Why Not You?

Yes, I know this is the first post in awhile... sorry. Vacation, taxes, all kinds of stuff. Anyway, on to the blog.

This Sunday we're continuing our series on sharing your faith. It's been fun and hopefully enlightening. We've kept with a basic theme: Keep it simple. We get so tense even with the thought of talking to someone about Jesus, so simplicity is the key (which I think should be the way every aspect of church is run... simple).

We've got two more weeks left in this series. You'll have to come this Sunday to find out what the next simple thing to say is. The first week we talked about the most basic need everyone needs to hear: God loves you. Before talking about their sin, before even letting a thought about doctrine enter into someone's head, let them know that God loves them. I'd bet tat most would be extremely surprised to find out that some don't know this. But, it's complete truth. We know this because He gave us Jesus. That's the proof.

Last week, we moved on to the second step in simply sharing your faith by learning the phrase Jesus saves you. I'm sure that was a profound message there wasn't it? That's the point! We make things so hard and come up with excuse after excuse. "I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I don't know enough about the Bible. They'll probably say no anyway. (Or my favorite) Someone else will do it." And on and on. We have all this drama even before we talk to anyone thinking it's so hard, when in reality it's so easy! God loves you! Jesus saves you! So, so simple... yet we make it so hard.

They're little phrases anyone can remember and tell anyone, anywhere, at any time. Leave it on a napkin at a restaurant. Say it to your neighbor. Tell it and live it to those live and work with. People are depending on you (whether they know it or not) to deliver these tiny messages of hope to be reconciled to God. And I don't know if you really know this or not, but Hell still waits for those that reject Christ. Don't you think it would be a shame to live with a secret that could spare someone from darkness and separation from God? Me too.

But, I suppose for us it's going to come down to a choice: Can I do it or not? Anyone can do it. My kids can say these simple phrases. So maybe it's more of a question than a choice: Why not you?

Simple phrases. So many people. So many opportunities. Why not you? See you Sunday!

Marc

Bill Keightley "Mr. Wildcat" 1926-2008

Bill Keightley has been with the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball program since 1962. He has held the title of Equipment Manager since 1972. During that time, he worked for six coaches, was a part of three national championship teams and handled the equipment of countless UK legends. When asked why he kept on working, he said, "It's not a job, its just me loving my life."

Many would say that Keightley had a job that powerful people would covet. Many would say he had a job that many University of Kentucky fans would pay to have. He has watched every UK game from the bench since 1962. No one else can come close to saying that. He has seen championships, stunning wins and losses. He was there in 1966 when Texas Western beat the Cats' in the famed "race" game. He was there when Duke took out the Cats', in overtime, 1992. He was there when the Jack "The Goose" Givens laid 41 golden eggs on Duke in the 78' Title Game. He was there when we lost to Marquette a couple of weeks ago. He has seen it all and every UK fan would be joking if they wouldn't want to do what he has done.

Bill Keightley died, March 31, 2008. What a sad day for Big Blue Nation. When I heard the news, I was shocked. And while I have never meet him, I almost cried. He seemed like such a warm and caring person. But, the more I thought about, the more I realized, I don't know anything about "Mr. Wildcat". Anything other than him being the Equipment Manager for almost as long as I've been alive, I really don't know anything about him. He was 81.

He lived what most would consider an unbelievable life. But, I don't know if he had a relationship with Jesus or not. 81 years of a life most people would almost kill for is quite an accomplishment, but what good would it have been if he doesn't know Jesus?

In Mark 8:36, Jesus poses a very important question for all of us to ponder in our quest for the good life: "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" I don't know whether or not Mr. Keightley had a relationship with Lord or not, I sincerely hope that he did. But, I do know that without Jesus nothing else in life really matters.

I didn't write this piece to pass any judgment of any type, I wrote it that we might consider what it is that we consider to be the good life and what really matters. We all chase the dream in different areas of our desires, but hopefully when it is all said and done we haven't forfeited our relationship with Christ. Because in the end, that's all that matters.

Today, we mourn with the Keightley's in grief. Tomorrow, let us consider not only our own lives, but also the lives of those around us. Ask yourself, "I am ready to see Jesus face to face? Is my neighbor? Is my friend? Is my child? Is my spouse?" This is the only question in life that everyone must answer for. In the end nothing else in life really matters.

Turn the Other Cheek?

I'm not sure this is what Jesus had in mind. See what you think.


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I'm saying if this happened to Jesus, He's popping the dude. Well, maybe not, but... I would!

Nothing Like Easter!

There isn't anything quite like Easter Sunday for church people... especially preachers. I happen to be both (so, there is seriously something wrong with me), so it's all good!

This was my first Easter at Grapevine and really didn't know exactly what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. We had a great crowd and most lived around the area, so there's hope that this will translate over into bigger services on a regular basis.

There are reasons preachers like bigger services (although, I actually prefer worshiping with people that are sold out to Christ regardless of the number) and it may not be what you think. Preachers like bigger crowds for these reasons:

• Because more people have the potential to have their life changed by Christ.
• More people generally create a more exciting atmosphere.
• It is a change from the norm. Nothing kills a church faster than no expectations. God is mysterious and it's nice to see this in His people from time to time.

Preachers don't like bigger crowds for the following reasons:

• It looks good for those who play the numbers game.
• We want a raise (but... will probably not turn one down).
• It strokes our ego (at least not for me, I'd like to blend into the pretty paneling if I could).

Bigger services are nice and exciting. It's nice to see the hard work of people behind the scenes rewarded. And they are rewarded, why? Because it's exciting when someone's life has the potential to be changed by Christ. How do they (we) know? Because He has changed theirs (our) lives and want nothing less for them.

That's why there is nothing like Easter. Hope springs eternal and those of us that have Hope in us are excited for others getting it or regaining it. No other time of year quite like this. Enjoy it!

Don't forget about the Bible Studies coming up this week and the new classes for Sunday School starting this Sunday. See you soon (Wednesday night I hope).

Soon and Very Soon!

Grapevine Christian Church will be offering many new opportunities for you to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ, after all that is our ultimate goal!

• The Merry Hearts group is back at it with a potluck meal (bring a dish of something green!) on March 18, at 11:30 in the church basement. Ted Morelock (Pastor of Nebo Christian Church) will be visiting with us and performing. We hope you are looking forward to this.
• Fun in The Son, March 22, 10:00. 10--12: Fun & games. Noon: Church Picnic (Rain or shine!) Just Bring your favorite picnic food. Egg hunt to follow.
• We are adding a new Sunday School class for Adults starting the week after Easter. This class is going to focus on current events from a Biblical perspective and how they relate to our lives.
• New Bible Studies will be forming the following week after Easter. One of which is for Senior Adults! We will be studying the 10 Commandments and meet at Marc and Christie's house at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 27.
• An additional class will meet on Friday nights at 6:30 PM, starting March 28. This class will also be studying the 10 Commandments and is at Marc and Christie's house. If you have children bring them along!
  

I hope you are looking forward to a few of the things coming up to help grow in the Lord. Plus, I hope you making plans to attend! Church isn't as fun without you there!

Easter is early this year and it is right here on us already. It's hard to believe, but Spring is just a few days ways. Maybe the Lord knew we needed our dose of Hope a little sooner this year? Who knows, but I'm looking forward to this most special time of year. For this is the time of year, regardless of what has happened, we are reminded once again that because Jesus is alive soon and very soon everything will become new!

Please be praying for Easter Service and bring a friend. Everyone can use a little more hope in their life. See you Sunday!

Marc