the mount

Too easily pleased

2012-02-03T01:03:00.000-05:00

"It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." - C.S. Lewis

While reading through C.S. Lewis' classic The Weight of Glory I was struck anew by this quote. Daily we chase things that are not worth our time and effort and act as if they are of infinite worth. If only we would realize that in Christ we have more than we could ever fathom. My prayer this month for us is that we would come to know and understand more what we have been given and that we would rest in that.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:4-7

New music

2012-01-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

Been listening to this for the last week.

Student Life Daytona

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

The Christian life isn’t easy and some would say it shouldn’t be. So, how do your students look at their Christian life? Do they look at it as a chore? Do they look at it as a challenge? Do they see it as a journey and not a destination? We want to help your students live a life without boundaries. A life in which they are bold not just for the sake of being seen, but bold because they serve a God that is bold. A God that that sees what they can become. How do they do that? They do that by Being on Guard, Standing Firm in the Faith. Being Courageous and Being Bold. Being Audacious.

Plan on joining us this July 9th-13th. Cost is $280.

Student Life Heartbeat from Student Life on Vimeo.

New Year!

2012-01-03T15:45:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! As we start off 2012, how about joining us as we read through the Bible together? This year we will be using the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading plan. It will take you around 25-30 minutes each day. You can even use your mobile device or follow along online.

Tis the season

2011-12-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

About this time last year, I had the privilege of joining 22,000 high school seniors and college students at a conference. During one of the evening sessions, we sang several Christmas carols. As we sang "O Holy Night" I was struck a new by the goodness that God gave us when He sent His son to live among us. There is so much caught up in the words this song expresses were we to dwell on them, we could only begin to scratch the surface of what happened that night.
I am constantly in awe that God has brought salvation to us who so often turn our backs on Him. None of this is a surprise to our all knowing God yet He still sent His one and only Son to us that holy night. So though we are celebrating the season of His birth, let us not forget what His death has brought us. Salvation is here! O Holy Night!

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." - Isaiah 52:7

Halloween on Mission?

2011-10-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

"What if we ran Halloween through the grid of the gospel and pondered whether there might be a third path beyond naïveté and retreat? What if we took the perspective that all of life, Halloween included, is an opportunity for gospel advance? What if we saw Halloween not as a retreat but as a kind of gospel trick—an occasion to extend Christ’s cause on precisely the night when Satan may feel his strongest?"

Here's the rest of the article.

First Importance

2011-10-12T13:14:00.000-04:00

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

As I have been studying the life of Paul, several things have stood out to me but one thing in particular. Paul realized that everywhere he went, God had him there to share the Gospel. Whether he was in the busy city of Ephesus, the confines of prison, or traveling throughout the ancient world, Paul understood that God brought him to those areas to bring the Gospel there. Our lives aren't any different. If we are God's children, we are to bring the Gospel everywhere that we are. The reason that we own a business isn't so that we can make a living and take care of our family, although that is incredibly important. It's to share the Gospel with absolutely everyone we are with. If we are working a job making a living, our primary reason for doing so is not to provide for ourselves and our family. It is to bring the Gospel to that workplace. If we are a stay at home mom, our main reason isn't to take care of the kids and the house. It is to saturate that home with the Gospel.
Paul realized that God placed him where He did not for his benefit, but to bring the Gospel to those who have not heard. What if we viewed our lives this way? My prayer is that this will become our way of living and that many would come to know that Christ is Lord and that He is greater than everything.

The Reality of the Resurrection

2011-10-05T15:32:00.000-04:00

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

2011-09-18T16:47:00.002-04:00

HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR!
Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering … He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. (Isaiah 53:3)

A life of praise is not something that can be worked up. Rather, it is a remembrance and a response to Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf. As we reflect on who Christ is and what He has accomplished for us, what He provides in our daily lives as an advocate before God, and what He has promised for our future, our hearts are melted before Him. We bow at His feet in humble adoration and proclaim with all sincerity, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!”
It is said that the word Hallelujah is basically the same in all languages. It seems as though God has given this word as a preparation for the great celebration of heaven, when His children from every tribe, language, people and nation shall have been gathered home to sing their eternal “Hallelujah to the Lamb!”
Philip Bliss, along with Ira Sankey, was one of the truly important leaders and publishers of early gospel music. Before his tragic train accident death at the age of 38, he wrote hundreds of gospel songs, many of which are still widely sung today. “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” is one of the best and most enduring of the songs produced by Bliss. The first four stanzas present Christ’s atoning work simply and clearly. The last stanza, “When He comes, our glorious King,” is in an entirely different mood, joyful and triumphant in its anticipation of the praise that will continue throughout eternity —“Hallelujah, What a Savior!”
“Man of Sorrows!” what a name for the Son of God, who came ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood-—Sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Guilty, vile and helpless we, spotless Lamb of God was He; full atonement! can it be? Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die, “It is finished,” was His cry; now in heav’n exalted high: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King, all His ransomed home to bring, then anew this song we’ll sing: Hallelujah, what a Savior!

For Today: Isaiah 53:3-6; Philippians 2:7–11; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:24
Carry your “Hallelujah, what a Savior!” with you into every situation. Reflect often on Christ’s atoning work on your behalf and the glorious promise of His return.

Osbeck, K. W. (1990). Amazing grace 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.

Spurgeon on Guidance

2011-09-01T15:12:00.002-04:00

“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
— Psalm 73:24

The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God’s counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend’s arm and reaches home in safety, and so would we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God. “Thou shalt,” is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for thee, O believer; rest thou in it. Be assured that thy God will be thy counsellor and friend; he shall guide thee; he will direct all thy ways. In his written Word thou hast this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is his counsel to thee. Happy are we to have God’s Word always to guide us! What were the mariner without his compass? And what were the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be thou, O God, that we may trust thee to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last—“and afterward receive me to glory.” What a thought for thee, believer! God himself will receive thee to glory—thee! Wandering, erring, straying, yet he will bring thee safe at last to glory! This is thy portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround thee, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.

Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

20 signs you are growing in grace

2011-08-10T11:35:00.002-04:00

Here is a list of some signs that you are growing in grace from Scotty Ward Smith who is a pastor in Franklin, TN. Great stuff for us to wrestle with.

A sign you’re growing in grace…
1… is that everybody notices it but you.
2… is movement from destructive cynicism towards redemptive engagement. Anybody can spew.
3… is that you’re less like a drive-by-shooting with criticisms & more of a healing presence.
4… is evident when you receive feedback non-defensively and give it clearly & lovingly.
5… is evident when people don’t feel like they have to walk on egg shells around you as much.
6… is that you are more disgusted with your critical spirit than offended by others’ sins.
7. You catch people “doing it right” in a 3 to 1 ratio to “doing it wrong”.
8. You’re in your seat in the worship center 7 minutes early to pray for the service.
9. You throw less pity-parties, because you go to Jesus quicker than to self-contempt.
10… is a commitment to give your spouse focused, unrushed attention at the END of the day.
11… is a commitment to pray for people you’d really rather gossip about.
12. The gospel still astonishes & humbles you. It’s not just cliche or the name of your tribe.
13. You desire less stuff rather than simply buying more.
14. You’re increasingly less quarrelsome, sarcastic and easily offended.
15. It’s getting easier not to retaliate, get even, or even crave God’s vengeance.
16. You feel like you’re just beginning to appreciate all the riches and depth of John 3:16.
17. Compliments don’t intoxicate you and criticism doesn’t decimate you.
18. You’re not known as an “us versus them” kind of a separatist believer.
19. As you grow more confident theologically you don’t grow equally more cocky.
20. The love of Jesus is compelling you to be more generous with your time, talent & treasure.

Collision Axis Conference

2011-08-03T23:02:00.001-04:00

On August 12th and 13th, we will be going to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts for the Collision Worldview training event. We will leave about 3:30 on Friday and be traveling back that night. We will leave again Saturday morning and travel back after it is over. This conference is for students and their parents. Cost is $10 per person. There will be a concert on Friday night by Rush of Fools. This will be a powerful time as we get the students prepared to own their faith before they start school the next week. Here is the information from the website.

"We encourage underage thinking ... so if you like movies, music, surfing the internet, and thinking deeply this conference is for you. The Axis team, will be digging deeply into some of the biggest ideas that exist. Students will be challenged to not only know what they believe, but how their faith should effect their lives every day. We hope to see students move from apathy to action."

Here's the website link.

The Scarlet Thread

2011-08-03T22:55:00.001-04:00

Kentucky Pics 1

2011-07-13T16:32:00.001-04:00

Report from Fuge!

2011-07-13T16:23:00.002-04:00

Greetings from the Bluegrass State! We're here in Williamsburg, Kentucky enjoying m-fuge. So far, we have had 2 days of ministry tracks. Most of our group is doing some sort of Paint, Construction, or Yard Work. We have been able to meet some really great folks here in this area. The city of Williamsburg is home to the University of the Cumberlands. Outside of the college campus, there are only 5,000 folks who live here. It has been a neat change from our past m-fuge's which have all been in major cities. The city is so small that there is not a coffee shop for 30 miles much less a Starbucks. Nonetheless, God is good.

Our camp pastor is from outside of Nashville and took us through 1 Corinthians 2 last night. It was awesome teaching time as we learned about the crucifixion and what Christ went through for us. After worship tonight, the camp is putting on a variety show. Josh and Ben will be playing so we can't wait for that. Thanks so much for all your prayers. We'll post some more pics as we get them.

First night at Fuge!

2011-07-12T00:12:00.002-04:00

I figured since we were gonna be in eastern Kentucky, might as well celebrate with a little bluegrass.

Honduras recap

2011-07-03T22:59:00.001-04:00

All My Fountains

2011-06-29T11:56:00.001-04:00

Grace

2011-06-08T16:16:00.000-04:00

"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." - Ephesians 2:11-13

As I was reading back through Ephesians a couple of days ago, I was struck by the magnitude of God's grace. We who were alienated from God are now able to be brought close to Him only by His grace. There was nothing that was desirable about us that He should need us (Acts 17:25). We are only able to be friends with Him by His grace. The summer is a time when a lot of us have the opportunity to rest and relax. As we do, let's spend some time focusing on His grace. Such a deep and incredible thing for us to focus on and remember this summer.

God Never Hurries

2011-05-10T10:46:00.001-04:00

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." - 2 Peter 3:9-10

One day while reading through this section in 2nd Peter, I was reminded of the promise that Peter speaks of. The promise found throughout the scriptures (Colossians 1:20, 2nd Corinthians 5:18, Ephesians 1:10) is that God is making everything right again through Jesus Christ for His Glory. At times it is hard for us to see and believe this. We tend to think that we have the all the right answers to fix what is wrong only to realize that when we rely on ourselves, we make a bigger mess. God has a plan to make all things right again. He will accomplish His purpose in His time. We are to rest in this and work for this. One of my favorite writers, A.W. Tozer writes in his excellent book Knowledge of the Holy "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves." My prayer is that you will rest in this deep truth and work for His Glory in all things.

Death in His grave

2011-04-22T00:04:00.003-04:00

On Friday a thief....

Easter

2011-04-07T12:04:00.000-04:00

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." - 1 Peter 2:24

I was reading through 1st Peter last week and came across verse 24 and was immediately reminded of the goodness that was accomplished on the cross. Peter reminds us that because of our sin, we were unable to have a right relationship with a Holy God. But, through the incredible work done on the cross by Christ, we are healed and made right before Him. Our debt has been forgiven. Our lives made new. This is why we battle sin every single moment.

This incredible gift.
This is what we celebrate at Easter.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." - 2 Corinthians 9:15

G.O.S.P.E.L

2011-04-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

Shaken

2011-04-06T11:56:00.001-04:00

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." - Hebrews 12:28-29

Seems like every time you turn on the news you hear of some amazing thing that is going on in the world. Whether it be the seemingly daily earthquakes, the constant unrest in the Middle East, or the struggles we have right here, things just seem to be chaotic. Isn't it good to know that we serve a God who is in control of it all and has an amazing plan in place? When we see the things happening all around us we know that His kingdom cannot be shaken and that we coheirs of this kingdom with Christ. I'm more and more thankful everyday that God is in the process of rescuing all of this mess for His good.

Hope

2011-04-06T11:47:00.000-04:00

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

As we look around in our world and see the brokeness and the evil that runs through every piece of it, I'm thankful for the reminder of Hebrews. As believers, we have our hope in the return of Christ when we He will make all things right again. There will be no more wars, anger, bitterness or strife that we will have to contend with. We will get to see his face and all will be right. And that will be just the beginning. As C.S. Lewis writes in the last paragraph of the last book of the Chronicles of Narnia series,
"And as He spoke He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."

May we continue to strive for that day.

who's ready for summer?

2011-02-23T22:26:00.001-05:00

Services Cancelled

2011-01-08T16:54:00.001-05:00

Due to the snow, we are canceling our services tomorrow. Stay warm!

Rally time!

2010-09-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

We're leaving this Saturday @ 9:00 a.m. from the Mount. Cost is $32 and includes a ticket to the game, a t-shirt, and lunch. Here's a little preview of what's coming.

Oh Happiness!!

2010-07-28T17:44:00.002-04:00

Final pics!

2010-07-17T21:39:00.002-04:00

Day 4 and a wrap up

2010-07-17T21:27:00.002-04:00

Awesome day today! The morning session was incredible. Louie spoke on Colossians 2:6-7 and the need for being "rooted and built up". He challenged everyone to find someone who will walk with them when they get back home and point them to Christ in all situations.
The evening session was based out of John 11:1-16. The story of Lazarus reminds us that there is a bigger story going on around us than what we see. Lazarus' death was part of God's big story. His small part has been used in mighty ways but his part was to die and then be raised again. The purpose of his sickness was that the Son of God would be glorified.

We headed out Friday morning around 9:30 and made it home at 8:00 that night. We're thankful for God's grace and mercy these past few days. He is greater than we can ever understand.

Day 3 (Guest Blog from Bailey)

2010-07-15T09:50:00.003-04:00

"To sum up the day, it would be easiest to say just this: "Relate yourselves. Not only to those around you, but to your God, and to your real selves." Our youth group is definitely growing stronger together, not only through relating ourselves to each other, but really diving deeper into who we are as Christians. As you probably figured out, yesterday's word was "Relate." And also, everyone has related to each other by "hearting" Edwin."

Thanks Bailey for your insight! Yesterday was a really solid day for our group. God is moving in the hearts of our students. After the evening session last night, each room group went their own way and spent some time sharing what God is doing in them this week as well as what is their biggest concern regarding the upcoming weeks and months. Some groups were out till 2 a.m. sharing and praying through these things. I'm thankful that God has been revealing things to us all. I look forward to sharing with you all Sunday.

Today is our last full day. We head out around 9:00 in the morning. I'm praying that God shows us today what his next step is for us all. Thank you all for your prayers.

Day 2 pics

2010-07-14T13:42:00.003-04:00

Day 2 in Daytona

2010-07-14T09:56:00.004-04:00

Awesome day yesterday here in Daytona. We started the morning with worship in the Ocean Center and then listened to Louie speak on God's love for us all. He spoke out of 1 John 4. Great word on how much the Father loves us. We then moved off into our Family Group Bible study times. We broke up into guys and girls to study Micah 6 and Romans 3. We had to move our lunch time back some because the studies went longer than we expected. After lunch, we went out to the beach and passed out witness bracelets and waters to people there. We were a bit surprised at how uncrowded the beach was. We were able to talk with some local believers who clued us into a place where we might find some more folks and are hoping to head down there today.

After some free time, we had dinner and headed back to the Ocean Center for our evening session. Both Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman lead worship. Just an incredible time of worshipping the Lord. A young lady then gave her testimony of how she grew up in a slum in Kenya and was able to meet Christ through the work of Compassion international. Very powerful testimony of what sponsorship can do around the world. If you've never seen what Compassion is doing, I highly suggest you check them out.

When we finished the evening session, we head back to the hotel via Baskin Robbins. It's hot, we needed ice cream. When we got to the hotel, we went to the beach and spent some time debriefing the day.

God is a work in our students this week. Pray that He would reveal more of himself to us. We miss you all and look forward to seeing you all soon.

Day 1 Pics

2010-07-13T09:44:00.004-04:00

Day 1

2010-07-13T08:20:00.002-04:00

After a 9.5 hour drive down yesterday that included notary's, bathroom breaks, one spontaneous bloody nose, and incredible heat, we arrived in sunny Daytona. We pulled up to the Ocean Center and got registered and picked up our t-shirts and notebooks and then went to the hotel to unpack. Since we were running short on time, we postponed dinner till after the evening session. We were very blessed with tons of great snacks so hunger was not a worry. The evening session was amazing as Chris Tomlin lead the worship and Louie Giglio spoke on Hebrews 1.

After this was over, we moved over to the IHOP for dinner. Nothing quite better than international pancakes at 11:00 at night. We met a lady who's father played football at Clemson with Cooper's grandfather as well as some other great folks. We finished the night with some time on the beach and headed off to bed.

Here is a video of worship and a pic from IHOP. We'll post some more pics later today. Thanks for your prayers.

We're Here!

2010-07-12T19:25:00.002-04:00

We've arrived in Daytona and are in the conference center getting ready for worship. Here's a little pic to let you see our great seats. We'll post more tonight.

Stuck in my head now

2010-07-08T11:13:00.001-04:00

This song has been stuck in my head for the past several weeks. Thought the video was really solid as well. You'll probably hear this several times next week while we are in Daytona.

Daytona? All ready?

2010-07-05T12:02:00.002-04:00

We are one week away from our summer trip to Daytona. Over the next 7 days I want you all to begin praying for what God is going to show you during our time away. I'm praying that you will all be challenged and encouraged in ways that you have never thought of before. The countdown is on!

You ready?

2010-05-26T12:25:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything here but wanted to give you a heads up on some things that are happening this summer. As you know, our trip to Daytona is July 12-16. I'm looking forward to hanging out with you all while we are there. But I was thinking, why don't we hang out some this summer before we head out on our trip? So, I've got some activities and summer goodness planned that will no doubt, enhance your pre-Daytona summer. Keep your eyes open for the announcements.

True Love

2010-03-25T11:30:00.001-04:00

Incredible song reminding us about what Christ did at Easter.

Lent

2010-02-18T11:39:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday which kicked off the season of Lent. I thought it would be a great help if we were to get some background and direction on what Lent is and why it is celebrated. Here is a great breakdown of it.

Balance Beam

2010-01-21T15:05:00.000-05:00

ABCCM Sunday!

2010-01-21T15:02:00.003-05:00

Just a quick reminder that this Sunday we are heading to the women and children's shelter @ 5:00 p.m. to serve food to the folks there. We'll be leaving from the Mount and riding together. See you then!

Summer of 2010

2009-12-28T14:03:00.003-05:00

Here's a little sneak peak at what we're going to do this summer. Go ahead and block off July 12-16th. We're heading to Daytona.

Collision is coming!

2009-12-08T09:43:00.002-05:00

Saturday night, we'll be having another city-wide collision event. We'll be changing our venue from Patton Avenue to the Prayer Gallery downtown. It's at 34 S.Lexington Avenue across from 1st Presbyterian Church. It's from 7-9 p.m. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Going to be an incredible time as we worship with other students from all around the city.
If you need some more information, click here.

Notes from last night

2009-11-16T14:40:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to the notes from last nights talk.

What you got going on Saturday?

2009-10-21T10:13:00.002-04:00

Me? I'll be at Collision. Come on out and join hundreds of other students from all over WNC to life high the name of Christ.

Collision Recap!!!

2009-09-30T20:57:00.000-04:00

See You after the Pole Photos!!

2009-09-29T16:50:00.002-04:00

Here are some photos from See You After the Pole on Wednesday. Really sweet!

ABCCM

2009-09-27T13:40:00.001-04:00

Don't forget, we're leaving @ 5 tonight for ABCCM. Looking forward to serving these folks. See you then!

Collision promo

2009-09-22T22:35:00.002-04:00

Collision!

2009-09-16T10:11:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to put something on your radar. Coming up Saturday, September 26th @ 8, the youth of Asheville will get together to lift up the name of Christ. We'll be gathering on Patton Ave at the Sav-Mor shopping center for a time of praise and worship with youth from all over Asheville. Go ahead and clear your schedule's now. More info here.

New Friend Request series starts Sunday!

2009-09-08T10:59:00.001-04:00

Having friends is great. Whether you want one, or you already have one, there’s just something about having other people in your life who you can count on. For many, friendships just happen. A new friend is in the right place at the right time. And while friendships may start out randomly, there is an intentionality about who we allow close to us—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Because the people who are closest to you have influence on your life. They help shape who you are. So who are the friends closest to you . . . and how are they influencing you?

You think you can ride a bike?

2009-08-27T09:25:00.001-04:00

Not that into you week 2

2009-08-17T16:32:00.000-04:00

Should I stay or should I go?
By Sarah Anderson

Many of you have probably heard the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Each of the four Gospels tells this story, or versions of this story, when Jesus, on the side of a mountain about ready to teach, decides to feed the mass of hungry people who came to hear Him. It was a big task, one that the disciples weren’t sure they could handle, but with one boy’s lunch sack of fish and bread, Jesus miraculously multiplied the food and fed each empty belly. He even made enough for leftovers. Most of what we know about this story stops here, but following the miracle, the story goes on. Not long afterwards, Jesus and the disciples cross a lake only to find more people waiting for Him on the other side. The crowd had heard what Jesus did with the bread and were thinking this was the kind of guy they could really get on board with. But their motivations and their intentions weren’t fooling Jesus—He knew what was going through their minds. He knew their flaky devotion had more to do with what He could do for them and He called them out on it. So, while still holding their attention, Jesus launches into some pretty heavy teaching—teaching that caught the crowd off guard.

The people who had been waiting on the other side of the lake listened for a while, but it didn’t take long before they started grumbling and then arguing sharply with each other. The problem was that what Jesus was saying didn’t make a lot of sense. The people were confused, offended, and frankly, probably disappointed in what Jesus was asking of them—so much so that the Bible says many abandoned Him. They turned their backs on Him. In other words, Jesus didn’t live up to the expectations the masses had in mind, so they decided maybe He wasn’t for them after all. And, they left.

Maybe you know the feeling. Maybe you can relate to the masses. Maybe you have heard some cool stuff about this Jesus guy, and experienced some really amazing things through relationship with Him, but then all of the sudden, He asks something of you, or He confuses you, or suddenly starts to seem distant. Maybe your expectations go unmet and before you know it, you are left with a choice to make. Do you stay or do you go?

The crowds left. And I can imagine the scene was a little uncomfortable. Maybe they all left at once, or maybe one by one—as Jesus continued to baffle and bewilder. Regardless of how it happened, by the end of His teaching only twelve remained—the twelve disciples. And after the crowd disbanded, Jesus turned and asked those who lingered, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67 NIV). And in the substantial pause after the weighted question Peter looks at Jesus and answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68 NIV).

Peter and the rest of the disciples heard the same message the crowd did. They probably had the same questions and dealt with the same confusion as those who walked away. But Peter vocalizes what the twelve knew and the crowd didn’t. “No one else can do what You do. No one else talks like You talk. No one else offers what You offer—not just bread to eat, but words that satisfy. We may not get You all the time. We may not understand what You want so badly for us to understand, but where else would we go, if not here? Who else would we turn to, if not to You?”

There is going to come a time when we find ourselves in the same place as the disciples did. When this happens and we get before God and confess our confusion and admit our disinterest, He asks us, “You don’t want to leave too, do you?” And this is the point where we need to make a choice—when we need to make a call. Do we really believe that Jesus holds the words of eternal life? Do we really believe it is worth sticking it out—despite our uncertainty, our confusion, our expectations? Do we really believe that this relationship—as difficult as it may be at times—is worth fighting for? And if we do, then we have the chance to say, like Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? I haven’t got this all figured out, but I know this. You have the words of eternal life.”

And that is a great place to start. The best place to start. Not with answers, not with clarity, not with complete and total understanding. Just a simple statement that says exactly where you are—with no place else to go, and the confidence and the faith that being with the Jesus is the best place to be.

© 2009 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wednesday night video

2009-08-12T13:34:00.002-04:00

Just a quick reminder about tonight's video. We'll be starting it @ 6:30 so make sure you're there on time. Hate for you to miss it. The speaker is Clayton King who will be here in Asheville at the Civic Center in April leading a youth event. See you tonight!

Not that into you.

2009-08-05T11:05:00.002-04:00

Here's a quick desription of our new series that starts Sunday.

Every one of us has experienced it at some point. At one time, we were really into a relationship whether that's a friendship or a dating relationship and now, well, not so much. We're just not that into it anymore. So we walk away or we let the relationship die. But what happens when that relationship you're not that into anymore is the one you have with God? You were really into Him at one point. You were feeling connected, directed, close. Now it feels like nothing. How do you deal with it?

Storyline starting this Sunday!

2009-08-05T11:03:00.002-04:00

Hope you all had an incredible summer. This Sunday we are kicking of Storyline again. We will be meeting at 6:00 in the gym. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Make sure you bring someone with you.

Square Dancing!

2009-07-22T17:49:00.002-04:00

Here's the deal. This Friday night (July 24th) at 6:00 we are meeting at the Mount before we head to Montreat for some square dancing. We will be going first to Phil's BBQ in Black Mountain so bring some cash for dinner and then we will head on in to Montreat. Looking forward to seeing you on Friday!

Grab your skates

2009-07-14T19:56:00.001-04:00

Wrap-up video

2009-07-13T17:19:00.002-04:00

Here is our wrap up video from the week. God did some incredible things this week and I am looking forward to what He has next. Enjoy!

2009-07-11T09:29:00.001-04:00

Fuge is done.
We're on our way home from a great week at camp. Pray for a safe trip and that our drivers are able to stay awake and drive safely. See you soon!

Pictures from Fuge day 4!

2009-07-10T09:29:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was our night out in Birmingham. We got cleaned up and went to Dreamland BBQ for some dinner and then headed off to the mall for some coffee and hanging out time. Here are some pics.

Day 5 at Fuge!

2009-07-10T09:16:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a great day here. We were able to have some great talks with people at our ministry sites and get to hear their stories. It really woke us up to what God is doing and what He wants us to do. At our worship time last night, our camp pastor unpacked the story of Jonah. The main theme of last night was surrender. It was almost scary how much of what he was saying was what we have been spending the last 6 months of Storyline focusing on. It was as if he had grabbed our notes from our journals and repeated what we have been working through. I don't believe it was a coincidence. It really tied up where we have been going and brought us to a point of decision. Many of our students are actively surrendering their lives to God and we even had one of our students give her life to Christ last night. Several more are asking the hard questions about what it means to follow Christ with all of our life. We have been praying specifically for each student, begging God to do amazing things in their lives this week. He has been faithful. I would ask that you continue to pray that God would answer the questions that these students have and that they would lay their lives down. Greater things are yet to come.

Pictures from Fuge day 3!

2009-07-09T09:25:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures from one of our ministry sites as well as our large group competition last night call Mega Relay. As usual, Mount Carmel took home the win. It's what we do.

Day 4 at Fuge!

2009-07-09T09:16:00.002-04:00

Today is our 3rd full day at our ministry. We will only have one more day left after today so I would love if you all would pray that God would show up in amazing ways today at our sites and that we would be open to opportunities to share His love. We have a lot of students doing painting projects this week so I am hoping that they are able to have great conversations with the people who's homes they are ministering to.
Yesterday was a great day for all of us. The group is really starting to bond together and they are talking with each other about what it means to give God everything. After we finish with our worship and church group devotion time, they all break off for some free time before the rest of the nights activities. Instead of running around and getting crazy, they decide to grab someone and talk about what they are learning here and what God may have for them. I've been encouraged at the conversations that I've been able to have and what I have heard from the others. God is continuing to do something in us. I pray that we will stay open to His will.

Day 3 at the Fuge

2009-07-08T09:45:00.002-04:00

We are about to head out to our ministry sites today and I would love it if you would be praying for our folks to have intentional conversations about Christ with people they come in contact with. I'll post some more pictures later from our ministry sites today.
On a side note, since I now have wireless and have located good coffee, I feel like I am no longer in a third world country. Just kidding. Kinda. Thanks for your prayers.

Pictures from Fuge!

2009-07-08T09:32:00.003-04:00

I'm finally able to get on the wireless network here at Samford. Thanks so much for your patience. So far, it has been an incredible week. Yesterday was our first day at our ministry tracks and God is beginning to open doors there. Some of our students had incredible opportunities to pray with folks in neighborhood regarding some deep hurts in there lives. This has brought them out of their comfort zones and allowed them to experience God in new ways. Others are just beginning to build relationships with the people at their sites. Today should provide more opportunities to interact and share the love of God.
Our theme for this year is Move based on the life of Moses. Last night, the camp pastor challenged us to have the faith to let go of our lives and lay them down for God. This has tied in perfectly with where we left off our Storyline services a couple of weeks ago. God is continuing to remind us of the need to lay our own thoughts about our lives down so that we can get on with what He has called us to do. Pray that today we continue to realize what it is that God has for each and everyone of us.

2009-07-07T18:57:00.001-04:00

Lack of pictures.
I've been trying to find some wireless internet access to upload pics from the trip but have so far been unsuccessful. Still looking!

2009-07-07T12:41:00.001-04:00

Day 2!
Right now, we are all off at our ministry sites. Pray that God would begin to break down our barriers as we minister here.

2009-07-06T18:40:00.001-04:00

We're here!
We all checked into our rooms and are now off to dinner. Things are running wide open now. We'll try and update some pictures later.

2009-07-06T12:50:00.001-04:00

We're on our way!
We left out of Mt Carmel around 8:30 on our way to Birmingham. Looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through our youth.

You ready for Fuge?

2009-06-29T22:32:00.002-04:00

In less than a week we will be heading to Birmingham for M-fuge. As a preparation for the trip, you should read up on the story of Moses in the book of Exodus chapters 3 and 4. Looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in Birmingham.

This. is. Awesome!

2009-06-08T22:23:00.000-04:00

Surrender

2009-06-01T12:02:00.002-04:00

Last night we finished up Storyline for the year. We talked about surrender and how each of us who call ourselves Christians need to surrender our thoughts and wants and desires to Him. God has something unique for each of us but will not reveal that until we surrender to Him. Realizing that we live for a different reason than non-christians. We live for Christ. This world is not our home.
I was reading my Bible this morning and came across this passage in Ephesians 4. It says,
" Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Seems to me to really break down why we are to surrender our lives.

Last night of Storyline is THIS Sunday!

2009-05-28T14:32:00.003-04:00

We have had an incredible year at Storyline and look forward to gathering together on Sunday night to worship and remember who God is and who He's called us to be. Can't wait to see you all there!

The Beard

2009-05-19T13:33:00.002-04:00

I read this today. You should too.
The Beard

A little help with the elements

2009-05-06T12:43:00.001-04:00

This should help with studying for those exams coming up.

Oxygen from Christopher Hendryx on Vimeo.

The Battle Within

2009-05-04T13:49:00.006-04:00

New series gets rolling this Sunday. Here's a breakdown.
Each one of us faces a battle within, a battle that may go unseen by those around, but inside there is major brawl. It’s a battle with temptation. And depending on the temptation and its hold on your life, it may be a battle that seems impossible to win. In this series, Andy Stanley takes a look at the temptations Jesus faced in the desert, and identifies the driving forces behind the temptations we all face every day. Because once you realize what the pull is behind the temptation, you can find the confidence to follow Jesus’ example and respond as He did.

Operation Inasmuch

2009-04-30T14:01:00.002-04:00

Saturday morning we're getting together at the new building to head out into the community and help others. We'll be helping clean up a house that has burned down, build some ramps for elderly folks and many other things. We're having a lite breakfast @ 8 a.m. (I know it's early but it's just one day) and then getting started after that. Make sure you bring a friend and I'll see you Saturday!

Is Jesus the Only God?

2009-04-26T21:53:00.001-04:00

Here's the video from tonight.

Coming up...

2009-04-22T16:44:00.001-04:00

For those of you all who are heading to m-fuge this summer, we are having a fundraiser on Sunday morning after church. It will be a spaghetti lunch so make sure to invite all your friends and family to lunch. Cost is $5 per person.

Weekly video fun

2009-04-14T20:31:00.001-04:00

Try and get this out of your head. Your welcome.

Passion Week (Friday)

2009-04-10T11:06:00.000-04:00

Today, Jesus was crucified. But don't forget, Sunday's coming.

Passion Week (Thursday)

2009-04-09T11:45:00.002-04:00

Today is the day before Jesus is crucified. He eats the last supper with his disciples (Luke 22:14-30), predicts Peter's denial (Luke 22:31-34), and goes out to pray in the Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46). Jesus is so overwhelmed by what is about to happen that he ends up sweating blood while he is praying. Even know what what about to happen, Jesus chose to go to the cross the next day.

Passion Week (Wednesday)

2009-04-09T11:40:00.002-04:00

Today, the Sanhedrin plotted to kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-5) while Jesus continued teaching in the temple (Luke 21:37-38).

Passion Week (Tuesday)

2009-04-07T21:00:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, Jesus returned to Jerusalem (Matt.21:18), did a lot of teaching and confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt. 22), and even predicted the destruction of the temple (Matt.24:1-2).

Passion Week (Monday)

2009-04-06T15:44:00.002-04:00

Here's what happened on Monday during the week before Christ's resurection.

Mark 11:12-19
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
12 The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. 14 Then Jesus said to the tree, "May no one ever eat your fruit again!" And the disciples heard him say it.

Jesus Clears the Temple
15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. 17 He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves."
18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.
19 That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city.

Passion Week

2009-04-06T15:40:00.002-04:00

This week, we're going to be looking at what happened the days before Jesus was crucified. For Storyline, we've been exploring a few of the events of the passion week and I thought it would be great for us to look at what went on each day leading up to Easter. Check back everyday to follow along.

Video of the week

2009-03-29T22:06:00.001-04:00

New series!

2009-03-25T17:48:00.004-04:00

Sunday night we're starting a new series called Shift just in time for Easter. Check it out.

Over 2,000 years ago, people were looking for a change. They wanted their lives to look different. They wanted freedom, they wanted a shift. Many thought that would come through a political takeover. Some thought it would come through personal gain. But in the last days leading up to and following Jesus’ death, there was a significant shift that happened. A shift that forever changed the way you and I connect to God. A shift that redefined who we are. A shift that brought freedom and change—even if it looked completely different than what we expected.

Crazy Love week 5

2009-03-16T16:51:00.000-04:00

The book of James talks about being not only hearers of the Word, but also doers. Just going through this study and talking about Crazy Love and watching the videos, that’s all cool, but if that’s all it is, then it’s sad. Very sad. What are you going to DO? What tangible, concrete expression of God’s crazy love are you going to share with a friend, family member, stranger? What habits or disciplines are you going to put into place in your own life? After this experience, what is of great value? What really doesn’t matter anymore? How are you going to live the rest of this day?

Crazy Love week 4

2009-03-08T21:47:00.002-04:00

Tonight Jon brought up a question from John Piper's book God is the Gospel. It said,
"The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?"
So, would you? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Something to get you to the weekend

2009-03-05T11:20:00.001-05:00

Storyline canceled for tonight

2009-03-01T16:04:00.000-05:00

Hope you have a great night and stay safe. Enjoy the snow!

Crazy Love week 3

2009-02-23T08:16:00.002-05:00

This week we looked at some things that helped us check our lives to see if we were lukewarm. I wanted to ask you all what stood out the most from last night. Also, read these next few verses and tell me what your reaction to these words of Jesus are.

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see."
Revelation 3:15-18

Crazy Love week 2

2009-02-15T20:16:00.002-05:00

Tonight we talked about loving God not because it's what we're supposed to do but because we really want to know Him. We talked about reading the Bible and praying because we really want to talk to God. Here are the questions that we ended the night with. I'd love to hear what everyone has to say about it.

Do you remember the first time you "got it?" When you first realized you loved God with your heart, mind, and soul?

Crazy Love week 1

2009-02-08T18:00:00.001-05:00

Here is the question that we asked at the end of the night. Read Revelation chapter 4 and then share your thoughts. I'd love to have everyone comment below on this. You can comment anonymously if you want.
What do you think would come out of your mouth the moment you saw God? What would be the first words you would say?

Once again...

2009-02-04T11:14:00.003-05:00

We are cancelled for tonight. See you Sunday! Speaking of Sunday, did you know we are starting our new series based on the book "Crazy Love"? If you haven't read it, you can check it out here.