KnowableRedux

Written by cycleguy on July 5th, 2011

We tried something different Sunday.  Since last October, we have been in two services, largely due to space issues.  As the summer has hit, we began to see the first service attendance dwindle, so the leadership decided to take a hiatus for the months of July & August on two services.  But as we evaluated our decision, we came to the conclusion that there are those (especially some Hispanic people who begin work at 10:00) who really appreciated the earlier time.  So, we offered a “bare bones” study-no music or Power Point-just Communion and Study.  If things stay as they are we may have hit on something.  Meanwhile, it gives us two months to evaluate things.

Sometimes leaders make decisions only to find out that they need to rework the options.  This was not a people-pleasing effort, but a ministry-feeding effort.  Some might see it differently, but we felt that we needed to “listen” to the heartbeat of the people.  Only time will tell how “successful” that was.

Sunday I preached on God is Knowable.  You can see what that was all about here. I stressed the importance and the difference between knowing God and knowing about God.  One of the things that is important to me-as a follower of Christ and a pastor-is how much of my faith is left where it can be seen.  Saying I know God is one thing, but what is the by-product of that?  Here are six by-products of knowing God I shared with the people:

Character development–   “Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on the earth.” Col.3:2.  We become what we worship, and those things we set our minds on will determine our character.

Freedom from intimidation– So many live their lives according the dictates of another person: “do this” or “don’t do that.”  We are free from intimidation.

Passion for the lost– I’m not talking about an “in your face” approach.  We can all show our concern by praying for someone we know is lost.

Renewed thoughts of God– “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  We need to change our way of thinking about God.  We need to get rid of small thinking.

Worship takes on a deeper meaning– Worship is so much more than “going to church,” singing a few songs, and listening to someone jabber away.  Worship is a lifestyle, a life lived 24/7 for Him.

A deeper awareness of our sin–  There is a difference between remorse and repentance.  Repentance becomes the line in the sand.

Sometimes pastors feel a certain “freedom” when preaching.  Today was one of those days.  That, along with a good spirit; a meaningful worship time; and recognition of our veterans, led to a good day.  How was your Sunday worship?  Anything stick out to you as you came into God’s presence?  Do any of the above by-products speak into your life?

 

18 Comments so far ↓

  1. Michael says:

    That is so good Bill. We’ve been working through some basics. And I believe that the season of holding on is done and we’re moving towards a season of growth now. Pretty stoked.

  2. Jim F says:

    Sunday was a good service but the battery died in the mic that I wear – normal sound man was away – so I had to stand in one spot. It drives me crazy but it does affect my flow – but I sensed God working and the service meshed so well with communion. I really sense God preparing to do something powerful in our midst.

    Love the list – they will preach.

    • cycleguy says:

      Funny how we think the little things are going to ruin what God has planned. 🙂 Glad to hear that you sensed God working. Can’t wait to hear what He is going to do. Thanks Jim.

  3. jasonS says:

    Those are all great by-products. I like what you said in the beginning too about plans changing and evolving. There is so much that God doesn’t “spell out” for us and He gives us the Holy Spirit to impart grace and wisdom to handle it. We have to learn to distinguish between our own wisdom or people-pleasing, but there’s never any doubt in the fruit. Thanks Bill. Good word!

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Jason. I think anyone in leadership knows how things change or have to be changed-not because of men but because of God. Thanks for the wise words.

  4. Jason says:

    That stuff made me say “boo-yah.”

    Yes. You made me boo-yah.

    • cycleguy says:

      Please remember jason I am an old man and have enough trouble keeping up with today’s lingo. What is the world is boo-yah? 😛 If it is good i am glad. LOL

  5. Jon says:

    Could I ask a favor: I’m currently looking for a church, and it hasn’t been easy. I’ve been praying that God would open the doors. Anyways, would you pray about that? Greatly appreciated.

    Love those by-products. Passion for the lost is one that really stuck out to me…I think we need more of that.

  6. Dan Black says:

    Great points. I will need to listen to the sermon. I find when I worship God he shines light on the issues I need to ask forgiveness for and renews my mind/thoughts.

    • cycleguy says:

      I hope it doesn’t sound like I am blowing smoke but I find it incredible that people would want to listen. Thanks Dan.

  7. Sunday was a good day and I felt really free as well. Actually–this has happened the past few weeks. It feels great and I pray that it keeps going.

  8. Mercy says:

    The by-product on character development spoke into my life on Sunday evening. I remember reading that verse about two weeks ago. I always highlight verses in the Bible that speak to me and I forgot to highlight this particular verse so I decided to search for it thoroughly and then, I found it. Finally, I got to sleep peacefully with those words on my mind.

    • cycleguy says:

      That is cool Mercy that you underline and highlight and then go back to find it. Hopefully it wasn’t my sermon that put you to sleep. LOL