Why do some believers think that tithing/giving is not for them?

The word tithing sends some believers into convulsions.  The subject has always been questioned, complained about, viewed as only an Old Testament principle, and disregarded by many believers.  The truth is the church doesn’t have a financial problem it has an obedience problem.  Because if every professing believer gave according to scripture, whether you are an Old Testament tither or a New Testament cheerful giver, there would be more than enough that the church would ever need to invest in ministry to see the Gospel released on a world in need of truth, grace, and mercy.

Maybe this all goes back to the beginning of one’s faith. Did they understand the true meaning of repentance?  Did they really grasp Lordship and ownership?  Have they truly been baptized into His death and raised to walk in “newness of life”?  It would seem to reflect that if the answer to these questions is YES, then giving is a mute issue.  If I truly believe that it is all about Him, His Gospel, His plan, His will, or His purpose … then giving the tithe is a simple yes.  It would seem that true believer’s love to give as the scripture indicates, cheerfully giving out of abundance of love for their Savior and to see His kingdom advance through giving.  But, sad to say, it seems that many stumble around this truth.  Some even pitch in a little here and there and feel as though they have made a big difference for the Gospel.  How does a believer making a good salary come to the Lord’s Day and put in a dollar when the offering plate comes by and feels as if they have truly done their part or have been obedient? That’s a great question.  I don’t know how they can do this.

Perhaps the pulpit needs to do a better job of expounding on God’s Word when it comes to giving. But we all know that that breeds, “Every time I come to church all they do is talk about money”.  We know that is not true but that statement is common when the pulpit teaches on this subject.  Of course we know that when you throw a rock into a pack of dogs the one that yelps just got hit … so it should not surprise us that people will be people and everyone is on a different place in the journey.

Where are you when it comes to giving? Is Jesus Christ truly your Lord?  If so, giving is just as important to you as praying, sharing, learning, singing, or any other spiritual practices that will enhance your relationship with Christ.  Let this blog be an encouragement to you to trust God.  If you have trusted Him with your eternity … then don’t you think you can trust Him with your finances?  God makes you a great promise in Philippians 4:19 … “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Follow Him, trust Him, and give cheerfully to His church the storehouse so that the people of God can push back the darkness together.

What Does a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ Look Like Today?

I’m not sure I can give you photo of this person since all believers are on a continued process of sanctification but there are certain characteristics that can be considered and used to evaluate our spiritual journey.  Consider these characteristics with your life and see how you might measure up.

Communion with God …. having a passion for God that draws me to Him and motivates me to live for Him.  A Fully Devoted Follower of Christ (know as FDFOC from this point forward) does not settle for church attendance to measure their heart for Christ but looks completely at the value of Communion with God in everyday living.  A FDFOC refuses to go with the mainstream of today’s faith that seems to depend more on traditional church attendance to display loyalty and commitment.  In other words, if I get up and come to a church say twice a month just to check that box, then I am a “Christian” and I’m ok with that … but his/her daily radical commitment to the things of God really don’t play into life’s journey.  FDFOC’s don’t settle for that kind of faith … if you can call that Biblical Faith at all.

Competent in the Word …. informed and transformed by the Word of God.  Because their communion is so real their commitment to the authority of God’s Word in their life is equal to that belief.  FDFOC’s love God’s Word and look for practical ways to put it to use in everyday living.  The precepts of scripture are not just to be considered but they are to be applied.  Faith takes action upon what God’s Word teaches.  They not only read, study, and memorize the Word but they also weave those truths into conversations allowing it to do only what God’s Word can do — Change Lives.

Consistent in My Walk …. consistently living out my faith in every area of my life (consistent obedience).  The greatest deterrence to the power of the Gospel is not the world and its sin but it is the “believer” who’s live is inconsistent with truth.  In John 17, Jesus prays that believers would be ONE as He and the Father were ONE, so that the world might see their love and believe the Father had sent Him. (John 13:34-35)  A FDFOC connects with the Love of Christ in a personal way every day so that the world might get a glimpse of real faith.

Connected to the Body …. some deep transparent relationships, plus a genuine commitment to the body of Christ.  FDFOC’s understand the calling of every believer to be connected to the family of faith.  When the family gathers together there is strength, comfort, accountability, love, and the fullness of Christ.  Believers are to be in one faith, one Lord, one baptism, and one body of believers.  Those who say that don’t need the church have walked away from scriptural authority.  They have developed their own belief system that is contrary to God’s plan.  Christ is the head of the body … we are connected together in faith.

Commissioned for Ministry…. regularly using talents and spiritual gifts in the power of the Spirit to serve the body of Christ.  Every FDFOC knows that God has given them spiritual gift(s) not to hoard but to share.  The purpose of the gift is so that others in the body can see how that gift is used for the advancement of the Gospel and how they can immulate that in their life.  God grants these gifts as He so sees fit.  The gift is a supernatural enablement that allows the FDFOC to make a difference for His Kingdom.  So, when true believers refuse to serve and/or use their spiritual gift they are doing so outside of God’s Will.  Jesus said Himself that He did not come to be served but to serve.  If that is the heart of our Saviour, then for sure it should be at the very center of every FDFOC.

Committed to the Lost…. a lifestyle that makes both personal and corporate evangelism a high priority.  Jesus finishes His call to service with the truth that He came to give His life as a ransom for the lost.  He came to serve and give His life so that He who knew no sin might become sin so that we might become the righteousness of Christ.  WOW!  FDFOC have a passion that goes deep for those who are far from God.  They long to partner with the Holy Spirit in pushing back the darkness.  Sharing their love for Christ is not an option but it is a way of life.  They realize that the greatest position to be in on this planet is the position of advancing His Kingdom.  It is a priority!

These characteristics cannot be manufactured on our own strength, abilities, or education.  They are given in a daily filling of the Holy Spirit as we yield our lives completely to Him every morning.  FDFOC depend on His work, His word, His strength, His ability, His knowledge … because it’s ALL ABOUT HIM!

How can you pray unselfishly … when God says “ask and you shall receive”?

Our Lord had mentioned prayer many times in His ministry, and He had set the example for prayer in His own life. He was indeed a man of prayer.  In His Upper Room message, Jesus emphasized prayer (see John 14:12–14; 15:7, 16; 16:23–26).  He made it clear that believing prayer is one of the secrets of a fruitful Christian life.  So as believers are conformed into the image of Christ then prayer must be a vital part of that transformation.  But how do we deal personally with this “ask and you shall receive”?

In asking this question we must also remember other scripture that gives direction to us as we pray.  For example:  John 16:23 “… whatever you ask of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” The words “in my name” are very important.  In verses 26-28 Christ clarifies what He meant by praying in His name. He did not mean asking Him to ask the Father, as if the Father was indifferent to believers, but not to His Son. On the contrary, the Father loves Christ’s own.  In fact, the Father sent the Son to redeem them and then return.  Asking in Jesus’ name means simply asking on the basis of His merit, His righteousness, and for whatever would honor and glorify Him so as to build His kingdom. So when you pray you are filtering your request according to what will glorify Christ … build His Kingdom … honor the Lord.  If your prayer will comply with those kinds of results then pray on.  That kind of prayer would never be considered selfish or self-centered.  That kind of prayer would be Christ-centered and unselfish.

But we should also consider that the words in My name are not a magical formula which enable the user to get his will done; instead those words tied the requests to the work of the Son in doing the Father’s will.  Up to this point the disciples had not prayed in the name of Jesus. Now they are to do this since Jesus’ death and the Spirit’s coming would enable them to enter into God’s new program of the Church Age. Therefore, answered prayers bring complete joy because God is at work in them.

So how do we pray unselfishly … in His name … allowing our hearts to be in tune with His heart.  Desiring our prayers and requests on behalf of others and ourselves to be clothed in His righteousness and therefore the answer to the prayer brings glory to one person and one person alone – Christ! Consider your prayers to be that which would be in agreement with Christ if He was sitting beside you – because He is.  Let your prayers flow through His heart filter before you utter a sound.  Pray believing and pray agreeing with the Father that the result of this prayer will do only that which glorifies Christ and His Kingdom. Then you can leave your prayer closet with a clean conscious and know your Father is pleased and will answer according to His sovereign will.

(portions of this blog was gathered from Dr. John MacArthur Study Bible, New Testament Commentary, and the Bible Knowledge commentary)

Mark marks the Spiritual Spot … a lesson in servant-hood and sacrifice

It had been a great week in Crown Point, Indiana taking care of our grandson, Hudson but it was time to head on back to Nashville in time to rest a few hours before Sunday’s responsibilities.  So, Julie and I headed back to Nashville on Saturday around 3 PM.  Expecting to arrive home around 9 PM and have time enough to prepare for the Sabbath.

But, God had another plan and a huge reminder for us both.  About 2 hours down the road just north of Indianapolis our car broke down.  Traveling South on I-65 just cruising along all of the sudden the motor just quits.  I immediately put the car in neutral and made several attempt to crank up the engine to no avail.  Coasting now, slower and slower I headed towards the next exit praying that we could make it off of the interstate and its dangers.  Coasting up the exit ramp (uphill) our car just made it to the top … without another turn of the wheel left … caught a downhill turn to the right and coasted all the way to a truck stop at that exit.  WOW … what a miracle to go that far and be at a place where we could get some help.  Nothing is worse than being on the side of the road and not knowing where you are or how to get help.

Anyway, working through a number of scenarios I called Dustin (our son who lives in Crown Point) and let him know what had happened.  He tells his choir about our situation (they have a Saturday night service) and the piano player tells her husband – Mark.  Mark finds Dustin and tells him he’d be glad to drive down to Indy and pick up our car, bring it back to Crown Point to repair it and leave us his Suburban so that we could get back to Nashville so I could be in the pulpit Sunday morning.  After much debate, Julie and I agreed on Mark’s offer … little did he know of the events to follow on this night.

Two hours later Mark and Stephen pull up to the truck stop where we were waiting and proceeded to load up the mustang. He told us to take the suburban on to Nashville.  Off we went.  Traveling to Nashville we got about 3 hours down the road and what happened…. just South of Louisville the suburban broke down.  It’s about midnight and we are on the side of the interstate (I-65) completely baffled at our circumstances.  Not only has our car broken down but now a car we borrowed broke down as well. Ok, what are the odds of this happening?  We later found out that both cars needed a fuel pump … so now we have two cars within hours of each other breaking down with the same problem.  What are the odds of that?

Sitting on the side of the interstate I called Mark.  Mark, you won’t believe what has happened … the suburban has broken down … no really it has … Mark’s immediate response was — I’M COMING! What, no way.  We can get the car towed to a safe place and get a hotel room and talk about what to do tomorrow.  Mark said, no I’M COMING! Without any hesitation, it was settled.  Now remember he has just arrived back to Crown Point.  He has driven 2 hours to pick up our car … driven 2 hours back to Crown Point … and now is immediately coming to us 3 hours away.  Mark said I’M COMING … he told me to get a place to stay and he’d fix the car over night and have it ready for us to drive home on Sunday morning.

The next morning I get up and Mark is calling me.  It’s 8 AM.  He has picked up two friends, driven to Louisville, KY, found where the suburban is located, towed it to a Dollar General parking lot and replaced the alternator, battery, and the fuel pump in the parking lot and has it ready for me to pick up. Amazing!  While I was sleeping at a friend’s home he was traveling, fixing, working, and now ready to drive back 3 hours just in time to pick up a group of students at church and drive them to camp!  What … yes it’s true.  When Mark got back to Crown Point he immediately left with a bus load of students to take them to camp.

As I reflected over this event it continues to amaze me, concerning the servant heart and sacrificial lifestyle of Mark.  He does not even know me. We’ve only met very briefly a year ago when I had the joy of preaching in his church.  He knew my son, Dustin.  Dustin is the worship director at Mark’s church … Bethel Church.  Because Mark knew the son he dropped everything to come along side the father.

Is there a spiritual correlation? I began to think.  Because I know the SON I should have the same kind of servant spirit to come along side the Father to see how I might help. Honestly if I’d been Mark … I probably would have tried to think of another way to help.  Ok, help once but now at midnight … help again?  Without hesitation Mark did … would I? Conviction came over me for sure.

BOTTOM LINE: Father I need to have more of a servant spirit like Mark.  Because I know the Son I should be willing in a moments notice to drop what I’m doing to be apart of what the Father needs!

Thank you Mark for reminding this Pastor that Biblical maturity shows up in servant-hood and sacrifice.

What suggestions would you have on how to encourage others in their personal life?

God has given every Christian an enormous privilege and gift:  the power to speak his life-changing word into the lives of other people. There’s no reason at all for there to be ‘passengers‘ in a church:  every Christian can change the lives of those around them through knowing and telling the message of God’s grace, whether in front on a group, in a hand-written note, in a one-to-one conversation over morning coffee, or in a thousand other ways.  Every Christian can be a channel of encouragement.

But for some this is a great challenge.  Some people just have the natural tendency to walk into a room and notice everything that needs to be changed or alter in some way in order for it to improve.  They see the world from an “I can fix it” mentality.  Therefore, their suggestions or corrections to them seem to be encouraging but if they are not careful their input can bring more of a dark cloud than an encouraging word.

Whether encouragement comes to you more naturally or you need to work on it … it is an area that every believer should desire to improve.  We live in such a discouraging world.  The people of God should be those who look to offer encouragement, love, and grace in all walks of life.

How can I be a better encourager?

1.  Watch those around you whom you see as a good encourager.  What do they say?  How do they say it?  Make a mental mark to attach their encouraging methods to your life.

2.  Pray that the Lord work on your heart to the place that encouragement becomes more natural to you as a supernatural work of His Spirit reining in your life.

3.  Ask some of your closest friends to watch you …. and remind you when you words or actions may need some improvement.  Let them be fair and honest with you … but remember you ask them to do this.

Scripture that may assist you in becoming a better encourager:

2 Chronicles 30:22 – “And Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good skill in the service of the LORD.”

Acts 13:15b – ““Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”

Acts 15:31-32 – “And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.”

Romans 1:11-12 – “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Daniel Webster left his country home and went to Boston to study law. He entered, without invitation, the office of Christopher Gore, then head of the Massachusetts bar. There he was looked upon as an intruder, and nobody paid any attention to him. One day Rufus King saw the lonely, solitary student. He warmly shook his hand and said, “I know your father well. Be studious and you will win. If you need any assistance or advice, come to me.” Years later, after he had achieved greatness, Webster said: “I can still feel the warm pressure of that hand, and hear those challenging words of encouragement.”

Word and actions together are a powerful tool! May we join together in asking the Lord to allow our words and actions to speak encouragement to those around us everyday.  So many are hurting and in need.  Sometimes that gesture, look, word, or actions will be all they need to experience Life-Change through Jesus Christ.

Do discover more about Hermitage Hills Baptist Church go to www.hhbconline.com or check out our latest Heartbeat Newsletter at:  http://www.hhbconline.com/downloads/Newsletter071510.pdf

Dr. Poly Rouse

What does the Bible mean by: “be away from the body and at home with the Lord”?

2 Corinthians 5:8

“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (ESV)

Dr. John MacArthur in his book:  “The Glory of Heaven” says that this was not a morbid death-wish on Paul’s part. He was not saying he was fed up with living and eager to die. Rather, he was expressing his confidence that earthly existence is not the end of life at all for the Christian. Death immediately ushers the believer into a fuller, higher realm of more abundant life—in the very presence of the Lord.  If you are a Christian, trusting Christ alone for your salvation, Scripture promises that the moment you leave this life you go to heaven. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. To depart this life is to be “with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (v. 21).

A number of speculative views have been proposed to attempt to answer this question. With regard to the state of Old Testament believers, for example, some teach that in the Old Testament, Hades (the realm of the dead) was divided into two sections—one for the wicked and one for the righteous. They suggest that Old Testament saints who died went to the realm called “Abraham’s bosom” (cf. Luke 16:22–23)—a sort of holding tank for the righteous. According to this theory, these believers were not brought into heaven until Christ conquered death in His resurrection.

Most of that is sheer conjecture with little, if any, real biblical support. Wilbur Smith writes, “However abundant the Scriptural data might be regarding the resurrection of believers and their life in heaven, the state of the soul between death and resurrection is rarely referred to in the Bible.” Scripture simply does not give much information about the intermediate state. But what we do know from Scripture is enough to debunk wrong theories.

Everything Scripture says about the death of believers indicates that they are immediately ushered consciously into the Lord’s presence. In the words of the Westminster Confession of Faith, “The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption; but their souls, (which neither die nor sleep,) having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them. The souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies” (32.1).

To read more about this topic I would encourage you to get the book by Dr. MacArthur:

MacArthur, J. (1996). The glory of heaven: The truth about heaven, angels, and eternal life (71). Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books.

Go to: http://www.amazon.com/Glory-Heaven-Truth-Angels-Eternal/dp/1581340346 to order your personal copy.

iShare Testimonies give God the Glory

The church gathered this past Wednesday night for business and 1st Wed/1st Priority … a night of decisions, reports, and prayer.  We continue to see God’s hand in the life of our fellowship and for that we are grateful and careful.  Grateful to be so blessed and CAREFUL not to take that for granted.  In these difficult days with so many out of jobs and so many concerns about our countries direction and decisions, God is still in control.  We can trust Him … if God is for us then who can be against us?

We took a step towards land purchase for the Mt. Juliet campus.  It is a step of faith.  It is a step of trust.  It is a step that takes great courage.  A letter of understanding for a piece of property is being drafted as I write this week’s blog.  This letter does not commit the church to anything but allow the owners to know of our intentions and to see if there is some common ground financially before making any serious financial commitment that will be needed, such as; soil testing and other due diligence that need to take place before purchasing property.

Some say why would we consider making such a purchase in times like these?  Great question.  Let us agree together that the timing is in God’s hands.  The multi-site ministry team has been prayerfully seeking God’s hand in every step.  As a family we charged them with the responsibility to take the next steps of land purchase.  They are doing what we’ve asked them to do and we must trust God to lead them and us as far as the timing of this purchase.  Let us also remember that in times like we’re experiencing there is no better time to purchase land.  For years land in Wilson County has been increasing at dramatic rates and presently prices have been dropping …. no better time to purchase than now.

So, let’s continue to pray, seek God’s hand, trust in His timing, and continue to press on in Jesus name.  Should we be wise … absolutely.  Should we be careful … absolutely.  Should we dot every i and cross every t … absolutely.  But in doing so may we never remove, ignore, or step away from FAITH.  Because with the faith of a mustard seed God can move mountains.

A great thanks goes out to many who shared personal stories about iShare last night.  To hear your words that were connected with such tenderness and compassion moved our hearts.  As you shared about getting out of your comfort zone … comfortable pews … comfortable lifestyles … and intentionally become more MISSIONAL with your life it is a thrill for me as your  pastor and for us as a church.  You can make a difference at work – iShare.  You can make a difference in your community – iShare.  You can make a difference in people’s lives – iShare.  Keep loving … keep sharing … keep trusting … keep telling Your Story!

What Do We Pray for? … if God is Sovereign

Sunday we affirmed the Biblical truth that God is sovereign and He has the ability to fulfill His  plans,  purpose, and will but that does not mean He does not change His mind .  As with Moses who pleaded on behalf of the people.  God had every intention of dealing harshly with their disobedience – rightfully so – but because of Moses ’  intercession God changed  His mind.  In doing so ,  He never changed His plan, purpose or will but only change the path in which it was going to come about.  Therefore, the question Why Do We Pray? … if God is Sovereign is the WRONG question … instead it should be because God is Sovereign … why would be Not pray?

Prayer puts us in the place to join God in His activity. To know Him and His plan is a huge part of prayer.  So as I pray I seek … as I seek I discover … as I discover I understand … as I understand then I can join in on God’s work.  God does not submit to my prayers but my prayers submit to God.  So praying to a sovereign God is not a waste of time but put me in the right place with the right heart so I might do that which is pleasing to my Creator.

This Sunday we will discover together 12 areas to consider to pray about.  If you do a word search in the New Testament for the phrase “pray for” you will find 12 specific areas that the scripture gives.  These 12 areas are very practical and personal.  These 12 areas are very specific and genuine.  These 12 areas are the foundation of powerful New Testament praying.

Be in worship this week at the Hermitage Campus as all 3 campuses join together for One Great Day of Discovery.  Discovery in God’s Word on What to Pray for and discovery in taking the journey through 30 different mission booths in the hallways outside the worship center that will challenge you to consider taking your faith to the streets.  Letting your prayers move from your heart to the community and beyond.  Do not just DO church, BE the church.  Be His hands and His feet.

Month of Missions … PRAYING … GIVING … GOING! How will these three words find themselves in your everyday missional life?  Allow Jesus to take you to a new place of spiritual maturity where your relationship is so real and life-changing that it compels you to take your  faith into every aspect of your daily life.  Yes, take it to work .. school … the playground … the grocery store … etc.

So, come this Lord’s Day anticipating an experience with Jesus as we answer the question in scripture:  What Do We Pray For … if God is Sovereign?

iShare – Missional Living becoming a Lifestyle and not a Phrase

This coming Lord’s Day will tell much about our heart towards Missional Living.  We have been searching the scriptures and discovering God’s heart towards His people making a difference.  Prayerfully you have been inviting and building relationships with people who you desire to see come to Christ this Sunday.  Keep praying.  Keep inviting.  Keep trusting.  Keep relying of God to do only what He can do.  Some plant … some water … BUT God gives the growth.

This Sunday will not be for believers. The whole worship experience on all three campuses will be designed to accomplish one thing … present a clear and compelling presentation of the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are going to take a journey down the Roman Road (all verses come from the book of Romans).  It will be a ministry to believers but more than that, it will be an opportunity for the church to BE the church to someone they love or care for … a classmate … a co-worker … a family member … a wife … a husband … a neighbor … a _(you fill in the blank)_. The point is this: What if every believer committed this weekend to investing in someone who needs to hear the Gospel? I believe the results and harvest could be great and the angels will rejoice with you when one sinner repents.

So, you have Friday and Saturday to finalize your plans for Sunday. Usually if you will go the extra mile by not only inviting but asking the individual(s) to have lunch or brunch with you, many times that will be the path to openness.  I love meeting with people after worship. So have lunch and share about life, ministry, and God’s grace.  I know you’ll love this as well.  Go the extra mile today and invite someone to spend some quality time with you … invest … lay up treasures in heaven this weekend.

iShare – Missional Living makes an Impact with a Simple Invite

Getting the Monster Out of the Closet has been jogging our memories.  Impacting a life for Christ is nothing to fear but has every reason to bring joy and excitement into our lives.  In the movie Monsters, Inc. we discover that there is great power in laughter and joy that can  never be found in fear.   The “ we scare because we care” theme becomes the downfall of monster-land.  If only they could have known about the power of laughter and joy sooner. All their work and labor to bring fear into the world was of no avail.  Boo teaches them to allow joy to be their source of power.

Jesus is Joy. Can we allow Him to impact our lives so that we begin to see the power of sharing create great joy in our lives?   In fact, a simple invite can make all the difference in the world for someone seeking or searching for love, acceptance, and most of all to be completed.  Only Christ can do that for a person.

In fact a simple invite can completely change a person’s perspective of Christ and His church.  Read the email I received this week from a person that has been changed by the joy, laughter, and care of a friend who simply said “hey come be with me this Sunday.”

“I met Kristen Triplett in a bowling league last year.  We began getting to know one another, and in a short time became best friends.  We discussed everything as best friends do, except religion.  While talking one day, Kristen asked if I attended church anywhere. I replied, no.  She then explained how she was a member of Hermitage Hills and asked if I would join her Sunday morning for service.  I wanted so much to say no, but looking into her eyes and seeing how passionately she spoke of Hermitage Hills I said yes.  We met here Sunday morning and she said she would meet me in the balcony after performing.  When I entered the balcony I was overwhelmed and nervous, having not attended church in a very long time.  I chose a seat all the way in the back hoping no one would notice me.  It was a lot to take in for the first time, but I was willing.  After service she asked me what I thought and if I would come back next week.  I have been attending now on a regular basis and have come to love being here. Every week guests are asked to fill out some information.  I have been reluctant to do so until now.  Last week all the men were asked to join the pastor down front in prayer.  As I walked toward the front I began feeling nervous, then I bowed my head and closed my eyes and I felt a hand lay upon my shoulder as if to say it’s ok I am right here beside you.  I now know where my family and I belong. Thank God and Hermitage Hills for members like Kristen without her I would not be here.  Thank you Kristen for simply asking. I am blessed to have such a remarkable person in my life.”

So, this week … maybe even today – look around and see who can you impact or invest some time to say “Hey, I don’t know what you’re doing this weekend – but I’d love to have you be my friend this Sunday at my church”.  You never know what might happen … but I promise it won’t be scary or fearful … it will be joyful and exciting.  Just Invite !

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