One Year Gone...So Much More To Do

Yesterday was our one year anniversary of starting Life Church Franklin. Yesterday was a great celebration because we didn't focus all that much on ourselves as we did worshiping God for all he has done.
Believe me, in many ways I am so unqualified to pastor a church but it doesn't matter because God is my provider and source of direction. He is the one that continues to lead people at LC to invite friends and family to come hear the message of Jesus. He is the one who took us from 9 people 1 year ago to over 125 yesterday. He is the one who provided a larger building to facilitate more growth. He is the one who uses His word to challenge and equip believers to a deeper level of faith in Jesus.
It's all him.
I just have to say I am grateful to be a part of it all. I believe God has laid a vision upon myself and LC Franklin to do and reach people for Christ as never done before here in Franklin. Not for my glory or fame, but to bring God all glory and praise. He deserves it all.
Praise God for one year and praise God for what's to come.

Trueish - Week 1

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Why Life Groups?

This Sunday we will celebrate one year of Life Church Franklin. It is an amazing thing to look back on the last year and see what God has done. Going from 9 people the first Sunday to over 100 meeting every week is just incredible. I am humbled to even be a part of it and to be able to serve in this environment.
The last 2 nights I have been affirmed, I believe by God, that we are doing what He wants us to at Life Church. Of course, there is much more to do, but we are on the right course. Tuesday and Wednesday nights were 2 of the best Life Groups Laurel and I have ever been a part of. You can see the really bonds of true friendship, relationship and community being built.
The Acts 2 church is said to have everything in common. The lived, worked and played together. They laughed and cried together. They rejoiced and praised God together. They prayed and physically helped each other. It, I believe, is exactly as God intends the church (His church) to be. That's why we "do life together" through Life Groups.
I can't and won't back down on this one. This is an intricate, vital piece to building a community of Jesus loving, serve people who want and do include any and everyone.
That's why we do Life Groups.
Not in a Life Group? Visit Life Church Franklin and click on "connect".

What Can Keep Us Away?

This morning I got stuck on this couple of verses in Romans. Read this slowly...

38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (New International Version)

Take hope in this. If you know Christ in your heart and he is the center of your world than nothing can separate you from God's love. NOTHING! Walk with him. Stand firm and when Satan tries to tell you otherwise, be reminded and take hold of these verses. Nothing in this world can separate you from the love of Christ that is in your life.

I Love My Church - Week 2

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I Love My Church - Week 1

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Vision 2009

Wow. That's what yesterday was. It was a Wow moment. I just have to say that I am so incredibly encouraged by the people I have already talked to since Life Church yesterday.
Taking a few moment before we heard an amazing message from Steven Furtick, I wanted to cast vision for Life Church Franklin in '09. In speaking yesterday I encouraged us to to remember that all are welcome at Life Church. I mean that. I really do. I realize it's not easy. It's not our human nature. We like comfort. We like people like us. The reality is that Jesus accepted everyone, so why don't we?
This journey to meet and build relationships with the hurting and broken will not be easy. It's a risk, but it's also an adventure. It's an adventure that can be so rewarding and fulfilling. I repeat...It won't be easy. Be it's what I am compelled to do with the love and hope I have in Jesus. I hope you will find the heart and place to do the same.
I encouraged that many of you are beginning to see the call Jesus has for you to be a shining light of His grace and mercy. I am encouraged by the willingness of many of you to stretch yourselves to see God move in a mighty way in your life.
We are fasting for 21 days starting today. I would love to hear what some of you are doing for you fast so I can pray for you.
Remember...
LOVE GOD
LOVE PEOPLE
SERVE THE WORLD

Patrick

Fasting for 2009...Join us?

Join us as we corporately seek God and His will for our lives and Life Church Franklin in 2009.
We will fast for 21 days from Monday, January 5th through Sunday, January 25th.


How To Fast
How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast
The type of fast you go on is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.


Fasting Basics
The type of fast you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.

Types of fasts:

* Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).


* The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.


* Partial Fast A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.


* Other Fasting Options If for health reasons or to just ease into fasting, choose a specific food to give up. Consider giving up soft/sugar drinks, all sweets, bread, etc...


Scripture References for Fasting:
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12,
Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16,
Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

What will 2009 be for you?

2009 is here. 2008 is no longer. The past is the past. It's gone. It's sad...but really it's good. We can't live in yesterday. It's time to move on. The moment is here and "poof" it's gone.
What has happened at Life Church Franklin the last 11 months has been nothing short of amazing for me. Despite my shortcomings, God has done so much. We have seen people come back to God...other come to Him for the first times...marriages restored...people excited about serving others...very generous giving...and lots more.
As I looked back on 2008 I am so thankful, but I realize it's time to move on. Many people are hurting and broken. They need the loving gift of Jesus in their life. We have to bring it to them. Not the shove it down the throat and scare them from hell way, but build relationships with them and point them to Jesus. It's not us who saves them anyways. It's God. He is the one.
I hope and pray 2009 is another incredible year of building strong and more influential community here in Franklin that leads people to Christ. He is the whole reason we do what we do at Life Church.
Let's go do it and make Jesus famous!
Happy New year.
Patrick