The Resolution Blog

On Sunday, October 4th we had the privilege of joining with Samaritan’s Purse to serve the recent flood victims of the Atlanta area. We took 30 volunteers and honestly weren’t prepared for what we would witness. It’s estimated that at least 10,000 homes were completely devastated by the floods. Our team of 30 volunteers worked all afternoon, and didn’t even finish the 3 homes we were working on. And if any of us felt overwhelmed, imagine how the homeowners felt. There is so much work to be done. Thousands of volunteers are still needed to get the job done and you can be a part of restoring hope amid a seemingly hopeless situation. If you have time available, click here to volunteer to work alongside another great church in Atlanta that is bringing together hundreds of volunteers over the coming weeks.

As Christians, we have been sent by Jesus to love others with his love, and here we were able to do that through service, sweat, and tears, and hopefully to move them closer to rebuilding what was lost. What a truly a life changing experience. Stay tuned for future service opportunities with Resolution!

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” -Romans 6:4 NLT

This past Sunday was incredible! Seven people chose to publicly profess their faith in Christ and be united with him through baptism! It was our first baptism service and what better place to go public than to the Chattahoochee river?

We began with a time of worship down at the river bank, followed by a brief message from pastor Sterling. Then we got to celebrate with those being baptized as pastor Chris interviewed each and one by one they gave a bold confession of faith. Then they entered the water to bury their old lives. It was incredible to witness and then each received prayer and words of encouragement from the Holy Spirit.

Check out the Resolution Facebook page for more pictures.

This month at Resolution we’re unpacking the “Box of Fears.” Everyone’s afraid of something. The rich are afraid of losing their money. Pro athletes are afraid of failing in their sport. Some people are afraid of commitment, or the future, or the economy. There’s a myriad of things we can be afraid of. In fact, a simple search will yield over 500 listed “official” phobias. And often all we have to do is look around, watch the news or check your phone messages to find some reason to fear.

However scripture boldly proclaims that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). So what do we do with that?

Well, I believe in Christ, we have the answer for everything we can be afraid of. So we’ve decided to talk about this issue so we can all live courageous lives free from fear. The first week, we talked about overcoming the fear of rejection and how the fear of man can be paralyzing. Last week, we touched on the fear of failure. It’s amazing how much we can do trying to mask a fear of failure, knowing well that failure is a natural part of life. The good news is that, though we will fail, the grace of God allows us to overcome every obstacle, set back and hindrance.

check out the podcasts at resolutionchurch.com and join us Sunday as we break free from the “fear of death.”

We had an unbelievable time together this past Sunday! But without a doubt, we were far more impacted than anything we could ever do for someone else.

It is a privilege to serve God alongside the amazing people at Resolution Church and the incredible warriors at 7 Bridges to Recovery. Pastor 7 Wells and his team of radical, fearless servants of Christ have opened up the door for us to partner with them the first Sunday of each month to bring food and sanitation supplies to the homeless. They have prepared the way and are knocking it out of the park for Jesus 24-7 for years and we get the benefit of drafting off their courage and faith. Pray for them and for all of our new friends without a place to lay their heads.

It was a great reminder of Jesus’ words…

Matthew 25:31-40

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Serving others in need will rock your world! Won’t you join us the first Sunday in July?

A broken vase won’t hold water. A broken bicycle won’t ride. And a broken foot won’t support weight. And if you’re anything like me, you know what it’s like to feel broken. Sometimes we feel broken because of our mistakes. Other times it is because of loss and pain. But whatever the reason, I believe God has great purposes for us even when we feel broken.

In Judges 7, we find the story of Gideon. Gideon is called by God to lead the army of Israel and to defeat their enemies. However God gives Gideon one of the craziest battle strategies of all time. He “divided the 300 men into 3 groups and gives them each a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it” (v.16). The story goes, as they approached their enemies what they were to do was break the jars while lifting up the torches and blow the trumpets. I remember reading this thinking “That’s it??? Clay pots? Horns?! Where are the swords??? Crossbows? Catapults?” Here’s a brief application.

To point people far from God to Life in Christ means we will face opposition. But it’s obvious the Lord doesn’t need our ingenuity, our weapons or great numbers for us to succeed in our mission. May I suggest we pray and consider how to do two simple things:

1. Break the clay pots – The clay pots symbolize our hearts. Paul says “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” He’s talking about the incredible treasure of the Spirit of God that comes to dwell in the heart of every person who believes in Him. It’s interesting to note that Gideon’s pots each had “a torch in it.” The candle/torch is a classic picture of the Spirit of God among His people.

We know what it’s like to feel broken and sinful. And because of God’s grace, we don’t need to cover up our weaknesses or our brokenness, but first take them to the cross to be healed. And secondly, share with others the areas of brokenness in our own lives. Chances are, if you do that, you’ll find you’re not alone in the things you struggle with and you’ll grow in real relationships (James 5:16, 1 John 1:7-10).

2. Blow the trumpet – The trumpet symbolizes telling your story and sharing the Gospel. Again, the Apostle Paul gives us insight “Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” In fact, the Apostle John learned this is absolutely key to overcoming evil in the world (Revelation 12:11).

We have the greatest story in history to share with a culture that is already broken. No need for cover ups or hiding out. If you have been forgiven, then you have a story to tell.  So break your pot, blow the trumpet and let’s see Jesus glorified in Atlanta and the world!

As the first Sunday of the month, today was the day we go out into the city to serve others. It is a privilege to be a part of a church community so passionate about living like Jesus.

One group went out to the house we worked on last month to help with some finishing touches (painting, drywal, etc.). Another group worked really hard to get the old facility cleaned up for move out. And another group (the kids) went out to serve as well. And as a parent I couldn’t be more proud of the kids who lovingly went to a nearby senior center to spend quality time with some of our honored citizens. They sang songs, played games, did crafts, even did “The Electric Slide” together! It’s amazing how small gestures can go so far to communicate the love of God. And that from the youngest to the oldest among us. Here are some images from as awesome time today.

In thinking about our launch strategy, especially the Area Fellowships instead of church services, I am reminded of this passage from the book of Acts, chapter 2:

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

I don’t think this book of Acts experience was as much an anomaly as it was the natural outflow of the culture of the communal Life of the Triune-God working through a people that had been transformed by Jesus. Because of an encounter with God that was borne out of the Apostolic clarity of Jesus, his finished work, his miraculous resurrection, his promised Spirit, and the resulting new humanity, God’s people were drawn toward each other in a way that cannot be manufactured or contrived. Of course the “temple courts” experience was vital to maintain their connection to God, to each other and to their history. But their experience was not limited to the temple only. They made a regular habit of spending time together outside the temple courts. And their regular diet was that of Gospel teaching, developing a sense of family, sharing encouraging words, generous living, contributing to the needs of others, as well as faith filled prayers to know God more through Jesus.

Not only was that kind of community attractive to the onlooking culture, but it was totally unstoppable! I believe today it is no different.