A few weeks ago I invited Trevor, my atheist friend to attend our worship services and share his experiences. What he shared was mind-blowing, eye opening, & enlightening. His words rocked the very core of my essence and caused me many sleepless nights.

Here’s what Trevor shared:

“Clarence, many Christians (including many of your members) are my first cousins.  I’m currently an Atheist and most Christians are Practical Atheists (1st Cousin).”  Trevor had my undivided attention and I ask him to explain his statement.  He went on to elaborate and share how most Christians he knows, know enough about God to keep them out of hell and enough to get them into heaven. However, many are unwilling to change the way they live.  “Clarence, where I come from, that’s called practical atheism.

At this point, I’m dazed, intrigued, and curious.

So, I ask Trevor, “do you mind sharing your definition of a practical atheist?” “Of course, a practical atheist is someone who believes in God but lives as if He does not exist.”

So, do you know any practical atheists?

FYI: At the Atheist Alliance International Convention, members we were asked to pick an atheist symbol from a select list. They chose this symbol – the new symbol of Atheism.

Sunday services are over, but, my mind is STILL spinning…

1. I honestly feel that this weekends services were the most amazing services we’ve ever had since I became pastor in 1999.
2. Our total church attendance was over 2,500 for the first time in the history of our church!
3. I preached about God’s historical bailouts & (The Full Coverage Plan, The “I AM” Plan, The Provision Plan) & closed with The Greatest Bailout that ever happened – The Resurrection Plan!
4. Our NEW & IMPROVED Video Venue Service had over 220 for the first time today!  I want to thank all the ushers, greeters, deacons, ministers, and security who served in our Video Venue – YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!
5. Our 100-voice choir was OFF THE CHAIN as they slammed Donald Lawrence’s “Matthew 28.”
6. Honestly, I believe Mars Hill has the best Worship & Fine Arts Ministry – PERIOD!  There are churches with larger ministries & celebrity musicians & personalities.  However, I’ll take our anointing over any celebrity!
7. Folks…what happened yesterday at our church IS NOT NORMAL…it wasn’t a “nice service”…it was a move of God!  I’ve honestly never been a part of something like what happened today…and it’s only the beginning.
8. Religion is all about what we do to get to God…Christianity is all about what God did to get to us!
9. THAT is one of the problems with church today…we’ve became “normal” when the call of Christ on our lives is to change the world-”normal” people can’t do that!
10. We will continue this series on Sunday…expecting/praying for God to do amazing things AGAIN!

AND…to My Mars Hill Family…a personal note…

Reality is this…satan got his butt kicked this weekend!  Hell is going to be less crowded!  People crossed over from death to life.  The way a community is changed is by the church preaching AND living the Gospel…and I believe we are going to continue to see Jesus do the unexplainable and undeniable…and we, His church, will continue to become unstoppable!

He’s alive-we win…now all we need to do is continually run up the score!!!

I LOVE you guys…I LOVE our church…I LOVE serving here…there is NOTHING ELSE on the planet I would rather do!  I’m bought in!!!

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

The Preacher & The Atheist

Trevor (not his actual name) says that he is “currently” an atheist.  However, he says “he is open to the possibility that he may learn something that will change his mind.”  Trevor and I currently work out together and he calls me the only “Christian” he likes.  “Why,” I ask?  His reply: “You walk the walk, you’re down to earth, you’re funny,  a cool person, and your goal is not to convert me, but to be friends with me.  That’s what I like about you.” For the record, Atheism is the view that God does not exist and it is not a new development.  Psalm 14:1, written by David in around 1000 B.C., mentions atheism: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Recent statistics show an increasing number of people becoming atheists, with up to 10% of people worldwide declaring themselves to be adherents of atheism. Trevor is an associate professor at the University of Chicago (whose workload includes classes on comparative religion, anthropology, and philosophy), a husband, and the father of three children.  He is also a poet and an author.  Trevor’s father is a retired professor who is also an atheist.  His mother is a classically trained violinist and a lifelong seeker of truth. Last week I asked Trevor to attend one of our worship services and he did (I’ll post what he said about attending Mars Hill – EYE OPENING).  In turn, he asked that I attend a lecture with him at the University (I’ll share my experience – EYE OPENING).  Of course, I agreed.  Before we agreed to attend each other’s events, we made an agreement:

We will do this only if we remain open minded with each other.  We both agreed.

Here’s what’s on my mind:

“What would you say to Trevor since he’s “open” to the possibility that he may learn something to change his mind?”

 

WELCOME!

Dynamic, Authentic, Life-changing… this is the sort of thing I'm striving for with our online Cyber small groups.

It is my prayer that it becomes a place to connect and
develop meaningful and lasting relationships. It's life-on-life
interaction that should serve to strengthen your relationship with God
and everyone else around you as well.

Furthermore, I envision "Cyber Groups" to be a connection point at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. It is my prayer that you will experience the merge of Shared Passion, Shared
Purpose and Shared Lives. 

Finally, It is our hope that everyone who comes to our online community will have the
opportunity to benefit from being a part of this experience.

LET'S GET STARTED!

<CLICK HERE> to review Sunday's message notes and download the discussion questions <HERE>.  After you review the questions, please post your comments for all to hear!

Let's begin the discussion…

Trust me, this series will go down in history as one of the most innovative and controversial series at Mars Hill.  What pastor do you know encourages their members to pull out their cell phones (DURING WORSHIP) and text their questions regarding the sermon.  Guess what, THEY RESPONDED!  The first person to respond had their question answered – LIVE!!!  Additionally, they responded so well that we were overwhelmed with questions that I'll post and answer here.  If you were not able to attend our services, you can view the outline here.

The"text me" project is your chance to get biblical answers to burning questions, concerns and hot issues in our culture.   Over the next few months, I will preach on the 10 Hottest Topics that address spiritual, ethical or controversial issues facing Christians today.  And guess what, you get to choose the topic!

All you have to do is submit your topic for selection via text message at (773-358 0356) or on our website by April 25, 2008. Your submission, along with others, will be posted on our website.

Members, guests, family and friends will cast their votes for the top 20 Hot Topics.  The selected 20 Hot Topics will be posted on the website beginning April 27th. Beginning May 4th – May 10th, members, guests, family and friends will vote for the final 10 Hot Topic Sermons that I’ll preach on.

GUESS WHAT, IT GETS EVEN BETTER…

When the Top 10 Topics are confirmed, at the end each message you can (are you ready for this) text me a question relevant to the topic.  For better or worse, I’ll answer the question ON THE SPOT!

That’s right, DURING WORSHIP you will be able to use your cell phone, BlackBerry, iPhone, PDA during worship and "text" me your question…TALK ABOUT INNOVATION…

I know you’re interested and would like to know more about the series and the official voting rules. 

I can’t wait to hear your feedback!!!

I have three children (13, 11, & 6) and all of them ask me "why?" about everything. Why is the sky blue? Why are there clouds? Why can’t I go outside?  Why do I have to take a shower?  Why can’t I stay up past 10PM?  Truthfully, it’s frustrating.  If you’re a parent, you know what I mean.  Why are we frustrated?

We’re frustrated for two reasons. Often we don’t know the real answers to the innocent questions they ask, but even when we do, our answers don’t slow the pace of their relentless questions. That’s because we’ve misunderstood their language and think that when they ask "why?" they mean the same thing we mean when we ask why. Our cause-and-effect answers miss the mark, and so they fail to satisfy.

When it comes to understanding God, we’re just like children and ask "why?"

Ever wondered why you don’t feel the presence of God when other people claim they do?  Ever had an unanswered prayer?  Wondered why God would love you?  Or why He would let bad things happen to good people?  If you’ve ever wondered why…this may be just what you are looking for.

I’m planning something totally different this series…Imagine if we were able to get together and have a "Digital Conversation" regarding my series "Why."  I’ll provide a link to the questions and we’ll use the comment section to share our thoughts and grow together.  What do you think?  Please share how we can make this experience better for all.

All I can say about this weekend is "OH MY GOD."  This weekend we made history @ Mars Hill by offering a Saturday worship option and two Sunday options @ 8AM & 10AM.  Seeing over 3,000 people at church this weekend pumped me up as well…who would
have thought that something like this could ever happen in Austin on the Westside of Chicago…OTHER THAN GOD!    In addition to thousands in attendance, I’m told our overflows were filled to capacity as well (God, we really need a larger space).

The Worship & Fine Arts Ministry BLEW my mind…

First, the children’s choir stole the show and ministered during our 10AM service.  Thanks 1st Lady, Ella, & Philip for preparing our children to minister in excellence!  Next, the choir/praise team/praise ensemble performed ”Before The Throne” which rocked the congregation by incorporating praise dancers, video, and still photos which told the resurrection story.  I must say it was pure poetry in motion.  Honestly, I believe God took the ministry to the next level musically, spiritually, and artistically.  Yea God!!!  I tip my hat to our staff, Michelle, Mark, Chuck, Carlos, Angelique, Tiaka, Chandra, The disciples, A/V, and my man Cody for the "Jesus" video remix. I’m still feeling that beat…

Regarding the message "Three Nails," it was a narrative sermon that included scenes from the Last Supper and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  I must say the men really played their part and took the audience there.  Thanks Ruby & Bert for making this dramatic presentation a reality.  If you would like to order a CD or DVD of this service, PLEASE CLICK HERE!

As I told the story, the crowd was truly engaged in message.  I shared with the congregation, in addition to the three "physical" nails that held Jesus to the cross, there were three "theoretical" nails that held Jesus to the cross.  If you want to know what they were, PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Personally, I’m excited about what God’s doing @ Mars Hill.  As we continue to seek God’s guidance, we’re trusting that He’ll continue to "make our paths straight." 

I am almost positive that I do not have the words to describe what has
taken place this year at Mars Hill.  God has BLOWN ME AWAY…there is no way that
any one person OR group of people can take credit for what we’ve
seen…only Jesus could have done this. 

Here are some of the highlights
from today…

1. We honored both our "Founding" Members & "Pioneer" Members today with an "All-Access" VIP Pass to our 45th Anniversary Celebration Events.   We shot a commemorative DVD which chronicled the history of our church’s three locations: 3311 W. Roosevelt Rd, 2809 W. Harrison St, and 5916 W. Lake Street.  People laughed and wept as they saw how our church struggled during our early years.

2.  Personally, I thought the music today was INCREDIBLE!  The choir was outstanding and allowed God to use them to minister.  The band was OFF DA CHAIN – I believe we have the BEST BAND in the world.  If you don’t believe me, just come and experience it for yourself. 

3.  I kicked-off a new series called "Gametime."  A series is designed to help those interested in discovering God’s personal will for their lives.  Today, I taught how God’s will involves three spheres:

GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL WILL (things He’s going to do regardless)

GOD’S MORAL WILL (the do’s & dont’s clearly outlined in Scripture)

GOD’S PERSONAL WILL (what He wants to do through us specifically)

God wants a yes first!