Hey guys,
Last week we began a new series in the book of John called "Encounter." We are looking at how Jesus encounters with the world, humanity, and death. It is going to be an incredible journey.
With that I asked everyone at Hingepoint to read a chapter of John a day starting last Friday.
There are 21 chapters in John.
On Thursday (5th) we were 21 days from Thanksgiving.
If you jumped on board with us (which means you would have to do a lil extra reading) we will have together read the entire book of John by thanksgiving day.
The fun part is that you are not doing this by yourself.
Jump in if you can.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Church is...Eternal
This past week we did not break down any statement about the Church except to say that The Church is Eternal.
With that statement I wanted to frame why raising the next generation is so imperative. There are not many things that will still make a difference 100 yrs from now, but you can bank on the fact that 100yrs from now the Church will still exist. With that in mind we have to raise the next generation up knowing who Jesus is and what His Church was placed here on earth to do.
I am going to die within the next 100 yrs.
Most of you will as well, but the next generation will still be here.
We are apart of a story that did not begin with us.
The Story is not about us; its about Jesus.
Each of us (who are in Christ) have a part in the Story where God moved on our behalf. This is also known as your testimony.
The Next Generation will either move forward in God's purpose or totally miss His purpose for their lives all together.
We do not perceive God on our own. God chooses to work through people to connect His message to there hearts.
Text wise we looked at the story of Joshua. (Joshua 4:1-7, Joshua 24:14-15,25-28, and Judges 2:6-10)
This week is the last week of the Church is... Series. We are one month away from moving our meeting time to Sundays. We especially now moving forward need people praying for our team and young Church by name daily. We covet your prayers and encouragement as we move forward to see Jesus change Bakersfield, one person at a time.
With that statement I wanted to frame why raising the next generation is so imperative. There are not many things that will still make a difference 100 yrs from now, but you can bank on the fact that 100yrs from now the Church will still exist. With that in mind we have to raise the next generation up knowing who Jesus is and what His Church was placed here on earth to do.
I am going to die within the next 100 yrs.
Most of you will as well, but the next generation will still be here.
We are apart of a story that did not begin with us.
The Story is not about us; its about Jesus.
Each of us (who are in Christ) have a part in the Story where God moved on our behalf. This is also known as your testimony.
The Next Generation will either move forward in God's purpose or totally miss His purpose for their lives all together.
We do not perceive God on our own. God chooses to work through people to connect His message to there hearts.
Text wise we looked at the story of Joshua. (Joshua 4:1-7, Joshua 24:14-15,25-28, and Judges 2:6-10)
This week is the last week of the Church is... Series. We are one month away from moving our meeting time to Sundays. We especially now moving forward need people praying for our team and young Church by name daily. We covet your prayers and encouragement as we move forward to see Jesus change Bakersfield, one person at a time.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Church is.. Gods power wk.4
The Church is...
Filled with God's power visibly healing and changing people
Who are broken, hurting, and searching
for a savior that is real and active here on earth.
Scripture:
The whole bible literally. Acts 3:1-16, 1 Corinthians 4:20, Acts 4:13-31.
Main points
Power behind compassion.
Power behind the Word.
Power in the Life Change.
Power behind prayer.
Key statements
The Church is not a social service movement.
We have something greater at work behind us that touches deeper than momentary help in a persons time of need.
There is power in our words when they point out and connect people to the truth of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit shows up to make a big deal out of Jesus, not us.
There is power in our prayers, because of who we are praying to.
Do you remember what you prayed last year on this date? (Jesus does)
Do you remember what you prayed last week on this date? (Jesus does)
There isnt a word that you have prayed to Him that He has forgotten.
*With this series winding down to an end, I wanted to let you guys know that we have video of each of these messages. If you are back in SC or anywhere for that matter, and would like a copy of this series, we can mail you the DVD's.
To get more info about the DVD's of "The Church is..." series shoot me a message here in the blog reply area.
Filled with God's power visibly healing and changing people
Who are broken, hurting, and searching
for a savior that is real and active here on earth.
Scripture:
The whole bible literally. Acts 3:1-16, 1 Corinthians 4:20, Acts 4:13-31.
Main points
Power behind compassion.
Power behind the Word.
Power in the Life Change.
Power behind prayer.
Key statements
The Church is not a social service movement.
We have something greater at work behind us that touches deeper than momentary help in a persons time of need.
There is power in our words when they point out and connect people to the truth of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit shows up to make a big deal out of Jesus, not us.
There is power in our prayers, because of who we are praying to.
Do you remember what you prayed last year on this date? (Jesus does)
Do you remember what you prayed last week on this date? (Jesus does)
There isnt a word that you have prayed to Him that He has forgotten.
*With this series winding down to an end, I wanted to let you guys know that we have video of each of these messages. If you are back in SC or anywhere for that matter, and would like a copy of this series, we can mail you the DVD's.
To get more info about the DVD's of "The Church is..." series shoot me a message here in the blog reply area.
The Church is... Generous wk.3
The Church is...
A generous people who have been given much so that they can bless much
and in doing so reflect to the world a sincere dependence on Jesus and nothing else.
Scripture:
Gen 12:1-3, Luke 7:36-50, Matthew 25:31-40, Acts 2:43-45, Acts 4:32-35, Matthew 10:8, Isaiah 32:8
Key thoughts...
Immediately when you read this you are probably thinking that I am talking about tithing. FALSE. I didn't once even mention the word tithing.
Tithing is not generosity. Tithing is the first 10% of your income being given back to God (via the local Church).
Generosity is what your doing with the other 90% of what God has blessed you with.
Every day we should be looking for Jesus to open our eyes and call us to step into someone's need generously.
I am not frustrated because were not giving enough. I am frustrated because we are missing out on being the Church.
Generosity has to be planned. (Isaiah 32:8)
Every major move of God early in Acts was filled with people who encountered God, United together, and became generous to everyone around them. (Acts 2:43-45, Acts 4:32-35)
Why do you need the Church to vote on what Jesus has already told you to do?
Generosity is a chance to show value in someone else, that is greater than your value in personal resource or luxury.
A generous people who have been given much so that they can bless much
and in doing so reflect to the world a sincere dependence on Jesus and nothing else.
Scripture:
Gen 12:1-3, Luke 7:36-50, Matthew 25:31-40, Acts 2:43-45, Acts 4:32-35, Matthew 10:8, Isaiah 32:8
Key thoughts...
Immediately when you read this you are probably thinking that I am talking about tithing. FALSE. I didn't once even mention the word tithing.
Tithing is not generosity. Tithing is the first 10% of your income being given back to God (via the local Church).
Generosity is what your doing with the other 90% of what God has blessed you with.
Every day we should be looking for Jesus to open our eyes and call us to step into someone's need generously.
I am not frustrated because were not giving enough. I am frustrated because we are missing out on being the Church.
Generosity has to be planned. (Isaiah 32:8)
Every major move of God early in Acts was filled with people who encountered God, United together, and became generous to everyone around them. (Acts 2:43-45, Acts 4:32-35)
Why do you need the Church to vote on what Jesus has already told you to do?
Generosity is a chance to show value in someone else, that is greater than your value in personal resource or luxury.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Church is Wk2
Alright world... I am writing you with a ridiculous Holy hangover. Last night was awesome at core group... we had fewer people than we ever had, but we have more momentum now than we had two weeks ago (I know it doesn't make sense... but Jesus is doing something big right now).
This weeks Church is series opening statement was this.
Church is...
A unified diverse body of people who do not gather based on appearance, socioeconomic status, or personal like/dis-likes; but rather find there unity in Jesus and every mans need for salvation, mercy, grace, and life found only in Christ.
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:12-20
Ephesians 4:1-6
Ephesians 4:15
Acts 2:42-44
We really drilled what brings us together. How we can be diverse but be totally united behind Jesus.
Three key statements from the message
"Every "tribe" unites by something that connects them together." (Check out Seth Goden's book called tribes... great resource)
"Hingepoint Church is connected and united because of Jesus." (not peoples preferences, opinions, good ideas, stage of life)
"We are not bringing people into the Church to meet our pastor. We are bringing them in to meet Jesus."
It was a great night. If you are in the Bakersfield area next week you should come hang out.
Peace
This weeks Church is series opening statement was this.
Church is...
A unified diverse body of people who do not gather based on appearance, socioeconomic status, or personal like/dis-likes; but rather find there unity in Jesus and every mans need for salvation, mercy, grace, and life found only in Christ.
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:12-20
Ephesians 4:1-6
Ephesians 4:15
Acts 2:42-44
We really drilled what brings us together. How we can be diverse but be totally united behind Jesus.
Three key statements from the message
"Every "tribe" unites by something that connects them together." (Check out Seth Goden's book called tribes... great resource)
"Hingepoint Church is connected and united because of Jesus." (not peoples preferences, opinions, good ideas, stage of life)
"We are not bringing people into the Church to meet our pastor. We are bringing them in to meet Jesus."
It was a great night. If you are in the Bakersfield area next week you should come hang out.
Peace
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Church is series wk 1
So I promised last week that I would post the opening statement to each weeks "Church is" series message on Friday's. Needless to say I am late....but better late than never.
This series is laying out biblically what we believe Hingepoint Church is suppose to be. Over the next four weeks we will continue to add to this idea of what we believe Jesus has called His bride to be. At the end of each statement there will be several scripture references for why we chose the wording, and statement as core to what we believe.
The Church is...
A chosen people(A) whose head is Jesus(B), whose help is the Holy Spirit(C), who enact the word in their lives(D) in order to see the Great Commission fulfilled in there city and around the world(E).
Scripture references.
A) 1 Peter 2:9
B) Eph. 5:25-27, Eph. 1:19-23, Heb. 3:2-4, psalm 127:1.
C) John 16:5-11
D) James 1:22-24
E) Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
This series is laying out biblically what we believe Hingepoint Church is suppose to be. Over the next four weeks we will continue to add to this idea of what we believe Jesus has called His bride to be. At the end of each statement there will be several scripture references for why we chose the wording, and statement as core to what we believe.
The Church is...
A chosen people(A) whose head is Jesus(B), whose help is the Holy Spirit(C), who enact the word in their lives(D) in order to see the Great Commission fulfilled in there city and around the world(E).
Scripture references.
A) 1 Peter 2:9
B) Eph. 5:25-27, Eph. 1:19-23, Heb. 3:2-4, psalm 127:1.
C) John 16:5-11
D) James 1:22-24
E) Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
Thursday, September 17, 2009
First week update
Hey Guys (non-gender specific term meaning both male and female)
I have intentionally pulled away from writing or posting anything for the past couple of weeks. I have decided to devote myself to reading a ton of scripture and listening to Gods voice.
I figured that it was time for me to do more listening than blogging or tweeting or whatever else I tended to use as an outlet other than God.
With that I felt like today i needed to post a lil update.
We FINALLY had our first meeting last week. We had 21 people there, and to be honest it felt great just feeling the Holy Spirit speak through me.
Want to know what I talked about? Having a hunger for Jesus. Our core group left hungry and they all said that they would be back this week....
Maybe I need to preach harder this week.
With that we are starting a 5 week series with our core group tonight called "The Church is..." I cant wait for tonight to begin this series at looking at what Jesus said about His Church.
Over the next couple of weeks I will post the opening "Church is..." statement on the blog every Friday.... So be looking for that tomorrow around 10 west coast time.
Thanks so much for everyones prayers. We are in a battle and Jesus is showing out.
Peace,
Russ
I have intentionally pulled away from writing or posting anything for the past couple of weeks. I have decided to devote myself to reading a ton of scripture and listening to Gods voice.
I figured that it was time for me to do more listening than blogging or tweeting or whatever else I tended to use as an outlet other than God.
With that I felt like today i needed to post a lil update.
We FINALLY had our first meeting last week. We had 21 people there, and to be honest it felt great just feeling the Holy Spirit speak through me.
Want to know what I talked about? Having a hunger for Jesus. Our core group left hungry and they all said that they would be back this week....
Maybe I need to preach harder this week.
With that we are starting a 5 week series with our core group tonight called "The Church is..." I cant wait for tonight to begin this series at looking at what Jesus said about His Church.
Over the next couple of weeks I will post the opening "Church is..." statement on the blog every Friday.... So be looking for that tomorrow around 10 west coast time.
Thanks so much for everyones prayers. We are in a battle and Jesus is showing out.
Peace,
Russ
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