Sunday Reflections . . . God Will Rock You!

The band was rockin' today (Jr. & Wyatt have major chops)! I'm just loving this series, "Old School." After church my daughter Lydia commented that the families in Genesis really were messed up. She said they sounded like a Soap Opera. She's right. But like I said today, we are just as messed up. It is so easy to think that we can somehow manage our depravity, that our sin isn't as bad as someone else's. It's true - the real hero of Genesis is God. And He's still with us! I've read through Genesis many times, but this time I've been awestruck by His redemptive plan and how we today are a part of what was started then - how God is still wanting to bless all people through us. We still live in a fallen world but we've got the only real answer - Jesus. And if we really believe that, it will change the way we live and why we live. We are on a mission! We really have been blessed to be a blessing. So who are you blessing? I'm convinced that one of the best ways to reach out to people who are searching is to simply look to be a blessing to them - love them, serve them, be a friend. Remember they are not the enemy! Intercede - pray. Invest - build a genuine friendship. Invite - bring them to Coastal. Include - welcome them to our church, ministry, and community.

After church we had our Newcomers Lunch. I just love telling people our story! I love encouraging people to join us in this adventure. There is nothing greater on the planet to be a part of than the church! And there is no greater time to be a part of Coastal than now! Do you feel it? Can you sense it? You must, because week afer week for a couple of months now that's what I'm hearing from person after person. "Pastor Chris, I'm just sensing your renewed passion and vision." "Pastor Chris, these are exciting times. God is up to something here!" Honestly, it is so real to me I can taste it. It's like a big thick juicy steak that I can bite down on (or a crunchy piece of celery with humus for the vegetarians among us). The passion I feel for our vision of reaching out to people has never been greater or clearer. It's starting small right now, a visitor here, a new family there, but it's starting to build - lives are being forever changed. And we're goinig to see the fruit soon. Keep at it! Keep planting those seeds. Talk about our church out in the community. Keep inviting and blessing people!

Don't forget about your God Hunt this week. Look for God's presence and activity in your daily life. So often we're just like Jacob, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it." Well, this week let's live with a greater sense of an awareness of His presence and activity and then let's recognize it, "God is with me." And then let's worship and share it with someone else. God really does want to Rock your entire world! And then He wants you and I to Rock someone else's world! Join me in Rockin' this community for Jesus! We will not be distracted or diverted! We will not back down or give up! Who are you bringing with you to church on Sunday? Who are you praying for? I love you Coastal! I love being your Pastor! I love what I get to do!