Our Missional Journey

A Heart Like His

2012-01-12T11:15:00.002-08:00

It was cool to worship this past Sunday with the guys (and gal) from Line Creek. Made me want to shout “Hallelujah and Hee Haw!”. Thanks ya’ll for making a joyful noise that we could tap our toes to. We’ll look forward to hearing you again on January 28th at our Youth BBQ/Bluegrass Fundraiser Dinner at the Sharpsburg Recreation Center. Tickets will be available in the lobby of the theatre this Sunday.

We also launched back into “The Story” after a long break for the holiday’s. Can you believe we’re already 1/3 of the way through the Bible? So, we started with the story of David as the unlikely choice to be anointed as the next king of Israel. He was the unlikely choice because he didn’t measure up to his brothers in terms of physical appearance. But he was God’s choice because God does not look at the outward appearance. He looks at the heart. And He saw that David’s heart was a heart like His (Acts 13:22).

When He looks at your heart (or my heart)…what does He see?

This matters. As John Eldredge says, “the subject of the heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic – more than works or service, more than belief or obedience, more than money, and even more than worship.” Your heart matters to God. And it matters to others. One of my favorite verses on this topic is from Proverbs 4:23. It says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your heart is the well that everyone else in your life
drinks from. Be careful with it. Guard it. Ask God to help you cultivate a heart like His.

God knew something (lots of something’s actually) that David didn’t know. There was an extremely large Philistine with an attitude – named Goliath - that needed to be eliminated. It took a giant-killer with a heart like David’s to get the job done. What giants are you facing today? Be strong and courageous, “the Lord who rescued me (you) from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me (you) from the hand of this Philistine”. Our God is bigger than our giants!

Future Tense

2012-01-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday’s message was called “Future Tense”. I started thinking about it awhile back, after watching the movie “2012”. The film did not forecast a Happy New Year for us. In fact, it was one in a long line of Hollywood movies (“Armageddon”, “The Day After Tomorrow”, “The Road”, “Contagion”, and “Legend” just to name a few) that predict the end of the world (as we know it) in the not too distant future. Given that the economic, political, environmental, cultural, spiritual and moral climate of our day seems so dark and threatening…it’s not hard to understand why so many of these movies are being made. People sense that something is going to happen.

Maybe something bad. Maybe something soon.

And maybe they’re right. But in Christ, we don’t have to live life as though there were no hope. Our Living Hope is all we really have. And He (Jesus) truly is all we need. So, no matter what the future holds…I am certain of this: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. To quote a bumper sticker…I don’t know what the future holds – but I do know Who holds the future. That’s good news! It means that in spite of all of the horrible things that sometimes happen in our lives (Lower Story), God has not forgotten us. He has a plan for our rescue (Upper Story). He has a story of redemption to tell and we’re in it!

Makes me want to sing a chorus of “Mighty to Save”…feel free to join me. Because God is too wise to be mistaken. He is too good to be unkind. When I can’t trace His hand, I’ll trust His heart.

Closing Thoughts...

Don’t forget that small groups start back up next week. Nick and Heather’s group meets on Sunday afternoons in Fayetteville. Mike and Sherry’s group meets on Monday evenings in Peachtree City. Joe and Robin’s group meets on Wednesday nights in Sharpsburg. And my group meets on Wednesday nights at Casa del Heaton (sort of between Inman and Woolsey). If you haven’t made small group a part of your week…you’re missing something of incredible value. You need this…don’t miss out! For more information on Small Groups, please visit the website (WheresTheSteeple.org) or contact Mike (small group coordinator) Stout or myself.

Also, if you missed the message on Sunday and want to know more about the concepts of “Upper Story” and “Lower Story”…I recommend that you pick up a copy of The Story and read about it or just listen into the “Future Tense” message on the website for more detail.

Beauty and the Beast

2010-02-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

His friends all say, "he's gotta be the luckiest guy in the world!". Her friends all wonder, "what in the world does she see in him?". And we all know they're both right.

It's mysterious. It's scandalous. It's troubling. In the case of our romance with Jesus, it's all of the above. He's the Beauty. We are the beast. We are the worst of the worst - the least of the least - and yet He loves us recklessly and relentlessly.

It's true. Jesus came to love the last, the least and the lost. Because of this, those who were repelled by the religious establishment, were strangely attracted to Him.

What made Jesus attractive to people who are far from God? Or, As Philip Yancey puts it: "How did he, the only perfect person in history, manage to attract the notoriously imperfect?"

He loved the unlovable...the loathable. He was their friend. Am I? Are you?

Here is my conviction...everybody matters to God. And if everybody matters to Him...if everybody is somebody to Jesus - then, everybody must matter to me...everybody must be somebody to me. God help me to build relational bridges so that people who are far from God can come near. Teach me how to live the Jesus life by loving the last, the least and the lost the way He did and does.

Tweet of the day:Rob Bell summarizing the gospel in 140 characters or less - "The gospel is the counterintuitive, joyous, exuberant news that Jesus has brought the unending, limitless, stunning love of God to even us.”

Who do you say that He is?

2010-02-08T12:08:00.001-08:00

Saw this in the store the other day. It's called "Pocket Jesus". He is 2 inches tall, available in assorted colors, "environmentally friendly" and comes with an inspirational quote. Oh...and they sell them right next to the "pocket Buddha's".

Let me ask you, do you believe in a "pocket-sized" Jesus? In a Jesus that can (depending on the occasion or your mood) be left on the shelf or carried with you as a good luck charm? How about a Jesus that is hard and plastic and comes in pastel colors? Do you believe in a Jesus who is inflexible? Do you believe in a Jesus whose eyes are blind, ears are deaf and whose mouth is silent? Or a Jesus without a cross, who did not suffer and does not save?

Lots of people believe lots of things about Jesus. What do you believe? It's an important question. Check out this video for some standard answers to the question from a "man on the street" perspective: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMzKHFnD29E&feature=related.

In Matthew 16, Jesus put the question to his friends this way..."Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

So, to you, who is Jesus? What do you believe about Him? I'd really like to know.

A Little Cheese Please?

2009-08-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

This was a facebook post by one of our very sweet and godly graduates who's headed off to college this Sunday. Had to share it with the rest of you (with her permission of course). Thanks Erin...you're the bomb! And I know for certain that God has great plans for you. He promised (Jeremiah 29:11). Please come home soon and often.

Cheesiness minus the Hallmark card :)
Friday, August 7, 2009 at 12:08am

Sometimes I try to avoid cheesiness, but then I think “why not?!”. While cheesy, cheesiness is usually incredibly sweet and sweetness is awesome, so here is a little for some special people in my life…I have been a member of Rolling Hills Baptist Church (RHBC represent! :]) since the day before I started kindergarten, and it is safe to say that I would not be the lady I am today without the people who I have had the pleasure to worship with in that “backwardly beautiful” church. Some of my most treasured memories were made in that church, but more importantly with the people. RHBC has left me with not only the security of having God as a shoulder, but with a blessing of all of you to lean on too . It is no coincidence that who I consider to be my best friends (BFFL!) are also my brothers and sisters in our Jesus.I truly hope that I have been as real with all of you as I possibly could have been- that I have done my absolute best to shine God’s light- that you have known you can come to me with anything -that I LOVE you. I hope these things, because you all have done those three things for me and you deserve to have the favor returned.So, I leave in about a week for a new chapter in my life (Yes! Cliches!) and I’m scared excited, but what’s super comforting is that when I come home, I know y’all will still be there welcoming me with a hug. I also know that I will be able to face all of this crazy newness because of the strong faith my church has equipped me with. I’m going to go those mountains and continue to raise my voice for my Father and I have no doubt I will still be able to hear all of y’all singing with me. And, I have learned two things that are going to get me so far in my endeavors…1. Love God. Love people. AND 2. How to play ultimate frisbee :) Did I mention you guys are super awesome?! That is all. I love you and thank you. Exodus 14:14

Erin

What's a Missional Church?

2009-05-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

From time to time, I am asked “what exactly is a missional church?”. It’s usually followed by another question “are ya’ll still Baptists?”. The answer to the 2nd question is “yes, we are Baptists”. In fact, the missional nature of our church has a very “Baptist” quality, as it is our partnership around the Great Commission that defines us. I believe that in some sense, every Baptist church ought to see herself as missional.

In answer to the first question, I think that a missional church is a fellowship of believers that adopts a missionary lifestyle. What I mean is that our lifestyle, our strategy, our structure, our service…the sum total of all that we are is centered on joining Jesus in His mission.

In other words:

It’s not about how many people come to our church services – it’s about how many people our church serves.
It’s not about our seating capacity – it’s about our sending capacity.
It’s not about being “attractional” – it’s about being “incarnational”.
It’s not about making decisions – it’s about being disciples.
It’s not about building a monument – it’s about being a movement.
It’s not about being an organization – it’s about being an organism.
It’s not about keeping pace with the Joneses – it’s about keeping pace with Jesus.
It’s not about competing for members – it’s about creating partnerships for mission and ministry.

Our missional journey has already been full of adventure, mystery and sacred romance as God weaves His redemptive thread through our lives and into our world. I can't imagine a more exciting challenge than joining Jesus in what He's doing to seek and to save! Can you?

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Frank

Acts 2:42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Red Envelope Day

2009-03-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm taking very seriously my pledge to pray for our new President, but it does not mean that I agree with him on all the issues. For instance, the recent reversal of the Bush administration's restrictions on federal funding for research that involves the destruction of human embryos. Although he says that it is "above his pay grade" to know when life begins, I've become convinced that Mr. Obama may be the most pro-abortion President ever elected in our country.

I rarely ask you to take this kind of action, but I want to challenge you to participate in a protest called "Red Envelope Day" in an effort to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
What's Red Envelope Day? Glad you asked. Read this from the blog site called "The American Spectator", by Doug Bandow:

"...Barack Obama is living up to his promise to eliminate protections for the unborn. Without doubt the result will be more dead babies. Abortion is one of those tough issues that most politicians would prefer to dodge, but it is too important to sidestep.

Some pro-life activists are promoting "the red envelope project," urging people to mail empty red envelopes to the White House on March 31, with the back inscribed: This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.

It's a thoughtful protest, highlighting the reality of abortion: the death of innocent life."

With that in mind, I wanted to urge you to explore how you could be a part of Red Envelope Day (http://www.redenvelopeday.com/). In fact, please take a minute to paste that site into your search window and listen to the short video by Brian Potter, which explains a little more of how you and I can be involved.

We certainly don't have to wait for an event like Red Envelope Day to be involved. If this issue is close to your heart, I hope that you'll make it a matter of daily prayer. Prayer changes things. And, as we've learned, sometimes God makes us the answer to our own prayers.

In addition, you may want to check out the Pregnancy Resource Center of Fayette (www.fayetteprc.com) for more information on abortion alternatives and how you can made a difference.

Maranatha!
Frank

Where's the Steeple?

2009-03-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Remember this one?

"Here's the church - here's the steeple - open the doors - see all the people."

At Rolling Hills, it is not our ambition to build bigger buildings (and steeples) - it is our ambition to build bigger people who devote themselves to a lifetime of serving Jesus by serving others. So, in launching our new website, we wanted to choose a new domain name that would reflect this missional direction. We kicked around a few ideas and ended up with: wheresthesteeple.org. Be careful, there's no www. and there's no " ' " between the "where" and the "s". I think you're going to like it.

It's easy to navigate. It's very informative. And it represents us well to others. Hope you find it useful.

You should also know that our church now has a Facebook page. After you log into your Facebook account, just type Rolling Hills Baptist Church into the search window and you are there. Become a fan, share pictures, video and stories. The purpose for the Facebook page is really to help the fellowship at Rolling Hills to connect more deeply and to share the story of what God is doing in and through our church with others. Check it out!

Lastly, I've just got to thank our worship team - band, vocalists, tech team and worship leaders for the amazing service you provide every week. I love worship at Rolling Hills and feel so connected to God when we celebrate His Majesty every week! Thanks guys (and gals)...not just for what you do - but for who you are as leaders in worship at our church.

Gratefully Yours...
Frank

2009-03-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

"This fork is filthy!"

I really believe that if want God to use us - we've got to be useable. Are you more likely to use a clean fork or a dirty one? Are you more likely to wear a clean shirt or the one with stains all over it? Are you more likely to drink water from your kitchen sink or your septic tank? If we want God to use us - we must be clean, holy and useable.

One thing we've learned over these past few weeks as we've studied THE TEMPTATIONS, is that giving the devil a foothold almost always leads to his gaining a stanglehold. Slowly he wears down our defenses and soon we discover that sin "takes us farther than we wanted to go; keeps us longer than we wanted to stay; and costs more than we want to pay". A glance becomes a gawk - a look becomes a leer - and a sacred trust is broken. That's the story of David and Bathsheba...but it's our story too. It's the story of a slow fade.

So, I hope that you might consider those CODE WORDs I mentioned on Sunday morning: PERMISSION GRANTED. When I say "permission granted", I mean that more than anything else in my life, I want to like Jesus. If I'm going to be like Jesus...I've got to be Holy (not only "positionally" Holy but "personally" Holy). If I'm going to be personally Holy...I've got to stop sinning. If I'm going to stop sinning...I'm going to have to overcome temptation. And if I'm going to overcome temptation...I'm going to need help.

You and I need to grant permission to someone in our lives to probe, ask questions and examine us for the sake of our own Holiness. So...who is asking you?

Remember the stat we read from the DTS survey of 237 Christian men who had fallen morally and had only 1 other thing in common...they had no one holding them accountable for personal Holiness. So...who is holding you accountable?

Start with this...have you spent time alone with God in His word and in prayer today? What is God saying to you in your time with Him? Are you spending enough time with your family today? Are you being honest in your financial dealings today? Has a "glance" become a "gawk" today? Are you lying to me about any of this?

It's not easy. It's hard. Sin is like 2nd nature to us. Holiness seems strange and unfamiliar. But I'll be more Holy if somebody's watching and so will you. Is PERMISSION GRANTED?

2009-03-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Everyday the news reports that life is getting a little harder and the world is getting a lot worse. People all around us are losing hope. And we all wish we were a little bit stronger. If only we could be more like Chuck Norris. After all...

When the bogeyman goes to sleep at night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris once ordered a Big Mac at Burger King...and got it.
When Chuck Norris falls in water he doesn't get wet. Water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity...twice.
Dinosaurs are extinct because of the ChuckNorrissaurus.
Chuck Norris doesn't believe in the periodic table. The only element he recognizes is the element of surprise.
How much wood could a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could Chuck Norris? All of it.
Contrary to popular belief, America is not a democracy. It is a Chucktatorship.

Do some of those sound familiar? It is estimated that there are about 40,000 Chuck Norris jokes swirling around the internet. A website called Chuck Norris Facts has generated over 50 million hits and averages nearly 800,000 hits a day. Impressive, and if the jokes were true, Chuck would be all-powerful, all-knowing and everywhere at once. Well, okay, Chuck Norris is not Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. But Jesus is. Maybe the key to overcoming life's obstacles is not to be more like Chuck...but to be more like Jesus.

Kicking and Screaming...Frank

John 16:33 Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

The King is Coming...

2009-02-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU READY?

We just finished the "Face of the Future" series yesterday and the End is now 5 Sunday's closer than it was at the start. Jesus is coming!

However...we should always refrain from the foolishness of suggesting exact times and dates. Jesus said that "the Son of Man does not even know". If He didn't know for sure when He was coming, but knew He was coming soon - I think it's safe to assume that we will not know exactly when He is coming, but we can know that His coming is closer than ever before.

My favorite word to describe the nearness of His coming is "imminence". And that's why we must live and love and serve with such a sense of urgency. Because the days are short until the Day. So our missional journey is not only driven by compassion and concern for the lost and the least. It is driven by our view of eschatology (study of last things), which says that if we want to show the world that Jesus loves them - we'd better do it now.

This past Sunday, Brian and the worship team introduced us to a great new song called "God of this City". The phrase "greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city" keeps running through my head. This is what God has called us to...not someday somewhere but here and now, for the Day of His appearing is now nearer than ever before.

We're on a mission from God...
Frank

Maranatha Ya'll!

2009-02-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Luke 21:28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

It seems like folks are coming to Rolling Hills these days with a sense of anticipation. There is a sense that God is at work...that His love is running rampant...that we are on the verge of a breakthrough. It's very exciting!

I try to say it often, but I'm sure I don't say it often enough, I appreciate our worship team (the band, the vocalists, the lead worshippers, the techies). You guys do a great job in creating an environment that is conducive to worship. Thanks for all you do! I'm a better, deeper, more consistent worshipper because of you. We worshipped with all our hearts on Sunday...and you led the way.

So, as I'm preaching Sunday it really begins to settle in that we should not feel anxious or afraid about the age we live in. When we are tempted to give in or give up we should remember that Jesus said to "stand up, lift up your hands for your redemption is drawing near". As we watch the news, it seems like one depressing story after another. As we watch the stock market, it seems like we're in an economic freefall. You may be struggling in your marriage or in your job.

You may be sick. You may be scared. You may be sad.

But take heart. Stand up! Lift your head! Lift your hands! Lift your voice! Why?

Because Jesus is coming! Our redemption is nearer today than ever before. That means our Redeemer is nearer today than ever before.

Maranatha! The Lord is coming! Maranatha ya'll!

Frank

P.S. Check out the new video.

The Big Game...

2009-01-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

Sometime this Sunday evening, someone at your household will probably roll her eyes and mutter the words, "it's only a game". But we know it's more than that. It's an event that will be watched by an estimated one billion people, on television and over the internet, worldwide. It's an opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy large quantities of chicken wings, nachos and other healthy snacks. And next Monday, we'll all be talking about it. But we won't just talk about the game, we'll be talking about the fun we had together...our favorite commercials... and the Springsteen show at halftime.

It's not just a game. It's also an incredible platform for Christian athletes to share their faith. From Tom Landry to Roger Staubach, Shawn Alexander, Tony Dungy and last year's Super Bowl hero, David Tyree...Christ-followers, who, in this moment in time, have the eyes and ears of the world have not been shy about proclaiming their devotion to something or Someone bigger than football.

This year, Kurt Warner, quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals and Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, lead their respective teams into the League Championship game. But they have something else in common...it's faith in Jesus.

Who did Warner thank when the Cardinals defeated the Eagles in the NFC Championship game 2 weeks ago? God. In fact, Kurt Warner's faith is well documented as he has routinely expressed it throughout his career. Both He and his wife are known publicly as born-again Christians.

You may know less about Roethlisberger's faith. Or you may remember the "cleat controversy" of 2006. Big Ben has worn the initials PJF on his cleats since he was a high school sophomore in Findlay, Ohio. But in 2006, the NFL uniform police cracked down on Big Ben (who claims he's still wearing the message somewhere - "let's see if they can find it now" he's quoted as saying).

For me, it's always exciting to hear another believer boldly proclaim their faith in Jesus. And it's also a challenge. If the microphone were in my face (or yours), would we be so bold as to give God the glory for our successes? Would we be so bold in "naming the Name of Jesus"? I'd like to think so. But the truth is, if we shy away from boldly proclaiming our faith on the small stage that most of us live on - then we shouldn't imagine that a larger stage would make us more courageous in our witness for Him.

Time Flies...

2009-01-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

Recognize the guy on top of the pyramid? It was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. But it seems like yesterday...time flies.

I know, it's been a long time since the last blog. How long has it been?

It was in 2008.
I was still 42.
George W. Bush was still President.
John Smoltz was still a Brave.
It's literally been a month of Sundays.
Time flies.
So sorry.

These days I'm teaching through the book of Daniel (at least the prophetic parts). Much of what we're learning compels us to live our lives with a sense of urgency. The end is near (or at least nearer). Jesus is coming soon (or at least sooner). And our time is like a vapor. Each day comes and goes so quickly. So, if we're going to live like Jesus lived, love how Jesus loved and serve how Jesus served...we can't afford to wait until the season change. We must act now!

Start by praying with me...Lord Jesus, our days are short and the times are wicked. Please come quickly and rescue us from the kingdom of this world. But please, Lord Jesus, give us at least one more day to be faithful and fruitful. One more day to "kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight". One more day to seize the day for Your Kingdom and Your Cause.

Carpe Diem...
Frank

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Holy Huddles Batman!

2008-12-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

I love our Holy Huddles. Those times when we gather to worship, to pray, to sing, to give, to serve and we gain instruction, inspiration, encouragement, help, hope and dramatic lifechange, as we experience His Presence together. The gatherings tend to happen on Sunday mornings at Rolling Hills. And the result of these meetings is that we are holier, stronger, more courageous, and better equipped to serve Jesus by serving others throughout the week.

This past Huddle was like that. Dileep blessed us by leading worship for the last time before his upcoming trip to Australia. (He hasn't been home in 4 years, so please pray for a happy reunion with his family and for time to unwind and relax with May.) Leanne offered us a beautiful rendition of "O Come, O Come Immanuel". That's one of my favorites, because it's a yearning for the arrival of Messiah. It's not about what we have...it's about what we long for and why. And it was just beautiful! Thanks to everybody who helps shape the wonderful worship experience at Rolling Hills. You've blessed me over and over and over again!

So...whaddaya think? Can Martha have a Mary Christmas? Can she sit quietly at the feet of the Savior and enjoy His presence? Can she take time for "being" before all the "doing" consumes her soul? Can she? Can you? How's it working out for you? Have you taken time to sit at His feet since our last Huddle?

This is especially important in a church like ours that wants so desperately to "do". We want to serve, to clothe, to feed, to house, to give, to build, to reconcile, to rescue, to do...and it would be so easy for us to forget to "be". But remember, "neighbor-love" is fueled by "Jesus-love". If we fail to take the time to "be"...we will eventually fail to "do". Perhaps when we are needed most.

In other words, if you want to Extend His Presence to others...you've got to personally Experience His Presence, a lot and often. So in between Huddles, don't forget to "be still and know".

Wishing you Christmas Presence...
Frank

One last thing I need to mention, I had a life-changing experience 20 years ago today. I married the most beautiful woman on earth. She loves me deeply and makes everyday together a blessing. So, Happy Anniversary Pam...I love you and look forward to the next 20 and beyond!

Crazy Like Pop Tarts...

2008-12-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

December 7th, "a day that will live in infamy", was a wonderful day for worship day at Rolling Hills!

Meaghan and the rest of the worship team set the tone for the rest of us yesterday. There was a very special sense of God's presence. Also enjoyed learning a new song, "No Sweeter Name". Great job everybody! Meaghan will be leading worship for our Christmas Eve service at 5pm on December 24th. I can't wait!!

About the message...is Christmas a bad time to mention that our spiritual health relies on "ruthlessly eliminating hurry from our lives"? It's easy to tell ourselves we'll start eliminating hurry on December 26th...or January 1...or January 2...but why waste another Christmas by our refusal to be still and know Him? Be still. Don't be like the innkeeper. Create vacancy where there is none. Don't miss His Presence this Christmas.

Hey...don't miss the Christmas Fellowship Dinner at the Hollingsworth House this Wednesday at 6pm. Bring a side dish or a dessert. Check out this link for more information and directions to Hollingsworth: http://www.hollingsworthhouse.com/. It will be a wonderful evening of fun, food and fellowship - it's every Baptists' idea of heaven. Plus, we are exploring the feasibility of using this beautiful special events facility as a temporary location for worship (should our property sell sooner than later). So come check it out!

Okay, the Christian Index article finally came out and we're all pretty excited about it. If you haven't seen it yet, here it is...http://www.christianindex.org/5010.article. There's been a lot of feedback so far, from all over:

Leanne has a friend in Waycross who call to tell her that she was in her car listening to a local preacher on the radio and that he referenced Rolling Hills and the article (in a good way).

My friend Richard is the pastor at Tapestry church in Cartersville. He writes a blog at http://richardsims.typepad.com/richards_blog/. We were featured in his blog late last week as he wrote..."Check out this story about Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. This church is stepping out in faith and doing something that a lot of folks think is crazy. I think it's crazy too, like Pop Tarts, "crazy good!" In fact I think it's absolutely awesome!"

And my email has been going crazy. Here are just a few of the encouraging words from non-Rolling Hillers about our missional journey:

Wow Frank! What an incredible story. I commend you and the church for taking such a bold step for God. - Leah

I am so impressed by what God is doing through you all. I know that God is honored by this HUGE step of faith. - Pastor Tom (yes...that Pastor Tom)

Wow! I read the article in the Christian Index last night and was absolutely blown away! I pray God uses you and RHBC to lead the "movement" of putting down the bricks! - Jeff

What a wonderful example Rolling Hills Baptist Church is when it comes to serving others. - Jay

I'm in AWE Frank. What a great thing God is doing. I look forward to seeing what He does next. - Christine

I pray that God blesses your church big time! Exciting, scary, humbling, satisfying love for God and His people...wow! Way to GO. - Rob

Good going both for the decision and for going against the current. Your mission is the "real" message of Christ's work on earth. - Jean

I'm telling you...this is not a moment...this is a movement that God has invited us into. I love your courage, your faith, your humility and your sweet serving spirit. It is an honor to be your pastor!

Oooooooooooo...one more really important thing. I want to wish a very Happy Anniversary to our friends Dileep and May! Thank you for showing us what it looks like to live a life of love for Jesus and for others. You guys rock! Every single day I am grateful and glad to be sharing the journey with friends like you.

Presence with a "c"...

2008-12-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday at Rolling Hills rocked! The band was great. Worship was intense. Elwin made "Pakistani Hush Puppies" and they were yummy. We started a new series..."The Christmas Presence". And I couldn't help but notice that you've lost weight since Thanksgiving Day. Good for you!

So...was anybody else shocked by the fact that Americans spend $450,000,000,000 every year on Christmas gifts? I was. Is anybody else considering ways to spend less and give more? I am. This Christmas, I'd like to exchange Christmas presents with a "t" for Christmas Presence with a "c". In short, I'd like to reclaim Christmas.

The first Christmas changed the world. Why? Because of His Presence in Bethlehem. This Christmas could change the world? Why? Because of His Presence in you and me. Is God nudging you, the same way He's nudging me? For starters, would you check out a website? It's www.adventconspiracy.org. Advent Conspiracy is a movement that encourages Christians to "spend less, give more, love all, and worship fully the ultimate gift of Christ".

Together, let's join the conspiracy and reclaim Christmas!

The Morning After...

2008-11-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, Rolling Hills, so for awhile I’ve been thinking of doing something “bloggish” on Monday mornings to recap the prior Sunday and look ahead to the week in front of us. I’m calling it “The Morning After”, even though I’m writing the very first one, naturally, very late on Monday night. Anyway, here it is…

I was blown away yesterday by 2 things:
Your HUGE missional heart and the promise of the next generation.

For weeks we’ve been gathering winter clothes for the Homeless Shelter, gifts for Operation Christmas Child and groceries for Fayette Samaritans. That’s a lot of opportunity for generosity and, as usual, you stepped up to the plate. What you did for our friends, downtown at Courtland and Pine, was particularly inspiring. We had lots of help, served up lots of food and gave away lots and lots of coats. Best of all, we stepped outside the walls of our church and demonstrated the love of Jesus in a tangible way.

My feelings were summed up very well in an e-mail sent to me earlier today by one of the most tenderhearted people I know:

“Rolling Hills, I first wanted to say “THANK YOU” so much for your participation yesterday. I am continually amazed at what God has put into the hearts of this community of believers. I am convinced that without respect to size, this body of believers has one of the biggest hearts anywhere. I praise God that He brings the right people with the right heart and the right resources to the right location at the right time. GOD IS GOOD – ALL THE TIME!” - Mark Haag

I couldn’t agree more. I love our church! I love your passion for serving Jesus by serving others! I love you and I love being your pastor. Your rock!!

Now, about the next generation…I have great confidence in our kids and how God might use them to change the world. They led us in worship yesterday and they led the way in serving at Courtland and Pine, as well. I’m convinced that our grandkids will be raised by a more devoted generation than our own. That helps me sleep at night!

The week ahead…

Our friend Elwin flies in late Wednesday night, he’ll be staying with the Ratnaikes and will be at Rolling Hills this Sunday morning. I spoke with him tonight, he is very excited about seeing you again and appreciates all of the support you’ve shown his family. Please make him feel welcome and let’s continue to look for ways to help him.

Thanksgiving is 3 days away…yikes! We’ve got lots to do because we’ve got lots of folks coming to Dragon’s Lair including my favorite Pakistani, my favorite Australian, my favorite South African, my favorite New Zealander and several of my favorite Americans. In all the preparation and travel, don’t forget to actually take time to be thankful. God has been good to me. God has been good to you. Give thanks!

This Sunday we launch a new series. It’s called “The Christmas Presence” and it’s all about experiencing and being the presence of Jesus in our world. The Christmas event changed the world once – it can happen again – hope you’ll join us for the celebration this Sunday!

Well…so that’s it. That’s the first one. Hope it was informative, inspiring, encouraging and maybe even a little entertaining. But I’m going to stop typing now and press send before it’s actually the morning after I started typing “the morning after”.

Gratefully Yours…
Frank