Why Plant Churches

I have been actively involved in a Church Plant movement in Western Carolina. We were thrilled this morning to have one man, recently placed at Western Carolina speak to our men. Darryl, the Church Planter, stirred our hearts as he shared his passion and vision for planting a church at the university setting. Some might ask, and do ask, why more churches? Are we inundated with Churches at every corner? Did you know most people who come to Jesus do so through a new church? Another reason to plant Churches is that it is the best way to reach new demographics with the gospel. It is our biblical responsibility to plant churches. What excites me is that this new plant is being planted by another church we started two years ago. This makes what is happening at Western Carolina our grandchild church.

Getting Alone with Jesus!

The following Prayer by William Runyan is one I will often read in preparation for my devotions;

Lord, I have shut the door
Speak now the Word
Which in the din and throng
Could not be heard

Hush now my inner heart
Whisper your will
While I have come apart
While all is still

Lord I have shut the door
Here do I bow
Speak for my soul attend
Turns to you now
Rebuke what is vain
Counsel my soul
Your Holy Will reveal
Your will control

HAVE YOU HAD TIME ALONE WITH JESUS TODAY?

The Cross

We sang about the Wondrous Cross on Sunday. The song is warm, emotional and effective in bringing to mind the deep love of God expressed through the sacrifice of His Son. I reflected in my prayer time this morning how every time I sin I am drawn more to the cross. The more I sin the more I am drawn to what Jesus did on the cross and the more I am drawn to the cross the less I desire to sin. This brings an ugly side of the cross. The cross is not so wondrous when we consider what it represents. The Cross is a symbol of death, anguish and punishment. When I sin the Holy Spirit draws me to the horror of the Cross, to show me what Jesus endured there. He takes me there not to shame me, but to draw me deeper into the well of his mercy. The Cross, its horror, the agony Jesus endured there, gives me hope. Causes me to break free from sin. If Jesus did all that for me, why do I persist in rebellion against Him. Yes, I guess it is Wondrous!