It Takes a Team

There is a young man named Tey who lived in our neighborhood until recently. He has four brothers and a single mom who is doing the best she can with what she has. We have developed a friendship over the last 1 1/2 years and have been able to help his family in times of need. My wife has been the main connection as he seems to respond best to her motherly instincts. 

Tey graduated from high school this past year and has been working to follow a plan to help his future. He has overcome many personal and system obstacles to be a well-balanced, thoughtful, and caring young man who knows what he wants to do to help himself and his family. He has come to our church a few times and is always the initiator on attending even though he knows the door is always open. He was back in town this weekend and texted Dana earlier to ask if he and his friend could get a ride to church. She was obviously more than happy to help and had no idea how this day would end.

At the end of our service during our closing song, Tey came forward to talk with our lead pastor and asked to be baptized. He admitted he had always believed in Jesus, but had never had anyone communicate how important baptism was. We certainly never expected to have this happen on this first Sunday of the new year and also recognize it wasn't the result of one person's efforts. 

One of our elders is a teacher who knew Tey as a troubled elementary student and can attest to his maturity. This same elder helped drive him to Macon for an appointment this past year and has continued to pray for him. My wife has consistently been there for him and has helped in conversation, physical needs, and in prayer. Mike spoke today about baptism in a way that touched Tey's heart and helped to inspire him to take action. These three people (and many others I am sure) all contributed to helping Tey reach this point in his faith journey. Each role is important and valuable and a result of being obedient to God's calling to care for other people. 

We are involved as a community in making a difference in the lives of others. There is a role for each person to play and value in the contributions we each make. It takes all of us to reach all of us.

Washed By the Water

There is something powerful about water and the spiritual imagery of renewal and washing things clean. It has always resonated with my soul and stirs up waves of emotion that I believe were planted there by God to call me to something deeper. When it is tied together with music it vibrates a spiritual part of us that responds in a more intimate way than other mediums. It brings a desire to seek out the blessings of water and the renewal of life that God brings even through difficult times.

Even when the rain falls

Even when the flood starts rising

Even when the storm comes

I am washed by the water

Even when Earth crumbles under my feet

Even when ones I love turn around and crucify me

I won't never ever let you down

I won't fall

I won't fall

I won't fall as long as you're around me

Going Public

Today was Baptism Sunday at Northridge. While we firmly believe that there is no set time that a decision has to take place, we wanted to offer a special opportunity for people to go public with their decision to follow Christ. We have been praying for this day and asking God to lead people to commit their lives to following Him.

We've had several special-emphasis days like this in the past and you never know exactly what will happen. There will be surprises, introductions to new people, great moments of euphoria, and tears as some are overcome with emotion. There will be visible relief on their faces as they grasp the joy of their life-transforming decision, but we can't even begin to fully understand the complete depth of their journey and all that led them to this point. We choose to trust in what God has done in their spirit to bring them to the point of action. It's simply an honor to be a very small part in what they are doing and the bold proclamation they are making. Their authentic actions speak of the truth found in publicly choosing to follow Christ and our increasing passion to see even more lives transformed.

Baptismal Truths

We are eagerly praying for Sunday, October 9th at Northridge as we make a big emphasis on baptism. The message that day in our "All In" series is titled, "Go Public." We are already praying for 50 baptisms to take place and are asking people to join us in that prayer.

I pray that people understand the power in baptism and the steps that follow.The video below is from Granger Community Church and is a powerful teaching on the significance of baptism and our obedience in following through. I pray it answers questions and inspires.