sunday's scuds (may 4, 2008)

Today we were in between series at NewPointe. Dwight gave a scud-a-licious message on "Getting in the game." It was called Wii Serve. I hope you got to experience the service. It was probably the most unusual service we've done since moving into the new building. Here are some of Dwight's scuds:

• There are three reasons we don't get into the game (serve)

1. You don't realize you're needed. You think things miraculously happen.

2.You've been working for one thing for your whole life: I get to determine what I get to do. I'm autonomous.

• If you're focused on the right things, with your autonomy, your thinking is, "How can I best leverage this for God? If you're focused on the wrong things, your thinking may be, "What do I want to do for me?

3. You've forgotten that you're a Christian.

• God defines your success in terms of your commitment to His church.
• If you choose not to get involved, the kingdom of God will still move ahead. We'll be okay...but you won't be okay.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

• You're going to have to decide what's important. Not everything is important...although we act like everything's important.
• Many of us just say, "I don't have the time to serve." You do have the time to serve...you're just not willing to make the commitment.
• When we tell God we don't have time, we're actually saying something like this to God, "God thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thanks for giving me gifts and talents. Thank you for my job. Thank you for my family. Thank you for giving me so much. And by the way God, would you just continue to bless me? See, you've given me so much, that I now don't have the time to serve you by getting involved in serving at the church..."
• God did not give you your gifts and talents so you could fulfill the American dream. He gave you your gifts and talents so you could impact the world for Jesus Christ.
• Some of us are only willing to serve if it fits our schedule--if it doesn't cramp my style.
• You will never feel more alive than when you're serving God.

Don't forget, if you're out of town or unable to make it to NewPointe on Sunday morning. You can watch the services live online right here.