sunday’s scuds (november 28, 2010)

Sunday we finished up the “Only God” series at all three NewPointe campuses. The services at the Dover campuses included 12 baptisms. Dwight’s message was both challenging and helpful. Here are some of the scuds he fired (as I see ‘em):

• As a church and as individuals, we have been asking the question: God, what do you want to do through me to accomplish your vision for NewPointe?
• So far, $6.2 million has been pledged toward our goal of $7 million.
• And that’s without having a single “bingo” night or a single bake-sale. No manipulation or arm-twisting. People have willingly stepped-up and decided to give generously toward an opportunity to invest in what’s eternal.
• Studies show that eight out of ten kids who grow up in church and then leave home will not continue attending church when they’re out on their own.
• I want NewPointe to be a place that puts an anchor of Christ so deep into our kids’ lives that they’ll never never be able to recover from it.
• Some people don’t give because they don’t have the strength to overcome the fear on not having enough for themselves.
• The people of NewPointe gave willingly something that other people are willing to kill others to get—something they’re willing to steal to get—something that divides families: MONEY. And you gave willingly.
• Every person in this room battles greed.
• How do you know if you’re a person of integrity with God? You understand that He’s the owner of it all.
• You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving.
• 1,000 years from now Microsoft will not be here. But the Church of Jesus Christ will be. So why not invest in something that’s going to be around longer?
• If you’re depressed or discouraged, GIVE!
• You’ll become even more depressed if you hoard.
• God gets the credit, we get the joy, and future generations get the benefit.
• If the church will step up and be the church then there’s hope for America.
• An untested commitment is an unreliable commitment.
• God doesn’t judge us on what we give. He judges us on what we keep.