Ask the Pastor

Posted on May 17, 2013 by admin

A faithful CLCer writes, “I have a friend that used to be on fire for the Lord. She now says she believes in God, but not the White man’s Jesus. She speaks of this African ‘voudom’ that she says early white Americans demonized to ‘voodoo’ to push Jesus on black slaves. She writes mean things about us now on Facebook. I recently asked her if she still had her Bibles and if I could have it. She responded that she had a Bible she would give me. I asked. ”is it the one you have all your notes and highlights in?” She said, “oh no you cannot have that one.” I smiled and thought ‘right, she doesn’t want to give up her Good Word of knowledge and revelation’. What would cause a person to leave what gave them life and happiness? I don’t understand this.”

Sad. But a very valid question, because probably all of us have known individuals who once walked with the Lord but are far from Him today. Obviously, I cannot answer with any certainty about your friend specifically, but I can give you several possibilities:

actually, this one is a certainty: she has been deceived. As always, the problem with deception is that when you’re in it, you don’t realize it! The Bible speaks of ‘seducing spirits’ (KJV) - 1Tim. 4:1, which sounds clearly to be the case with your friend. Certainly some people go astray because of demonic influence that deceives them.
Paul also warned the Ephesian elders that false teachers would arise to ‘distort the truth’ (Acts 20:29-32), specifically to draw a following. I’ve lived long enough to see those verses fulfilled by misguided teachers who were more interested in having people follow them than in teaching truth from God’s Word.
Some people who once walked with God turn away because they love the things of this world more than the one to come. See 2Tim. 4:10.
Some Christians just get weary of resisting sin, & eventually walk away (Heb 12:3-5; Matthew 24:11-12)

It saddens us to reflect on these things, and especially the memory of our fellowship with people who once walked closely with the Lord – but there is one protection for all of us, and that is to fall so deeply and completely in love with Jesus that NOTHING could ever separate us from Him (Rom. 8:38)

Can you think of other reasons that would cause someone to walk away from Christ? If so, leave a comment below, please-

Hope this helps a bit. Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Talking Bible

Posted on May 16, 2013 by admin

You know by now that my Bible often talks to me (and that I love it when that happens!).

But I don’t think I’ve ever read a single verse that was SO pregnant with life-changing truth in practically every word.

I plead with you not to read it if you’re in a hurry….wait until you have time to savor each word of this verse, in The Voice translation that I’m using for my devotions this year:

1 Corinthians 1:18

I see about 10 different truths that could be emphasized in this one verse. Which one stands out to you the most?

Pentecost Sunday & MORE

Posted on May 15, 2013 by admin

I posted yesterday about PENTECOST SUNDAY (this Sunday, May 19), but later one of our pastors reminded me of this clip from the recent Bible Series on the History Channel.

Obviously, no one was filming 1,984 years ago, but this might be what Pentecost was like!

What I do know is that God has given me a ‘word’ for CLC for this Sunday, and that many of us are praying that what He did then He will do again this Sunday!

I also know that we’ve got one of the most important announcements in our history, so you don’t want to arrive late – it’s going to be an exciting day!

I hope you’ll invite a friend to join you-

Guess who is having a birthday?

Posted on May 14, 2013 by admin

No, not me.

THE Church of Jesus Christ, this Sunday!

That’s right, this Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, which marks the 1,980th (or more likely, the 1,984th, since most scholars think our Gregorian calendar is off by 4 years, so Jesus was actually born in 4 B.C.) anniversary of the day The Church was born (Acts 2:1-4)

Betcha know what we do on someone’s birthday, right? We PARTY!

And that’s exactly what we’re gonna do THIS Sunday, May 19 at CLC! Not only will there be some great music (and dancing, if you’re so inclined), but God has given me a ‘word’ that I can’t wait to share as part of our ‘Generations’ series. We’re focusing this entire series on what we must transfer to the Next Generation, and I honestly don’t know of anything more important for us to transfer than the power of the Holy Spirit.

And we’ve got some special things planned that we’ve NEVER done at CLC, to make it truly a life-changing day for many people. That’s why I’m begging you to invite your friends, family members, co-workers – ANYONE you know who needs Jesus!

Oooooooo, are we gonna PAR-TAY this Sunday!

Off to the Philippines

Posted on May 13, 2013 by admin

NOT me.

My wife.

My daughter.

And 6 other CLC ladies.

Not too sure how I feel about that.

After all, Davao is my favorite place on earth to visit.

And when I’m at CLC-Davao with Pastors Herley & Nelly Montes, I feel like I’m home.

This is the FIRST time we’ve ever had a CLC team go there without me…..and I’m not doing so well with that.

Probably the only thing worse than them going without me would be me going with them for a H2H women’s retreat.

Or maybe me being home alone with 2 dogs to take care of.

Feeling sorry for me yet?

I didn’t think so.

Can’t blame a guy for trying.

Bon voyage, ladies!

Sunday reflections

Posted on May 12, 2013 by admin

This was my favorite Mother’s Day at CLC ever:

It was my favorite personally because the two most important women in my life were sitting with me on the front row: my only daughter, Jen and my only wife, Chris!
Worship in all 3 services was terrific, and I especially liked the new song that Pastor Jon tried to teach us: “Standing”, written by our friend, William McDowell!
If you missed the CLC original production Mother’s Day video, here it is again. I think my favorite quote was from Anson LaBranche who said his mother is prettier “than a Monster Truck”! Now to a child, that’s quite a compliment!
It was also a great kick-off for our ’Generations’ series, as my wife brought both inspiration and practical truths for how we can transfer our courage & convictions to the next generation. (The “queen of illustrations & object lessons” did have help from Sam Hamstra, Mark LaBranche and Nate Hernandez as pictured below)

Mark LaBranche

Nate Hernandez

It was also special because over 1,500 worshiped with us on Mother’s Day, when we often see attendance drop significantly, AND, better-yet, because 3 precious CLCers were baptized in water today!
Finally, on a very personal level, it was very special because my youngest son & his wife were ordained as our Children’s Pastors at CLC. You can read the back story here, but I didn’t make it through without a few voice cracks, and I so appreciated the pastors & elders of CLC who prayed, imparted & prophesied to Brent & Sol:

there is a spiritual impartation thru the “laying on of hands” in Scripture

surrounded in prayer

our new Children’s Pastors, Brent & Sol McQuay

It was also special at our South Bend campus today, where Pastor Shanna Neal brought a great word about faith & courage, and the KidsLife children gave a great presentation honoring all the mom’s (and attendance was WAY up!)
And it was extra-special for 15 visitors at our Davao, Philippines campus – because they prayed to receive Jesus on Mother’s Day!

We’ve done a quick lunch together, had ‘Mama Chris’ open her cards & gifts and will head to Brent & Sol’s house soon as he is cooking Mother’s Day dinner for us (no, he didn’t get that from his dad), then it’s a little shut-eye before driving to O’Hare with my favorite ladies for their trip to the Philippines-

Ask the Pastor

Posted on May 10, 2013 by admin

Today’s question was submitted back in December during our “You Asked for It” midweek series: “Please explain Acts 1:5 and Acts 11:16“.

Gladly. Especially since next Sunday (May 19) is Pentecost Sunday, which is arguably the 3rd biggest day on The Church calendar, right behind Christmas (when we celebrate the coming of the Messiah into our world) and Easter (when we celebrate His death, burial and resurrection).

Pentecost Sunday is the day The Church was born, when about 120 disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) (If you’re not already familiar, I suggest you click that link and read the verses slowly and carefully)

The first verse you asked about occurred after Jesus’ resurrection, shortly before He returned to heaven. He commanded His followers to not leave Jerusalem until they had been baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5), and He told them why (Acts 1:8); namely, that they would receive the power to be His witnesses throughout the earth!

The second verse you asked about came during Peter’s explanation to the Jerusalem church as to why he had ministered to the Gentiles gathered at the home of Cornelius (Acts 11:14-16). According to Peter, the Gentiles (whom the Jews considered ‘heathen’ or unclean) were baptized in the Holy Spirit in the same way that the followers of Jesus had been back in Acts 2!

So both of the verses in question speak of this ‘baptism of power’ that comes to us through the Holy Spirit. Let me remind you that there are actually 3 baptisms in the New Testament that every child of God should experience:

When we receive Jesus as our Savior by turning from sin and believing on Him, we are baptized into His body (1Corinthians 12:13). This baptism is what Jesus called being “born again”(John 3:3-5) and it’s the identification that we belong to Christ (we are “saved” – Ephesians 1:13-14). It’s the Holy Spirit who baptizes us into Christ.
To celebrate our salvation from sin, we bury our past and ‘announce’ that we now belong to Christ through a baptism in water (Romans 6:4) It’s usually a minister or elder who baptizes us in water.
We are baptized in the Holy Spirit to empower us to be Christ’s witnesses in a subsequent experience that is usually accompanied by the phenomenon known in Scripture as ‘speaking in tongues’ (at CLC, we usually call it a ‘prayer language’), whose primary benefit is to enable more intimate communication with the Lord, strengthening and refreshing us in our relationship with Him. This is the baptism discussed by the original questions in this post, and it’s Jesus who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33-34; Acts 2:4; 1Cor 14:4)

My suggestion today for any reader is that if you have not experienced each of these three baptisms, you can and you should! (I also invite you to join us on May 19 for a fuller look at this subject as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday together!)

Hope that helps. Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

A special Mother’s Day

Posted on May 9, 2013 by admin

I’m sure it could be argued that every Mother’s Day is special. I know we want it to be so at CLC each year.

But this Sunday will take on extra meaning for my family. When our Board of Overseers was here in March, they interviewed my son Brent and his wife Sol and recommended that we ordain them as Children’s Pastors at CLC. We had planned to do that in a special service sometime when we have the Overseers or other guest ministers in town.

However, Sol’s mother and sister are here visiting from Mexico City, and this Sunday is their last day with us, so we’ve decided to do a very brief ordination ceremony for the sake of the family this Sunday at the 10 a.m. service.

While it won’t be the full-blown ordination that is customary at CLC (because of the Sunday morning time constraints), it’s still going to be an emotional time for me and Chris. I suppose every pastor’s dream is for their son or daughter to follow their footsteps into ministry, so this will be that dream come true for us. Brent and Sol have served faithfully in a variety of roles at CLC through the years, and for the past year have done an admirable job as our KidsLife Directors. Besides, they’ve produced the two cutest grandkids in the universe! (there’s a picture below to prove it)

We are thankful for God’s hand upon each of our children and we’re proud of the men and women they’ve become, but this will be one for the memory bank.

I’m especially thankful that we’ll be sharing the moment with the pastors and elders of CLC and our church family – we love the team that God has given us here! See you Sunday-

Jaeden & Bennett in Poppy’s office on Easter Sunday

ser-uhn-dip-i-tee

Posted on May 8, 2013 by admin

Serendipity is a word I learned many years ago and is always fun to use – not because of how fun it is pronounce, but because of what it represents. According to Wikipedia, it simply means a “happy accident” or “pleasant surprise”; specifically, the accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it.

I had 3 serendipitous moments yesterday in the space of 4 hours:

while planning a major CLC initiative, a friend reminded me of an incident from over 3 years ago that is just now being fulfilled in a remarkable way!
as our pastors dissected my Pentecost Sunday message (May 19), the conversation went in a whole different direction than I had planned and resulted in what I believe will be a God-moment for many CLCers - totally unlike where I thought we’d go!
during a meeting with a CLCer who’s come through significant pain, we discovered ministry potential that will likely result in a new staff position – even though the meeting was intended to help her, not us!

All of those separate incidents reminded me again of John Tiller’s message last Sunday, especially from John 9:3, where Jesus said, “Look instead for what God can do.”

I suspect if we keep an open heart as we go through our day, not looking for someone to blame, but looking for what God can do, we’ll find some ‘happy accidents’!

Have YOU ever had any serendipitous moments? I’d love to hear about it below:

Burn the ships!

Posted on May 7, 2013 by admin

Still can’t get Sunday morning off my mind.

We didn’t just have an emotional response to a handicapped boy Sunday; I believe we heard a ‘word’ from his father that applies to each one of us. If you missed it, I urge you to go online today and watch it here. (It may not be up yet, but it should be later today)

Here’s the thing: life goes “off script” for all of us. Yesterday I had a series of meetings with several CLCers whose life has not followed the ‘script’ they had envisioned, but instead of wallowing in self-pity or looking for someone to blame, each of them has/is looking to see what God can do (see John 9:1-3).

I saw another great example of it last night in the Bulls-Heat game. Talk about life going off script? Your #1 player has to have surgery after a serious injury. Ok. The second-best player is hospitalized with possible meningitis, has to have a spinal tap during the playoffs. Ok. Your third-best player has plantar fasciitis which makes it painful to run. Ok. Your best defensive player goes down before the first-round of the playoffs. Ok. The shortest guy on the team (maybe the league) is sick, so he pukes in a garbage can and gets back on the court in one game, then gets stepped on, cuts his lip & has to have stitches in the next. Ok. The rag-tag group of has-beens and wannabes who are left all must play heavy minutes since there’s no one left to substitute. Ok. That #1 star is cleared by doctors to play but chooses not to do so. Ok. You’re up against the defending world champs and NOBODY gives you a chance to win. Ok.

Final score: Bulls 93, Heat 86. Ok.

How are you going to respond when your life goes off script?

Talking Bible…..maybe you need to try AGAIN!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by admin

Love it when my Bible talks to me….and it did last week.

I was reading Judges 20 when all of a sudden I really noticed verses 11-28. It’s really pretty astonishing:

twice God specifically instructed Israel to go into battle knowing that they would lose!
He did that despite their sincere weeping as they asked for guidance! (v23)
In fact, He had given them specific ‘words’ about who was to lead the battle (v18)
The second time they lost we’re told they went ‘in obedience to God’! (vv24-25)
At that point, they were willing to give up, but they asked guidance again (vv26-28)
This time, HE promised them victory, and it happened!

I’ll be honest: I don’t understand why God would give specific instructions to go up in battle when He knew they would be defeated. I can’t find an explanation in Scripture.

But I was encouraged as the Bible spoke to me! I was encouraged that just because I’ve prayed for stuff that I thought God was going to answer, and it didn’t happen then, doesn’t mean that it’s never going to happen! Maybe I just need to ask/try again!

Does that speak to you?

Have you failed a couple of times and thought maybe you should give up? Think again. Maybe the next time has the promise: “I will give you victory”

Selah.

Sunday reflections

Posted on May 5, 2013 by admin

Here are my random thoughts on one of the most unusual ‘guest’ Sundays ever at CLC:

While praying early this morning before service, Luke 24:35 came to my spirit. I know we’re always under time constraints because of multiple services and a lack of parking, and that time pressure seems acute whenever we observe Communion, but I prayed that Jesus would make Himself known today as we celebrated Communion together. I hope you sensed His Presence in a special way!
Loved seeing the Watoto Choir again, even by video! If you missed the announcement, we’re taking a team to them in Uganda this Aug. 29-Sept. 10 to help conduct a Children’s Camp. Today was our deadline for registration, so if you’re interested in going, please contact Pastor Tony Gilmore ASAP and we’ll try to get you space on the plane! DO IT NOW!!!
What can I say about John & Tricia Tiller? They really have lived out every parent’s worst nightmare, with integrity & purpose! I think John was God’s spokesmen to us today to “burn our bridges!” And my favorite quote of the day was when he said, “Our purpose is not to seek healing; our purpose is to seek The Healer!”
And Eli? Well, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he sang, but he also ministered to us with his words & his life. And I know none of us feel we have an excuse for anything anymore.

Eli Tiller singing “I will Rise”

Pastor Doug reports another baptism at our South Bend campus today, as well as more new members joining the ministry there, and a great time at the close of service praying Judges 13:2-3 over the people and the community – they may have ’been barren’, “but all of that is about to change!”
Pastor Herley Montes reports another 20 people came forward for salvation at our Davao, Philippines campus today – and that they are so excited to welcome a CLC team for the Heart-to-Heart retreat there in a couple of weeks!
Can’t wait to hear my wife sing next Sunday for Mother’s Day (if you missed the announcement today…..well, you just missed it!)

Before I sign off and head to the couch, tell me – what was your ‘take-away’ from today’s service with the Tiller’s? (Please leave a comment below)

Ask the Pastor

Posted on May 3, 2013 by admin

Today’s question is a doozie: “my question is in regards to remarriage after divorce. Though we see it everyday, is it ok? Is it simply a matter of repenting for the divorce (and everything that caused it)? How does 1st Corinthians 7:11 & 39 play into the situation?”

Oh my. No softballs today. I hope this isn’t a repeat of Matthew 19:3, because I don’t like traps! In faith that this is a sincere question, let’s dive in:

First, I don’t personally know of a thornier question anyone could ask me. I say that in part because there seems to be some leeway in Scripture (albeit limited) and especially because of what I see in today’s Church, as well as the overall concept of God’s grace and kindness.
Having said that, I also plead with every reader NOT to use this post as personal guidance, since every situation is different and this issue is definitely NOT ‘one-size-fits-all’! If you are contemplating divorce OR remarriage, I urge you to get counsel from your pastor!
Most believers would agree that there are some Biblical grounds for divorce, after which a remarriage could certainly be in order. The rub comes when we try to agree on what those ‘Biblical grounds’ are. In my understanding of Scripture (Free community service announcement: I don’t expect others to agree with me, so please don’t fill up the comment box with your interpretations – use your own blog for that, please), those Biblical grounds would include sexual unfaithfulness and abandonment for sure (Matthew 19:9; 1Corinthians 7:15)
However, please don’t forget Malachi 2:15-16 and Matthew 19:7-8. Just because a divorce is ‘allowed’ under some circumstances doesn’t mean it’s ‘advisable’. My counsel is always that if the injured party is able to forgive and release their spouse and move on after infidelity, that’s the best solution. Only in those cases where the ‘guilty’ spouse is unrepentant and/or the injured spouse is simply not able to forgive and trust again would a divorce be recommended.
Some have made remarriage the issue, but I don’t personally follow that. IF a person has Biblical grounds to divorce, then I certainly think they have the right to remarry.
In regards to the specific question concerning 1Cor. 7:10-11, my understanding is that this applies to those cases where there is no Biblical grounds for divorce. In that case, reconciliation is the only proper solution – or remain single. Verse 39 seems to confirm that. However, please do not use my words OR these Scriptures to judge someone else’s marriage – you don’t know all the circumstances, and John 8:7 still fits today!
That’s about as much trouble as I should get into for one day, but let me close with great parting advice from the Apostle Paul: 1Corinthians 7:26-28.

Hope that helped. Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

P.S. Don’t miss THIS Sunday at CLC when the John Tiller family will be our guests to share their story that is sure to inspire you! Invite a friend-

Today we cry, ‘RESTORE’

Posted on May 2, 2013 by admin

Today is the National Day of Prayer in America.

I’m not sure that any other country on earth has such a day. (My Google search failed to find one)

But anyone who’s ever studied American history knows that our forefathers clearly believed that God was raising up this country for a purpose, and the USA became a haven for those seeking freedom to worship God, rather than follow a national religion. Many of us believe that God raised up this nation to proclaim His name to the world, to represent His image to all nations.

For over 200 years we have done that. America is the greatest missionary-sending nation on earth. But in recent years, that image has become perverted. The picture that the nations get from us now is not an accurate portrayal of God. Instead, we have fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy as we’ve passed laws and put our approval on things God calls an ‘abomination’ and we’ve brought a curse on the land by shedding innocent blood.

But even as Isaiah described all of this, he said there was no one crying out for restoration. Today, we do.

Our prayer room is open from now until 10pm today. Join me in crying out ‘RESTORE’!

wow, Wow, WOW!

Posted on May 1, 2013 by admin

After my Tuesday of meetings, planning and emails, I am SUPER-excited about what’s ahead for CLC:

first of all, I heard from John Tiller with details of what he feels on his heart & is planning for Sunday, and I’m urging you to be here and to bring guests with you! It may be one of the most impactful guest speakers we’ve EVER had at CLC!
secondly, we mapped out details for our ‘Generations’ series and I’m FIRED-UP like Joe Sangl about helping you make a difference in your generations! We’ll even be hosting a special seminar on Wednesday, June 12 that EVERY parent will want to be a part of – so mark your calendar now!
finally, I AM super-stoked-excited about the next series about it – our annual favorite summer series at CLC, “God@the Movies!” Yesterday we finalized the selection of movies and there’s some real blockbusters included this year, but more importantly, some powerful truths from Scripture that we’ll see thru the lens of Hollywood. Mark your calendar & plan to be in town June 30 and July 7, 14, 21 and 28!

Wow. Wow. Wow! #morechangedlives

PS Don’t forget the National Day of Prayer tomorrow, May 2 or the kick-off at CLC with our Worship Night at 7pm this evening!

THIS Sunday at CLC

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

We will kick-off our ‘Generations’ series this Sunday with special guests, John, Tricia & Eli Tiller. As I mentioned Sunday, John & Tricia have already lived through every parent’s worst nightmare, when their 3-year old son fell headfirst from a second story window in their home several years ago.

Most of us can’t even imagine the pain of not knowing if your child will live through the night, or the long road toward recovery after a brain injury. And as believers, we especially don’t want to think about how to respond if God doesn’t answer our prayers to heal our child.

Their story is one that EVERY parent needs to hear. You’ll leave with a new perspective and some fresh inspiration to face your challenges. And your eyes may leak a bit, too.

Invite someone to be your guest. See you Sunday!

Next series at CLC

Posted on April 29, 2013 by admin

Yesterday was the conclusion of ‘Remember the Story’ (my current all-time favorite CLC sermon series), but as good as it was, I’m just as excited about our next series!

If you missed it, we announced yesterday that this Sunday kicks off our ‘Generations’ series, when we’ll deal with a variety of topics concerning your FAMILY. Here’s why that’s SO important:

1. Unchurched people never lie awake at night thinking about my next sermon, but they do lie awake at night wondering if their kids are going to be ok.

2. Family is a universal issue. Everyone comes from a family, so we’ve all been impacted by it.

3. This generation of parents is producing the next generation of leaders. As goes the family, so goes the next generation.

I hope you’ll invite someone to be your guest – I believe this series will be life-changing!

Sunday reflections

Posted on April 28, 2013 by admin

the facial expression says it all – I’m TIRED tonight – but I’ll try to give you a quick recap of my thoughts on this day at CLC

First, I AM rejoicing over the 10-12 people who prayed to receive Christ today! That never gets old to me, and I hope it never does for CLC!
At the ‘Fresh Start’ table after service, I noticed that at least 2 of the salvation decisions were relatives of others who recently gave their life to the Lord at CLC! As Perry Noble so often says, “FOUND people FIND people!” Love it when new Christians reach out to their non-Christian friends & relatives!
Perhaps the biggest compliment I’ve EVER received (or at least remember) was in the lobby after the 10am service when one of our seniors told me that today was “the clearest presentation of the Gospel that I’ve ever heard” and suggested that I use the story of Mephibosheth to teach CLCers how to lead unsaved folks to Christ! I don’t know about all of that, but I do know that his story is OUR story!
My favorite lobby conversation of the day was with a CLCer who has recently been hit with some major challenges in life, but seeing how his CLC family has rallied to support him in his trial made such an impression on his wife’s brother (a professing atheist) that the brother came to visit today & promised to return!
Pastor Doug reports another good day at our South Bend campus, with another baptism and one more person praying to receive Christ, as God continues to move on the hearts of people there!
My wife & several ladies told me the H2H retreat this weekend was simply off the charts, with a demonstration of the Spirit and power, prophetic words, and more lives changed!

Part of why I’m so wiped out tonight is that after preaching 3 services today, we grabbed a quick bite & headed to my son’s house for the 1st birthday party of our youngest grandson, then drove my daughter to O’Hare for her return flight to Dallas. At any rate, I thought you might enjoy a few pics (it’s to be expected of grandfathers):

Nonny & the birthday boy

Sol not only does a great job with KidsLife Jr at CLC, she’s a mean birthday party planner, too!

Sol’s mother (“SuSu”) was able to join us from Mexico City to celebrate (along with Jaeden as Elmo for the Cookie-Monster-themed party

1st Birthday cake for the big boy

he slowly examined it…..

…..but he soon caught on as to what to do….

and he loved Nonny’s gift

Ask the Pastor

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin

One of my favorite CLC’ers emailed me this week’s question: “I was reading in Matt 17:10-13 when the disciples ask Jesus why the teachers of law insist that Elijah must come before the Messiah. And Jesus says that he already came but was essentially ignored. Then Matthew says that the disciples then realized he was talking about John the Baptist. I know we don’t believe in reincarnation, so how can that prophecy be fulfilled through John the Baptist? Was scripture speaking of the Spirit of Elijah resting on John the Baptist, thereby fulfilling scripture? Or am I missing the point completely?”

Well, you’re right that the Bible doesn’t embrace reincarnation, so we know that this Scripture could not have been speaking literally. (I mention that before one of the primary rules of interpreting Scripture is that we should always use the literal interpretation UNLESS there is a clear reason not to do so. In this case, the literal interpretation would force us to accept the false idea of reincarnation.)

So what did Jesus mean? As always, it’s best to let Scripture interpret Scripture. In this case, Luke 1:13 speaks prophetically of the birth of John the Baptist, and in verse 17 we are told that he will come in the “spirit and power of Elijah”!

Not only that, but verse 17 also shows that John the Baptist would fulfill the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6. So clearly Jesus was comparing John the Baptist to Elijah because of the similarity of their ministry and spirit.

Wish all your questions were this easy to resolve! Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

By the way, there’s still time for YOU to invite someone to be your guest this Sunday for the clearest presentation of the Gospel that I’ve ever given, as we wrap-up our “Remember the Story” series. Can’t wait to see what God will do!

WATOTO trip!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by admin

We’ve hosted the internationally-known Watoto Children’s Choir a couple of times in recent years, and each time, those kids have stolen our hearts! (If you weren’t here either time, you can get a glimpse here).

The only thing better than watching them perform at CLC is you going to them….in Uganda! And that’s exactly what some CLC’ers will be doing this August/September as we take a missions trip to serve at a Children’s Camp for the Watoto Ministry in Kampala, Uganda.

The dates are August 29-September 9 (with an optional 3-day safari that could extend the trip to September 12). Watoto is hosting the entire trip for $3,500 per person, and the $500 deposit to reserve your space is due by Sunday, May 5.

Pick up your application at the Missions Kiosk near the main entrance of CLC this week, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

God@the Movies!

Posted on April 23, 2013 by admin

The favorite sermon series of the year starts June 30, but I need your help.

For the past 2 summers we’ve heard from God through the lens of Hollywood productions, but honestly, the toughest part has been choosing the movies we’ll use for the series. Our pastoral team has already begun the brainstorming effort for this year, but I thought you may like to weigh in; after all, many hands make light work, right?

So if you have a favorite movie that you think God speaks through, pass your suggestion to us in the comments below, or shoot me an email. If we use your nomination, we’ll even give you credit!

Here’s the deal: any movie you recommend must be available on DVD no later than July 9 (if you’re unsure, you can check here). No ‘R’-rated movies, please. And since June 30 is a Family Sunday, we do need one animated flick that the kids will enjoy. That’s all – looking forward to hearing from YOU!

This Sunday

Posted on April 22, 2013 by admin

I honestly don’t recall when I’ve ever enjoyed a series as much as ‘Remember the Story’. In the last 8 weeks, 8 of our pastors have helped us look at no less than 10 different stories from the Old Testament that were all written down for us, to remind us: (1) how God sustains us supernaturally; and (2) to encourage us that what He did for them, He’ll do for us; and (3) that we must not make the same mistakes they made.

Each story has been a message in itself, and I’d encourage you to enjoy any you may have missed online here.

This Sunday will not only be the last story in the series, it’s also the perfect time to invite your unsaved or unchurched friends to join you!

I don’t want to give away the story here, but let me say that it’s a wonderful picture of the Gospel, since it shows us pure grace and the incomparable Love of our Master. I believe this story will help anyone who feels unworthy of God’s forgiveness, and it will demonstrate to all of us that there’s nothing we can do to earn or deserve God’s favor.

I don’t believe the Lord directed me to this story just so those of us who are saved could rejoice in what He’s already done for us; I believe He wants to draw many who are unreached to Himself.

Will you help?

All it takes is an invitation. Maybe you’ve invited them a dozen times in the past. But perhaps this time is the time they’ll accept. You won’t know if you don’t ask. Make a list – invite your friends, your family, your co-workers, your insurance agent, your doctor, your lawyer, your in-laws, your outlaws, your neighbors…basically anyone who’s breathing!

April 28 could be like an Easter Sunday for us; a day that we’ll long remember for the numbers of people who came to know Jesus at CLC!

But it’ll only happen if you help by inviting people in your world.

Sunday reflections

Posted on April 21, 2013 by admin

Another 1,600+ attendance day at CLC! And this is 3 weeks after Easter, when normally our attendance is dropping….makes me know God is up to something around here:

met several newcomer’s in the lobby after services today, but my favorite story of the day was of a first-time guest who came forward for prayer after service, weeping so hard my wife said she could hardly understand her request. After prayer, she told us that she’s been looking for a church home for 4 years, and she found it today!
Anyone who’s been around CLC for long knows that we highly value the next generation, so I’m excited to report that our Branded Discipleship Classes broke all previous records with 149 students in attendance today (kudos Pastor Sam & his team) AND KidsLife broke their attendance record for the 3rd time this month with 303 kids (kudos to my son Brent & all the terrific folks on his team)!!!
(Since Pastor Tony Gilmore provides oversight to BOTH of those ministries, I’m guessing he’s feeling like a proud papa this Sunday afternoon)

My wife brought the WORD this morning!

She not only brought it through her preaching, but after each service she stayed in the altar to minister to folks, and she told me this afternoon it was one of those times where the Holy Spirit was giving her prophetic words for everybody in line – already hearing testimonies from the prayer time! (Just one more reason why I love this lady!)
Pastor Ben Stewart tells me we had about 40 CLCers in our Steps 2 & 4 classes today – love that folks are moving from just attending to getting involved!
I knew we had at least a few CLCers in Boston last week for the Marathon, but I just learned today that Seyi Akintorin, the oldest daughter of one of our elders, was within 50 yards of one of the bombs that went off, but thankfully she was uninjured!
Pastor Doug reports another great day at the South Bend campus where Pastor Jon Jones led worship today and 3 more were baptized in water!
Pastor Herley Montes reports another great day at our Davao, Philippines campus, with 20 people praying to receive Christ in their services today! He also sent the picture below from our Cateel, Philippines campus which was destroyed by Typhoon Pablo a few months ago (along with several other churches in the area) and said our church is the ONLY one in the village that has been able to start rebuilding, thanks to your generosity! I love the fact that 10% of every dollar given at CLC goes to missions!

L – the building before the typhoon; R – after the typhoon
Center – rebuilding made possible by your gifts & the roof is up!

Even though I didn’t preach today, the couch is still calling me…..

Ask the Pastor

Posted on April 19, 2013 by admin

This week’s question comes from a reader who wrote, “Just reading your answer about continuous prayer in asking God for blessings. I’ve never told people to stop praying for something, nor have I stopped. But, I have told people that you only need to pray once for forgiveness of a particular sin, and stop doing that sin and God will forgive you. Would that be correct?”

Great question, because so many people, including born-again Christians, still struggle unnecessarily with guilt and shame. And while my previous post that you refer to addresses the broader subject of perseverance in prayer, the prayer for forgiveness is entirely different, and you are totally correct that asking once in faith is enough! Probably my favorite verse on that subject is Proverbs 28:13.

Here are a few verses to verify that wonderful promise: 1John 1:8-10; 1John 2:1-2; 1John 2:12 (note: they ‘have been’ forgiven – already!)

Note also Psalm 103:8-12; Psalm 86:5 and Hebrews 8:12, where HE promised to never again remember our sins! Hebrews 10:11-18 adds to that promise! What a wonderful, merciful, forgiving God we serve!

Hope this helps. Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

The UNLIVED life

Posted on April 17, 2013 by admin

Pastor Brian Houston from Hillsong in Australia spoke at the ARC conference last night, and was as entertaining as usual. (At one point in the message, after telling us he was about to turn 60 and that he wanted to be a “lean, mean, Gospel machine”, he dropped to the floor & did 31 push-ups while continuing to preach!)

But far more than the push-ups, what stayed with me was his subject: that there is a gap between the life that we’re living and the life we’ve dreamed of-’the unlived life’.

Near the close of his message he read to us from a paper he had written 20 years ago, an incredibly large vision of what he saw for the small church he pastored. Long before any of it happened, he had a ‘dream’ of what Hillsong could become…..and 20 years later, even his vision was too small, seeing what God has done with their ministry.

It really made me think. I’m still thinking about it this morning. Do you have an ‘unlived’ life? What book have you not yet written? What venture have you not yet started? What is God calling you to that you haven’t yet begun?

I don’t want to leave this world with unfulfilled potential.

Good WORD; Great Fellowship

Posted on April 16, 2013 by admin

My first full day at the All-Access Conference in Jacksonville, FL was, in a word, enjoyable!

Each of the day’s speakers gave us insights from the Word mixed with plenty of humor, especially for pastor’s who need a good laugh from time to time.

Then this afternoon we were able to connect with some young church-planters who came from my background and are doing great work for God (kudos, Jason Bentley & Jonathan Moore) to enjoy a great lunch over Mexican food.

I almost feel like I’ve been on vacation. JOY is good for the soul!

Jacksonville, Boston & Chicago

Posted on April 16, 2013 by admin

We had completed a couple of “Apps” (workshops) at the All-Access Conference here in Jacksonville & went to grab a quick bite before the evening service when we heard the news from Boston last night.

I don’t have any answers. I’m not sure anyone does. We live in a fallen world, and evil exists alongside good. But I pray for all those affected by the terrorism in Boston and for the churches in that area that they may shine bright during this difficult time – knowing that what happened there could happen in Chicago, or anywhere in this fallen world.

I came here to Jacksonville in hopes of being preached

to
and it’s already happened. The host pastor for the conference, Stovall Weems, brought the opening message last night and basically dealt with the Sabbath principle – and I heard more than Stovall’s words; I heard God’s Word.

I’m determined to ‘leave it’ weekly, and even more importantly, to learn to say, “it is good” each day. There’s always room for improvement, and there will always be more stuff that needs to be done, but on a daily basis I must say with God, “it’s good enough for now”

I suspect I’m not the only one who needed that word, so I just passed it to you. Will you say, “it is good” today?

Posted in church, leadership, life, personal | 2 Replies

Sleepless in Chicago

Posted on April 15, 2013 by admin

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Or nearly so.

That’s because Pastor Ben, Pastor Tony and I had to get up about 3am today to get ready for our crack-of-dawn flight to Jacksonville, FL where we’ll attend the All-Access Conference for the next few days.

I’ve told you before how impressed I am with the church-planting machine known as “ARC” (Association of Related Churches), of which CLC is a proud member, and this is their annual conference where us preachers get a chance to be preached to!

I need that personally, and I’m also praying for direction on some upcoming decisions that need to be made (not that I’m impatient) - so pray that I’ll hear from God clearly this week, and we’ll be back raring to go with another “Remember the Story” this weekend!

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Sunday reflections

Posted on April 14, 2013 by admin

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Another GOOD day at CLC, with over 1,600 people in worship at CLC-TP today:

kudos to Pastor Jon Jones & Terrell Wilson & their team for all the extra ‘creativity’ of late! If you missed the video today, even though it’s been around for a while, it hasn’t lost its anointing – here’s the link for “That’s My King”

like the new stage set, too – thanks, Ed Marroquin, Hudson Rhodes, Moy Melgar, Andy Esparza and whoever else is responsible!

Love the new song, “Let Praise Awaken”, too!

Met a new family (first-time guests) who just moved here from Austin, TX – when I asked about their home church there, I learned they were from CLC there, pastored by my long-time friend of 42+ years, Rex Johnson! (Small world!)

If you missed the recap of our Cambodia trip, you can watch it here.

As much as I didn’t like the subject matter today, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed preaching, and when I realized a couple of days ago that Exodus 32 according to Jewish tradition was the ‘first’ Day of Pentecost (when 3,000 died), in contrast to the Acts 2 Day of Pentecost (when 3,000 lived!), I wanted to shout, OH-EMM-GEE! (There’s NOTHING like the Word of God – it truly is alive!)

Thankful that people gave their lives to Jesus in every service today – never gets old!

Pastor Doug reports a strong attendance in South Bend today (my wife said it was as full as she’s seen it there!), with 2 youth baptized in water (and 5 others scheduled for baptism next Sunday)!

Haven’t heard from Pastor Herley today, but I know our Philippine campus has been host to some big meetings this weekend with a team from Bethel Church in Redding, CA, so I’m expecting some great reports soon-

That’s it for this Sunday….the couch is calling me…..

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Rick Warren and his son, Matthew

Posted on April 13, 2013 by admin

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By now, most of you have heard the heartbreaking news about the death of Rick Warren’s son, Matthew.

Unbelievably, some have taken this opportunity to criticize Rick in his hour of unimaginable pain.

Yesterday I read this post that expresses my heart and gives further insight into the man behind the story. I hope you’ll read it and say a prayer.

Posted in leadership, life, parents, personal | 2 Replies

Ask the Pastor

Posted on April 12, 2013 by admin

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Today’s question comes from a friend of CLC: “what are the requirements of being ordained and installed into the ministry after you feel that calling is on your life? Is it possible for a old person to step into leadership?”

Two great questions! Let’s take them in reverse order:

The Bible is full of examples of people who stepped into leadership at an old age: Abraham was 100 when his promised son was finally born (Sarah was 90!); Moses was 80 years old when he began to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. I could go on with other examples, but the bottom line is that we are never too old to obey God, so if HE’s calling you into leadership at any age, jump in!

The word ordain in the Bible refers to “an appointment; a setting in place or designation”; for example, deacons were “ordained” to serve the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-6); and pastors were “ordained” in each city in Crete (Titus 1:5). In none of these cases is the mode of ordination specified, nor is any ceremony detailed; the “ordinations” are simply appointments.

There’s a great example of this in Acts 13:2-4. Please note:

It is God Himself who calls the men to the ministry and qualifies them with gifts (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11).

The members of the church recognize God’s clear leading and embrace it.

With prayer and fasting, the church lays hands on Paul and Barnabas to demonstrate their commissioning (compare with Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:22).

God works through the church, as both the church and the Spirit are said to “send” the missionaries.

Paul regularly ordained pastors for the churches he planted. He and Barnabas directed the appointment or ordination of elders “in each church” in Galatia (Acts 14:23). He instructed Titus to “appoint elders in every town” on Crete (Titus 1:5). Titus himself had been ordained earlier, when “he was chosen by the churches” (2 Cor. 8:19). The apostles and the congregations knew whom the Spirit had chosen, and they responded by placing those men in leadership. When God calls and qualifies someone for ministry, it should be apparent both to that person and to the rest of the church. The would-be minister will meet the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, and he will possess a consuming desire to preach (1 Cor. 9:16). The church recognizes, accepts and affirms that calling.

I do want to quickly add that there is an impartation that happens during ordination. The ‘laying on of hands’ in the New Testament is NEVER just a symbolic action. Hands are for giving, or transferring something from one person to another. Thus, as the presbytery lays hands on the minister being ordained, there is often a prophetic release (that can serve as confirmation OR direction for the minister), as well as a spiritual impartation that takes place. Since the minister is being appointed to a new role or position of ministry, there is a demand for new anointing/authority! (see 2Tim 1:6; 1Tim 4:14; Rom 1:11)

Finally, I feel it important to point out that ordination is NOT a “Christian status-symbol” or a sanctified way to say, “I’ve arrived”. Jesus himself warned us about the dangers of ‘title power’ in Mark 10:42-45, and Matt 23:6-10 . If we are to minister in His Name, we are to have a servant-heart, not a desire for titles/recognition. It is very unfortunate that religion has fallen prey to man’s innate desire for titles: The Pope, His Holiness, His Excellency, Mother Superior, Cardinals, Arch-Bishops, Father – even ‘Reverend’ or ‘Pastor’ is unnecessary at best, blasphemy at worst.

(I learned early-on that ‘Reverend’ appears only once in Scripture – Psa 111:9, where we’re told that holy and reverend is HIS name. I figured that if HIS name is reverend, mine isn’t, and I NEVER use that designation personally. Even ‘Pastor’ could become a problem – don’t seek the title, seek the anointing!) Some would argue that titles are important to have respect from people. However, it is possible to have numerous titles and still not have respect OR to have respect without any title. Focus your attention on doing the work of ministry, producing the fruit of ministry & recognition will come – ordination will seek you!

Whew! Sorry for the long answer, but I have strong feelings about ordination, especially because I’ve seen so many who seek it for all the wrong reasons. I hope this helped.

Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Posted in questions, Uncategorized | 3 Replies

Remembering the stories!

Posted on April 11, 2013 by admin

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I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a series more than this one!

But, honestly, this week has been the toughest, because we’re winding down, with only three weeks left in the series, and I’m having a really, really hard time choosing which stories to highlight.

This week I presented four different stories to our pastoral team; one was SO good we decided to make it into a series of it’s own. Another we put on the back burner. But the final two are SO good I can’t decide – seems like when I pray the Lord is just saying, “I’ll bless both of them – my Word never returns void!“

So I’ll ask you: do you deal more with impatience & feelings of pressure, OR would you benefit more from a discussion of how to respond to opportunities that come your way?

Leave a comment below – you just may get to choose this week’s message.

P.S. Either way, it’s gonna be GOOD – so invite a friend to join you!

#morechangedlives

Posted in Bible devotions, church, personal | 12 Replies

So many needs; such a BIG God!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by admin

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Just got into the office after spending time in the prayer room this morning, praying over the Connection cards from last Sunday. I do this every week, but today was different.

I was really moved to tears this morning by the many needs represented from just one Sunday: people facing cancer & other serious health challenges; people struggling financially; couples headed toward divorce; parents whose children are going astray; families dealing with grief after losing loved ones, and on and on it went. So much pain; so many needs.

Honestly, it would have been overwhelming were it not for the fact that I was able to take all those needs to such a BIG God! So thankful that I don’t have to have all the answers; but I know the One who does! HE is the Healer; HE is the Provider; He is the Lover and the Father and the Comforter and More – HE is simply Everything we need!

Whatever you’re dealing with today, I hope you’ll look to HIM.

Posted in Bible devotions, church, personal | 3 Replies

Fat bones!

Posted on April 9, 2013 by admin

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Proverbs 15:30 (in the good ole KJV) says “a good report makes the bones fat”, and that’s exactly how I feel after this weekend. I’ve heard SO many good reports about each message from “Remember the Story” on Sunday and want to thank Pastor Jaime for his look at Eliezer, Media Director Ed Marroquin for his message about Canaan, and Pastor Sam for his teaching from David & Goliath.

I was especially blessed to receive reports even from first-time guests who felt they received exactly what they needed from the teaching of our pastors! And if you didn’t hear the “rest of the story” from Eduardo’s “word” about a couple seeking to become pregnant, I’m thrilled to tell you that not one, but two different couples approached him after service to confirm that God had indeed spoken to them about their situation – including (get this) one couple who listened online to the 10am service while getting dressed to attend the noon service - and received Ed’s prophetic word before they came to hear Sam later!

If you missed any of them, I’d encourage you to do what I’m gonna do this week – go to our website, choose the one you want, sit back and be blessed!

AND I want to help ‘fatten’ your bones some more about Cambodia – because while there we heard reports of the dead being raised, power evangelism resulting from miraculous healings, and of God confirming His Word to and thru His people there. Chris & I felt we were more blessed than the people to whom we ministered – and the God-connection we feel with Pastors Jesse & Soar McCaul is, well, amazing. We feel especially honored & privileged to be chosen by EQUIP for the assignment in Cambodia to teach some of their governmental officials and top university students on our future visits! Only God could give us the opportunity to truly make a difference in a NATION!

Are your bones fatter now? Got a report you want to share with us Please do so below:

Posted in church, leadership, Missions, personal | 2 Replies

Tony’s done it again

Posted on April 8, 2013 by admin

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Well, Chris & I are scheduled to arrive home this morning after a great trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia on behalf of EQUIP. We loved serving with Pastor Jesse McCaul and his team there, and feel we’ve made some great new friends.

Since I’m stuck on a plane right now and not able to post while in the air, I thought I’d share with you my thoughts about Tony Morgan’s latest book, Stuck in a Funk?, which I read during this trip.

Here’s my thoughts about a great read for any pastor who doesn’t want his church to remain stuck.

And, I’m glad that CLC is NOT stuck, but moving forward!

#morechangedlives

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Sunday reflections

Posted on April 7, 2013 by admin

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I’ve already given you my reflections on our Sunday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

However, I’m really CURIOUS about Sunday at CLC in each of the services at Tinley Park, South Bend and Davao, plus our Hispanic campus. If you attended one of those services, would you leave your comments below for my benefit. I’ll have internet access in Seoul, Korea from about 5-8pm Sunday, and I’d love to catch up with how we “Remember the Story” today. Thanks in advance for your help!

Can’t wait to be home with all of you, too-

Posted in Sunday reflections | 9 Replies

Cambodia, day 5

Posted on April 7, 2013 by admin

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We’re at the Phnom Penh airport waiting to board our flight to Seoul and then on to Chicago, but today was definitely a highlight of the trip:

Chris & I each preached an early service this morning, with her at one of the campuses of New Life Fellowship and me at a church planted by leaders from New Life. It was a little tougher ‘plowing’ at both places, after being used to the very responsive folks at the original New Life campus, but we enjoyed the opportunity.

Preaching the middle service at the original campus was a ball – people were packed in like sardines & Pastor Jesse McCaul is such an excellent interpreter that it was easy to preach. (Only CLC’ers will understand this, but let me just say that “Mr. New Jersey” is now known in Phnom Penh!)

After having a chance to fellowship a bit with Janine Kubala from Australia at lunch, it was a joy to hear her minister in the evening service at New Life Fellowship tonight before heading to the airport. (Heard great reports about her husband Andrew & their ministry of healing – and it’s one of the ‘bonuses’ of traveling that we get to meet so many incredible people of God!)

The best part of the day was undoubtedly the fellowship with Pastors Jesse & Soar and their family. I don’t recall when Chris & I have felt such an instant heart-connection with someone – we so admire the work they’ve done here and just thoroughly enjoyed being with them.

Enjoy a few pics from this final day in Cambodia:

My first service was at this church which just built their own bldg thru sacrificial gifts from the congregation – and it’s incredible in that the entire complex of 3 or 4 bldgs was completed in about 2-3 months, start to finish! This is the main entrance-

this building houses both classrooms and dorm rooms for some of their workers

the praise team of that church, like most of the Cambodian Christians we met, all seemed so YOUNG!

Just like our experience in Perm, Russia, this Cambodian church called their children up to the stage to pray over them before they went to their classes. I couldn’t resist a pic of these cuties-

Chris said the highlight of her morning was navigating these steep stairs to the church where she preached

But she made it!

Janine Kubala ministering with Pastor Sammang interpreting tonight at New Life

Chris with our newest friends, Pastors Jesse & Soar McCaul (love these folks!)

Posted in Missions, personal | 3 Replies

Cambodia, day 4

Posted on April 6, 2013 by admin

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Today was our R & R day, as we were able to sleep in (well, we tried) before joining Pastors Jesse McCaul for a relaxing afternoon in downtown Phnom Penh.

If you’ve not read his story on the Cambodia Outreach website, Jesse came to Cambodia as a 17-year old (“kicking & screaming”, he says) because his parents chose to come here as missionaries. That attitude soon changed as God gripped his heart, and later he became “Dr. English” to literally thousands of Cambodians (including even some who are now government officials) who learned English in one of his classes. In fact, those English classes have become one of the primary outreaches of the ministry, as so many of the leaders we met here at the MLM Conference this week came to faith in Christ as a result of learning English from Jesse!

In the last 17 years he and his wife Soar have grown New Life Fellowship to be the largest Spirit-filled church in Cambodia, with an average attendance of about 1,500 in Phnom Penh alone, and about 60 other churches around the country.

After a great lunch at Jars of Clay (another Christian-owned restaurant that’s helping women who’ve been rescued from human trafficking), and a quick shopping trip to the “Russian Market”, we were able to meet tonight for dinner with Mr. Tauch Choeun from the Ministry of Education, Sports & Youth of Cambodia, to discuss our return this Fall when we’ll have the privilege of teaching leadership principles from God’s Word to about 120 leaders from every province in Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, as well as about 200 of the top university students in the country! To say we’re excited about this opportunity is the understatement of the year!

Chris and I feel so privileged to be selected by EQUIP for this assignment and the potential to impact a nation! We really love the God-connection we already feel with Pastors Jesse & Soar and can’t wait to minister tomorrow in three of their churches in Phnom Penh!

Here I am after dinner with Mr. Choeun:

Mr. Choeun is an official of Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Sports & Youth who has invited us to train their officials & select University students

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Cambodia, day 3

Posted on April 5, 2013 by admin

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Today was a good day, as Chris finally was feeling almost normal (thanks to your prayers). We completed the final 2 lessons of the MLM Conference this morning and I honestly think the Cambodians were just as enthusiastic at the close as they had been when we opened 2 nights ago!

After lunch with Missionaries Wayne & Tricia Hester at Daughters, a local chain of restaurants operated by a ministry that’s helping rescue girls from the human trafficking industry, we had the opportunity to do our first bit of sightseeing since we arrived.

It was one of the most noted prisons/execution centers during the infamous Khmer Rouge regime under the maniacal leader, Pol Pot. Much like our visits to the Yad Vashem museum to the Holocaust victims in Jerusalem or the Slave House on Goree Island in Senegal, we were left with such a heaviness that humans could treat other humans this way. This country was devastated during that period, with 170 prisons similar to the one we saw today, plus 350 so-called “killing fields” where many believe about 3 million Cambodians lost their lives (about one-fourth of the population here!)

Here are our pics from this Friday in Phnom Penh:

Of the 4 nations where we’ve taught the EQUIP material, we’ve never seen a group that enjoyed their discussion times more than the Cambodians!

It was hard to get them to stop talking about the material!

Just one picture from the prison-turned-museum of the slaughter during Khmer Rouge regime

See the barbed wire over the windows of the prison? It wasn’t placed there to keep the prisoners from escaping; it was placed there because the torture was so horrific that prisons were choosing to jump from the 3rd floor windows to commit suicide rather than enduring the torture – but the Khmer Rouge wanted them to suffer longer to extract ‘confessions’.

a gruesome reminder of the “killing fields” – please pray for this nation to experience real life thru Jesus after all they have endured in the past!

Posted in leadership, Missions, personal | 2 Replies

Ask the Pastor

Posted on April 5, 2013 by admin

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Today’s question was submitted in December during our “You Asked For It!” midweek series, but we weren’t able to answer it publicly due to time constraints: “How do I maintain patience as a single mom in waiting for my husband?”

Very good question, since there are many like you facing that same challenge. While the Bible doesn’t necessarily address that issue directly, it does give us principles:

Pray. At the risk of oversimplification, I believe Scripture teaches that a good man’s (or woman’s) steps are ordered by the Lord. Genesis 24 is a great example of how God can lead us to the right.

Prepare yourself. Sometimes I think we spend so much time trying to find the right mate that we forget that we must also be the right mate. Why would “Mr. Wonderful” want to find you, unless you have already done your part to develop yourself into an interesting person – a person who can engage in encouraging conversation; a person of strong faith; a person who would be an asset to any man as his help-mate. Use this time while you are waiting as a single mom to develop yourself into the ideal wife for some man who will know that he has found a ‘good thing’ because of the favor of the Lord (Prov. 18:22)

Take advantage of opportunities you have now. 1Cor. 7:32-35 points out that this season of your life presents you with an opportunity to serve the Lord without distraction, whereas if you were married, you would have to divide your time & attention with your husband. Not only is this season a great opportunity for you spiritually – to grow close to God, to be involved in ministries, to take missions trips, etc. – but it’s also an opportunity for you to pursue other interests that you likely won’t have time for later, with a husband. Go back to school to take some courses you’re interested in. Build some close friendships with other women your age, or even older women who could offer you mentoring and encouragement. Don’t just sit and wait for Mr. Wonderful to appear!

I know this is a more complicated subject with few easy answers, but I hope this has helped a bit.

Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

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Cambodia, day 2

Posted on April 4, 2013 by admin

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We just returned from teaching Lessons 2,3, and 4 at the MLM Conference in Phnom Penh. Thanks to your prayers Chris was able to team-teach with me today as scheduled, although she certainly isn’t at full-strength and still needs a healing touch from the Lord.

As last night, the Cambodian believers enthusiastically received everything we had to offer, so it was fun sharing with them the leadership principles of Dr. John Maxwell (and God’s Word). Enjoy a few pics from today:

a member of New Life Fellowship (our host church) led us in worship to begin the day – so neat to hear/sing the same songs 10,000 miles from home!

from the look on her face while she’s teaching, you’d never know how sick she’s been – my wife is a trooper!

We’ve already made 2 new friends in missionaries Wayne Hester (L) and Pastor Jesse McCaul (R) at New Life Fellowship in Phnom Penh!

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Opening night in Cambodia

Posted on April 3, 2013 by admin

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Wednesday night in Cambodia (Wednesday morning in Chicago) was the opening of the EQUIP MLM Conference here. Unfortunately, Chris was too sick to join me, but the GOOD NEWS is that your prayers have been answered and she’s feeling much better this morning, so she’ll join me in less than 2 hours to team-teach lessons 2, 3 and 4 of “Today Matters”, which is all about what we do today to produce tomorrow’s success.

Here’s a couple of pics from last night:

the building was packed wall-to-wall with enthusiastic Cambodian leaders – probably 350-400 of them! Pastor Jesse is such a great interpreter, he made it easy to teach!

Did they LOVE the discussion times! It was hard to get them to stop talking!!!

Posted in leadership, Missions, personal | 3 Replies

Cambodia, Day 1

Posted on April 3, 2013 by admin

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Our first day in Cambodia has mostly been spent at the hotel, due to Chris’ illness. But we did fulfill our schedule by speaking to the staff of Cambodia Outreach this morning. Here’s a couple of pics from that meeting:

part of the worship team during staff meeting – we sang familiar choruses, only in Khmer (well, Chris & I cheated & sang in English)

Pastor Jesse McCaul interpreted for both me & Chris to share with his staff

We begin the MLM Conference tonight (5:30am, Chicago-time) with a few hundred leaders from around the country – please continue to pray for Chris to be healed so she can teach.

Posted in leadership, Missions | Leave a reply

Pray for us in Cambodia

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

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We are scheduled to arrive at 10:50 a.m. today (all times given in Chicago time, as Cambodia is 12 hours ahead, so it’ll be Tuesday night there when we arrive).

Here’s our schedule for the week, so you can pray for us with insight:

Tuesday: 8:30pm – speak to the Staff of Cambodia Outreach

Wednesday: 5:30am-7:30am – first session of leadership training for EQUIP

8:30pm-11:30pm – sessions 2 & 3 of leadership training for EQUIP

Thursday: 12:30am-3:30am – sessions 4 & 5 of leadership training for EQUIP

8:30pm-midnight – final sessions of leadership training for EQUIP

Friday: 10pm – meetings with the head of Ministry of Education for Cambodia (regarding training their leaders over the next 3 years on our return visits)

Saturday: 8pm – Chris & I preach in two different churches in the capital

10pm – I’ll preach at another church in the capital

Sunday: 9am – drive to the airport for our return flights to Chicago!

We’re excited about this opportunity, but we’re especially feeling the need for your prayers – so thank YOU in advance. Stay tuned!

Posted in Missions, personal | 3 Replies

Some breaking news….

Posted on April 1, 2013 by admin

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Before we get out of town for Cambodia, I just wanted to inform my readers that my wife has begun a new ministry for women in leadership!

It’s called Distinction, and you can check out her new blog here. You can also ‘like’ her fan page and follow her on twitter here. Or do what I just did & do all three!

My wife in the 21st century…..miracles never cease!

Posted in leadership, marriage, personal | Leave a reply

Off to Cambodia

Posted on April 1, 2013 by admin

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Still flying high over this past weekend’s 5 Easter celebrations, but Chris & I will be flying even higher (literally) when we board the first of two flights later today that will get us to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

We’re going there to lead the Million Leaders Mandate Conference with EQUIP, the missions arm of Dr. John C. Maxwell’s ministry.

In addition to the leadership training Wednesday-Friday, we’ll be preaching at several churches for our hosts at Cambodia Outreach.

We’re excited about this God-opportunity to train leaders, so I’ll try to keep you posted with each day’s developments. Pray for us – especially for Chris’ health, as she was quite sick this weekend and still has some flu-symptoms even this morning, but she’s determined to go ‘in spite of’!

Posted in Missions, personal | 4 Replies

Weekend reflections

Posted on March 31, 2013 by admin

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How to describe Easter 2013? What. a. weekend.

I must start by thanking the incredible members of CLC – to see how you unselfishly gave up your parking space & your chair on Easter Sunday & worshiped on Saturday night, just because your pastor asked you to make room for unchurched folks who might come & meet Jesus on Sunday was incredible – about 700 of you did that, and God honored your sacrifice by giving us a bonus, when 14 people prayed to receive Christ on Saturday night!

Special, special thanks to the outreach volunteers who showed up en masse for the Helicopter Egg Drop at the Odyssey Fun Farm on Saturday (more of you showed up to serve than signed up to help – when has that EVER happened?) and we were all rewarded when thousands of folks from the South Suburbs showed up to enjoy a fun community outreach! (Nearly 2,000 children received a storybook from CLC with the message of Easter clearly delivered on their level, too!) And we got written up in the Daily Southtown and some news coverage on Channel 7, too!

Finally, I give mega-kudos to everyone who made the 5 Easter experiences possible: Pastor Jon Jones & Terrell Wilson & their a-mazing Servants of Praise, the Dance Ministry led by Pastor Rachel Jones (oh, to have their energy!), the creativity from the opening video, the girl’s solo (thanks, Elliana, Talia, & Jael!), the “full-stage screens” & all the extra media features (thanks, Hudson & Eduardo & Moy), the pastoral staff (Ben, Tony, Sam, Brent AND their spouses & teams they oversee, especially when some of them were pulling ‘all-nighters’ & long hours this week) - for sure, this Easter was a TEAM effort, and Chris & I love each of you dearly!

Today I remembered one of my mom’s sayings from when I was a child: “Your eyes were bigger than your stomach”, she’d say when I left food on my plate. It seems my vision was bigger than my production for this weekend, as we added those 2 extra services on Saturday, but failed to get the record-breaking attendance I was believing for – but we did welcome about 2,060 people (about 500 more than an average Sunday) and the best news is that over 50 of them prayed to receive Christ!

Don’t ever forget that behind every one of those numbers is a story and I heard several favorites: like the young man on Saturday night who told me in the lobby that he got saved here about a month ago when his girlfriend invited him to CLC, and last night at the 6:30pm service, his mother, father, younger brother AND his girlfriend’s mother all gave their lives to Christ! Or the story of a father & daughter who both gave their life to Jesus this morning…..or the 3 teen girlfriends who prayed to receive Christ together…..or the husband of a longtime CLC’er who wept as he gave himself to the Lord today….and on & on it goes!

One of my favorite stories from the lobby today was from a first-time guest family who recently moved to Homewood from Minneapolis, but who hadn’t found a church, so the wife prayed last week & said, “Lord, I don’t even know anyone to ask here, so I’m asking You to send someone to my house to tell me about a church.” Later an exterminator came to work in their home and when he learned that they had just moved, he said, “You probably need a home church, then, don’t you?”, and proceeded to tell her about CLC. It wasn’t until later in the day the Lord reminded her, “you did ask me to send someone to your home to tell you about a new church, remember?”. She, her husband and teen daughter came today & loved it! (And I love the anonymous CLC exterminator!)

I think I may be happiest today for Pastors William & Melek Arevalo at our Spanish-speaking congregation. Several weeks ago Pastor William told me after an early-morning prayer time that the Lord had spoken to him that the revival among Hispanics that he longs for would begin on Easter Sunday, when 100 people would attend (more than double their usual number). I received this text from him this afternoon: 135 in attendance (84 adults) and 4 salvation’s in their service today!

Pastor Doug says our South Bend campus had a full sanctuary with 150 in attendance, lots of old friends, presentations from their next generation of kids & youth, and 3 salvations!

My body is weary, but my spirit is happy! Do pray for my wife when you read this: she was hit with flu-like symtoms last night and has been quite sick throughout the day – and we’re scheduled to leave tomorrow for a missions trip, so she needs healing, quick!

Posted in Sunday reflections | 3 Replies

Ask the Pastor

Posted on March 29, 2013 by admin

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This week’s question was submitted anonymously during our “You Asked For It!” midweek series back in December, but we weren’t able to cover it publicly then: “It is a sin to be depressed?”

Great question, simply because so many Americans (and believers) suffer from depression. I think I’d be safe in saying that almost all of us deal with it from time to time. Here’s my answer:

If depression is a sin, then a LOT of Bible ‘heroes’ were big-time sinners (like us) because Moses (Exodus 5:22-6:12), David (Psa 42:3-11), Elijah (IKings 19:3-14) and even Jesus (Matthew 26:37-39) experienced moments that we would probably call depression!

In addition, I’ve learned from my wife (the licensed counselor) that some depression is clinical, which means there is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes the depression. I don’t think any of us would say that diabetes is a sin, or that high cholesterol is a sin, so why would we classify someone with clinical depression as sinful?

On the other hand, most depression is caused by circumstances (Numbers 21:4; Lamentations 1:12-20), and while most of us have experienced moments of despair when we don’t see a way out of our situation, as believers we must admit that such a viewpoint is not of faith, since nothing is impossible with our God.

So when it comes to circumstantial depression, no believer should wallow there for long, because the Word of God and worship are mighty weapons (2Cor 10:4-5) to help us see beyond our present circumstances to the glorious plan He has for us! (2Cor 4:16-18). That was Jesus’ secret (see Isa. 42:4; Heb. 12:2)

In fact, this message of HOPE is what Easter is all about, for the Resurrection is God’s greatest object lesson: if He can do that, He can do anything! (see Ephesians 1:17-21) – and we’re going to CELEBRATE that fact in all 5 of our Easter Experiences this weekend (Saturday at 5pm & 6:30pm; Sunday at 8:30am, 10am & 12noon) - I hope you’ll reach out one more time to invite someone to be your guest!

Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Posted in questions | 2 Replies

Don’t say no FOR other people!

Posted on March 28, 2013 by admin

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I’ve used that saying many times with our staff as we’ve considered different aspects of the ministry & how to get others involved, but Perry Noble knocked it out of the park yesterday with a post about Easter.

Would you please read it now and hear my heart through Perry’s words?

Just a few more days to INVITE someone and perhaps change their life in the process!

Say it with me, “more changed lives!”

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The most IMPORTANT fact about EASTER 2013 at CLC…

Posted on March 27, 2013 by admin

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I am excited about this year’s EASTER celebrations:

By offering 5 different worship experiences (Saturday at 5:00 & 6:30pm & Sunday at 8:30 & 10am and 12 noon), we’re giving people more options, making it easier for them to attend!

Our worship team has worked hard to make this year’s worship experience the best ever, and we’re expecting the Presence of God in the house!

Our media team is going beyond anything we’ve ever done to create a multi-sensory experience that will pull people in and enable them to receive the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus!

I believe the Lord spoke a ‘rhema word’ into my spirit, and our pastoral team added some creative elements that will enable Chris and me to bring the Gospel in a way that everyone can understand!

But none of those facts is the most important for this Easter.

The most important fact is that people who need Jesus WILL respond to your invitation. And the secret to seeing more changed lives this Easter than ever before is for EACH CLC’er to make the most of these next few days to compel people to come:

invite every family member in Chicagoland (especially the unchurched ones!)

invite each of your co-workers – they may just be waiting for an invite!

invite the waitress or waiter at any restaurant you eat at between now & Easter!

invite someone who has turned you down before - maybe their heart is in a different place now, and they’ll be open to your invitation.

Ask the Lord WHO else you should invite – and listen for Him to speak to you about someone you know!

If we do OUR PART, I believe Jesus will do HIS!

(Remember: if you do not have a guest coming with you, please help us make room for others this one Sunday by choosing to attend one of the Saturday experiences instead. As your pastor, I am thanking you in advance!)

Can’t wait.

#morechangedlives

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Everything in the Bible about the Easter Bunny

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

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Posted in life, personal, questions | 12 Replies

“In the multitude of counselors…..

Posted on March 25, 2013 by admin

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there is safety!”

So says the wisest man who ever lived, in Proverbs 15:22.

Honestly, I’ve never understood why anyone wouldn’t want good counsel from others. As a pastor, I know that I’m in over my head, and I need the wisdom that can be found from other godly men who love me and who love CLC. That’s why we created a board of Overseers back in 1993, knowing that I would soon be walking away from the only faith family I had ever known, and that I needed godly counsel.

They have served us SO well through these last 20 years, and they have become my closest friends in the process. I thank God for Pastors Joseph Garlington, Gordon Banks, Eddie Cupples, Tim Ross and Dale Van Steenis!

Only Dale is unable to join us today (he’s ministering in New Zealand), but the other four men are in town (well, Bishop is arriving this morning) and they’ll spend all day with us as we look at CLC’s future. I look forward to our time of prayer, conversation, laughter and counsel!

Together, they make CLC a safe place for you and me.

Posted in church, leadership, personal | 2 Replies

Sunday reflections

Posted on March 24, 2013 by admin

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Reflections from our 23rd Anniversary Celebration today at CLC:

God is good. God is good. God has been so good to us. We had no idea when we gathered at Tinley Park High School 23 years ago what HE would do among us, but almost 150 people worshiped together that day. Today, just over 1,650 worshiped in one of our three services…..that’s a 1,000% increase! God is good!

Loved the Anniversary video…..although the thing I still can’t believe was Michael’s dunk that started from beyond the foul line! Kudos to Moy Melgar, our new video editor!

Didn’t you enjoy our KidsLife Dance team? Those kids just steal your heart!
KidsLife Dance Team

Love that we’re not living in the past, with nothing but memories – as you saw if you were present, the majority of the congregation has been introduced to CLC in the past 5 years…..in fact, our Next Steps classes today for new members were both overflowing their classroom!

It’s always more FUN to celebrate with friends, so celebrating with Pastors Eddie Cupples and Tim Ross made today’s ‘birthday party’ even more special!

And did they preach! My goodness, I urge you to visit our website later this week to view both – we didn’t hear sermons today; we received words from God!

Thankful for people who prayed to receive Jesus as Lord & Savior in each service – must have been about 15 in all, and that never gets old!

Speaking of salvation decisions, Pastor Herley Montes reports that 62 people prayed to receive Christ at our Davao, Philippines campus today, including 6 who just walked in! (One of the advantages of having service in a shopping Mall!)

Pastor Doug says our South Bend campus really appreciated having Pastor Tim Ross preach at their service this morning, and that he gave a great word to their congregation.

Most of all, I’m grateful for the people that God has brought to be a part of our church family – YOU are the ones who make CLC what it is, and I truly believe what the video said: “the best is yet to come!”

Posted in Sunday reflections | 3 Replies

Ask the Pastor

Posted on March 22, 2013 by admin

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Today’s question was submitted several weeks ago during our “You Asked for It” midweek series: ”When a person chooses celibacy/becomes a secondary virgin, does God forgive a person having sex outside of marriage?”

Great question, because I’m sure many Christians have asked it.

Actually, I’m not sure if you’re asking if God forgives us for making a vow of celibacy or whether He forgives a person for sexual activity outside of their marriage – but it really doesn’t matter, because the answer to either of those questions is unequivocally, YES!

I could go a step further and say that God will forgive any sin, no matter how small or how grievous in the eyes of man – IF we turn to Him in repentance. Keep in mind that repentance in Scripture is NOT just being “sorry I got caught” (like many of the politicians or celebrities we’ve seen), but Biblical repentance is a “change of mind”; i.e., we have a change of mind and heart that results in a change of conduct as well.

Of course, I don’t recommend that you make a vow of celibacy with the thought in mind that “God will always forgive me”, because the Bible does warn us of the sin of presumption, and I certainly don’t want to take His grace for granted.

Let me close with the only Scripture you really need for this question: 1John 1:8-2:2. And let me add, thank God for His grace, because without it/Him, we would all be lost!

Hope that helps. Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Posted in questions | Leave a reply

Just had to share this…..

Posted on March 21, 2013 by admin

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Call me blown-away.

No, call me proud.

I just read an article that hasn’t generated any interest in the national press, but it sure blessed me….and I think it will bless you, too, whether you like Chick-fil-A or not.

Here’s the article.

Here’s the blog post where I heard about it.

All I can say is that it’s SO refreshing to know that Christians can stand on the Biblical side of the thorniest issue in our nation without caving in to society’s pressure, and yet still show the love & grace of Christ!

Can I get an ‘amen’?

Posted in leadership, life, personal | 2 Replies

Fun Facts for our 23rd Birthday Party

Posted on March 21, 2013 by admin

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We are celebrating 23 years of God’s blessing on CLC-TP this Sunday, with special guest speakers: Pastor Eddie Cupples at 8:30am & 10am and Pastor Tim Ross at noon.

Pastors Eddie & Sherri Cupples

Pastor Tim Ross

But in addition to the great worship & the Word we’re expecting, we’re adding a little fun, too – and I thought you might enjoy a preview of some fun facts about our first 23 years as a church.

For instance, do you know:

how many different buildings CLC has met in for worship?

or how many Children’s Directors have served our families thru the years?

how many countries we have visited for short-term missions trips or leadership training?

or how many different banks have held mortgages on our properties?

how many different languages have conducted services at CLC?

or how long it took us to break thru the infamous “200-barrier”?

how much we’ve given to missions thru the years?

All the answers are below, but in no particular order – so you’ll have to join us Sunday to find out for sure!

4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 -10 – 33

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Talking Bible…..talking women

Posted on March 20, 2013 by admin

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I think I finally heard it.

I know my Bible talked to me this morning in my devotions, when I read Numbers 35 (which discusses the difference between murder & accidental death and how society should respond to both) and came to verse 33. (Other translations get right to the point: NLT and The Message, for example.)

The message I ‘heard’ wasn’t about capital punishment; it was the idea that if innocent bloodshed pollutes the very land itself, what does that say about Chicagoland, with the thousands of innocent babies aborted and the senseless violence that sheds the blood of innocent children and teens. Have we not contaminated the very land where we live?

Perhaps the reason this really got my attention is that early this morning I read an email from a CLC’er who has likewise been burdened for months about the senseless slaughter of our youth on the streets of Chicago. She was the third woman from CLC (all unknown to the others) who has reached out to me in the last year about this issue. In effect, they’ve all been saying, we may live here in the suburbs, but this is what’s happening in our city, and we’ve GOT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Ladies, I’ve heard you.

Holy Spirit, I’ve heard you.

CLC, stay tuned. We’re about to do something about it.

Are you with me?

Posted in Bible devotions, church, personal | 3 Replies

Celebrate!

Posted on March 19, 2013 by admin

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For too much of my life, I’ve kept my head down, my nose to the grindstone, and tried to work my way to the next accomplishment. Now, there’s nothing wrong with being focused, and I’d be the first to say that a good work-ethic is necessary to success, not only in Corporate America, but in ministry as well.

But along the way, I’ve often forgotten about the need to celebrate our wins. Even after some significant milestones or wonderful victories, I’ve had a tendency to take a deep breath and refocus on the next challenge.

But that’s NOT a godly virtue. In fact, the God of the Bible wrote into His Law that His people were required to drop everything else they were doing and come together a few times each year to CELEBRATE what He had done for them!

As my friend Mark Batterson says, we tend to overestimate how much we can accomplish in a year, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a decade. I know for sure that back in 1990 I would never have imagined what all God would do with CLC in the next 23 years. I sometimes have to pinch myself to realize that we’ve grown from a handful of misfits meeting in a small TPHS theater to a couple of thousand people in a $5M facility of our own!

My dear friends Eddie Cupples and Tim Ross, who both serve on our Board of Overseers will be here this Sunday to help us CELEBRATE what God has done, changing lives one at a time. Then, after taking time out to rejoice together, we’ll get back to work for Easter so we can see more changed lives!

23 years….sounds to me like it’s TIME to par-tay! Can’t wait for the weekend-

Posted in church, personal | 1 Reply

What makes a church welcoming?

Posted on March 18, 2013 by admin

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Yesterday was one of those days that I had opportunity to meet and greet several newcomers at CLC – some who were attending for the very first time; others who had worshiped with us on a few occasions.

What was remarkable is that I heard almost identical statements from at least 3, and maybe as many as 5 different individuals – all unsolicited, yet the kind of statements that every pastor loves to hear. Each of them said they found CLC to be such a warm, welcoming place – that they loved the atmosphere we have created here that makes them feel so welcome.

Now, while I was thrilled because that’s exactly the atmosphere we want to create, it also made me reflect later last night as to why that would seem unusual; i.e., why wouldn’t every church seem inviting to people.

So I’m asking you – based on your experience visiting churches, whether CLC or elsewhere – what is it that makes you feel welcomed? Please leave your comments below – not only do ‘curious minds want to know’, but I also want to make sure CLC continues to create that atmosphere for every person who comes through our doors.

Posted in church, personal | 7 Replies

Sunday reflections

Posted on March 17, 2013 by admin

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“Remember the Story” continues to be a fun series, although today’s installment with Samson was a lot more about warning than about encouragement. Nonetheless, I’m still celebrating:

two adult men who prayed to be born-again just 10 minutes into the message at 10am! (First time I remember making an altar call on the first point of a sermon!), and several young adults who recommitted their lives in the noon service!

some brave CLC’ers who went into the video booth today (after this second appeal) to share their story for a future service.

The ‘coming-out party’ for 3 more CLC’ers who were water-baptized today! (Congrats to Kylie Smith, Roland Prior, and Brianna Campbell!)

Several lobby conversations with CLC’ers who felt the message was “just for them” and the number of folks in each service who took the warning of Samson & for whom we prayed that “all that is about to change!”

What God is doing among our students, as Pastor Sam Hamstra reports: “Detox Winter Retreat was amazing! We had 126 people in attendance; 6 of them made salvation commitments; 2 people received their prayer language; 1 (Brianna) was water baptized this morning; and dozens of students who detoxed from poison from within them so they can live for the Kingdom while still here on earth!”

Pastor Doug says they had a “killer” service in South Bend today, with an awesome worship experience led by Pastor Jon Jones and their SB worship team!

And, as usual, Pastor Herley Montes had the report of the day, as our Philippines campus had over 900 in attendance today, and 60 guests who prayed to receive Christ! He also informed me that their Regeneration Youth Service on Fridays averages another 200 young adults who are unable to attend on Sundays, so their campus exceeds 1,000 in regular attenders now! He did the “Thrive” series, and says that there have been many testimonies of blessings & increase as his congregation has given more generously to the Lord’s work there. Finally, Pastor Nelly is improving well everyday – for which we can all praise God!

That’s it for this Sunday…..the couch is calling me…..

Posted in Sunday reflections | 3 Replies

Ask the Pastor

Posted on March 15, 2013 by admin

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My favorite questioner writes, “I have a question regarding “Praying in the Spirit”. I hear that phrase so much and I’m starting to wonder if I know the full meaning of it.. When people suggest that we pray in the spirit, does it mean to pray in tongues during our prayer or does it mean to put our whole self into our prayer? I’ve always thought that it means to pray in tongues but there are some dominations or churches who are not familiar with speaking in tongues and/or don’t really teach about speaking in tongues. But most churches or dominations I’ve ever encountered fully believe in the Holy Spirit. So, I would like your explanation of “Praying in the Spirit”.

Great question. As you mention, there are many churches/denominations who do not practice speaking in tongues, but ALL Christian churches/denominations believe in the Holy Spirit. For my views on tongues (which I often refer to as a ‘prayer language’, since it’s primary purpose is to enhance our prayers), you can read previous posts here and here and here.

As to the meaning of “praying in the Spirit”, I think there can be two different meanings. If we’re just talking about the anointing of the Holy Spirit on various actions, we can say of certain musicians, “they were really playing in the Spirit”, just as I hope to preach or teach “in the Spirit” each week, or someone else was really “in the Spirit” when they prayed. All of those examples are just man’s way of expressing the idea that someone was anointed by the Spirit to do what they did, much like you said, “put our whole self into prayer”.

However, if you’re asking about the term “praying in the Spirit” as it appears in the Bible, then I must say that it certainly appears to be a synonym for “praying in tongues”. I say that because the phrase “in the Spirit” in regards to prayer ONLY appears in Paul’s writings to the churches. Notice in 1Cor 14:1-3 and especially 1Cor. 14:14-17, where it seems quite clear (to me) that the Apostle Paul contrasts “praying in the Spirit” with “praying in words I understand”.

The ONLY other time that phrase appears in Scripture is in Eph. 6:18, where Paul did not explain it further, neither did the context give us additional insight – so I am left to believe that his meaning didn’t change; i.e., since praying “in the Spirit” in 1Corinthians clearly means praying “in tongues”, it stands to reason that praying “in the Spirit” in Ephesians also means praying “in tongues”.

The bottom-line, really, is that every believer should pray at times in their own language, with their understanding, AND at times in their “prayer language” (speaking in tongues) for all the reasons we’ve stated before. I practice both daily, and it’s a blessing to my life!

Hope this helps. Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Posted in questions | 1 Reply

Remembering the Story WORKS!

Posted on March 14, 2013 by admin

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I’ve told you before how pumped I am about our current series, “Remember the Story”, but I’ve gotta tell you, after taking a week’s break last Sunday, I’m just as excited as before! (Maybe hearing our team remember the stories of Jehoshaphat and Jonathan had something to do with that!)

This Sunday Chris & I will be team-teaching from one of the most familiar ‘Sunday School’ stories in the Old Testament, but as we’ve prepared this week I’ve seen truths that no Sunday School teacher ever taught me! Best of all, just as we saw in 1Cor. 10, this story will remind us of the supernatural as well as warn us AND encourage us!

We can’t wait to share with you WHY we all need to remember the story of…..well, I think I’ll let you wait until Sunday morning to find out which story we’ll look at together.

Don’t forget our NEW service schedule: 8:30am, 10:00am & 12noon. Invite a friend!

#morechangedlives

Posted in church, Scripture Memory | Leave a reply

Tithe challenge testimony

Posted on March 13, 2013 by admin

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My favorite conversation this past Sunday was in the lobby after one of the services when one of our guys (I didn’t ask permission to share, so I’ll let him remain anonymous) told me that he recently accepted the 90-day tithe challenge at CLC.

I admired his honesty, because I know he’s been a believer for several years, but evidently he had not been able to trust God with his finances in the past.

I also knew from previous Connection Cards that he has been out of work for a while, and needed a job.

Get this: the week after he made the commitment to tithe, before he had even had a chance to give a penny in the offering, he got a new job! He was beaming from ear-to-ear as he told me he’s already started to work and it’s going great!

If we take care of God’s work, He’ll take care of ours.

Here’s what I know: God doesn’t play favorites, and what He did for our brother, He can do for you! If you haven’t taken the ‘tithe challenge’ yet, I would encourage you to step out by faith and see what God will do in your life. You really have nothing to lose.

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Talking Bible

Posted on March 12, 2013 by admin

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Love it when verses jump off the page at me during my daily Bible reading. (Disclaimer: it doesn’t always happen; honestly, it probably doesn’t even happen every week, but I love it whenever it does!)

Yesterday as I was reading Psalm 17, verse 14jumped out. Actually, it wasn’t even the whole verse, it was this part: “But as for those You cherish, may they feast on all You have set aside for them”. Think about it with me:

God cherishes me. And you! He doesn’t tolerate us; He doesn’t just love us (like He loves the entire world); He cherishes us! (that word describes ‘doing whatever is necessary to take care of someone)

HE wants me to feast (somehow that sounds better than just grabbing a bite)

HE has already set aside good food for me!

This was David’s prayer, but I’m making it my own. I don’t want to live beneath my privileges any more! And according to this verse (and a whole bunch more) God has already set aside some privileges just for me (it’s called FAVOR) and I want to feast on that, instead of settling for some empty calories at the nearest spiritual fast-food joint.

How ’bout you?

If that prayer speaks to you, I’d love to hear your comments below-

Posted in Bible devotions | 2 Replies

23rd Anniversary services

Posted on March 11, 2013 by admin

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It’s sometimes hard to believe that CLC started 23 years ago, on March 25, 1990. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t foresee then all that God has done among us since!

That’s why it’s only right for us to celebrate, and that’s exactly what we’ll do on March 24 at all 3 services in Tinley Park.

I’m happy to announce that two of my dearest friends, both members of our Board of Overseers, will be here to help us celebrate that day:

Eddie Cupples, founder/senior pastor of Love & Truth Church in Jackson, TN and a friend of CLC since 1992, will be speaking in Tinley Park at both the 8:30am & 10am services that day.

Tim Ross, Associate Campus pastor at Gateway Church, North Richland Hills Campus in greater Dallas, TX, and a favorite at CLC since 2011, will preach the South Bend service at 10am (EDT) as well as the noon service (CDT) in Tinley Park.

Mark your calendar and plan to CELEBRATE our first 23 years!

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Sunday reflections

Posted on March 10, 2013 by admin

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This was the BEST “time-change” Sunday in our 23 year history:

usually that lost hour of sleep translates into one of the lowest-attended Sundays of the year, but today was almost normal, with well over 1,400 people worshiping with us in the 3 services

my first impression of the new service schedule is that it worked; attendance was definitely better distributed among the services, which freed up some seats at 10am & noon for continued growth

‘Remember the Story’ is gonna be a sermon series to remember, and after being away for most of the week, I sure enjoyed sitting back & listening to Executive Pastor Ben Stewart, Children’s Ministry Director Brent McQuay & Family Ministries Pastor Tony Gilmore as they looked at the story of Jehoshaphat, Jonathan, & Jehoshaphat (respectively)

all right, I’ll say it: Brent made me a proud dad today! (Loved the ‘what???’ in the story, and that faith has a ‘plan’ not a ‘wing’!)

Favorite line from Pastor Tony: “if I will face my enemies, God will fight them!”

LOVED Pastor Ben’s story of partial obedience in giving away a car, only to have it cost him an additional $500 - now that’s a lesson to remember!

Loved the combined adult & youth dance team today for the new song, “Te Amo” that Pastor Jon Jones taught us, and the song itself was FUN, even though I honestly didn’t understand a single word that Terrell Wilson rapped (my 60-year-old-ears just couldn’t catch up with the speed of delivery). That’s kinda how I feel about the dancers, too – I can’t say I’ve ever wanted to be a dancer, but I’d sure love to have their energy!

I don’t have to ask what you thought of today’s video encouraging you to share your story with us at the video booth in the lobby…but if you missed it, here it is again.

Pastor Doug RAVED about the service at our South Bend campus today & says the visit from several TP Life Group leaders was a blessing.

Pastor William reports a wonderful Spanish service today, with 3 testimonies from people who’s life has been changed at CVC!

Just heard from Pastor Herley at our Philippines campus – they had major rains with flooding in some parts of Davao today, but people still came to church and 67 precious Filipino’s gave their life to Jesus in their services! I’m also rejoicing over his report that Pastor Nelly is about 95% recovered from her brain aneurysm!

Remember part 2 of “The Bible” will air tonight on the History Channel at 7pm

Can’t wait to be back in the pulpit next week with my bride as together we’ll help you ‘Remember the Story’ of Samson!

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Ask the Pastor

Posted on March 8, 2013 by admin

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Today’s question came from someone who listened to Joel Osteen when he said, “…God has already given you the right gifts, the talent and the ability to fulfill the dreams He has placed in your heart.” (Joel Osteen) IF this is true, can/does not being in weekly attendance at the local church, block, diminish or hinder the destiny that God has for you and even more specifically, if “that” which God has placed in our heart is kingdom building, church work, ministry?

Great question…..well, great for a pastor, because you just lobbed a big softball at me and now I get to hit it out of the park!

Let’s begin with Pastor Joel’s quote. I definitely agree with him that the Bible teaches God has already given us what we need to fulfill our dreams – read Phil. 2:13 for just one verse on that subject.

Since that is true, I can definitely attest that being absent from the local church can hinder your destiny (at best) or block it altogether (at worst).

As a pastor, I have long sensed that many of today’s believers haven’t fully grasped the significance of what happens each week when we gather together to worship the Lord:

we meet with God, and in His Presence, wonderful things can happen to unlock our destiny! (see Genesis 28:16-17 for a foreshadow of what can happen each week)

we hear from God through His preached Word, which can reveal or confirm our destiny! (see 1Thess. 2:13 for just one example of it’s potential)

we fellowship with other believers, and in those gatherings is the opportunity for us to share spiritual realities that can change the course of our lives & enable our destiny to be fulfilled! (see 1Cor. 14:26 for an example)

no wonder then that the Apostle stressed the importance of not neglecting this awesome privilege we have to gather together weekly! (see Hebrews 10)

Hope that helps. And I hope you won’t forget to set your clocks ahead by one hour this Saturday night so you can be on time at CLC for our new service schedule: 8:30am, 10am, and 12noon, as we gather to “Remember the Story”!

Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

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Do Something Church Summit

Posted on March 7, 2013 by admin

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Chris & I have been in San Diego for the past couple of days, getting some R & R, but the main purpose of the trip is to attend the Do Something Church Summit at Rock Church tonight & tomorrow.

Pastor Miles McPherson has led this church to be one of the fastest-growing churches in America, and much of the secret of their success is that he has led the congregation to making a biblical impact on their community, and decided to do something. By the end of 2011, they had provided over 700,000 volunteer hours and saved an estimated $2 million to the City of San Diego and continue to serve the city through community service projects.

You can read more about their strategy here, but since we have long wanted CLC to make a difference in the South Suburbs, I’m really hopeful that this Summit may give us some of the ‘God-ideas’ that we’ve needed.

Speaking of “do something”, I’m still excited about the opportunity we’ll have the day before Easter to impact thousands of families with our Helicopter Easter Egg Drop (read more about it here) – and we need you to help us love on all those who attend! Be listening for more details as to how YOU can serve on Saturday, March 30!

We’ll get back home in the wee hours of Saturday morning, in plenty of time to join you for our new service schedule that begins THIS Sunday: 8:30 am, 10 am & 12 noon, as we ‘Remember the Story’ with not one, but three different Bible stories that encourage us!

Invite a friend!

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Time Change: USA & CLC

Posted on March 6, 2013 by admin

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This Sunday, March 10 at 2am, USA is imposing the ‘Spring Forward’ aspect of Daylight Savings Time, and you’ll lose an hour of sleep – so don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead before going to bed.

But because we love you so much, at CLC, we’re giving you back half of that lost sleep, because we are changing our service times (not just for this Sunday, but for the foreseeable future), as each Sunday service will now start 30 minutes later than in the past. In other words, our Sunday services will now begin at 8:30 am, 10:00 am & 12 noon.

Our goal is to more evenly distribute attendance among our three services, to free up space for continued growth, especially at the later two services. We’ll also be offering our Student Discipleship classes at both the 10 am and the 12 noon services, so our students (and their parents) have a choice as to which service they attend. As plainly as I can say it, we really need some of our 9:30 service attenders to make the switch, either to the 8:30am service OR to the noon service – your choice. It will not only be a blessing to our church family, but your choice could result in someone’s eternal salvation – they can’t respond to an altar call if they can’t find a seat in the service or a space in the parking lot.

Thanks for your help! And don’t forget that tonight at 7pm is a great WORSHIP NIGHT – let’s get FIRED-UP together!!

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Remember the Story

Posted on March 5, 2013 by admin

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Probably no surprise to those of you who attended CLC on Sunday, but I’m still FIRED-UP! Sure, I do tend to get excited about each new sermon series at CLC, but I think this one goes beyond the norm for so many reasons:

It seems the Church in America is growing more & more Biblically illiterate, and I’m praying this series will inspire CLCers to get into the Word for themselves, so they can ‘remember the story’!

As someone else has said, “those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it” and I don’t want us to make the same mistakes seen in so many Bible stories!

There is SO much encouragement in remembering the story since the same God who delivered them can also deliver me!

So, I want you to get FIRED-UP with me and do 2 things to help with this series:

invite your friends & family (maybe even your enemies or people you don’t like – they need Jesus, too!) since we ALL need to ‘remember the story’!

Share YOUR story with us! This EASTER (which is less than 4 weeks away) we’re going to “TELL the STORY”, and I’d love to have some compelling testimonies from CLCers as to how meeting Jesus has changed your life. If you feel you have a testimony that would bless others, contact us today. We’re planning to have a ‘video booth’ in the lobby for the next 2-3 weeks to capture those stories for Easter – so be watching for your chance to Tell Your Story!

Why? That’s simple: #morechangedlives

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A word to my pastor friends

Posted on March 4, 2013 by admin

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I seldom make blanket endorsements or urge other pastors to consider doing stuff that we’ve done at CLC, since I know that every church is different and every pastor must hear from God as to what’s best for his flock.

But today I’m making an exception, because our experience a few days go with Joe Sangl was SO incredibly good – from his training of our finance coaches on Saturday to his pulpit ministry on Sunday morning to the simply wonderful Financial Learning Experience on Sunday evening that I am urging any pastor within driving distance of CLC to do whatever you must do to free up your schedule in order to attend the Generosity Learning Experience led by Joe and hosted here at CLC this Wednesday from 8:30am-4:00pm.

You can register here now or at the door on Wednesday morning. I can tell you this: you’ll receive far more in tools and gifts than the small registration fee, and more importantly, what you’ll learn that day could change the financial health of your entire congregation – and that’s no hype!

Did I say I urge you to get here? I really do.

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Sunday reflections

Posted on March 3, 2013 by admin

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I LOVE this church! I especially LOVE what God is doing among us during this season! Here’s a few random thoughts about today at CLC:

I’m noticing several ‘little’ improvements with our Media & Worship teams – and I like them all: service countdowns, lyrics synched on the screens, etc! Not sure who all is responsible, so whoever you are: KUDOS!

Gotta love the energy coming off our SoP team led by Pastor Jon Jones & Director Terrell Wilson…..the whole team of musicians & singers look like they’re having FUN on Sunday morning, and the anointing is priceless!

How ’bout the trailer for our new sermon series? MEGA kudos to the team: Eduardo, Hudson, Moy & Sam - I’m fired up!

BEST of all: I LOVE the fact that people came forward to receive Jesus in EACH service today, with at least one dozen who prayed with our team afterwards! That never gets old & I pray we never take it for granted! #morechangedlives

Pastor Doug reports the South Bend campus enjoyed Joe Sangl as much by video today as we did live last Sunday! (easy to believe seeing how FIRED-UP he was!)

And (drum roll, please) maybe my fav report of the day comes from our Davao City campus in the Philippines, where less than 3 weeks after having a brain aneurysm rupture & undergoing brain surgery, Pastor Nelly Montes was able to attend service today AND share her testimony as to how God answered our prayers with the 900+ people who gathered there today – and 60 Filipino’s gave their lives to Christ! God is SO good & we rejoice over Nelly’s miraculous recovery! She’ll be hosting a group of CLC ladies who’ll join the Davao ladies at our first Heart to Heart retreat in the Philippines this May!

That’s all for this Sunday….gonna kick back until time to watch “The Bible” mini-series on the History Channel tonight at 7pm.

Posted in Sunday reflections | 2 Replies

Ask the Pastor

Posted on March 1, 2013 by admin

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Our ‘THRIVE’ series is now history, but last week one of our most faithful CLC’ers asked a question that others have asked her: ”As believers, how are we to respond to the flood of requests to give – from various charities & organizations in our mailbox, to special offerings at church – it seems like every time we turn around we’re being asked to give again. What are we supposed to do?”

Such an excellent question – and I’m sure one that many have wanted to ask, but perhaps been hesitant to put into words, for fear of being thought stingy. I really want to help today, and the good news is that this question IS directly addressed in God’s Word.

2 Corinthians 9:5-8 is the clearest instruction about giving in Scripture, and it directly addresses when & why & how to give, as well has how not to give, if we want God’s blessing. Read the passage again slowly and carefully. Notice:

my giving should only be done with a willing heart, never when it feels like extortion or that it’s being wrung out of me! (verse 5)

when I give grudgingly, Paul says I will reap grudgingly but if I give in order that others will be blessed, then I will reap with blessing (verse 6)

note especially verse 7, where we are told to give as we decide in our own mind & purpose in our heart, and NEVER reluctantly or sorrowfully or ‘under compulsion’ (feeling as though we’re being pressured or forced to give!)

Instead, that same verse tells us that God ‘loves’, ‘prizes’, ‘takes pleasure in’ & will not ‘abandon’ a person who gives cheerfully, joyously, “prompt to do it” and whose heart is in his giving!

Finally, when we give like that, verse 8 gives us some of the most wonderful promises in Scripture about our giving.

So with those clear guidelines in Scripture, my conclusion (and recommendation) is that you give when you can do so willingly, feeling ‘good’ about the opportunity to sow into a ministry or cause, but that you keep your money in your pocket when you can’t feel good in your heart about that particular offering or opportunity.

I’ve actually put money back in my pocket that I had intended to give, simply because the person receiving the offering put so much pressure on the audience in an attempt to manipulate us to give more – and I knew I couldn’t do so willingly in compliance with the verses above.

Personally, I’m a ”local church” guy, so as a general rule I don’t respond to all the pleas from various charities, because I’ve seen the good that can be done through the Body of Christ around the world and prefer to invest my money there – but that’s just me. If you can apply 2Cor. 9 to secular organizations or charities, then certainly you can give with freedom & generosity.

At CLC, when you give your tithes & offerings, you can also know that 10 cents of every dollar is going to help fulfill the Great Commission, which I hope gives you an added reason for your ‘heart to be in your giving’!

By the way, one good way to ensure that you’re not being manipulated by emotion or giving because of “the heat of the moment”, is to automate the important by setting up automatic debit through online giving. Your bank account will carry out your heartfelt desires every payday (or however often you choose) with no possibility of reluctance or compulsion.

Hope this helps. Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

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new ways of doing church…

Posted on February 28, 2013 by admin

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I joined several missions-minded pastors from around the country in Branson, MO yesterday and will continue in meetings sponsored by Global Advance today & tomorrow.

Last night we heard from both David & Jonathan Shibley, founder & president of Global Advance (respectively) about mega-trends & missions as well as the pure & simple Gospel.

Today I’ll participate with a panel of other pastors as we explore new ways of doing church and what we’re learning about reaching people in today’s culture. As much as I enjoy the fellowship, I get nervous sharing with pastors, since I feel I have more questions than answers, so pray that I can share some CLC ‘secrets’ that will benefit others.

I’ll be home tomorrow afternoon, ready to welcome back my bride on Saturday morning!

Posted in leadership, Missions | 4 Replies

Family FUN

Posted on February 27, 2013 by admin

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When I was a young boy in Arkansas, I heard about some Cub Scouts who did a Pinewood Derby. (If you’re not familiar, read all about it here). I still remember how I wished I could participate, but it wasn’t offered in my Scout troop, so I never got to experience the fun first-hand.

That’s probably why I got so excited a few years ago that CLC was conducting our own Pinewood Derby, and after watching these past years, I’m still not sure WHO has the most fun, the kids or the parents (or maybe even the family members who come to watch & cheer!)

At any rate, this year we’re FIRED-UP (as Joe Sangl would say), and we’re adding to the FUN of mom or dad working with their child to make the car & get it race-ready, by offering activities for the whole family in the lobby. In fact, while you wait for your race to begin, you can enjoy concessions by Consumed Student Ministries, a movie in our VIP area, carnival-style games, coloring area, and a special winners circle photo booth. There really is something for everyone at CLC’s 2013 Pinewood Derby.

The Derby is just one week from this Saturday, on March 9, from 9am-noon. Of course, we’re offering another free workshop THIS Friday from 7-9:30pm and Saturday from 9am-noon to help you get your car ready to win!

Oh, by the way, the Derby is open to kids of all ages, as we’ll have 4 different divisions: Pre-K, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-8, and High School-up. Prizes will be given in each category for speed design & distance. And the cost is only $10 per car and spectators are FREE! It’s going to be a BLAST, and I encourage every mom or dad to help your child come up with a winning entry!

You can purchase your car tonight or THIS Sunday in the CLC lobby.

“Gentlemen, start your engines!”

Posted in church, parents, personal | 2 Replies

Remember the Story!

Posted on February 26, 2013 by admin

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SO excited about CLC’s next sermon series which kicks-off THIS Sunday in Tinley Park!

As many of you know, I try to use a different translation each year for my daily devotional thru-the-Bible reading, and this year I purchased a somewhat-strange new translation called, “The Voice”. As I read 1Corinthians 10 a few weeks ago, where Paul recounted some of Israel’s history, he said “remember the story!”, and those 3 words jumped off the page at me!

He gave us at least 2 good reasons for us to remember: (1) to warn us not to make the same mistakes they did; and (2) to encourage us that what God did for them, HE can do for us!

Too many of today’s believers don’t know the stories that many of us grew up with in Sunday School – David & Goliath, Samson & Delilah, Israel crossing the Red Sea, & more. But for the next several weeks we’re going to dust off the pages of the Old Testament and help you discover WHY you must remember the story!

I hope you’ll invite a friend to join you THIS Sunday.

More changed lives!

Can’t wait!

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FAVOR this Easter

Posted on February 25, 2013 by admin

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For the past several years, we’ve wanted to do something BIG to get the attention of our community around Easter – we’ve brainstormed, prayed, talked & tried to no avail…..until this year.

I’m SO excited to tell you that CLC will be sponsoring a helicopter Easter Egg Drop in Tinley Park, across the street from the Odyssey Fun World on Saturday, March 30 (the day before Easter). But get this:

Whereas we tried to do the helicopter drop in the past & always got shot down, the Odyssey got it approved with no problem, and then INVITED us to partner with them!

That means all the other games & attractions for children & families (in addition to the egg drop) are being covered & paid for by them, not us!

The last hurdle we faced was getting permission from the Village of Tinley Park, and we had been advised that it would never happen – they had been approached before for similar events and always rejected them for various reasons. Instead, this time the Village gave wholeheartedly approval!

But, after giving it more thought, the Village decided a helicopter hovering over Tinley Park would create too much concern from area residents, so they decided they would be proactive and publicize the event in advance, so no one would be worried about the helicopter. Bottom-line, the Village of Tinley Park is advertising OUR egg drop to ALL it’s residents!

We’re expecting literally thousands of people from the south suburbs to participate on the day before Easter, and we get to interact with each of them & give them a personal invite to our Easter services!

Can you say ‘FAVOR’?

Stay tuned as to how YOU can help us that day, because we’ll need all hands on deck!

Posted in church | 3 Replies

Sunday reflections

Posted on February 24, 2013 by admin

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I don’t know how to describe today’s services with Joe Sangl. You. had. to. be. here.

Worship was as high-energy as I ever remember; love, love, love “Waiting Here for You (kudos to Jessica Hernandez); and whoever thought of using the video ‘He is Here’ during worship deserves a raise!

Did I say high-energy? Have you ever heard anyone quite like Joe Sangl? To say that he inspired & motivated us to win with our money, God’s way is the understatement of the year. And we have OVER 500 people registered for this evenings Financial Learning Experience as a result!

We brought Joe to CLC, not because we want something from you, but because of what we want for you – namely, to be financially free so you can fulfill God’s dreams for your life. I truly believe that this weekend will be life-changing for hundreds of CLC’ers!

In South Bend, Pastor Doug says it may have been the most fun he’s ever had teaching on giving, as they celebrated their Generosity Sunday today – and, just like here, several of those who won prizes chose to give theirs away to others in need. Generosity begets generosity!

Pastor Herley Montes reports from our Davao campus that another 81 people gave their life to Christ at the close of their services, and that several people received healing. He also asks that we continue to pray for his wife, Nelly, who is now home following her brain surgery, but faces several months of therapy in order to fully recover. We believe that Jesus is her Healer!

Well, that’s my thought about this morning; now I’m gonna get ready for tonight’s FLE!

Posted in Sunday reflections | 3 Replies

Just one thing…

Posted on February 24, 2013 by admin

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After sitting through the coaches training with Joe Sangl yesterday, I just have ONE THING to say to every CLC’er:

unless you are already debt-free, you owe it to yourself to invest 2 hours of your time today (5-7pm) for the Financial Learning Experience!

That is all.

I mean it.

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Ask the Pastor

Posted on February 22, 2013 by admin

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Today’s question comes from a faithful CLC who writes, “Keeping in tune with our current sermon series, I decided to step out and up and be a better steward of God’s money. I set my tithe up for auto debit for the proper amount and not what I have left over each pay week. In doing so, I was sharing with another believer (non-CLC’er) what I am doing. She stated that she “felt paying via auto debit or in a lump sum says that you are no longer “presenting” your tithes to God but are paying him like a bill. He has the right to reject or accept your offering”. I was attempting to explain that in my opinion as long as you are paying / presenting your tithes with a clean, open and loving heart it shouldn’t matter (how) they are paid. I too was raised in the traditional church she currently attends and understand the logic behind what she is saying, but also believe that times are changing and paying by auto debit is the same as bringing my check / cash into service on Sunday as long as it is done in reverence to its true purpose. Am I wrong?”

I’m so glad you asked this, because I’m sure other people struggle with the same worry and it gives me a chance to help them as well as you.

The quick answer is, ‘No, you’re right! I pay my tithes thru an automatic debit online! I certainly don’t think online giving violates in any way the OT concept of bringing my tithes to the Lord. What it does do is insure that I don’t forget to write a check or get sick or go out of town on weekend and as a result get behind on giving to God first.

As you’ve probably heard about my past, I came out of a very legalistic denomination, so I think I can spot “religion” a mile away, and honestly, when I read your email about your friend’s response and the church that you used to attend, that was my first thought: ‘religion’ strikes again. I’m saddened that she (and a million others like her) is caught up in a legalistic, religious way of doing things that says “my way or the highway”, based on the tradition of men only – when the reality is that the main point of Scripture is that we give to God first; not how we deliver it. In fact, when the Bible spoke of tithing, there was no such thing as writing a check or putting cash in a church offering envelope & bringing it to the Lord! Their tithes were literally newly-harvested crops and the firstborn of their livestock, which they brought to the priest.

If we were to take the attitude or approach that we shouldn’t use technology to accomplish tithing today, we probably need to re-think a lot of things we do in church: let’s see: how about no air conditioning in the summer; no audio/video system; no indoor rest rooms, etc. – since they obviously didn’t have any of those modern conveniences in the Bible either. Wonder why no churches teach against those practices?

Now, I will tell you one thing that I do – not because I need to feel like I’m ‘presenting’ my tithes to the Lord, but because I’m conscious of the fact that others are always watching me as pastor and I want to be an example: I fill out an offering envelope each week and write in the amount that I’ve given online & what it was for (tithes, missions, Kingdom Expansion, etc) and then in the box where it says “total”, I write “ONLINE”. I then submit my offering envelope along with everyone else during that part of the service. That way I am participating in the offering along with everyone else, even though my monies have in reality already been transferred to the church electronically. If you have any misgivings about not ‘presenting’ your tithes, you could always do that as well.

Bottom-line: I think we should take advantage of technology wherever we can to be more effective in the Lord’s work, and this is certainly one of them. By giving tithes & offerings electronically, we free up our volunteers from hours of counting & recording our gifts AND we enable the Church to more accurately project our income for budgeting purposes, since the gifts are consistent instead of haphazard. I encourage every CLC’er to consider online giving! In fact, you can enroll here right now.

Hope that helps. Don’t forget our “THRIVE” series comes to a close this Sunday as special guest Joe Sangl will encourage us to believe God for financial MIRACLES in all 3 morning services AND then share his free seminar, “Financial Learning Experience” from 5-7pm.

Now what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Posted in questions | 4 Replies

Home alone

Posted on February 21, 2013 by admin

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Chris is leaving this morning for Dallas to care for our daughter Jen, who had an emergency appendectomy on Monday.

So, that means 9 days of fast food, hot dogs & bologna sandwiches. (Hey, I have learned how to microwave the hot dog, so don’t criticize me!)

Anyone feel sorry for the boy?

(A 9-day fast would probably do me good in more ways than one)

One thing is for sure: we’ll ALL be eating good this Sunday when Joe Sangl is at CLC, teaching us how to receive a “Financial Miracle”!

Can’t wait! More changed lives!

Posted in church, personal | 5 Replies

The rich family in our church

Posted on February 20, 2013 by admin

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Every week during my sermon prep I have to omit some things that I’d like to say for the sake of time. Last week when I was preparing the message for Generosity Sunday, I came across a story that I really wanted to use, but just couldn’t because of time constraints.

I thought you might enjoy reading it today, so here it is.

Remember, if you have any Spirit-prompted “random acts of generosity” this week, please report them on our FaceBook page, to encourage other CLC’ers!

It’s not too late to sign up for Joe Sangl’s “Financial Learning Experience” this Sunday from 5-7pm. It’s FREE!

Posted in church | 1 Reply

Too good to keep to myself…

Posted on February 19, 2013 by admin

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I’ve already posted here and here about some of the wonderful stories coming out of our GENEROSITY Sunday a couple of days ago. But this morning Pastor William from our Spanish congregation stopped by to share one more with me, and I’ve got to share it:

The week before he had really been moved by the Holy Spirit to pray a bold prayer that God would provide a financial miracle for someone in the congregation that week, to show HIS love & generosity in their lives.

Well, Sunday after all the giveaways and several tearful testimonies of blessing, he dismissed the service. One couple who have only been attending for a few months waited around for him and shared that they had previously owned a business, but had filed for bankruptcy and owed $30,000 to the IRS. In fact, the government had placed a lien on their property until the debt was paid. But last week, they received a letter from the IRS informing them that the entire $30,000 had been forgiven and the lien removed!

No wonder “the godly love to give” (Prov 21:26).

Have you got a story since Sunday to share?

Posted in church | 1 Reply

I’m still blown away…..

Posted on February 19, 2013 by admin

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…by the reports still coming in since GENEROSITY Sunday:

162 people accepted the 90-day tithe challenge! That’s gotta be a CLC record in the18-20 years that we’ve offered a money-back guarantee to those who would “put God to the test” as He invited in Malachi 3:10.

Of that number, 30% have not been attending CLC regularly! That’s an unbelievable response from our friends & guests!

One of our high school students gave $50 of her hard-earned money to help another student be able to attend our upcoming Winter Camp

In our Spanish service, Pastor William mentioned to the congregation that if they had ever wanted to bless others, but didn’t have the resources to do so, perhaps today would be their opportunity – and sure enough, one of those who won a gift card immediately decided to give it away to someone else in need!

Know why I’m SO excited about this? It’s NOT because of the potential of increased income for CLC alone – honestly, I’m most excited knowing how many testimonies of blessing will be forthcoming from those who stepped out to test God’s Word, because HE never fails to prove Himself, and we can NEVER out-give HIM!

In fact, I hope someone reading this will share their story of God’s blessing either below OR on our FaceBook page – let’s encourage each other to love & good works! (Heb 10:24)

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March 10 begins a NEW Season at CLC!

Posted on February 18, 2013 by admin

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We had intended to make this announcement in our Sunday services yesterday, but we got caught up in all the fun of Generosity Sunday that we forgot!

At any rate, after weeks of prayerful discussion with our pastoral staff, a church-wide survey last month and more deliberation, we have decided NOT to launch a 4th service at this time, but instead to change our service schedule in hopes of more equally distributing our attendance to give us room to continue growing in 3 Sunday services.

(Drum roll, please) our NEW service times at the Tinley Park campus, beginning March 10 will be one-half hour later than our current times; i.e., our new service times will be 8:30am; 10:00am; and 12 noon.

In addition, we will be offering the youth discipleship classes (“Branded”) at BOTH 10am and 12noon services, to give parents of teens more than one choice of when to attend.

By the way, we’re making those changes on March 10 which is “Spring Forward, Daylight Savings Time Change Day” deliberately, as it means you’ll only lose 30 minutes of sleep the night before instead of a full hour, since our services will be starting a half-hour later than normal.

Our hope (my prayer) is that many of our 9:30 attenders will choose either the 8:30 am service OR the noon service, to enable us to continue reaching people here in Tinley Park. Meanwhile, we continue a diligent search for another location in the South Suburbs for our next campus launch – stay tuned for that news!

Bottom-line: more changed lives!

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Sunday reflections

Posted on February 17, 2013 by admin

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Never had this much FUN while in pain before!

Carried a plasma TV into the house last Saturday & the lower back pain showed up Monday morning, so I was basically out of commission all last week: ice packs, heat packs, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory pain meds, therapeutic massage, chiropractic adjustment & acupuncture before I finally got some relief. I even brought the ice pack to church today & used it before & between services – but I was determined to be here for our 2nd annual GENEROSITY Sunday:

in the English services, we gave away 15 – $50 gas cards, 3 – $200 Target gift cards, 3 new laptops, 3 car payments valued up to $350 each, and 3 house payments of up to $1,000 each – so when you add in our Spanish-language service plus our South Bend campus, we’re giving away almost $10K in award for no other reason but to demonstrate generosity!

AND it must have worked, as I just heard the story from our 11:30 service, after all the gifts had been awarded and Pastor Tony was ready to dismiss the service, one of our members asked to make a spontaneous‘violent gift’ of $500 in cash, so one more name was drawn, and – get this – the young woman whose name was drawn had been praying for a financial miracle but had not been chosen for one of our 27 planned gifts! She wept her way to the stage and was overwhelmed at the unexpected display of God’s generosity to her!

Love the other stories that are already coming in, too - one of the laptop recipients had literally been praying for a new laptop before today; others who received gifts were unemployed and behind in their rent! Can you say ‘God is GOOD!’?

At our South Bend campus, Pastor Doug began the ‘THRIVE’ series today and someone was so moved that they gave a large offering AFTER the service was over, long after the offering had been received!

At our Davao City, Philippines campus, Pastor Herley reports 950 in attendance today, including 93 people who came forward to receive Christ at the close of their services! And on a more personal note, he says that Nelly is now out of ICU and expects to be released from the hospital this week, just over a week after emergency brain surgery to clip the aneuryism that ruptured last Monday. He also informed me that her doctors were amazed that ‘something’ blocked the bleeding in her brain which enabled her to regain consciousness after 30 minutes, and that had the bleeding continued longer, she possibly could have died without regaining consciousness! Thank YOU for your prayers & thank God for His goodness!

Pastor Nelly Montes after her surgery – thank God for His grace!

Finally, I was overwhelmed by the response to my challenge to listen to the Holy Spirit this week in random acts of generosity – let’s encourage each other by reporting each one on our CLC FaceBook page – it will really bless others to see how God uses our violent giving!

Can’t wait to hear how God uses our giving to bless others!

Posted in Sunday reflections | 7 Replies

Ask the Pastor

Posted on February 15, 2013 by admin

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Today’s question was submitted during our “You Asked for It” midweek series in December, but we weren’t able to answer it then. A CLC writes, “I really need help with disciplining my son. I failed utterly w/my older son & don’t want to make the same mistake. I’ve tried everything I can think of – I need help!”

Since it’s been so long since I’ve had to discipline children (and my wife will tell you it wasn’t my best area, even then), I’ve asked our KidsLife Director, Brent McQuay, to be our guest today in responding to this very important question:

That is a great question, and one we like to talk about a lot on the Kidslife Blog. We actually have 3 posts on Discipline you can check out: “Time to talk about the “D” word”; “Creative Discipline Ideas” & “Top 10 Things Children Want Their Parents To Do With Them”

The Bible is pretty clear on the benefits of discipline and even the dangers of not disciplining our kids, one of my favorites is Proverbs 29:17 ESV. How does that sound as a parent: to have a child that gives you rest instead of stress, and brings joy instead of frustration!

I could talk about this subject for days but for the sake of time I believe that “healthy” discipline really requires two things, LOVE & CONSISTENCY.

Love has to be the motivation and foundation of your discipline. It needs to be communicated clearly to your child repeatedly. “I am doing this because I love you” As your child grows, add to the statement, “I am doing this because I love you, and I want you to succeed in life” or “I am doing this because I love you, and I don’t want you to repeat my mistakes.” Be open and honest with them and above all let them KNOW, not just HEAR that you love them, especially when you are disciplining them.

I have seen well-meaning parents discipline out of principle, and out of frustration, or out of a desire to enforce the rules, and while I don’t doubt that they love their kids, they simply failed to express their love in the midst of discipline. I have seen this “discipline without love” lead to rebellion, especially in teenagers!

The second thing I believe your discipline needs is consistency. This applies to both WHEN you discipline and HOW you discipline, and needs to be the same no matter WHO is doing the discipline; i.e., Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, whoever!

Consistent discipline means every time you see a certain action that you have decided needs correction, you discipline the child and you use the same type of discipline. If talking back to you on Monday earns the child a 5-minute time out, but on Wednesday it earns a “Go to your room without dinner” there is no consistency and it can create confusion. And even worse is when on Monday it earns “X Discipline” and on Wednesday it is ignored. This creates a mentality that this behavior is sometimes ok, or the feeling that sometimes they can get away with it.

Sit down with your kids and let them know what behavior is NOT OK, and let them know what to expect when they misbehave. When there are clear expectations it is easier for you as a parent to discipline because their are no surprises. It even removes a lot of the argument that typically takes place when disciplining older children (although nothing can remove all chance for argument from a teen)

Setting up clear expectations and pre-defined consequences can also help you when you start to lose your parenting cool. Let’s say Johnny has picked the wrong day to misbehave, you are already tired and frustrated and then he goes and does the 1 thing that bothers you more than anything else. Sticking to the pre-defined consequences can protect you from “going off” on your kids.

Discipline is rarely easy to receive or to give for anybody but there are a lot of resources out there. For my own parenting journey I use the resources provided by Focus On The Family almost daily! They have an incredible series of articles on “EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL DISCIPLINE”. If you are really struggling in this area, take the time to read some of those articles. Also know that the Kidslife staff is here for you, if you ever need someone to talk to give us a call, shoot us an email, or just stop by, We are here for you!

Hope that helps! For all you parents, my son posts regularly at his blog, and I encourage you to subscribe here – just add your email in the “Follow by email” box and submit.

By the way, financial pressure affect even our children, too – it’s not too late to sign up for the Financial Learning Experience on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 5pm

Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Posted in questions | 1 Reply

God is good!

Posted on February 13, 2013 by admin

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before you say, “….all the time…”, I’m not just referring to the cliche’.

I’m thinking specifically about Pastor Nelly Montes from our campus in Davao City, Philippines. When I spoke with Pastor Herley last night he told me how scared he was that he was going to lose her; she had gone into convulsions on Monday morning and fainted. At the hospital they couldn’t get her blood pressure to stabilize; then the CT scan showed an aneurysm at the top of her brain. One of CLC’s doctors had confirmed to me just how serious that surgery can be and how often a brain aneurysm results in death.

But after 5 hours of surgery yesterday AND the prayers of God’s people here & there, Nelly is now alert and on the road to full recovery! Now say it with me, “God is good!”

I’ve been working for the last few days on this week’s message for our “THRIVE” series, and I gotta tell you: I’m pumped! This Sunday is going to be SO much fun, both in the teaching AND in the generosity giveaways at the close of service. I urge you again to invite your friends & co-workers to see a church that gives money away instead of begging for it!

More changed lives!

Posted in church, Missions | 8 Replies

update on Pastor Nelly Montes

Posted on February 12, 2013 by admin

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I just received this email from Pastor Herley:

“Nelly just got out from the OR. The surgery was a success and so far so good. No complications; everything is Ok. All her vital signs are normal. She’s awake but still drowsy but responded well to us. Thank you very much for your prayers and support. Let’s continue to pray for her fast recovery. God is so good. Thank you pastor for being there for us.”

Thank YOU for praying!

Posted in Missions, personal | 4 Replies

Generosity Sunday

Posted on February 12, 2013 by admin

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It was SO much fun last year that we’re doing it again!

This Sunday, February 17, at all 3 services in Tinley Park we’ll continue our “THRIVE” series with a “show & tell” time. (Actually, I guess it’s ‘tell & show’, since I’ll teach about generosity first, then at the close of service we’ll demonstrate)

Some of the giveaways remain the same from last year: CLC will make someone’s house payment up to $1,000; we’ll pay a car note up to $350; we’ll give away several $50 gas cards, but there’s more – laptop computers & other surprises. There’s no catch; everyone is eligible to win as we’ll draw names from those in attendance.

(Psst – there’s fewer people here at the 8am service, so the chances of having your name drawn are considerably higher)

Invite an unchurched friend – it’ll be quite a surprise for them to see a church that gives away money instead of just asking for it!

Posted in church | 1 Reply

Follow-up on our Philippine pastors

Posted on February 11, 2013 by admin

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I was just able to speak with Pastor Herley via FaceTime (gotta love today’s technology) and the news is encouraging, although still very serious. The aneurysm is actually not in Nelly’s brain, but in a vein just at the top of her brain. The surgeon plans to make an incision in her skull late tonight or early morning (Chicago time) and clip the aneurysm so it will no longer be life-threatening.

Nelly’s blood pressure is still not stable, even though she’s in ICU where they are treating her & monitoring it constantly. She is conscious & alert.

Pastor Herley is also concerned about the expense, as the surgery alone will cost 300,000 pesos (about $7300) and his health insurance in the Philippines really doesn’t help with major expenses like this. We are wiring funds from CLC to help them today – if you wish to make a donation to help with this expense, you can do so online here - just choose the ”emergency relief fund” from the drop-down menu. This family is certainly deserving of our help, and I know that they will appreciate every penny of support we’re able to raise.

Of course, your prayers are most important – for full & complete recovery for Pastor Nelly, and for peace & favor for Pastor Herley. Thanks again.

Chris with Nelly on our last visit there

Posted in Missions, personal | 2 Replies

Please pray for our Philippine pastors

Posted on February 11, 2013 by admin

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I don’t recall ever using this blog for prayer requests, but today I’m feeling the need to call all my readers to prayer for my dear friends who pastor CLC-Davao City in the Philippines, Herley & Nelly Montes.

Just last night I reported how God is blessing their campus since they moved into a new rental location at a shopping Mall along one of the busiest streets of Davao – but then later I received an email from Pastor Herley asking for prayer, as Nelly went into convulsions this morning & was rushed to the hospital. The CT scan reveals an aneurysm and the doctors are recommending brain surgery later tonight (Chicago time).

I’m sure there’s never a good time for this kind of news, but with all that God has been doing at their campus, this also seems like a real attack of the enemy on our friends. Would you join me today in praying for supernatural healing for Pastor Nelly Montes, and for God’s peace for Pastor Herley and their entire family? Thanks – I’ll keep you posted.

Posted in Missions, personal | 13 Replies

Sunday reflections

Posted on February 10, 2013 by admin

Reply

WOW….loved the energy in the room today at all 3 services AND in the lobby afterwards – felt like a BIG Family Reunion:

one of my fav’s through the years is watching people get saved during a finance series, and today it was neat to see 2 women in the 8am service & 2 young women in the 11:30am service bravely stand to receive Christ!

loved the conversations in the lobby of CLCers who are getting help thru ‘Thrive’, and especially the stories from people who have learned & are thriving, including one couple who today practiced what Bishop Tudor mentioned during First Love: they calculated what the total amount of their tithes for the entire year of 2013 will be and wrote a check for it today! They also added 20% to that like Bishop did, held it in reserve, and were able to pay the utility bill for someone whose water was shut off - blessed to BE a blessing!

I hope these video testimonies are as encouraging to you as they are to me! More coming!

Met so many people today for the first time and others who have been worshipping for a few months now - love how God is adding people to CLC weekly - more changed lives!

I forgot to draw attention to the back of the sermon insert today where we listed several helpful websites & verses for you to use this week to help you “manage well”, so here it is: I am managing well_02.10.13

Pastor Ben ministered in South Bend today & Pastor Doug says he really connected & that three new families completed the Membership class today to join CLC-SB!

Our campus in Davao City, Philippines where Herley & Nelly Montes are the pastors was averaging between 600-800 most Sundays last year (with 700 being a typical day). Three weeks ago they moved into a new rental location in one of Davao’s newest shopping malls in a great area of town, and today they had over 1,200 in worship AND 245 of them came forward to receive Christ at the close of the services! (Pastor Herley said most of the 187 people who were saved in the evening service were actually just shopping in the Mall when they were persuaded to visit the service & ended up at the altar – many of them weeping as they received the Lord!) I won’t be surprised if Davao passes us in attendance before Easter! Enjoy the pics:

187 precious people praying to receive Christ at the evening service

Don’t forget that NEXT Sunday is our 2nd annual “Generosity Sunday” when we’ll give away thousands of dollars worth of car payments, house payments, laptops, gas cards & more – invite a friend to join you!

Posted in Sunday reflections | Leave a reply

Ask the Pastor

Posted on February 8, 2013 by admin

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One of my favorite CLCers writes, “I’ve heard it said by at least a few biblical scholars that there are promises throughout the Old Testament given specifically to “Israel” and not the Church. My understanding is that ALL of God’s promises are “YES and AMEN” in Christ and that we, as believers, can pray and decree ANY promise God has made in His Word when our hearts are right with Him. Please clarify.”

Excellent question. Reminds me of a chorus we used to sing in my early years of ministry: “Every promise in the Book is mine; Every chapter, every verse, every line; I am trusting in His Word Divine; Every promise in the Book is mine!”

Great chorus; not-so-great theology, in the sense that we don’t even WANT every promise in the Bible, since a lot of them have to do with judgment & destruction!

But I digress. The best answer to your question is that (a) there are promises to Israel in the Scripture that some Christians have tried to apply to the Church instead of Israel – and that’s wrong. God may have turned from His people Israel for a season, but He has not forgotten her, and He will fulfill the promises made to Israel long ago.

But what is true is that (b) as believers, we can appropriate promises made in Scripture to ourselves, at least partially because of the verse you cited, 2Cor. 1:20 (AMP) or MSG or the NIV translation. What Paul asserts is simply this: Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises – HE says ‘yes’ to them; and we as believers add the “Amen”, which means, “so be it!” In other words, God makes a promise; Jesus says ‘yes, I’ll fulfill that’, and we claim it for ourselves by adding our ‘Amen’ – so be it in my life!

I will add the caveat that you implied: oftentimes promises in Scripture are conditional; i.e., God will do this if we will do that - so in order to claim those promises for ourselves, we must also meet the conditions He laid down in His Word.

Hope that helps. This Sunday we’ll look at some of His promises concerning our finances as we continue our ‘Thrive’ series – so I hope you’ll join us & invite a friend!

Now, what would YOU like to Ask the Pastor?

Posted in questions | 1 Reply

Changing technology

Posted on February 6, 2013 by admin

Reply

I’m convinced that we need to redeem & utilize technology to do ministry. In far too many cases, the Church lags behind the culture in embracing new ways of doing ministry, which not only hampers our effectiveness, but also adds to the idea that we’re out of touch or not relevant.

At CLC, we’re certainly not cutting-edge in regards to technology, but I certainly want us to be early adopters so as to be effective. In fact, we want to do anything short of sin to reach more people & see more changed lives as a result of the Gospel.

For example, all the studies show that Americans prefer text messages over email. In fact, a significant percentage of people don’t even open email regularly, but they will respond to a text sent to their mobile phone, since it’s become an indispensable part of our daily life.

That’s why I’m happy to include my readers on this new way of staying updated with what’s happening at CLC. If you will text 44622 on your phone and type “CLC” as the message before hitting send, you will be automatically enrolled to receive updates from us about important events or breaking news for the CLC family.

Go ahead – try it now: send ‘CLC’ to 44622.

More changed lives!

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Stop surviving & start THRIVING!

Posted on February 5, 2013 by admin

Reply

Really excited about our new series, “Thrive” and hoping that you’ll invite someone to join you for these next 3 Sundays:

February 10 - now that we’ve established who we are (stewards or managers), I’ll teach how to be a GOOD manager. You can also sign-up for the “I was broke. Now I’m not!” group study on February 24 at 5pm.

February 17 is our “Generosity Sunday” when we’ll not only look at the blessing of generosity in Scripture, but we’ll demonstrate generosity at the close of service with a giant giveaway (as we did last year) – house payments, car payments, notebook computers and more will be given away to bless people in each service!

February 24 we’ll close the series with a look at “A Financial Miracle” and our guest will be Joe Sangl, author of “I was broke. Now I’m not!” at all 3 services. Believe me, Joe will inspire your faith to believe God for your financial miracle!

February 24 at 5pm Joe will lead the IWBNIN group study to give you the practical tools and help you need to get out of debt & begin THRIVEing in your finances! You can register here now.

WHO should you invite? Your invitation could change their life, both now & for eternity! More changed lives!

Posted in church, life | Leave a reply

Your missions dollars at work!

Posted on February 4, 2013 by admin

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I received the report too late for my Sunday post, but thought you’d enjoy hearing about the second Sunday for our Davao campus in their new Mall location.

Pastor Herley Montes reports that attendance dipped a bit from their opening day, with 850 people present – but that many of them were new visitors as a direct result of the new location. In fact, some of the security guards assigned by the Mall to their auditorium were so touched, they promised to bring their families to worship next Sunday! And, best of all, 120 precious Filipino’s came forward to commit their lives to Christ at the close!

Pastor Herley also sent this picture of the new portable stage they are using at the Mall – almost everything you see (lighting, audio, video, etc.) was provided by your missions dollars, as we sowed a $10,000 seed to help them with the expense of relocating to this fabulous new Mall:

Join us THIS Wednesday at 6:30pm for our annual Business meeting, when you can see how ALL your giving was used to advance the Kingdom of God, both here in Tinley Park and around the world. All our usual midweek ministries will follow at 7pm. See you here-

Posted in church, Missions | Leave a reply

Planning for next Campus launches!

Posted on February 4, 2013 by admin

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Today & tomorrow our pastoral team will be meeting with Pastor Scott Williams (one of the top consultants in America concerning multi-site ministry) as we make serious plans to launch not one, but two CLC campuses in 2013!

We’ve got a lot to do to get ready and Scott is going to help us maximize those efforts with the best practices he’s observed around the country. He’ll also help us in selecting potential sites & even future campus pastors.

Honestly, my expectations are HIGH for these two full days of meetings, and I think you’ll be hearing more about our next launch soon. If you’re a part of our church family, pray for us today & tomorrow, because in addition to all of man’s wisdom, more than anything else we need to hear from God – after all, “one word from God can change your life forever” doesn’t just apply to individuals; it’s true for churches, too!

Posted in church, church-planting | 3 Replies

Sunday reflections

Posted on February 3, 2013 by admin

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I’ve always wondered why God allows it to snow about the time people would be driving to church on Sundays, but I’m thankful for a GOOD day in spite of the weather:

LOVED singing, “O, The Blood” in each service during Communion today! May we never forget the price He paid so we could enjoy this salvation! (Kudos to Sandra Norris & the SoP, too – you led us into His Presence!)

Really LOVED the service flow today – by holding announcements & offering until the end, it enabled me to bring the Word while the anointing from worship lingered!

Enjoyed meeting some brand-new folks in the lobby today, and what’s even more exciting is that they’ve each been worshiping with us for a few weeks or months, even though I hadn’t met them before. Always neat to see people coming regularly – that’s how we grow!

Excited about the response to the ‘Saturday of Hope’ promo (Kudos, Jennifer Anderson!) There was a CROWD of CLCers around the Missions Kiosk after each service, getting info about how they can serve the community this month!

Touched by Pastor William Arevalo’s testimony – he has such a sweet spirit anyway, but his testimony about God’s provision was so heartfelt!

Really pumped about the “THRIVE” series & today’s opening message. Some have asked about the stats I used in the intro, so I’ve attached my notes here: I am a steward_02.03.13

Especially LOVED seeing people respond to an altar invitation after a message about money (you know that’s God!) - 6 people made commitments to Christ today!

Pastor Doug reports the South Bend campus enjoyed great worship led by our own Terrell Wilson (in the absence of their worship director) and a great response to their ‘Treatment’ series, too.

I’m waiting for Pastor Herley’s email about our Davao campus, but I’ve already seen these photos on Facebook from their Sunday evening service where 96 people gave their lives to Christ! I’ve got a feeling it was a new record attendance for them when we add in the morning service! I think this new Mall location is going to catapult them into exponential growth!

That’s it…gonna watch some pregame festivities before heading to O’Hare to pick up my sweetie; then we’ll watch the game together for the first time in our 40 years! (She promised she would since I’m missing kickoff & the first half due to her flight schedule)

Posted in Sunday reflections | 3 Replies

Super Bowl entertainment

Posted on February 3, 2013 by admin

Reply

No, I’m not blogging about the halftime show with Beyonce’ (the game hasn’t even started as I’m posting this).

Instead, it’s a video I saw today that I found amusing – not sure if the guy’s facts are accurate, but it’s definitely entertaining.

Enjoy!

And may your favorite team win tonight-

Posted in life | Leave a reply

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