Hi Everyone,
I wanted to let you know in advance about a great opportunity that is coming our way at BCC. On Sunday, March 21, in our 8:30 a.m. worship service, Dr. Bruce Waltke, will be teaching during morning worship at BCC. For those of you who have never heard of Dr. Waltke, he was one of the lead translators of the Hebrew Scriptures for the New International Version of the Bible. Dr. Waltke is a Hebrew scholar who has taught at Dallas Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary and is currently Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Studies at Regent College.
Dr. Waltke has written many books and articles. Some of his commentaries on the Bible are Proverbs, Micah, and Genesis. Dr. Waltke was the co-editor of the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. This man has forgotten more than most of us will ever learn in our lives.
I have been very blessed throughout my life to hear some of the greatest Bible teachers of our generation, but none has blessed me more than Dr. Waltke. I want to encourage all of you to invite your friends and join us on Sunday, March 21, at 8:30 am as we welcome Dr. Waltke to Britton Christian Church.
Things got a little rough over at the “First Church of the Wholly Sanctified and Exclusively Saved” last year. There had been rough times in the past; the church had split at least three times in the fifty years since it had been born from a split over at “Jesus’ True Followers Christian Church,” but none of those splits even moved the needle on the Richter scale compared to the latest squabble. Back in the 60’s there was the group that left because they didn’t like the decision of the Pastoral Oversight Committee which allowed the minister to preach in a suit and tie instead of a pastoral robe. In the 80’s there was the group that left because the music ministry decided to bring in an electronic keyboard to play alongside the “anointed” music of the pipe organ. Then there was the group that left to start their own church because the minister started using the New International Version of the Bible. One of the members wrote a letter to the church Board that said, “How could any man who portrays himself as a ‘man of God’ not teach out of the Bible that Jesus and Paul used—The King James 1611?” That was a big split. Many of the members wondered if they would ever recover from the loss. As devastating as that split was it was nothing compared to the latest brouhaha that came about just before Christmas of this past year.
The rumbling and gurgling noises began to arise from the church like Mt. St. Helens preparing to blow. Calm was the order of the day until the Mayor and his family came forward one Sunday morning to place their membership. All of the citizens of the community had known Mayor Johnson since he was a little boy. He had won two consecutive terms by a landslide. The word from the “stained glass” section of society was that Mayor Johnson was a God-fearing man. Mayor Johnson and his family had been attending the “First Church of the Wholly Sanctified and Exclusively Saved” since Easter, but trouble came the week before Christmas when the Mayor’s family came forward to officially place their membership. Read the rest of this entry »
After spending thirteen weeks studying Romans 12-13 we have now reached the end of this important section of Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome. Paul comes to the end of Romans 13 and says, “And do this…” If you have been here for these studies then you don’t have to ask, “Do what?” For thirteen weeks Paul has been urging us to love. He has broken down the relationships that we share with people in society into brothers and sister in Christ, outsiders, enemies, civil authorities, and our “neighbors.” In each and every area of life Paul has urged us to love with a special kind of love, “agape” love.
As Paul reaches the end of his lesson on loving those God has placed in our lives he says, “Do it!” To add urgency to the call Paul goes on to say, “…understanding the present time.” It is of utmost importance for us to understand the times in which we live at this present moment. Before we get too far into our study we need to take the time to read our Scripture for this morning. Turn with me to Romans 13:11-14 and let’s begin.
11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:11-14 NIV)
This is such a rich section of Paul’s letter. The main problem that we have this morning is not how to understand what God is saying to us through these verses, but how can we drink in the flood of truth that God has prepared for us. Absorbing these four verses in the time we have is like getting a drink from a fire hydrant. It is simply too much to take in at one time. So, I want to encourage you to continue your study of these important verses throughout the week. Read the rest of this entry »
“Where did you get that?” That’s a statement that is most often connected to lots of energy and emotion. Most often, when we hear that question, there is body language that goes along with it. Eyes are wide open, body is leaning forward, and the pitch of the voice suddenly takes an elevator ride to the next octave. Don’t believe me? Well, when was the last time you heard that phrase spoken in a monotone, detached, apathetic way? Just doesn’t happen very often does it? There’s a reason for that. Most often when we hear the phrase someone has just spied something that is unique, out of the ordinary, eye-catching. Remember when the iPhone first came out? I wasn’t there, but I know the first kid that brought one to school heard, “Whoa! Where did you get that?” over and over again. The hottest shoes that boys are craving these days are the newest manifestation of the LeBron shoe line. The Nike Air Max LeBron VII won’t cause you jump out of the gym or hit jump shots from half court, but boy will they get folks to say, “Where did you get those?” And well they should for $160.00! To get a reaction from folks you don’t have to have the latest and greatest—you just have to have something that is unique. I’ll guarantee you that if you pull up in the parking lot some Sunday in a shiny 1976 AMC Pacer heads will turn and more than one person will smile and say, “Where did you get that?”
I want you to know that God is all for that which is “attention getting.” Just look at what He has created. How can you see the incredible beauty and variety of the colors and shapes of the creatures He has placed in the ocean and not be amazed? How can you stand on a snow covered mountain and watch snowflakes falling with the grace and elegance of a Baryshnikov and not be amazed? God has placed within us an attraction for the magnificent. He has placed within us a propensity for wonderment, but rather than being amazed at what is truly amazing, we’ve become amazed with stuff.
In Matthew 15, the people who were in the presence of Jesus were amazed at what He did for those who had debilitating needs. Read along with me from Matthew 15:30-31.
30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. (Matthew 15:30-31 NIV)
What did they do when they broke out in amazement? They praised God. Our wonderment, our amazement, should lead us to praise God, to draw near to God. Read the rest of this entry »
I’m so excited that I can hardly wait for Sunday! During Spring Break we will take a charter bus load of kids to the mountains of Colorado to go skiing. It is a memory maker if I’ve ever seen one. One of our big fund raisers to help underwrite our trip is our Spaghetti Luncheon and Auction this Sunday, February 21, from 12 noon until 1 pm.
Reggie Smith, who played at OU and is now playing for the San Francisco 49ers, has gotten involved with some of our work with the young people of our community. Reggie’s foundation is helping our Study Buddies and Middle School Learning Center in some exciting new ways. Reggie is also responsible for helping us acquire the jerseys and football that will be auctioned off this Sunday. Here’s a list of the items that we will auction.
Adrian Peterson’s Minnesota Vikings autographed jersey
Reggie Smith’s 49er’s autographed jersey
Patrick Willis’ 49er’s autographed jersey
Mark Clayton’s Baltimore Raven’s autographed jersey
Tommy Harris’ Chicago Bears autographed jersey
Curtis Lofton Atlanta Falcon’s autographed football
It is going to be a great luncheon and I hope you will pass this email along to all of your sports fan buddies and encourage them to come and get in on the bidding. All of the proceeds will go towards helping to underwrite the Spring Break Ski Trip to Colorado.
There have been times throughout my life that I’ve seen or heard the stories of the high profile, hugely successful, and often adored news makers in our society and thought, “I could sure get use to his life.” I bet you’ve done the same thing. The stories of the rags-to-riches, every day man or woman who works their fingers to the bone, makes it big, and now lives an MTV Cribs kind of life fascinates us, makes us crave the experience of living the “good life,” and can also lead us to conclude that our lives are insignificant and boring.
If only I was famous. If only I could dance like Usher or Michael Jackson. If only I could hit a golf ball like Tiger Woods, play basketball like LeBron James, or hit a tennis ball like Serena Williams. If only I could sing like Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, Beyonce, Chris Tomlin, or Lady Gaga (surely I didn’t just type that?) Invent something cool like Steve Jobs. Make a zillion dollars like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett. If only I had it made then I could be happy!! Have you ever had that thought? You might not admit it, but I know you have. Read the rest of this entry »
For two weeks we’ve been taking a look at the first seven verses of Romans 13. We’ve taken our time trying to understand this important section of God’s Word because it is crucial that we do so. We’ve come to understand the God given authority, and the purpose of the authority, of those who serve as God’s “ministers” in government. Last week, we got a good grip on the responsibility that God has placed at our feet: we are to submit to those who rule over us. Our submission translates into our doing that which is “good” and avoiding that which is “evil.” We are to obey the laws of the land. We are to honor our leaders, not slander them, and pay our taxes.
This week we are going to take one last look at this important section of God’s Word. This week I want us to try and understand when, if ever, we should refuse to submit to that which our leaders ask of us. How about we begin by taking a look at our Scripture once again? Turn with me to Romans 13:1-7.
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)
I have a habit of listening to preachers while I run in the morning. One of the preachers that I have come to love, even though I’ve never met him, is Matt Chandler, the Pastor of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. Matt is a throwback to the old days when preachers taught the great doctrines of the faith in an unapologetic way. In a society full of churches that are becoming increasingly mesmerized by new technologies and following trendy ways to pull people through their doors, Matt’s church focuses on the proclamation of the Word of God. He is a Reformation preacher living in the 21st century.
Maybe one of the reasons I love Matt’s teaching is because of his emphasis on the Sovereignty of God. I’ve told the folks at BCC time and time again how the Sovereignty of God has been like a cradle of comfort to me during the most difficult times of my life.
Matt has encountered a “severe grace.” On Thanksgiving, Matt suffered a seizure that was shortly thereafter diagnosed as an aggressive brain tumor. In the weeks that have followed, Matt, his wife, and their three small children have nestled in the Sovereign arms of God’s mercy.
Today, after I got home from church, I sat down with my daughter, Annie, and we read Matt’s story. I told Annie, “If there is any gift that I could ever give to you that would benefit you for the rest of your life it would be a clear understanding of the Sovereignty of God.” We read about Matt and the “warm blanket” God’s Sovereignty is for he and his family as they go through this difficult journey. I told Annie, “Suffering is something that every person will do regardless of who they are, but not all people suffer the same way. Some shake their fists at God and scream out, ‘Why me?’ ‘This isn’t fair!’ or simply walk away from God. Others, like Matt and his family turn to God and fall on their faces in complete dependence upon His grace and mercy.”
I hope you will take the time to read Matt’s story. All you have to do is click on the link “Matt’s story” above and you will automatically be taken there. Even more than reading Matt’s story, I pray that you will prayerfully seek a deeper understanding of the Sovereignty of our glorious God for your own life.
As we began our study of Romans 13 we sought the answers to two questions: First of all, where do those who serve as governmental authorities get their authority? Secondly, what is their purpose as they serve the citizens of the city, state, and nation? We learned from God’s Word that our civil servants are “placed” in their position by God. You can go back and read our study from two weeks ago to see example after example of this truth from God’s Word. Those who serve do so because God has called them to their position of service. Secondly, we learned that those who serve in civil government do so with a calling on their life. Three times in Romans 13:1-7 we see that Paul calls them God’s “ministers.” Their “calling” is to do God’s will, to shepherd those who have been placed under their care, and to restrain evil.
This week I want us to try and answer another question as we continue our study. The question I want us to address this week is “What is our responsibility, first as followers of Jesus, and secondly as citizens of this society?” We know what our governmental leaders are called to do, but what are we, the followers of Jesus, called to do in this community and nation in which God has placed us?
So far, as we have been studying Romans 12-13 we have learned some remarkable lessons about how we are to relate to various groups of people. We have learned how we are to relate to God, to our brothers and sisters in Christ, with non-believers, and even how we are to relate to our enemies, those who oppose us personally or those who oppose the cause of our Savior. The direction and counsel we have received is not based on a public opinion poll or what seems “right,” but it is rooted and grounded in God’s dealings with us. In Romans 12:1-2 we read,
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome there is no one section of the letter that has gotten more attention than Romans 13:1-7. What is the relationship of the follower of Jesus to the State, to civil authorities? This is an important lesson for every believer in every age. In the present climate of our nation this lesson is crucial. The Body of Christ does not need political debate. We need biblical truth.
Politics and party entrenched politicians have a strangle-hold on our nation, and sadly, the Church has become entangled in the mess. The divide is so broad and the animosity so intense that the possibility of reconciliation seems to be outside the realm of possibility.
Politics and the various arms of the Body of Christ have become so interwoven that you can ask a person if they consider themselves an evangelical, liberal, or conservative Christian and almost always guess their political party. This is tragic and it does neither the cause of Christ or our society any good at all. We as the followers of Jesus are called to be the best citizens of our nation. We are called to be salt and light, the embodiment of righteousness and holiness, prayer warriors of those in office, and a blessing to our land regardless of who occupies the seat of power. This morning I pray that you will be able to clear your mind of your presuppositions of politics and political parties and give your absolute attention to God’s Word concerning our relationship to the “ministers of government.” Let’s turn to Romans 13:1-7 and we will get started.
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)
“It’s a great day in the Ozarks!” If I heard that phrase once I heard it a zillion times during the two summers that I worked at Kanakuk while I was in college. During those two summers I fell in love with a man who was not that much older than me, but who was wise way beyond his years. Not only did he model a godly wisdom like few people that I had ever known, but his passion, (If you’ve ever been around Joe for 15 seconds then you know that he is the definition of “passion!”) –his passion was contagious!
All of these years later Joe is still Joe. Quoting Scripture, hugging necks, and oozing from every pore with passion. He has seen tough times, been through struggles and heartaches, but his passion for Jesus and his absolute confidence that “He is able” have only increased through the years. I’m so thrilled that Joe is going to be stopping by Britton Christian Church on the morning of Wednesday, January 20 to speak to all of those who will come.
6:30 am Joe Speaks to Men
Through the years Joe has spoken to hundreds of thousands of men, men of all ages, and his message is one of uncompromising commitment to Jesus and the fellowship of brothers in Christ. We want to encourage you to invite your buddies, bring your sons, and join us for an hour of inspiration and challenge.
10:00 am Joe Speaks to Moms
The title of Joe’s talk to moms is: “Dorothy Was Right! (There’s No Place Like Home)” There is no higher calling than raising children. There is no more distinguished title than that of “momma.” Yet, society for the most part doesn’t bestow the honor and gratitude upon moms that they deserve. Moms, invite all of your friends, every mother you know, and bring her so that she can be encouraged and blessed beyond belief. (Because we are expecting a large crowd we will not be able to provide childcare.)
It was December 6 when we began this study. Here we are one month later, Christmas is past, the New Year has come, and we are going to finish our study, Bless Who? I know its been a long time so I want to refresh your memory before we launch in to our study. First, lets read our Scripture. Turn with me to Romans 12:14-21 and lets begin.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21 NIV)
If you will remember, in the first section of Romans 12 Paul gave us some great guidance about how we are to relate to our brothers and sisters in Christthis includes those that we may not be naturally drawn to as well as those that get on our last nerve. Beginning in Romans 12:14, Paul turns his attention to those who persecute us, those who do evil, those who would consider themselves to be our enemies.
In Romans 12:14-21, Paul gives us 8 roadside markers to chart our course, to give us guidance as we relate to those who oppose us or those who oppose the cause of Christ. We covered the first four in our last study. Let me mention them. 1. We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.
2. We are to live in harmony with one another.
3. We are not to be proud, but we are to associate with those who hold no position in society, those who are forgotten and considered as unimportant.
4. We are to never repay evil with evil.
Today we will cover the last four roadside markers, reminders to us of the life we are to live and how we are to relate to those who oppose us, those who consider us as enemies. Take a look at verse 17 with me. Read the rest of this entry »
Last night the Alabama Crimson Tide won the NCAA National Championship as they beat the Texas Longhorns 37-21. I have to admit that I lost interest for a little while when they announced at halftime that Colt McCoy would not return to the game. Texas’ freshman quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, settled in during the second half and played much better than he did in the first half. Even though most everyone else watching the game had thrown in the towel at the news that Colt wouldn’t return, Garrett Gilbert and his teammates chose to dig in.
Being from Oklahoma, the injury to Colt McCoy and his having to watch from the sidelines reminded me of Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford’s senior season–a season of disappointment. What also reminded me of Sam Bradford was Colt’s response to his disappointment. Following the game, Colt said,
“I worked and played my whole career to be on this stage, to be given this opportunity,” McCoy said. “I know what it would have been like had I played that game. To know that is tough. But at the same time, I am a man of faith. I stand on the rock. I’ll never question God for why things happen the way they do.
“Standing on the Rock.” When the Horns win, when winning the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s Player of the Year Award, when losing the Heisman for the second year in a row, when making it into the National Championship game, and even when he got knocked out the National Championship game on the very first drive he’s still “Standing on the Rock.” Not questioning God, but standing on the Rock.” Now, there’s a lesson we all need to learn.
The past couple of years we’ve had the opportunity to watch three great college quarterbacks in Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, and Colt McCoy. Great athletes, incredible competitors, champions in every sense of the word. What is even more important is that these three young guys have a passion and a commitment to Jesus Christ that transcends “winning.” They’ve “stood on the Rock” through winning and losing, trials and triumphs.
I would encourage you to go to Iamsecond.com and watch the videos of Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy. I’ve posted Colt’s below.
I love memories! I love collecting experiences like a stamp collector proudly fills sleeve after sleeve with his little inch-by-inch treasures. I can go through the hallways of my mind and see snapshots of the treasures God has allowed me to experience throughout my life. I can think of memories from the past year all the way back to when I was a little kid. Some of my fondest memories of my childhood were spending Christmas with my family. We would always spend Christmas morning at our house enjoying all of the toys that Santa had left while we were sleeping, but then we would load up the station wagon (did you ever have one of those?), and head to Wynnewood where we would spend the day with my grandparents. I dont remember the gifts my grandparents gave me as much as I remember spending time with them. Read the rest of this entry »
“The weather outside is frightful!” No doubt!! We are still going to go forward with the Christmas Eve Service tonight at 6 pm for those who want to join us. Be safe.
The New Year is quickly approaching and many folks are thinking about some of the changes they would like to see in their lives in the upcoming year. I want to encourage you to make resolution #1: Getting in God’s Word.
I have heard so many people talk about their frustration with themselves in not being able to consistently read God’s Word. Like anything in life that we want to make a consistent part of our life, we need help. Stop and think about it–if you are not use to exercising and you decide that you want to become active–you need help. You need a plan and you need accountability. If you have been undisciplined in your finances and you decide that you want to develop financial discipline–you need help. You need a plan and you need accountability. And so it is with developing consistency in staying in God’s Word. We need a plan and we need accountability.
I’ve got good news for you. The folks at Youversion have just implemented “Daily Reading Plans” as part of their online Bible program. I want to encourage you to click on the link I’ve provided for you, register to be part of the community, and then choose a plan, any plan, and follow it to the end. I would encourage you to begin with a 30 Day plan, something you can try to get your feet wet before launching out into a longer, more demanding plan. At the same time, find a friend, someone who wants to develop discipline in reading God’s Word as well, and the two of you commit to doing it together. You won’t regret it.
After I posted the first video last week of the kids from Life Change Ball Room there were threats to hunt me down if I didn’t share more. Here’s another clip from the incredible kids doing their thing last week at the Life Change Ball Room Dance Competition at Rose State University in Midwest City.
It was another wonderful Sunday at Britton Christian Church. I was so blessed to hear Jahruba Lambeth and his version of Psalm 139! Several years ago Jahruba sang Psalm 133, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!” The Psalms are meant to be sung and the Lord has given Jahruba a gift in teaching us how to sing them! David would have given you a standing “O” brother!
At the end of our service we welcomed some new families to BCC. I hope you will go out of your way to welcome Christy Davis and her kids, Zachary and Meghan, Chuck and Tonya Tootle and their kids, Nathaniel, Austin, and Tammy, Christine Anderson, and Tammy Anderson. Tammy Anderson came forward to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of her life. I will be meeting with Tammy this week and planning her baptism in the near future.
Christmas Eve Service, Thursday at 6 pm.
Christmas is this week. Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year for many, but for some this is a very difficult time of the year. Loved ones have gone home to be with the Lord, jobs have been lost, division and disagreements will keep some from joining the celebration. Christmas can be a very lonely time, but it doesn’t have to be. I want to invite everyone to join us on Thursday at 6 pm at Britton Christian Church for our Christmas Eve Service. Regardless of whether you attend with your family, friends, or you are all alone–you belong. That is the message of Christmas! God has come to us–to the broken, the lonely, the lost, and hopeless. He has come to save us from ourselves and make us very own. You are loved my friends. Come and worship!
The wheels began churning long before this morning. What gift should I get this Christmas for my husband, my wife, my kids, my parents, my friendsand the list goes on and on. Ive been hearing lots of talk about Xbox, the Wii, iPhones, Zhu Zhu pet hamsters, and the always popular gift cards.
I was reading an article this past week from the National Retail Federation that led me to believe that this Christmas was going to be very different than all of the Christmas before. Let me read you a snippet and see if you come to the same conclusion. The article is called, Economy to Impact Two-Thirds of Families this Holiday Season. (http://tinyurl.com/ylefrhp) The title kind of gives it away huh? Heres just a sampling.
It comes as no surprise that the economy was an overriding theme throughout this years survey. Two-thirds of Americans (65.3%) say the economy will affect their holiday plans this year, with the majority of these consumers saying theyre adjusting by simply spending less (84.2%). People will also be shopping for sales more often (55.0%), using more coupons (41.7%) and putting up last years decorations (34.0%). Many Americans will also make changes in gift-giving, planning to buy more practical gifts (36.0%), buying a joint gift for kids or parents (17.3%), and making more gifts (16.7%). Additionally, more than one-fourth of Americans (28.6%) say the economy is forcing them to travel less or not at all for the holidays.
I havent been to the mall, but the article led me to believe that it was probably empty. That was until I read that even with all of these indicators showing that folks would be spending less, Christmas spending is projected to be $437 billion this year. 437 BILLION DOLLARS!!
Now, I dont want you to think that Im an advocate of canceling Christmas, burning shopping lists, and giving the tree to Goodwill. I love Christmas. I love the songs, the lights, the get-togethers, the Christmas Eve service here at BCC, and I love to give. Im not an advocate of canceling Christmas, but Ive become an advocate of creative Christmas giving. We, as Christians, need to think outside the box. We need to think of ways that we can give which reflect who we are and who we are called to be as followers of Jesus. Read the rest of this entry »
Since I posted the pictures and video of The Life Change Ballroom Dancers the number of visitors to our blog has gone through the roof! Doesn’t surprise me at all. I’ve watched the videos I shot at the competition on Tuesday night over and over again.
I’m going to continue to post more of the videos over the next few days, but if you would like a “sneak peak” at all of the videos that will eventually show up here then you can go to the Vimeo website and see them all. (Just click on “Vimeo” and it will automatically take you there.) Once you get to the website click on the “search box” it will give you choices for your search. You want to click on “Channels.” Then type in “Britton Christian Church.” When you hit “enter” you will see all 8 videos ready for you to view.
Last night I shared a couple of pictures with you from my trip to watch the Life Change Ballroom Dance Competition at Rose State University on Tuesday night. Tonight I want to share a video clip of Life Change kids from our community. They were the highlight of the whole wonderful night for me. These kids are ready for Dancing With The Stars!
Tonight I had one of the biggest thrills I’ve had in a looooong time! I got to go with our Middle School Learning Center tutors and kids to watch the Ballroom Dancing Competition at Rose State University in Midwest City. Cindy Pipkin and Tami Bramel, from BCC, are being used by God in an incredible way in the lives of many many kids across Oklahoma City. I watched 5th graders from Britton Elementary, Western Village, Millwood, Mark Twain, Quail Creek, West Nichols Hills, and other Oklahoma City schools compete in six different forms of dance. They did the salsa, merengue, swing, and much more. The kids were phenomenal!! Their teachers and mentors are my newest heroes!
At the end of the night, just before they handed out the awards for the best dance groups, the “crown jewel” of the dancers took the stage–The Life Change Ballroom Dancers from our church! You can visit their homepage by clicking on the link. They will blow you away! I can’t put into words the emotion I felt and the pride that oozed from every pore of my being as I watched Emmitt, Tre, Kiki, Qua, DaQuan, Aaron, and the rest of the crew. I got to share in the baptism of two of the kids, Ciara and Tangi, just three weeks ago. I got share in the baptism of one of the kid’s moms just two weeks ago!
As I was driving home, so full of pride in our kids, I was thinking about how we, as the Body of Christ, work so much better together than we do alone. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know Cindy and Tami and their wonderful volunteers. Because of their efforts, the efforts of the Middle Learning Center volunteers, and all of us at BCC–kids lives are being changed. Keep praying for God to open new doors of opportunity for us to work together.
I heard the news Monday morning that Tim Tebow had taken someone special with him to the The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards ceremony held Thursday night in Orlando, Florida. Didn’t think too much about it. As a matter of fact, I thought it might be another one of St. Tebow stories that gets blown way out of proportion by the media. I like Tim Tebow. In a day of pretenders, deceivers, and manipulators I think Tim Tebow is a wonderful witness for the cause of Christ. He’s a Christian who happens to be a great football player rather than a football player who just happens to be a Christian. That should be true of all of us who profess to be followers of Jesus whether we are athletes, bankers, bottle washers, stay-at-home-moms, doctors, or sanitation engineers.
I looked into the story about Tim’s special guest on Thursday night and was blown away by the story. It seems that there’s a young lady named Kelly Faughnan who was diagnosed with a brain tumor right before Thanksgiving last year. Her wish was to go to the ESPNU College Football Awards ceremony in Orlando in 2009 and meet Tim Tebow. Her parents committed to make the trip happen for her, but they told her that meeting Tebow probably wouldn’t happen. Well, they made the trip, went to a football reception, and low and behold she did get to meet Tim. Not only did she meet him, but when he heard her story Tim asked her if she would like to be his date to the awards ceremony on Thursday night.
I dare you to watch the video below and then tell me that you didn’t well up with a “that’s what it’s all about!” I know Tebow isn’t the most popular guy in the state of Oklahoma, but even the most die hard Sooner or Cowboy fan has to respect Tim’s act of kindness in making that one night special for Kelly Faughnan. Tim, may your tribe increase!!
There is a jewel of a bargain that has just hit the web. It’s a free gift from Seth Godin, author of 12 Bestsellers that have been translated into 33 languages. The eBook, What Maters Now, is a compilation of the thoughts of 70 different thinkers from various walks of life. It is well worth your time. The single mindset of the writers is, “big thoughts accompanied by small actions make a big difference.” As Seth Godin invited his friends to write an article the one stipulation was that they had to use 200 words or less. It is a quick, easy read which will spark some great thoughts for you. I hope you will bookmark this page or download the eBook to read at a later time.
Sunday morning was so special for all of us at Britton Christian Church!! The kids led worship by performing their Christmas musical for the whole church. I want to thank all of the kids for their tireless efforts in learning the songs and memorizing lines for the play. I am still amazed at the number of lines that the kids who were in the play memorized. Unbelievable!! I also want to thank all of the parents who made sure their children were at all of the practices that have taken place during the past two months. I want to thank Ryan and Lacey Fisher, Pastor Neal and Ms. Atune in the play. Brad and Angelina ain’t got nuttin’ on you guys! If they were handing out Oscars for “Children’s Church Musicals” you would be a cinch!! Thanks a million to Dana Stevenson, our Children’s Minister, who does such an incredible job blessing our little ones. Last of all, (everyone stand on your feet and make a BIG “O” above your head with me. Do it right now. Now, everyone say, “Oooooooooooooooo!”) That’s a standing “O” taking place all over the world! Thanks Cheri Redburn for the hours and hours you spent teaching the little ones their songs and lines. I bet you have gone to bed with those songs ringing in your ears on more than one occasion! Now, may you get some much needed sleep.
There is no doubt in my mind that God has led the most gifted folks in the world to BCC. It is such a joy to watch you use your gifts to bless those the Lord has led into your life and our church.
Dana Stevenson, our Children’s Minister, who does such an incredible job blessing our little ones. Last of all, (everyone stand on your feet and make a BIG “O” above your head with me. Do it right now. Now, everyone say, “Oooooooooooooooo!”) That’s a standing “O” taking place all over the world! Thanks Cheri Redburn for the hours and hours you spent teaching the little ones their songs and lines. I bet you have gone to bed with those songs ringing in your ears on more than one occasion! Now, may you get some much needed sleep.