by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 27, 2010 | 2011, Accountability, Christian, Christianity, Goals, Resolutions
Today, we are literally five days away from a New Year, a new season, and new opportunities. Without question many view this past year as one filled with struggle, sadness, and maybe even a sense of unfulfilled expectations. However, you already claimed 2011 as your year and your moment. You’ve seen change, tasted change, and decided you like what you’ve seen and tasted. How do you plan to change your world, the one in which you live? Allow me to cut across the yard and tell you how – GET SALTY!
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13
Jesus referred to His followers, as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt is a necessary mineral, without it we die. Too much of it and we also die.
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 24, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, History, Religion
Monday’s post challenged readers to ponder, “When Was Jesus Born?” Wednesday’s and Thursday’s posts explained why God chose Mary and Joseph as part of His divine plan. If you missed it, you can catch up on your reading HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Many responded how they enjoyed reading and learning the truth surrounding Jesus’ birth. Many agreed that it really doesn’t matter “WHEN” Jesus was born…we all agree that it’s important “THAT” He was born.
The reality of Christmas is not about Santa Claus, Elves, Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer, or shopping. The reality of Christmas is Jesus Christ and that He came to model what an abundant life consists of.
Here’s the reality of Christmas:
YOU MATTER TO GOD!
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 23, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Men
Are you enjoying the journey as we investigate the circumstances surrounding Christmas? Personally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our journey together. We already know God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He chose a teenage girl to give birth to our Savior – Jesus. Today, I invite you to look at Joseph, Mary’s husband. Like her, he was a part of God’s divine plan.
Why Did God Choose Joseph?
Allow me to cut across the yard and say: Joseph was OBEDIENT.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20
Joseph was struggling with his dilemma when God spoke to him (I know i would’ve struggled too). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife (Matthew 1:24). Joseph did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do (consistently).
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, Matthew 2:13-14
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 22, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Women
This week we’re investigating the truth regarding Christmas. While we navigate through massive malls, peruse exquisite boutiques, my goal is that the real meaning of Christmas IS NOT lost. Additionally, I want to show you how God uses EVERYDAY people to do amazing things. Scripture is replete with examples of these people.
Was God arbitrary when He chose Mary? The Bible says, “God is looking for people to use.” If you’ll just get useable, God will wear you out! You have not really lived until you experience being used by God to bless somebody else. Some of you are saying, “God could never use me.” Please allow me to sum up that thought with two words: You’re wrong!
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 20, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, History
The Christmas week is here and as soon as I share today’s post, I’m loading my family in the car and headed downtown to experience Christmas time in the greatest city in the world: CHICAGO! Although Christmas has been commercialized & secularized, many haven’t forgot that the reason for the season is Jesus Christ! Although we traditionally celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th, I can assure you it’s highly unlikely Christ was born on December 25th. Intrigued? Please hold your judgments and read on.
DISCLAIMER: The Scholar In Me Is About To Come Out 😀
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 14, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Decisions, Goals, Vision
One of the blessings of reaching people and meetings needs is that they tell others and pretty soon you’re filled to capacity without space for others to sit. One church in many locations is a recent trend I believe is here to stay. Many of us have wanted to be in two places at once. At times, you just need to take care of business in multiple spots. Ray Parker, Jr. and Raydio (man I’m showing my age) said it best when they performed “I wanna be…two places at the same time…” Some churches are feeling that frustration and are meeting the challenge head-on. They see multiple fields of ministry and no longer feel the need to choose one over the other. So they are pursuing a multi-site model.
As local municipalities continue to deny churches zoning requests to expand, congregations must explore other options to expand the Kingdom of God. One way churches can expand without draining resources is to extend the reach of their church to existing buildings in other locations. As our church continues to grow, it’s time to deal with this question: “What’s the most important thing you’re putting off?”
The most important thing I’m putting off is implementing a multi-site campus expansion strategy.
The multi-site church movement isn’t about great real estate or abandoning urban areas, but rather being wherever the Great Commission is being fulfilled. For us, it means it’s time to explore adding one or more new meeting places where Christ’s mission is fulfilled by our congregation.
What about you? What’s the most important thing you’re putting off?
