results in live being changed and His church expanding.  It is not that they prayed hard enough, lived good enough or worked diligently enough to make these things happen. Rather it was a move of God that came from God and they were a part of it.

What I Am Thankful For Today

I want to share four of the many things I am thankful for today.

1 I am thankful to be home with my wife and family! I am so thankful for my family who not only loves God and His work but understands and supports His calling on my life. (41 trips abroad which is over a year and a half away) I always sense their prayers and love while gone. I am so blessed!

2. I am thankful for the NSC Leadership Team and my NorthStar Church Family. The LT is not only some of my closest friends but also partners in the work. (I heard Jason and Jeff rocked the house while I was gone.)  I am also so glad to be back home with my entire NSC family. You are my family and co-laborers in Christ. Some of my closest friends this side of eternity are at The Star. You guys are awesome!! There is no place like NSC.  I am thankful for all our volunteers. You guys rock!  Keep the faith, keep your eyes on the vision, and get your strength from the Lord. You are making a difference. We also had an incredible mission to the Philippines and our team did incredible. We spoke, shared, sang and ministered at 56 different meetings (11 days of work) and we saw over 14K indicate they had trusted Christ. Thank you for sending us and investing in eternity.

3. I am both thankful and pumped about the series beginning this Sunday entitled "The Movement".  We will trace both the explosive beginnings and movement of the very first church in the New Testament and NorthStar Church, Saltillo.  NOTE!!!!!!  When you come in this Sunday, you will see a brand new wall in the atrium called "The Making of a Movement". This will blow your socks off!!!!  Come early or stay a few minutes after the service to see The Making of a Movement Wall. It is truly a movement of God happening at NSC.  I am so thankful for the selfless and unwavering commitment of so many who God has used these past six years at NSC. Remember the movement and the wall is still in the making.  You can be a important part of what God is doing here. The wall will be expanding each week over the next six weeks during this series, as well as the years to come.

4. I am thankful for the next level God is taking this church. The best is yet to come! He is taking us to a HNL (whole nother level) Remember we exist so that those who are far from God can come near to Him through Jesus Christ. So, Reach Up, Reach Out and Reach In.