Going Global

This past Sunday was a very memorable service for me at RPCC. We announced our relationship that we are beginning with Compassion International and had over 20 children sponsored that day. What an awesome thing to see with God's people stepping up to help others in need, even when they are in another part of the world. Kevin Meyers from Compassion dropped by for an interview and helped us understand what Compassion International is doing around the world.

I am so excited about this partnership with Compassion as we will not only be able to sponsor children from here in the states but we will be able to take trips to Lima, Peru to assist with what Compassion is doing there. The mission of Compassion is to "release children from poverty in Jesus' name". Very simple mission, but very impactful organization. After witnessing first hand what is taking place through Compassion in Lima, I am thrilled to be able to partner with them in not only assisting children with physical poverty, but spiritual, economic and social poverty as well.

Thanks to all those who agreed to sponsor children this past Sunday. If you weren't able to come by the table Sunday and are interested in sponsoring a child, you can either drop by the Compassion table this week at Rock Point or go to our website to pick up a sponsor packet.

Can't wait to see you all this Sunday at Rock Point.

Heath

Random thoughts...

Do you every have random thoughts that go through your mind? I know I do. Sometimes these make sense, but other times, it might just mean that the way the mind that is sending the messages is a little off. (See, that doesn't even make sense)

I've been thinking about the following things here and there....off and on. Let me know your thoughts.

* Why does the church have the best message in the world, but often times we present it in the worst possible way?

* As a Christian, is it more important to be "in the world" or "not of it".

* Why does the culture in America get a bad rap but culture is embraced in other parts of the world with the intent of "reaching the lost"?

* Why is it so easy for us to spend over 30 hours a week watching TV but so hard to give 1 hour a week to serving at your church?

* If Jesus was so concerned with the needs of others...why is it so often that we want our needs addressed first and then we'll worry about "them"?

These are just observations that I have been making over the past month or so. Not jabs...not aimed at any religious group or person...just general thoughts about the church today. Been in church work for a long time...plenty of time to build up some questions. What are yours? Are you thinking about God's Kingdom work here? I hope so.

Heath

TEXTing

OK, so most of you when you read this post title, you thought of texting via your phone or handheld device. But I'm using this phrase in conjunction with our series currently going on at Rock Point. The series is called TEXT and we're talking about diving into the TEXT that God has given us...His Word...the Bible. I personally believe that the Bible is not just a compilation of a lot great writings from a lot of great people. I believe that it is God's written word for us...even thousands of years after it was penned. It is incredibly rich with wisdom...poetry...drama...redemption...love...etc. TEXTing in this context means to read the text...the Bible...which doesn't always mean you totally understand it. Anything that has ever stretched me or I have grown after reading, was not completely comprehendible the first time I read it. But it was so worth it when I immersed myself into it.

This book...the Bible...is alive. It will change you if you read it. So how about it?
If you choose this challenge, let me give you a few places to start.

Step #1 - Get a Bible. I recommend something that is readable in our language today. I prefer the NIV version, but there are a lot of great translations. Yeah, the "thees and thous" from the KJV are very poetic, but I don't know how many of my friends speak like that today. (FYI - that version is a translation as well.)

Step #2 - Pick a time and place. Just like reading a good book, it's probably not the best idea to try and read the Bible with a lot of distractions.

Step #3 - Read it. Below are a weeks worth of reading if that helps you know where to start. All Bibles have a place in the front which helps you know where the individual books are found. (Ex. Matthew, Isaiah, Psalms, etc) Use this. It will help you if you need it.

Monday: Psalm 1

Tuesday: Psalm 119:9-16

Wednesday: Psalm 119:33-37

Thursday: Psalm 119:97-104

Friday: Proverbs 2:1-6

That's pretty much it! Now you can take this as deep as you want to, but for those who have never even given the TEXT a try, this will help you get started.

So pick it up...read it...you won't regret it!

Heath