Nov/083
Alright. I did it. I swore I'd never do it, but I was guilted into it. I'm now officially on Facebook.
I've been on the site for three days and I already have over 40 friends. Not sure what that means, except that people love me. Who am I to argue?
Annual Christmas Party
Nov/080
The deadline to register for ACC's annual Christmas party is Tuesday, November 25. To ensure that you don't forget, go ahead and register this weekend.
The party is Friday, December 12. Get all the festive details here.
This event is always a ton of fun. You don't want to miss it!
ACC Christmas Blog
Nov/080
Christmastime is here. Well, almost. According to a few stores I've visited, Christmastime has been here since Halloween.
As we step into the Christmas season, we've got a cool opportunity to keep our perspective on the holiday. This time of year is more hectic than any other. There is always another dinner to cook, another family gathering to visit, another gift to buy, another office party to attend. It's never ending.
Somewhere in the midst of all this insanity is a baby in a manger. Somewhere in the craziness is the Christ child. But he sure can be hard to find at times.
That's why we are publishing the first-ever ACC Christmas blog. Starting November 30, there will be one post everyday through Christmas Eve. These posts all contain a Scripture link and some reflections on that Scripture written by yours truly. It's one small thing we can do to help you keep your perspective this Christmas season.
You can check out the blog on our website. Or if you prefer, you can subscribe to the RSS feed.
You can read more about it in the initial post that is now online. Christmas posts start November 30!
Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy
Nov/082
I was a little hesitant to post this video because of the small amount of crude language, but the points made are worth it. Louis CK, a stand-up comic, makes some funny, and sadly true, observations on the contemporary American mindset.
The lack of gratitude and the sense of entitlement in this country are off the chart. It never ceases to amaze me when I see how much we take for granted. How much we think we deserve because we're Americans. It's sickening.
As God's people, it's up to us to turn the tide. Everything we have is a blessing from God. We're not entitled to anything. We're blessed, and we should be thankful to Him who gives those blessings to us.
Check it out.
Help with a Project in England
Nov/080
Hey ACCers! Got a request for you.
Head to our website for all the details. Please do it quickly! We've only got until Thursday!
Now That's a Dad Moment
Nov/082
We had three baptisms in our first service on Sunday. We've been baptizing people like crazy at ACC! But these felt extra special.
I baptized Mike Cothran. Then Mike baptized his two daughters, Becca and Kiara.
As a dad, it can't get any better than that!
An Amazing Goodbye
Nov/081
If you weren't in second service at ACC yesterday, then you missed J.W. Cassell's heartfelt goodbye to ACC. J.W., Becky, and Ally Cassell are moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. Sunday was their last day at ACC.
J.W.'s comments about our church were unbelievable. I was deeply moved by what he shared. In fact, I didn't see anyone who wasn't touched.
J.W. and Becky were quite emotional. And that was awesome. It was awesome because it showed just how difficult it is for this family to leave ACC. They know that they have to go, but it's tearing them up inside.
I want people to be so in love with our church that the thought of leaving is enough to bring them to tears. That shows just how special our church family really is.
J.W., Becky, and Ally…we'll miss you all very much. We love you. And we know we'll see you again, here or in eternity.
ACC, we really do have something special going on. Keep it up!
Sermon Rock
Nov/089
When I'm in sermon-writing mode, I usually put on my headphones and listen to classical piano music. It calms me down, clears my head, and helps me focus. It's a weekly routine for me that really works well.
This week, I wrote the bulk of my sermon wearing my headphones, listening to some very choice…rock. It's quite a departure from the soothing sounds of classical piano that I normally listen to. But the piano stuff wasn't cutting it this week.
I was way too jacked-up about this series to listen to solo piano music. I needed music to match the adrenaline that I'm feeling about this series!
Sunday's coming…I'm ready to rock!
Been Putting it Off?
Nov/080
What have you been putting off? It's time to do it.
What do you need to do? Stop procrastinating. Take action. Today.
money, money, money, money…MONEY!
Nov/083
I love preaching about money! Not because I'm some greedy, money-grubbing preacher. My salary doesn't change based on the offering amount, so I have no selfish interests at play here.
Like I said on Sunday, the reason I love preaching about money is simple. I love it because every single time I teach God's truth about money, I see Him set people free!
This past weekend, we had some seriously straight talk about debt. I want to thank Josh and Marie Young for agreeing to be part of the message. Their journey to freedom from debt has inspired a lot of people to get down to business and get out of debt.
No matter what lies our culture tries to sell us, remember how God views debt. He said, "The borrower is the slave of the lender." (Proverbs 22:7, ESV) A lot of us can't truly experience freedom in Christ because we're a slave to Visa.
We have to learn to live on less. Our kids will have to learn to live on less. We have to have a heart of self-denial and self-control. Avoid impulse buys. Spend less so you can pay down your debt and get out of slavery.
Now, on to this Sunday…we're going to experience God's truth about giving. That's right, I'll be preaching the Word about GIVING. No apologies. No tiptoeing around the issue. No fear.
The Bible is very clear. God expects his people to give generously to the work of the church. If you want to go to a church that doesn't ask you to give, then go find one that doesn't preach the whole Bible. Let me know how that blesses your life.
But if you're ready to experience a God-directed, Spirit-driven Word about money, do not miss this Sunday at ACC!
Man, I am FIRED UP! Tell the hostess to seat me in the smoking section!
