by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 22, 2009 | Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Empowerment, Sunday Worship Experience
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!
- 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!
- 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!!!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 21, 2009 | Bible Journey, Christian, Christianity, Current Affairs, Religion
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.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 25, 2009 | Bible Journey, Christianity, Religion, Vision
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?”
