By Faith...

This Monday, I'm still thinking about...

...How inspiring Lee Webb is!

Our Founding Pastor spoke with great inspiration as he challenged us to live by faith as we considered Abraham's story in Hebrews 11:8-16. He was willing and ready to go and obey. As someone who struggles with analysis paralysis, it was super convicting! I was encouraged, though, by questions like Gaye's: "I know this is it, Lord. But how?" I was also encouraged by T.J. Vogt's Facebook post that invited others to share their "by faith" moments. 

Thanks, Lee, for starting well, for leading well, and for continually pointing back to Jesus as the object of our faith.

...How excited I am about celebrating Christ Community's birthday!

Lee set us up with some of the history of CCC to celebrate turning 15 on October 5! That Sunday morning we'll have a special guest from the early days as we all praise God with a ton of gratitude for what he's done in our midst. It's also going to be a great chance to firmly put our feet on the path towards the city that is to come.. That Friday, October 10, we're planning a worship night out at the Ballard Farm (Follow us on Facebook and watch for the event invite!). It's a BEAUTIFUL place where we'll keep the praise ringing out and the connection going. Mark your calendar!

...How did you spend your 15th Anniversary?

CCC is getting ready to celebrate, but how did you spend your 15th wedding anniversary? (Or how do you plan to?!?)

Matt & Caytie Burgin had a weekend to celebrate without their awesome kids and they spent their Sunday morning loving on 16 2&3 year olds!

I'm not sharing that as a suggestion, (ha!) but I am holding it up as a model for what commitment to loving God and loving people looks like. Matt & Caytie are the epitome of selfless, loving leaders; I couldn't be more thankful for them!

And if you have a 2 or 3 year old, tell them thanks again!

... How anxiety has become the new doubt.

Not long ago, the opposite of faith was often considered doubt. Doubt being the idea that we just don't know enough information to be certain. But as our Community Group was talking last night, we talked about how anxiety has become the new doubt. The information age has overloaded us with so much info that we struggle with faith because we know too much. Our brains come up with too many worst case scenarios.

When our brains start seeking trust and security in the information we can obtain for ourselves, anxiety sets in and it changes the way we live.

Permit me a football analogy because, well, it's on the top of my mind, and it's Monday!

My Indianapolis Colts have rushed out to a 3-0 start on the season behind a new quarterback named Daniel Jones. Jones was considered to be broken and ineffective after several years with the New York Giants. This year with the Colts, he seems to be resurrecting his career with some record breaking performances. 

Several analysts have pointed to the fact that his offensive line is vastly different. While in New York, the protection was poor, rushing his play, and causing him to make mistakes. In Indianapolis, the line play is better, he trusts his protection, and his play is at the top of the league.

What if our ability to live by faith is greatly impacted by what/who we trust for protection?

When we trust the information we can get for ourselves, we're rushed and we often make mistakes.

When we trust in God by faith, we realize we can trust his protection, and we live to the best of our ability.

... We Love Shelbyville because we love the city that is to come

I can't wait to go love on and serve our city! But as we're in the midst of seeking the city that is to come, it hit me that we don't Love Shelbyville because we love Shelbyville, the true heart behind loving Shelbyville is because we love the city that is to come, and we want our city to reflect it as we invite people to it.

So let's go next Sunday! Click HERE and get signed up for a group.