Sunday Night Download... (Two days late)

Here are a few thoughts from Sunday's worship experience...

• We concluded our Juicy Fruit series in the book of Galatians. I thoroughly enjoyed studying this book and remembering the importance of solid doctrine and the pure Gospel of Jesus! Paul is not playing and I love that...
  
• The energy level was incredible. It absolutely fires the leadership of this church up when you come ready and passionate about worshiping our great God!
• The new lights on the stage made all the difference. Here's a shout out to Clark Pro Media for coming in from Atlanta to fix the original light job. Thanks guys for standing by your work.
• I am absolutely blown away each and every week by the number of first time guests. The most popular way in which people are hearing about/coming to newhope is through friendships. Nothing grows God's Church more effectively than building authentic and redemptive relationships with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members and then inviting them to a kick'in church where children and students and adults are presented the Gospel! Way to go, newhope, and thanks be to God for sending laborers into the harvest field! (Matthew 9:38)
• Speaking of family members, my mother was in church with me this past Sunday. After hearing my testimony a few months ago, I know this shocks many of you. It is too complex to cover here but in short we have been rebuilding our relationship. Late Sunday night, I spent several hours talking to my mother one on one and God flung open the doors for me to lead her in a prayer of salvation. My mom actually bowed her heart and head and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of her life in our family room!!!! (I never use that many exclamation points but this warrants it :-)) I am in awe of God's goodness and grace. Actually, I have been somewhat speechless on earth as the angels are partying in heaven! (Luke 15)
• I really liked the song combination the Worship Arts Ministry did on Sunday after the message and during Holy Communion. "Cling to the Cross," coupled with "Amazing Grace" and the sacrament of Holy Communion created sacred space.
  
• Ed Seacrest is an outstanding camera operator. He is the roamer on stage and does a superb job on Sunday mornings. Well done and thanks for serving, Ed.
• Here's a shout out to the city of Durham for allowing us a second driveway. The second exit point seemed extremely functional and helpful and alleviating traffic jams and creating traffic flow.
• It never gets old seeing God's people come to faith in Jesus Christ! NEVER...
• I am already looking forward to Dependence Day at newhope this weekend and the Baptism Party on the Patio at 4 PM! Looks like we are going to have another huge group of believers getting baptized - that never gets old either!
• I'm also looking forward to the One Prayer series in July!
• The truth is, I'm looking forward to a lot of things!
  
• The best is yet to come - peace and much love...