Sunday Replay

Okay, this is the last time I use the football ref for my Sunday Replay post until my Tigers take the field again (the real start of the football season). We kicked off our new series, "Mythbusters" yesterday. We didn't really go over the top with decorations or props, but everyone loved the sign Cindy Tighe did and yes, everyone loves our creepy friend "Buster." I will be having some fun with him in the coming weeks. The series is not really what you might expect. We're simply looking at some popular phrases normally attributed to the Bible, but are no where to be found in scripture. But then we're using that as a hook to talk about God's truth.

Yesterday we looked at the phrase, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" - found no where in scripture. But then we look at purity and being clean before God. We have a Holy God and not even the shadow of a sin can stand in his presence. We have a stain that can't be cleaned with soap and water or any external effort on our part. God wants us to get clean from the inside out. And only Jesus can offer that kind of cleansing. We are made clean by His blood. We stay clean through His Word and the power of His Spirit. I thought the message really resonated with people. Honestly, it resonated with me. It's so easy for us to try and "clean up" on our own effort. And even when we allow the Word to cleanse us, we still sometimes use it just like the Pharisees to look down on others. We're "clean" - you're "dirty." We really trample all over the grace of God.

We had a few visitors and return visitors yesterday. I'm glad we went to two services when we did. I know the second service seems a little "empty" right now now, but we're just now getting in a groove and working out any kinks. As always, be willing to go to the service that your friends will come to. But I can feel the momentum starting to roll. We are pulling out the stops for something really big at Easter. It's going to be a creative way to share the gospel and introduce people to Jesus. You must get your lost friends to church! Pray. Build relationships. Invite. Start now. Never stop. In fact, start inviting them to come now and to Easter!

After church we stopped at Costco, picked up a few snacks for the game, stayed home, watched the game, and enjoyed a quiet evening with my family. It was very nice.