WE ALL ARE CHEATERS!

Now that I have your attention…the fact that you decided to continue reading after insulting you is an indication that you are a person of profound courage.  For almost everyone, the words “cheater” or “cheating” has negative connotations, especially if you’ve ever been cheated.  Students cheat in school.  Adults cheat on their income taxes.  Husbands cheat on their wives.  Wives cheat on their husbands.  Most of us at one time or another has cheated!

When we cheat, we chose to give up one thing in hopes of gaining something else of greater value.  As I stated before, we’re all cheaters.  Daily we make decisions to give up one thing in order to gain something else.  Everyday we face a variety of responsibilities and opportunities: work…family…hobbies…fraternities & sororities…social clubs…sports leagues…the list is endless.  Each competes for our most valuable resource, OUR TIME.  But to give each of these the time it demands or deserves would require more time than we have.  So we cheat.

I invite you to join us this Easter as I begin a new series called “Cheaters.”  Trust me, you will not want to miss a single weekend!

WEEK ONE (Easter Weekend)
MESSAGE: “What’s My Number?” (Psalm 90:10; Proverbs 3:5-6)

This message seeks to remind people that the time with their children and loved ones will pass before they know it.  Therefore, it is wise to prioritize our time and spend it with the people who matter most!  We will have special giveaways for those in attendance.

Our Services:

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 @ 7pm
Good Friday, April 2, 2010 @ 7pm
Sunday, April 4, 2010 @ 8am
Sunday, April 4, 2010 @ 10:30am

See you there!

Yesterday’s worship experience was truly special!  Life Development (Mars Hill’s nursery, children, & youth ministries) took time to honor our fathers by sharing their gifts, talents, and abilities with the entire congregation.  One read a special tribute (Daquan); Another performed Unforgettable (Jasmine); while another played the violin (Vincent).  All were truly amazing and I’m so proud of Daquan, Vincent, and Jasmine.  You’re all heroes in my book!

1. The Mars Hill Gladiator Drill Team (Senior and Junior Team) competed in Houston, TX at the National Missionary Baptist of America’s Annual Congress.  BOTH ROCKED THE HOUSE and brought home 2 FIRST PLACE TROPHIES!
2. Before the message, members of our Drill team marched their trophies down the center aisle for all to see and received a standing ovation!  GO GLADIATORS!!!
3. Again, the worship experience was awe-inspiring.  Our Praise & Worship Teams led worship at 8AM & 10:30AM and ministered with power under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
4. We saw 10 people (4 gave their lives to Christ) connect with our church family…this NEVER GETS OLD since our mission is to turn the unchurched into fully devoted followers of Christ.
5. God is absolutely BLOWING my mind with thoughts and ideas about this fall – MARS HILL fasten your seat belts and prepare yourselves for an incredible ride.

The series, Can You See Him just may go down in history as one of the most thought-provoking series of all time!  Yesterday’s message, Can You See Him In Your Struggles, caused people to look inwardly and see if the cause of their most recent struggle was a SELF-INFLICTED STRUGGLE.

Andy Stanley says, “there’s often a tension between where we want to end up in life and the path we choose to get there.”  We fail to see that having good intentions won’t necessarily get us to the place where God wants us to be.  Personally, I believe God gave us principles to follow and when we violate them we suffer the consequences.

Scriptures teaches, A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it (Proverbs 22:3).  Let me say it differently: Wise people (prudent) see danger (struggles) and take precautions.  On the other hand, fools (the simple) goes on blindly and suffer the consequences of their unwise choices.

In short, the simple get to the point when all their options are bad.

Evaluate the path you’re on since it’ll ultimately determine your destination.  Remember, you can have every good intention on becoming healthy, ending bad relationships, or getting your finances in order.  However, good intentions are not enough!

What changes do you need to make today?

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.