Why We Exist...

It seems odd to write this to you, but I was reflecting on why, five years ago, Celebrate Church was born. As we journey, we often find ourselves forgetting what is core to our existence. Here are the core values of Celebrate Church that keep us focused on what's important:

1. That God’s Word (The Bible) is the primary catalyst for life change.
2. That every person -- believer and non-believer -- matters to God.
3. That a presentation of Jesus Christ should be creative and connecting while remaining Biblically sound.
4. That accountability among members provides consistent and continual spiritual growth.
5. That people working together as a team result in effective, efficient, and expanding ministry.
6. That every person has talent/ability to be discovered, developed, and deployed.
7. That in every thing we do, God deserves excellence and our best.
8. That effectively influencing people to Christ happens through people inviting and investing in people.
9. That consistent life growth happens best in small groups.
10. That children of each age group be raised to exhibit godly character and authentic faith to impact their generation with the love of Christ.

Together, let’s take these core values from written text and activate them with our daily lives.

More than Music

Worship...a term that can be defined as where we worship, what style of music we prefer, or the time church services start. Yet, all these are external definitions that really are irrelevant when it comes to what Jesus defines as worship. The dictionary defines worship as adoring or honoring. Jesus defines worship as one who loves the Lord their God with all their heart and with all their soul and with all their mind and with all their strength. Notice the word “and” connecting all the components that are required to worship [honor or adore] God. God wants all of you not just part of you. God-pleasing worship begins internally and is revealed externally. It involves your heart and your lifestyle.

Today, I see people equating worship as being moved by music and being moved by God’s Holy Spirit, but these are not the same. Real worship is when your heart and your spirit respond to God not to musical tones. In fact, sometimes emotional songs can become an obstacle to worship, because it can take the spotlight off of God and focus on your feelings. The best way to worship is what most authentically represents your love for God.

Worship is…

• anchored in the truth of Scripture rather than one's opinion about God
• an attitude of the heart rather than saying or singing the right words
• provoking thought rather than vain repetitions
• practical exalting of God in everyday life rather than self-centered feelings

What is more pleasing to God right now – my public worship or my private worship?

Tailor Made

If you are a golfer, you would recognize the name Taylor Made as a brand of golf clubs and equipment. If you are into fashion, it is clothing designed and fitted specifically for the buyer. I want you to see a tailor made covenant of Grace you and I have that was designed and fitted for you from Almighty God. If somehow you will grasp the significance of that, you will never be the same.

A covenant of grace is a relationship of favor that gives you access to someone else’s power and authority over your life. Imagine this: God enters into a covenant with you, and He gives you everything He has in exchange for everything you have. Sounds odd because we know what we have seems insignificant compared to what God will give us.

I hope these next few lines empower you with confidence. He takes your sin so He can give you His righteousness. He takes your sickness and gives you His health. He takes your financial calamity and gives you His resources. Whatever He asks you to do for Him, He provides you with everything needed to carry it to completion.

If you are a Christ follower, you have entered into a covenant relationship that He initiated. Your identity is in Him. You have 24/7 relational access to Christ.

Take your place in His family.

Thinking Differently...

Do you remember the day it all became clear to you -- when you knew the extent of what God went through seeking to reconcile you and when you realized that through this incredible act of love and forgiveness you are no longer separated from God?

One of the things I have observed is, the longer you’re a believer, the less you think like an unbeliever. That makes sense after all; you come to Christ, and your interests and values change.

For over 30 years of my life, I have been following Christ. I think like a Christ follower, and adding more to that, I think like a pastor, which is even further removed from the mindset of those who would claim to be unbelievers. That means I must intentionally change my thinking when seeking to relate to those who don’t claim to know Christ.

I have often heard one statement from Christ followers, “People are closed off to the message of Christ.” It's not so much that people are closed off to the message of Christ as it may be that we're on a different channel of communication than those who don’t know Christ.

Here are a few bridge-building steps:

• Allow your heart to be attracted to people. (All people matter)
• View life through their eyes. (Accept them)
• During coffee talk, really hear their life's journey. (Wins and losses)
• Share your prayers, your pursuits, your passion, your purpose, and your patience. (Be intentional)

Let’s expand our circle of relationships and take this message of Christ to an unbelieving world. You have a great story of forgiveness to share.

Real Worship...

Let’s talk about worship. I have noticed many people see worship as just a synonym for music. Some would say our weekend services look like this: "We have worship first and then teaching." Others see worship for their benefit. I enjoy being in the atrium meeting people after service, and each week I hear people make comments on worship such as, "I enjoyed worship today. It really connected." I have also observed worship can be identified by ceremonies, candles, and communion, or healing and miracles.

All of these ideas about worship, however, fall so short. Worship is far more than singing, praising, and praying. We worship God by enjoying Him. Here is a statement by C.S. Lewis that defines worship: "In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him." God wants us to be true worshippers.

Our goal should be to connect the God-given desire to worship with the One who seeks true worshippers. To accomplish this goal, we are challenged to expand our understanding of worship. Let’s rethink worship. Rather than simply seeing it as a segment of the church service, let's begin to see worship as anything that brings pleasure to God. The results will be a church filled with true worshippers.

I want to challenge you to see how every activity you do can be an act of worship when it's done for the pleasure of God. Some of you may be asking the question, "How can everything I do bring honor and glory to God?" The answer is by doing everything as if you are doing it for Jesus and by engaging in continual conversation with Him while you are doing it.

By doing so, you will begin to see what real worship is all about...falling in love with Jesus.