What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “I’m All In or All or Nothing?”
Originally and still a poker metatphor, ‘all in’ has also come to mean a situation whose subject is unreservedly involved, without qualification. Fully committed. In this sense the term “all in” is almost the same as its denotative opposite, “all out,” as in all-out warfare.
When many people think of church membership, they may think that it just means their name is on a roll at a church. And in some churches it means you were baptized or dedicated at that church. But it’s actually much more than that.
It’s about an attitude, not an action.
In my new message series for 2016, I’m laying out the basic principles for what it means to be “ALL IN.”
All In
It’s Not About me…It’s All About Him
In Order to Go Up, I Must be Prayed Up.
As For Me and My House, It’s Settled.
Sit or Serve…It’s a Choice
Why waste your life when you can make something of your life? If you wait, life will probably pass you by. But if you go out and do the things you want to, take the risks you fear, you may just find that everything falls into place. Join us each Sunday in January at the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago at 8 AM or 10:30 AM. It’s a safe place to hear a dangerous message.
[shareable]It’s about an attitude, not an action.[/shareable]
Question: What would it take for you to be “All In” in 2016 Share your answer on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
When was the last time you heard a speech that moved you, that made you sit up and brush the potato cookie crumbs off your lap and watch?
The last time you heard a speech that made your eyes well up? When was the last time anyone really got to you, really said something with substance that you will always keep with you?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about sound bites, and how we live in a sound bite society. Unfortunately, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been reduced to the “I Have a Dream” soundbite. But, if you think about it, Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream…” message was a simple, yet powerful message. And very necessary.
Do you really know Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Why doesn’t anyone ever quote these words by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
I finished last week’s post mentioning how how I used my iPhone, Cloud Storage, and a few Apps to prepare messages in 10 minutes or less. Let’s face it – there’s no way we can escape technology. It’s here to stay and we may as well leverage it for the glory of God. Furthermore, given the consumerist mindset of most church goers, presenting a real and relevant word (grounded in biblical truth) remains challenging. Communicators must learn to quickly “size” up their audience and adjust their message for maximum impact. I had to do this this earlier this year while preaching at another church.
As a pastor, I’m invited to preach at other churches during their pastoral or church anniversaries. While worshiping, God begin to impress upon my heart that the message I prepared wasn’t quite right for the occasion. I quickly discerned the room was filled with broken people who had looks of despair in their eyes. I came to encourage the pastor, but discerned that the people needed a Word from the Lord. I prayed and God revealed they need encouragement, healing, and empowerment. I opened my Bible, pulled out my iPhone 4, placed it in my Bible (to hide it), and began crafting a “NEW” message.
I grew up in an era when radio stations would open their request lines (usually late night) for listeners to call in and hear their favorite songs. Listeners would share what’s on their hearts or dedicate special songs to their loved ones. Lately I’ve noticed how many cable stations such as BET, MTV, & VH1 allow their viewers to do the same.
Well, since it works for radio and Cable TV stations, I thought it would be a great to hear from YOU! Each year in November our team breaks away for our annual teaching calendar planning retreat where we lay out a general idea of where we sense God wants to take us over this next year in terms of teaching and subject matter. For two weeks, we will spend the next several hours focusing on praying, planning, and brainstorming. So please pray for us!
But here’s my BIG question for all of you….
What topics/subjects would YOU like to hear teaching on?
I’d love to hear your ideas! So please leave a comment!
Maybe your feedback will spark a great idea for Mars Hill or even others over this next year!
FYI…YOU DON’T HAVE TO ATTEND OUR CHURCH TO RESPOND!
On Sunday, November 7, I kicked-off a new message series entitled, “Identity Theft.” I was inspired to teach this series after hearing Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch teach on it. I am excited about this series and believe It’ll empower ALL to pursue God’s best version of themselves!
This Summer’s series, “Summer Soul 4 Your Soul” is HOT!
Since I primarily preach by series, this Summer I encouraged our congregation join me and have fun. Normally, Summer attendance at most churches is sporadic at best. Honestly, this is not the case at Mars Hill. Our attendance actually increased in June, July (record attendance), and August.
During this series, I’m looking at songs many commonly refer to as “oldies.” Many of these songs were written about relationships and the pain they cause. I’m taking an alternate approach and illustrate how we set people up for failure by expecting them to meet needs only God can meet. My goal is to help people understand that God alone can quench our relational thirst. Click here to view the current “playlist” (messages).
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
