There are 4 Types of People You Need in your Life…

#1 You need Role Models
Those who challenge you to change. Keith Green, EM Bounds, DL Moody, Jim Elliot, are just a few who have radically altered my life’s direction. Who are your role models, and why?

#2 You need Co-Workers
Not just at work, but those who work with you to achieve a goal or conquer a cause. Those people in your life that say, we can do this despite the odds. Who are those in your life? Text them now and say thank you.

#3 You need Confidants
A ear that will hear and not speak it. Someone you can pour out to and they will pour life back into you. Loyalty is more important to them than Love!

#4 You need a Mentor
Someone who is doing life the way you want to do it, and better. Mentors are not looking for you, you must look for them. Ask questions, listen a lot, share your story very little. Meet on their terms, and at their time.

Do you have all 4 in your life? How many out of 4 do you have?

#1 Networking with great Leaders … Dharius Daniels, Willie George, David Crank, Jeff Smith, Galen Woodward, Kevin Gerald, Kent Munsey…

#2 Romance Uncensored … The largest attended in our 6 year history and an honor to have Pastor Ed and Lisa Young share with us. Attend with us next year.

#3 Our Series 360 … This understanding of Jericho, Prayer, House Band, and more was life changing for me and our fellowship.

#4 Pruning … God prunes and brings the increase!(That’s all I am going to say about that.)

#5 Relaunching Huntsville and Opening Mansfield Campuses

#6 My Daughter attending Moody Bible College

#7 Mercy Mall Christmas Dinner and Gift Giving … Mercy Malls at all campuses have been supernatural favor from God added to BNC.

#8 First Wednesdays … we added this Mid Week event and it has intimately connected our fellowship.

#9 Men of Shammah … Men of Astonishment meet and pray before every weekend experience for me and the service.

#10 C3 Conference and Seeds Conference … Gave vision to our staff like no other events we could have attended.

Over all this was one of the most difficult years of ministry and one of the most rewarding. Bring on 2013… the year of Promise!!

Our Christmas series has nothing to do with “A Christmas Carol”, but everything to do with God’s Word. The word Ebenezer is found in the Scriptures (1 Samuel 4,5,7) and it means “stone of help” and is showing a “dedicated victory” for those who follow. It is a stone wall, or pile of rocks that declare victory. This Sunday we took rocks, and wrote on hundreds of them the victories in our lives, because it’s no good focusing on the failures.

My question is this…”Who Scrooged you out of your Victory?” Who has pushed you into a defeated life or mindset? Staying focused on victory is often because of the daily grind which leaves your victory behind.
How do we keep our Dedicated Victories, our moments of help from God, in view daily?
#1 Prayer Journal A journal allows you to go back and see all God has done!
#2 Jesus Christ Your eyes must be fixed on the author and perfector! 1 Cor 15:57 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ps 60:12 “With God we will gain the victory…”
#3 Right People Victorious people encourage you to live victorious lives. Prov 11:14 “many advisers make victory sure.”
#4 God’s Word You win every time you do it according to the Word of God. 1 Cor 15:54 “the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Don’t trade OBJECTIVE TRUTH for a SUBJECTIVE TRUTH
#5 Faith Focus Miracles happen when you place yourself in a place where Miracles can happen! 1 Jn 5:4 “this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (ESV) Doubt Dizzies our Vision, and Faith increases our Victory.
#6 Hind Sight Keep your Enemies/Failures in your Rear View Mirror Lose a few battles, but you will win the war! Ps 129:2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me.” “They” may be friends, addictions, family, jobs, don’t let “they” gain the victory.

RAISE YOUR EBENEZER!

Saint Nicholas is a great story to share this Christmas!  Nicholas was born in Southern Turkey in 280 AD and was a difference maker.  Study the historical writings on this man, but I some it all up in this short video.  Play it for your kids, or even your staff, just take the info and preach it.  The enemy always has a counterfeit, and that’s where Santa Claus came from.  Hope you enjoy this…

Santa Claus Story from BNC Global Media on Vimeo.

Three things have changed the culture of our church these last 6 months. I am not speaking pastorally, or in hyperbole, just truth.

#1 Our Church App
Daily, we receive a DM, email, or Facebook message thanking us for the messages online via the app store. Marriage, parenting, finances and more are available in the palm of the world’s hand when you provide them with an app – not to mention the giving increase that has taken place, allowing your people to automate their obedience. The analytics between business websites vs. their app is not even comparable, and something every church should consider. FYI, 70% of all evangelical churches do not even have a website, and less have a Facebook Page. Be Relevant Church, because The Gospel is Relevant!

#2 Groups
Mid Week Groups are a connection point that has been so healthy for our congregations. Discipleship and relationship have increased immensely. We do not call them “studies” or “classes,” just groups. The purpose is connection, not lecture. If you want to know more about set up for these, contact our Groups Pastor: steve@brandnewchurch.com.

#3 Men of Shammah
Every Sunday 40+ hand-selected men come together, from all campuses, and we lift up the service, our volunteers and the message. This prayer time changes the trajectory from flesh to The Father. We do not lift up church needs or social issues, we just pray for the immediate services. I also ask these men to lift up special family and staff needs during the week. Shammah means “astonishment” and we have been astonished as God works through our most powerful tool in our Christian belt.

I want to hear from you and your culture-changing events in your church.

The ebb and flow of ministry brings about unique junctures and sentiments. Today, I have been looking at me and asking God to purify my life. My desire is to be a vessel that He might choose to bring about supernatural revival and church-wide awakening.

I know as a son of God I am loved and chosen, but I also know that with my kids they are often chosen based on readiness and maturity. There is a call going out to the Body of Christ that is blurring lines, and repurposing leaders. The Gospel is becoming priority, and “the way we have always done it” is being questioned. My desire is to be in position, ready for usefulness to build His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.

These are some questions I have asked myself today. Dullness has been removed from several areas in my life because of these questions….

Self Discovery Examination

1. What do I want most?

2. What do I think about most?
3. How do I use our money?
4. What do I do with my leisure time?
5. What company do I enjoy?
6. Who and what do I admire?
7. What do I laugh at?

Now get ready to agree with God and sharpen your tools for the harvest!

God is Sovereign, but He has chosen a path to use humanity in tandem with His omniscience. God redeemed mankind so that He could demonstrate His glory through them. Our God desires to use willing, repentant vessels, but is seeking to and fro for those who are available for His cause. God can’t teach you His promises through sovereign learning. Instead we must obediently read and grow in knowledge. Last week I began to think of a few things God can’t do…

God can’t get tired.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.”
—Isaiah 40:28

God can’t take on a job He can’t handle.
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”
—Jeremiah 32:17

God can’t be unholy.
“And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’”
—Isaiah 6:3

God can’t be prejudiced.
“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”
—Acts 10:34-35

God can’t break a promise.
“My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.”
—Psalm 89:34

God can’t remember sins he’s chosen to forget.
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”
—Isaiah 43:25

God can’t make a loser.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 2:14

God can’t abandon you.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6

God can’t stop thinking about you.
“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.”
—Psalm 139:17-18

God can’t stop loving you.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
—Jeremiah 31:3

I never feel like I need marriage counseling or relational therapy. Only weak, failing marriages seek counseling – but I promise you regular marriage check ups are a must for families on the go. Teenagers, additional campuses, finances, intimacy, conflict and staff issues are continually tugging at most of us. Every year there are new challenges where assistance from a mediator is needed. I believe Dr. Jonathan Cude is the best therapist in America! Here is the insight he gave us yesterday: In every major decision, argument, financial decision, job stress or parenting challenge…H.A.L.T.

Are you…
HUNGRY – Take care of your physical needs. What you do not give your body, it will take. Eat right before you do wrong. A good meal could be the difference maker in an argument or major decision.

ANGRY – If you are full of anger back off, chill out and take five. No good decision is made when you are mad. Being angry is not always a sin, but being angry with someone tends to make your decisions about them incorrect.

LONELY – Do you need love, touch, intimacy, encouragement? Rejection must not shape your marriage choices. Deal with your pain and resolve resting in God’s heart and love for you.

TIRED – Worn out people wear others out. Take a nap, relax and sleep in a comfortable bed. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is go to bed! Physiology and Theology go hand in hand.

You should never seek help only when your marriage is on the edge. Some preventive maintenance at least twice a year will change your life. Share your therapist information with those in your area. Share what God has taught you about marriage mentoring.

If you need help getting started, join us for SEXTEMBER with Ed and Lisa Young September 7-8 in Branson, MO.

A church’s culture and context is of no regard when it comes to technology. What I am saying is, you have to “tech-know” in the church of the 21st century. Even in Bergman, Arkansas we have internet, iPhones, iPads and more. How can we leverage its power in our churches? Here are just a few areas that we are growing in “Tech-Know-logy”…

#1 Website
An online presence is a must for every church. The start up costs are minimal and there is a “kid” in your church ready to set it up for you. Key to Success…CONTENT

#2 Facebook
If you can’t afford a website just get a Free Facebook page. I hear Pastors, almost daily, say, “Oh I don’t know about that facebook and internet stuff” like it’s a badge of honor. No, it’s an indictment of ignorance. Key to Success…FRIEND everyone (and don’t tell us what you ate and how it affected your digestion process!)

#3 Twitter
A Twitter account links you to several Social Media tools in an instance. Key to Success…RETWEET others regularly

#4 iCampus
For pennies you can set up a church internet campus that has the potential to reach thousands! Key to Success…HOSTING

#5 Instagram
This allows you to let your church family and friends see what is going on in your church. It is a way to communicate the vision and enhance desire to participate. Key to Success…TIGHT SHOTS

#6 iPhone Droid App
Nothing has so rapidly affected our church’s reach like our App. In just 2 weeks we have been downloaded to over 1000 phones and over 15,000 media downloads. Key to Success…DEVELOPER

Get in the “Tech-Know Mode” and et us know what we can do to assist your church.

2 Corinthians 5:11 “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.” The Spirit of God living in us is persuasive. I also know that this passage exhorts us that, in awe of God’s call and salvation in our lives, we should “try” to persuade. How? Our voice, our passion, our commitments, our obedience. You can’t be of another persuasion and be passionate about persuading others to Christ. This might be why the world is so confused about God, the Church, and Christianity.

I want to give some ways you can be more persuasive with your life in Christ…

#1 Don’t just sell the benefits
Heaven is our glorious hope, but let them see heaven on earth in your life. Peace, depth, answers, and a freedom from this world’s lure.
#2 Listen to be heard
Quiet confidence is the key to persuading. Defensive, loud, angry describes signs of insecurity and uncertainty.
#3 Bold influence
Powerful persuasion moves people to action. Be an influencer that goes through the wall first.
#4 Relationships
Learn others’ names, involvement, likes and dislikes. This gives you ownership in their lives.
#5 Gratefulness
Nothing gives influence and persuades more than thankfulness!
#6 Don’t just share facts
Share stories from God’s Word and from your life. Factual stories are not as effective as faith stories.
#7 Life-change
Nothing persuades greater than a changed life. Let the world see the power of God transforming your life daily!
#8 Smoke what you’re selling
Church, Bible, Evangelism, Prayer, Heaven, Discipline must be in our lives for it to transcend in other lives.