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As I sit here in my recliner – evaluating the day – a question has surfaced in my mind.  I am reading my Bible – and yes, to your amazement I know, I am reading about the greatest Revolutionary in the world as made known in the Gospel of Mark. 

Mark tells us about a Jesus who is not interested in those who see no need for a Savior, instead He launches His earthly ministry with a focus on “the least of these” better known as the man with leprosy, the demon-possessed man, a sick mother-n-law, and a paralyzed, bed-ridden man. 

In fact Jesus says, “I did not come to invite ‘good’ people, but sinners to repent (those who recognize their need to repent).”  (Mark 2:17, Expanded Bible)

Consider me an unchurched person, a sinner to the greatest degree (though there are no degrees of sin, all sin is sin in the sight of God).  Let’s imagine that I am not a person with a great pedigree, my mom is a prostitute and my biological father is unknown.  I receive government assistance in the form of subsidized housing, food stamps, and health care.  I have a police record and I dropped out of high school in the 11^th grade.  I have already fathered 3 children by 3 separate mothers.  I have seen church signs, I have even heard my grandmother in years past speak about church, but my knowledge of who Jesus is is almost non-existent.  

People around town know me…and they pretty much ignore me.  As I walk to the store, the post office, and the drug store, I see church buildings with tall spiraling structures (steeples) pointing towards the sky.  On Sunday, I see people making their way into the buildings.  These folks have some nice vehicles and nice clothes…but I feel so different and so ignored!

Now, I am not the person I have just described. But if I were this person, I wonder, would YOU tell me about Jesus?  You are the Christian who goes to church on a regular basis…you’re the Christian who has a Bible…you’re the Christian that was raised in a Christian home, with loving parents.  You’re the Christian who is financially secure, or at least not dependent upon government assistance.  Would YOU make it your priority to come and share the good news of Jesus with me…or would you just ignore me or hope someone else will do it.  Will YOU take the risk that I might die and be eternally separated from God?

Tonight as I read about and study the life of Jesus, I see a compassionate Savior involved in the lives of people, meeting real human needs!  He’s the SERVANT!  He doesn’t ignore people, He makes no excuses, and He certainly has a high level of interest in the folks who might otherwise be ignored. 

So just for a moment, if I am unchurched, biblically illiterate, financially poor, etc., will YOU take the time and get involved in my life so you can have the opportunity to share Jesus with me?

There are thousands of folks who fit this description throughout Zebulon and across this state (NC) and nation…  and I just wonder… will YOU…?

All My Best!

Pastor Carlyle

Being familiar with something can be good or is it?  If you have to walk around hour house during a power outage, being familiar with the layout of your home is very helpful.  When traveling away from home, it is helpful if you have some idea where you are going.  We even find it easier to spend time with those persons with whom we know the best.

Now familiarity can also be a hindrance to us.  In the church, I believe we have become so familiar and comfortable with biblical teachings and what we’ve always been taught that now we as congregations find it difficult to receive a fresh revelation concerning a biblical truth.

Since becoming a Christ-follower in 1986, I have heard sermons and Bible study lessons teaching on topics like forgiveness, sin, salvation, love, faith, heaven, judgment, witnessing, and the list goes on.  I a sense I might say these topics are very familiar.  But on this past Sunday, as I spoke, God caught my attention with a word that needs revival in our churches and in our communities.

This word is REPENTANCE.  If we read the Gospel of Mark chapter 1 and verse 4 from the “Expanded” Bible, we will discover these words:

“John the Baptist was baptizing people in the desert and preaching a baptism of changed hearts and lives (turning from sin, repentance) for the forgiveness of sins.”

We’ve been taught that God is a forgiving God.  Preachers and teachers tell us to ask for His forgiveness and we will receive it.  But really?

It’s interesting to me that the Gospel of Mark begins by telling us how both John the Baptist and Jesus are calling for repentance.  Thus it is evident that a familiar term has lost its exciting and hope-giving power.

God has given us the opportunity to recognize sin in our life and walk away from that sin.  When we follow His prescription we are forgiven, we gain freedom, and we can begin anew!  I believe too many Christians have sought God’s forgiveness but not renounced sin.  The watching world is watching and wondering about Christians who claim God’s forgiveness but whose lives go unchanged.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their sin, then I will hear their prayers, will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

It’s time for a REPENTANCE REVIVAL!  I encourage my readers to join with me in investigating our life, asking God to reveal any sin.  Then let’s seize the wonderful opportunity to renounce that sin, turn our backs on that sin, confess our wrongs to God, and trust that we are forgiven.  Then and only then will we experience forgiveness, and be seen by others as Christ-followers with “changed hearts and lives.”

Allow me to preface my comments by stating unequivocally that I am a Christian American.  I worship and serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, God Almighty, God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. 

I am American by birth, having been born in 1965 in the state of North Carolina.  My faith in God prefaces my loyalty to a nation.  When I pledge allegiance to the flags (American and Christian) I count it an honor and privilege to participate in both, but I do not pledge allegiance to our nation’s flag over and above the flag that represents my nationality.

It seems to me that many “Christians” are now promoting a patriotism that makes faith in God secondary to their national allegiance.  Excuse me, but the Bible clearly states that those who choose to worship God must worship Him and Him alone, for He is a jealous God.  We are to have no other gods before Him.  (Exodus 20: 3-4, 23)

I am grateful each day for the men and women of our armed forces who serve our country in places of grave danger, separated from their loved ones, and saddened by any attempts to dishonor their service.  They are a living example of what it means to sacrifice for another’s good. 

Today I believe Christians as a whole, place more faith and confidence in our military and money than we do our God.  Look no further than the main issue in this year’s presidential and gubernatorial elections.

Last evening as I watched the news I was struck by some statements made by particular news reporters.  The one that continues to alarm me said, “I don’t just want politics out of religion, I want religion out of politics.” The following paragraph is the First Amendment to the US Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

This is an evident and dangerous suggestion and is in direct opposition to religious protection and privilege as granted in our founding documents.  Government shall not intervene in the affairs of religion AND religious citizens make have a say in the affairs of government.  This defies the modern definition of “separation of church and state” as some would suggest we use.

Second and finally, the trusted news outlets are now using the phrase “evangelical Christians.”  Apparently there is an agenda (and it’s not a hidden agenda) in our nation to paint a “radical and dangerous” picture of anyone who is willing to publically express his or her faith in God and participate in the political process. 

So how can you be a Christian without being an evangelist?  The Bible exhorts God’s people to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12) and Jesus has instructed his followers to “Go, teach, and baptize.” (Matthew 28)  As Christians we should be thankful for the criticism we are now enduring!  We should glory in the fact that we are being called “evangelical” AND we should not shrink from telling others about God’s work through Jesus Christ and we should expect those we tell to make the choice to be a Christian disciple.

I strongly encourage my sisters and brothers of the Christian faith to stop living in “spiritual caves” where you live your faith in your own personal way, meanwhile ignoring the realities which are before us.  Today we are free, but I believe a freedom that is taken for granted is a freedom soon to be lost.  I have been among other people groups who live and share their faith very openly, but with the fear (past and present) of being arrested or worse. 

I leave my readers with two passages of Scripture.

John 3:16-18 (NIV), ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Colossians 1: 9-14 (NLT), ⁹ So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. ¹⁰ Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. ¹¹ We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, ¹² always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. ¹³ For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Let’s Go and Tell!

Pastor Carlyle

Not just a worship service!  Not a place or location!

Worship is not defined by where we worship rather it is defined by Who we worship and what transformation occurs in our life as a result of coming into the presence of a holy God with the people of God.

For the last two Sundays I have been promoting the truth that God has an agenda for my life and yours as well.  And believing God’s church is the people, it stands to reason that He has an eternal purpose for His church.  I believe God even has a unique plan and purpose for every local congregation.

As we study our Bibles we will discover 5 simple, yet amazing things about God’s agenda for us:

1)    God has created us to worship God alone!

2)    We exist (individually and as a church) to minister to the needs of others!

3)    We exist to communicate God’s word!

4)    We exist to “make disciples”!

5)    We exist to educate others!

This Sunday as we gather for worship I want to suggest that our goal for worship is change!  That’s correct.  We are coming together to give our attention to almighty God and to be transformed into a person more like Jesus as we worship.  I never again want anyone who worships with us at GracePointe Church to leave a worship service the same as they were when they entered.

As pastor I want worshippers to experience four things in a worship service.

1)    To understand, more fully, who God is!

2)    To have a renewed awareness of who we are in Christ!

3)    To understand our need for daily repentance because we still sin and God is still Holy!

4)    To make a conscious decision to act upon what we learn as a result of worship!

I want to lead us to become growing worshippers.  I want you to begin praying for our worship service this Sunday and pray for each other by name.  Worship will be awesome and I look forward to our time together.

Worshipping Him Alone!

Pastor Carlyle

For readers who do not attend our worship services, these weekly blog posts will be a follow-up of my message on the previous Sunday.  It will also be a preparation tool for the upcoming weekend’s message.  In the near future you will be able to listen to an audio recording of my sermons at www.gracepointezebulon.org.

Sunday’s message was the first of six messages entitled, “INTENTIONS: Understanding God’s Agenda.”  It is my prayer that GracePointe Church will become increasingly aware of God’s agenda (plan) for our personal life and Church.  In order for you and me to understand the intentions of our Lord, we will have to make certain choices and these choices will involve making adjustments in all aspects of our lives.

The question that I raised on Sunday was the big “What If?”  Recently, after watching a movie (What If) with my family I became overwhelmed by the question.  Sometimes in our life we become complacent especially in our faith, primarily because so many other things seem to be so much more important.  But that’s just the point!  Nothing is more important that our relationship with the One True God and His Church!  So I encourage you to join me in discovering al that God has planned for us.

On this Sunday, we shall look at the principle of Worship.  God has created us with the instinct of worship.  We know that human beings will worship something or someone.  We know that what is most important to us is evidence of what or who we worship.  We also know that God has an agenda for our worship.  Allow me to share an excerpt from a textbook I used in Divinity School (Survival or Revival by Carnegie Samuel Calian)…

“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)  Worship services are those special occasions for us to renew and review our basic commitment to the biblical God who is displeased with all rivals competing for our devotion.  We humans are natural worshippers; as a consequence, we always face the temptation of ‘falling in bed’ with gods unworthy of our lasting embrace.  When this happens we tend to be either to judgmental or too tolerant, while defending at the same time our freedom of curiosity as we sample one god after another from right to left and from left to right.  After all, don’t we belong to a generation of seekers, unwilling for the most part to make lasting commitments.”

Calian continues by pointing out that surveys inform us that 90% of the population “believes in God. Yet worship attendance continues to shrink.”

So in preparation for our worship on Sunday, please prayerfully consider the following:

1. What is your working definition of worship?
2. What are the most common barriers to worship?
3. Why is congregational worship important?
4. Consider this biblical passage:  “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, New Living Translation)

I look forward to “WORSHIPPING WITH EACH OF YOU ON SUNDAY!” 

Pastor Carlyle

Such powerful words that provoke a multitude of thoughts.

Tonight as I reflect upon the day, I hear the voice of God asking me this important question?  It’s a question that is asked by everyone at some time or another.  What if I had said this or that?  What if I had taken this route?  What will happen if I do so and so?  These questions arise in a workplace, in families and marriages, and in one’s relationship with God Himself.

Tonight my daughter invited me to watch a movie with her entitled, “What If?”  Very briefly it involves a man who made a decision about the direction of his life.  He chose the way of luxury, bounteous financial resources, women, and fame.  But God intervened and gave the man an unexpected opportunity to reevaluate his priorities and to answer the question, what if?  This movie character was given the opportunity to make the right decision some fifteen years later and he seized the moment.

So God said tonight and has been saying for a while, “Carlyle, what if you surrender everything and let me lead and direct your life?” 

In September 1980, I began to hear the voice of God speak in my life.  I did not know God as my Savior and Lord at that time, but God was making Himself known to me.  I have sacrificed many things to follow God’s call upon my life.  But no matter what I may consider as my sacrifice, it pales in comparison to the sacrifice of my Lord and Savior for me, so I have no room to boast!

I believe God has called my name and given me the ability to know His voice and respond.  I believe He has called me just as He did with Peter, Andrew, James, and John…”come follow me.”  His call is not to accept Him as Savior and continue to pursue my goals and agenda.  His call was to leave my past behind and receive a brand new future!

I do not have to understand His plans before I surrender?  He says if I want to please Him, I must walk and live by faith!  So tonight, I have made a decision!  I want more than anything to experience ALL that God has planned for my life.  And tonight I say to God,

“I surrender myself totally to your will.  I trust you completely with my time, my abilities, and my money.  I want to hear, understand, and obey your voice.  I want you to use me as you desire to reach the world for Christ, and I acknowledge the Great Commission’s mandate upon my life!

So my readers, what is your answer to the question?  What if you totally surrender your life (time, abilities, and money) to Christ?  Why not make the right decision while you still have time?

Raising the White Flag!

Pastor Carlyle

“What is a church?”  Now that seems like an easy question, the sort of question one might answer in a simple sentence or two.  “A church is a building in which Christians meet for worship,” is one possible answer.  “A church is a group of Christians who gather for religious purposes” is another.   A critic might says, “A church is a club for insiders and hypocrites.”  These quick answers don’t take us very far if we want to understand truly what a church ought to be.

I am sure that if you have been associated with a “church” in any manner, directly or indirectly, you have heard or made similar statements.  But what exactly is this thing we call church?  Is it misunderstood by the world and even among some of its members?

From a New Testament perspective, I suggest that our Lord began to form the church with the calling of Andrew, James, Peter and John.  He called them out and said, “come follow me.”  That exactly what church is all about!  The Greek uses the word “ecclesia” (church) meaning “the called-out ones.” 

Those who have responded to the invitation of Jesus Christ have become the call-out ones, and because of this calling, they have totally surrendered their life and accepted the plan of God for their life (even if the plan is not known at first).  These are the people of God and they form God’s church!

God’s church is not a building!  His people are not a religious people!  It’s not a “country club” for a few!  This body of called-out ones is comprised of sinners who are on a journey with God and are daily being transformed into a new creation.  These folks have a relationship with God and one another that is without comparison in our world. 

They are growing in their understanding, obedience, and love for God.  Their ultimate priority is bringing honor and praise to God.  They understand that every aspect of their life together is a testimony of God before others. 

The church family is unified by its faith in God.  She is a family where everyone stands equal in the sight of God.  She is known as “the body of Christ” and as a living body she understands that everyone must be an active participant in her work.  The members of God’s family invest their time to serve in the ministry efforts of the church.  Members of God’s family focus on understanding how God has equipped them to serve and the willingly use their God-given abilities to serve others.  They participate in the weekly gatherings of the church, they realize the importance of group Bible studies, and they seek opportunities to serve.  And finally, these called out ones understand their financial responsibility to the church.  They make a deliberate decision to support the church and its ministry efforts with weekly, generous, and cheerful offerings. 

God’s people are known by their love for each other.  Each member understands their responsibility to the family and their respect for each other.  These people are intent on growing trusting and authentic relationships within the family.  They love each other and they love those who are not yet part of the family. 

So much more can be said about the family of God!  His church in many ways is indescribable, but is able to bring real lasting change to this world when she understands who she is and why God has formed her!!!

The church is victorious in life no matter what she faces and she proclaims this great truth to the world without fear!

I want nothing less than for GracePointe Church to be this kind of church! 

So what do you think?  I’d really like to know!  Feel free to respond.

All My Best,

Pastor Carlyle

So in addition to my personal reflection about worship at GracePointe yesterday, I was invited to watch the movie FIREPROOF with my family last evening.  It is no coincidence that I responded to this invitation. 

This film is about a marriage that is in jeopardy!  In fact the movie traces a marriage that comes really close to ending in a divorce.  My favorite scene in the entire presentation is when Caleb (the son and husband) is having a conversation with his father.  The father, while listening to his son complain about his wife, says these powerful words to his son, “you can’t love her because you can’t give her what you don’t have.”

Having shared a message today in which I was given the opportunity to teach truth from John 15, I’d like to also share some principles that I believe are quite evident in the movie.  If we’ll be honest with ourselves, these truths can transform us!

1. Relationships are ALWAYS A two-way street.  Too often we are in a relationship because we are primarily focused on what we can get out it…or we ask, “what’s in this for me”?  This behavior can be evident in personal relationships and in our relationship with the church. 
2. We must do the right thing no matter what others say and do.  The Bible says, If we only love those who love us, what good is that?  For even the pagans do this!  If we are who we claim to be, then our responsibility is to love others just as Jesus loves us.  This means we are always concerned with what is best for the other person.  We cannot afford to respond in love only if we feel like it or only when it’s convenient.  Doing the right thing is God’s expectation at all times!
3. We have a responsibility to deal with the sin in our life and we have a responsibility to point out sin in each other because we love the person so much.  When we sin (and we all do) we should confess that sin and we must turn away from that sin (repentance).  If we are chasing after something or someone we should not be mistaken in thinking  that it’s alright to get whatever WE want and then apologize to God.
4. We cannot lead others to Christ until we have allowed Christ into us!  This is powerful because many “Christians” will quickly say, I am a Christian, but how many can say they are becoming like Jesus?  What should others see in our lives now that we are redeemed by the blood of Christ?  If we have truly experienced a saving relationship with Jesus there ought to be a transformation taking place…in other words there will be visible evidence of the change that is happening in us.
5. It not enough to be a “good person.”  The sufficient response is complete surrender, trust, and obedience to the teachings of Jesus. 
6. We must realize that our actions and thoughts not only affect our personal lives, they impact the lives of others even in ways we cannot fully comprehend as of yet.

I pray that you will reflect upon these truths and allow them to take root in your spirit!  Let us become a people who do not allow every scheme and lie of the devil to distract us in our walk with God. 

As always your feedback is welcomed!

All My Best,

Pastor Carlyle

The book of Ephesians states, “With all wisdom and understanding, he (God) made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.”  Here the Apostle Paul is saying God has a plan and purpose and He makes it known to us!

Peter had answered Jesus’ invitation which was “Come follow me.”  Peter had left the boat along with a few others and had literally stuck with Jesus 24 hours a day for almost 3 years.  Peter understood the purpose of Jesus to be a political messiah.  Now when Jesus is arrested and taken away to the authorities, Peter follows at a distance and when he is asked about his relationship with Jesus, he said “I don’t know Him.”  Obviously Peter realized his error and we discover that Peter returns to the boat.  Jesus meets Peter and the other disciples as they are trying to catch fish. 

They are on the Sea of Galilee fishing.  It’s a place of great familiarity and they no doubt are fishing where they believe the fish are located.  But the Bible says they fished all night and caught nothing.  Where are the fish?  Did the fish leave?  Did they forget how to fish? 

Suddenly Jesus says to them, “Throw your nets on the right side of the boat.”  What would have occurred if they had ignored the voice of the Lord?  Here we discover a powerful truth.  When these disciples, including Peter, obeyed the voice of the Lord and did just as He said they began catching fish.  An expert fisherman like Peter could catch nothing until he obeyed the instructions of Jesus.

And just moments later we find Jesus revealing the mystery of God’s will to Peter.  Jesus said to Peter, “Go feed my sheep.”

I want to suggest to my readers that the primary reason behind our disobedience is nothing less than fear!  Think about it!  When we do not trust God it’s because we are fearful of what will happen or where He might lead us.  We do not listen to the voice of God because we are afraid of what we might hear, or we already know what God will say, so we just ignore His voice.  It is kind of like looking at the phone’s caller ID and deciding not to answer.

When we are following God in obedience to His teachings, we will discover His purpose for our life.  Disobedience clouds our ability to see and hear from the Lord.

What may seem like such a small thing had profound implications for Peter’s life, his preaching in Acts, and the church’s growth.  Now today, the lessons are just as important and life-changing.  As you and I surrender our total life to God’s plan and purposes, let’s never forget that He is continually speaking and revealing to those who are prepared to listen and heed his instructions.

Yesterday marked the first gathering of GracePointe Church in the New Year! Since we had the opportunity to meet together, as we are taught in God’s word, I have been reflecting. If I may, I would like to share with my church family and with a much broader audience…the world. If you are part of another church family, I know this is still relevant.

Each day is a gift from our Creator. It should not be taken for granted or lived as though tomorrow will always come. Yesterday gives us an opportunity to learn, today grants to us the opportunity to grow, and tomorrow, by God’s grace gives us more opportunities.

I believe with all my being that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ever ask or imagine.” He is able and He is faithful…ALWAYS! We are given so many opportunities. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:

1. The opportunity to glorify God among all the people whom we meet each day.
2. The opportunity to obey God and experience the fullness of His power in our life and the working out of His wonderful purpose for us.
3. The opportunity to abide or stay with God.

If you were with us on the first day of 2012, you understand more fully the points above. If you did not enjoy that opportunity, I want you also to know that together as God’s people, we have an opportunity to be involved in a movement of God in this community and beyond! And furthermore, I believe it is for this purpose that God has called GracePointe Church into existence.
Will you take hold of the opportunity in 2012 to be involved and committed to a God movement like none you have ever read about or seen?

Will you surrender your life completely to the God who has made us, has given us life, sustains us, provides for all our needs, and works through us to tell (by word and deed) of His forgiveness, hope, love, and grace that is available to anyone who will believe.

Will you join with me to make GracePointe a people (NOT a place) who are known for making an ETERNAL difference in the life of thousands? Has God called you to join this endeavor… to plant a different kind of Christian church that is able to reach those who are not being reached, to reclaim those who have walked away from a vibrant relationship with God and His church, and to lead those who are lost to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior AND Lord?

In 2012, I am asking you to consider the cost of joining this cause! I am asking you for your sacrificial support in three areas of giving. I am not asking you to choose one and forget the other two…I am asking for your faithfulness in all three.

1. I am asking you for a commitment to give of your time. Your participation in this team effort is not only valued, it is essential to our growth and success. I am asking you to participate in worship services, Bible studies, outreach events, evangelism, etc. Each person on this team is like a link in a chain, and the chain is only as strong as the weakest link!
2. I am asking you to commit to using your abilities (your gifts and talents) to further advance God’s work through GracePointe. Whether you sing, pray, set-up chairs, operate sound equipment, greet guests as they arrive, invite others, assist with Children’s ministry, help plan outreach events, share your testimony with others, or serve someone a cup of coffee and a donut…you are a difference maker and you are needed!
3. I am also asking you to commit to supporting your church financially through your tithes and offerings. I want to see each person and or family making a decision to contribute on a “regular” basis. The church is no different than any other organization in this regard. It takes money to pay ministry costs and its God’s expectation that we contribute through our tithes and offerings to support the work of the church.

Once again, I emphasize this truth…We have opportunities and it is up to us what we do with these opportunities. My pray is that in 2012, GracePointe Church will be known by the multitudes as the church that is committed to God and His church, and is truly making an eternal difference in the lives of many!

Let’s do it GracePointe for the glory of the One Who is worthy!!! Let’s witness the immeasurable blessings of God for us and countless others who we have yet to meet!!!
All My Best,
Pastor Carlyle