This morning was beyond-compare. Yes, we remembered Christ’s sacrifice through Communion, but more so we marveled that we are changed people, no longer condemned by our sin.
Some “sleepy-Christians” woke up today, like God roused them with an earthquake of truth and audacity. “Get up!” He said. “Jesus broke and died so you’d be alive and empowered, so you’d think, feel and act transformed, not for you to walk around and decay in old sin-cycles and guilt.”
One guy said he had been living his days condemned and unchanged for the last few years. He didn’t even know why he came this morning. Not only did he drag himself to church, but he persuaded his out-of-town friend to come with him. Both fought the urge, because they had partied the entire weekend, but came anyway. Both went forward and grieved for their wasted lives and took the Body and Blood of Christ as new creations.
Another guy came down front to pray and surrender his life to Jesus Christ. Today was his first time at Brentwood, and his first time in church since he was eight-years-old. Right then and there, I got to serve him and his wife their first communion as Christ-followers.
Finally, a young guy walked straight up to me during the last song. “Pray with me,” he said. “I keep telling myself I can’t change the way I am. Now, I know only Jesus can.” Afterwards, he ate the bread and drank the wine like never before. I grabbed his shoulder before he walked away and I told him to live free now. He agreed with me and departed with his head lifted again. That’s freedom.
Brentwood, that’s what happens when we elevate the Gospel and then get out of the way to let the Holy Spirit rock our world.
Let’s go!!!
Brian
27th Sep, 09
Beautiful. Thanks Jon.
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27th Sep, 09
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atCindy Hubbard
27th Sep, 09
There is never a Sunday that I do not hear God speaking to us through you, the band, and the associate pastors. On the way home my husband and I were discussing the impact of today’s sermon. It was extraordinary! Thank you so much!
atbrian miller
28th Sep, 09
thank you for yesterday friend. sometimes life can be a little overwelming and try as we might to fight it, we only mire deeper into the quicksand. thanks for being there as i pulled out of it. much love bro.
at