The inspiring thoughts and life lessons of Carlyle Hall, Pastor of GracePointe Church in Zebulon, NC
“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!
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:
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.
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
This morning in my “alone time” with God, I began reading the epistle of 1 Peter. Immediately my attention was captured by the fact that these words were originally written to the Jewish people who are suffering tremendously in foreign places. They have been driven from their homeland and now they are told that the trials they now endure are “proving the authenticity (genuineness) of your (their) faith.”
How are Christian believers to live when life makes no sense? How do we respond to trials in our life?
Read these words from 1 Peter chapter 1.
“13So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
God would have us (those who live by faith not by sight) to think before we act and restrain ourselves from reacting as is “normal” for everyone else in this sin-infested world. Too often I believe we do not think about the fact that God allows trials in our life to build our character and make us more like Jesus. I also wonder if Christians are not enduring trials, does it mean we are already servants of the world and its pleasures.
The passage (above) teaches God’s people to live in obedience to God. We are not in this world to always get what we want out of life. Now I know there are some who will say, I don’t get everything I want, but are we more inclined to satisfy our selfish desires or obey God?
In his letter to the Ephesian people, the Apostle Paul reminds God’s people that they have been brought from death to life by the power of God. At one point our destination was eternal death and suffering, but now God has given us life! The Apostle Peter says, “don’t slip back into your old ways of living.”
George Barna surveys suggest very little difference between the pattern of living for a Christian versus a non-Christian. One problem is that too many “christians” have chosen to accept God on their own accord and they have not allowed Him to do a transforming work in their life. Remember the Scripture says, “You did not choose me, but I (God) chose you.”
So I am instructed and expected to live a holy life. Sufferings, trials, and persecution WILL come…if we are living in obedience to God. We cannot afford to pick and choose the areas of our life that we will be holy and live like we want in other areas. God’s word says “You must be holy in everything you do.”
Remember you are not here to please people, but to please God. This must become the first priority in our life. One day is coming when we will give an account to God and no one else. I encourage God’s people…do not run from trials and suffering because has a divine purpose for it in your life. He is purifying your faith just as fire refines gold. May those who see us everyday truly see Christ!
So….how are you living?
Living For Him!
Pastor Carlyle
I’ve been seeking and praying lately. No I don’t mean I have neglected to pray before now! I am traveling a new stretch of highway on this road with Jesus. I’ll bet you can look at your life and see different mile-markers along your way and realize that these mile-markers represent places and people that have significantly impacted who you are as a person and even who you are continuing to become.
Last evening I attended a revival service. I came away from this gathering realizing I was experiencing another mile-marker on this road with Jesus. Rather than comment on the worship experience, I want to share some questions which the Holy Spirit began to ask of me.
First, let me say I am listening for the “still small voice” of God and I am looking for the movement of the supernatural God who quite often is moving in unexpected ways.
H is for help. Am I helping people? Now help can come in many forms and a person can define help in several different ways, but I realize and accept that God defines help as doing all that I can to make certain that an individual or group experiences the living Jesus in their life. Helping someone means I am leading that person to grow and mature, not simply assisting the person so they can remain the same.
O is for opportunity. Now I could speak about offering opportunities to a person, but here opportunity is asking me: Do I seek and seize every opportunity to focus on others? Too often we witness others who are focused on self, even folks say they are thoughtful of others, but obviously it takes more than just saying I am others-focused. I must not wait for someone to speak to me; instead I should take the initiative and speak to them. I must seek opportunities to treat others the way I want to be treated, not treat the person the way they have treated me. And even more importantly, I must continue to seek and seize opportunities to do good even if the person has repeatedly mistreated me.
P is for prayer. Now the question from the Spirit is asking, “why are you not praying as you should?” I do pray and I pray often, but my prayers say a lot about me. I pray for myself and I pray for others. I pray for my family and I intercede on behalf of the church I lead. I pray for the lost, the lonely and depressed, the physically sick, the rejected, the hungry and homeless, and my list could go on and on. But am I praying as I should? I must pray for whomever and whatever in complete faith, not utter a few religious expressions so that I can say I have prayed. When I pray I am challenged to believe and not doubt. This is the difference between saying a prayer and offering a prayer of faith.
E is for encouragement. I have had many experiences of discouragement in 45 years. There have been events that have discouraged me and many people have done the same. But regardless of my experiences, there is a final question which is being asked of me. Am I an encouragement to others? Am I helping others to stand and be faithful no matter what they are experiencing? Do I speak words, preach sermons, and interact with people so that they are motivated to continue on the road of life? I cannot say, well no one is encouraging me. I can and must encourage by focusing on the good, not dwelling on the bad and I must practice this in word and action.
So I wonder? I wonder if the Holy Spirit is asking you the same questions. I wonder if you’ll take some time a reflect on this blog and really focus on listening to the Holy Spirit or will you just stay the same as you are.
Yes, there is a world around me that needs H.O.P.E and it begins with me.
As always I welcome your thoughts!!!
All My Best,
Carlyle
Jonah was a prophet of God in the Northern Kingdom of Israel from about 800 to 750 BC. This would have been known as the “golden years” for the nation of Israel. I previous years Syria had controlled Israel and had taken much of their land, but in 757 BC, the Assyrian Empire, came from the East and attacked the capital of Syria, Damascus, greatly weakening the country and allowing the king of Israel, King Jeroboam II to recapture all the territory Israel had previously lost.
Jonah unconditionally supported King Jeroboam and his nationalistic policies even though there were spiritual issues that called out for a prophetic voice like his. For example, having celebrated great success, the nation took the blessing of political success from God for granted and looked down on its neighbors with religious arrogance. Also, the king and the people continued to worship man-made golden calves instead of the one true God. Fellow prophets, Amos and Hosea, warned the Kingdom of Israel that God would no longer tolerate their unfaithfulness and would send them into exile. But Jonah remained silent on these issues. For Jonah loved his country more than he loved God.
So it must have seemed strange and somewhat ironic to those who knew Jonah that God should give to him the command that he did: “2 “Go to the great city Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” (Jonah 1:2) Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria and the Assyrians were much-feared enemies of Israel. The Assyrians loved to fight. But they were also dirty fighters. And they showed no mercy to their victims.
So when God called Jonah to go to Assyria, he did the exact opposite of what God called him to do. He ran away from God, boarded a ship going in the opposite direction as far as he could go. To put it in contemporary terms, it would be like telling an American army doctor to go to Afghanistan to bandage up the wounds of the Taliban fighters, and instead that doctor boards a cruise ship to the Caribbean.
But even though Jonah ran away from God, God still pursued him. And this was in spite of the fact that Jonah was now acting more like an atheist than a believer. While on the boat during the storm that came up, Jonah, the renowned prophet of God who had the king’s ear in Israel, showed no fear of God, offered no prayers to God, made no sacrifices to God and wanted to destroy himself. At the same time, the sailors, who were pagans, feared God, prayed to God, made sacrifices to God and wanted to preserve Jonah’s life.
In spite of Jonah’s faults, God still loved him with a relentless, passionate love. And so God continued to pursue Jonah. And as one peels away the layers of an onion, so God began to peel away the layers of misdirected love in Jonah’s life.
So I invite you to consider your life and the direction you are headed. Are you traveling the path that God has told you to take, or are you pursuing the destination you want?
Not only was God pursuing Jonah, He was also in pursuit of those in Nineveh who were in a state of rebellion. Think about God’s question as he speaks to Jonah. “Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?” (Jonah 4:9-11)
I am so grateful that God was pursuing me even when I did not know I was in need of His love. I look back over the years and see how God was working in my life so that I would finally trust in Him for everything!
Let’s suppose that God asks us this question, “You are so concerned about the little things in your lives. Shouldn’t I be concerned about the 6.8 billion people in the world who are broken and are hurting and who need my love?” And then following that is a second question, “Will you join with me,” he asks you, “Will you join with me in sharing my love with them? Will you be my hands and feet in this dark world?
How will you and I answer?
All My Best,
Pastor Carlyle
Ever asked yourself, What is my motivation? What is it that steers my life and where am I headed?
I think about a time in the life of a biblical character who eventually became a great king of Israel. David was a young boy tending the sheep in his dad’s pasture when he was summoned to come to the house. A prophet whose name was Samuel had come to their home that day to affirm and anoint God’s choice for the next king of the nation.
David was only invited to come when it was discovered that none of his siblings was to fill this leadership position. So the call for David went forth and when David appeared before Samuel, it was made known that David would become the next king of God’s people.
The family was baffled because it was not expected that the youngest child would be chosen, but Samuel said, “People look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).
Obviously there was and are principles that motivate God in His eternal plan and purpose. He (God) chose the most unlikely person to be His people’s earthly king. We know the decision of God at this time in history, but what lead to this conclusion?
Likewise, what are the principles that are at the core of my being that guide my thoughts and actions?
Let’s consider:
I welcome your thoughts and suggestions!
All My Best,
Pastor Carlyle