Easter weekend tends to be one big blur in the life of a preacher.
For me, this year’s blur was even bigger than usual, in part because of the Thursday conclusion of Spring Breakthrough and in part because of the addition of a Saturday night Easter service (funny concept . . . celebrating the resurrection on the evening before it actually happened).
Anyway.
Here are the five most salient observations on a weekend where we pray God showed up in people’s lives:
5. Thursday night: Spring Breakthrough celebration with 90 teenagers and their families gathering in our Corner Campus to rememeber and reflect on a week of service. The highlight was a surprise guest appearance by Jamie Grace, a recording artist out of Atlanta who has a current hit called “Hold Me.” Our students were blown away. Here’s the song itself, which was of course her encore that night:
4. Friday all day: Interactive prayer chapel dwelling on the passion of Jesus. Our team did a terrific job designing the space. I believe the people of GSUMC are more comfortable on serve teams or in worship gatherings than they are taking part in contemplative prayer … we did not have the kind of response to the prayer chapel we hoped for.
3. Saturday evening. I had no idea what to expect. 10 people? 200? God was so good — so much bigger and better than my doubts — and over 300 showed up, thereby creating space for more people to come on Sunday morning.
2. Saturday and Sunday. I fought with the sermon all weekend. I knew I had some good stuff to say but had a hard time remembering when and where I was going to say it. I drew the message from Romans 4:25 – 5:10 where Paul’s logic is both complicated and complicating. Paul’s thinking hinges on the “how much more” refrain that repeats in both verses 9 & 10, so that was the heart of my sermon as well. If God can do the hard thing of making enemies into friends first, then how much more (meaning how much easier, bigger, bolder) can he do the second part of saving people by his life.
The one part of the message I never overlooked on any of the five times of delivering it was the beautiful comment by one of our teenagers. We put it up on the screen for all to see. Here it is:
When I say I am a Christian, I am not shouting ‘I am saved!’ I am whispering, ‘I was lost and that is why I chose this way.’
Doesn’t the bible say that a child shall lead them . . . ?
1. Sunday afternoon. If you didn’t cry with Bubba Watson winning the Masters, your heart is two sizes two small.
There are 3 comments
I guess my heart is about the right size. I am not a golfer, but I found a tear creeping down my cheek(And I didn’t even realize it!)
Number 5
Off the chart!
Big House Live Version
Number 4
Absolutely beautiful! I spent a few minutes just taking in the site before kneeling to pray. Do not look at it as a failure with a disappointing turn out. Look at more like the gospel of Luke in 15:7
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Someone may have just found there way to the Last Resort 😉
Number 3
Glad that I came Saturday!
…critique…
Candle light communion at the conclusion
…only a critique…
Number 2
I’m terrible at mathematics! My online schooling adventure led me to this very approach. Start with the numbers first and as Glenn Frey said as hell was about to freeze over; “It’s all down hill from here.”
You did a phenomenal job! Think about what the world would look like if we all extended that olive branch to at least three people. The crucifiction happend, The resurection happens!
Number 1
I was pulling for lefty just as I’ve done for the past several years. Once I saw Phil was not going to be there at the end, it was Bubba I found myself pulling for.
I held my emotion, even watching the footage of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. Once the cameras made their way to Butler Cabin, my heart filled and emotions spilled into tears, during Bubba’s green jacket presentation.
Following Matt’s example:
Number 4 – It is always tough when staff produces a quality opportunity and there is little response to it. I think contemplative prayer is something GSUMC folks can do well and would do more of if they can experience it first. Just announcing it as an event probably will not draw them in.
Number 3 – 300 on a pre-resurrection Easter Saturday is more than I would have predicted. Glad it took some pressure off Sunday.
Number 2 – we were at the 8:30 service Sunday am and I sensed you struggling with the message. I can’t remember the last time I had that impression so PTL it is rare (at least from our perspective – you may have a different perspective). The important thing is that it was solid content, Biblically-based and, judging by the response of those standing at the end, life changing.
Number 1 – what a great shot by Bubba. I hook the ball like that too when I play golf only when I do it it is from the fairway INTO the trees! So if Tiger doesn’t make it to Quail Hollow this year will the family be rooting for Bubba?