We are in the middle of a series called, "In the Name of Love" and yesterday we discussed loving our neighbor.  Some of my thoughts on the day:
* I am convinced the church has become a barrier to the cross and not a bridge and one of the main reasons is due to our lack of love towards others.
* Unchurched people do not like churched people for this reason.
* Used the Good Samaritan parable found in Luke 10 as our main text. 
* Do you think it was a coincidence that Christ used two churched people who walked by(not only walked by but went to the other side of the road) the wounded traveler?  I don't.
* A man stood and gave his life to Jesus.  I spoke with him after the service and beleive it is the real deal.  That jacks me up. 
* The band nailed "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi.  It was awsome and being honest, I think the church of America should inherit that song as their  theme song!
* Great energy in both services.
* The Kid Zone had 230 people go through its doors.  That is a bunch of kids.  Wall to wall in the first service.
* Corey did an awesome job with all the video and tech stuff.  Love the stage design to this series.
* * Anytime a 6'6" 290 pound man sings "Won't you be my neighbor" you know it's gonna be a different kind of service
* What no one knows is that Tim was behind stage singing so he could try and help keep me on key.  Didn't work!
* Met numerous visitors again.  Saw a lot of visitors from the past few weeks back again today.
* In fact, while I was in my office before the service had several phone calls with people asking what time our services started.
* I'm convinced one of the reason we are having so many visitors is due to the fact that our people are loving on others.
* Actually had a couple phone calls yesterday with people sharing how they stopped and helped someone broken down.  One couple had been sitting for over two hours.  Wonder how many churched people went right by them?
* Great job 5 Point, keep up the good work.
* In both services hundreds of people stood asking God to give them opportunities to help their neighbor.
* We are getting closer to that 1,000 mark every Sunday.  We will do it by September.
* We have incredible momentum going into the fall. 
* Can't wait to see what God has in store for us.
 
Finished the morning with Galatians 5:14-15.  Great verse for the church of America.

Galatians 5:14-15
¹⁴ The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵ If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

* Wonder if this verse describes why so many churches are closing their doors?  Just a thought.

As we started 5 Point I knew God wanted us to be different than most churches.  And I believe we have achieved being different.   Through the course of the last six years God has been working on me more so than anyone in our church.  My mindset about how to do church is changing.  Let me share what I mean. 

This morning the staff and I fed Easley high School breakfast.  Didn't push 5 Point at all, just loved on the staff of Easley High.  Years ago I would have wanted all of us to have a 5 Point shirt on and passing out invitation cards.  Please understand that isn't bad but now I just want to love on people.  Why, because that is what I see Jesus doing. 

I am so tired of churches fighting over people and territory.  Let's just love on people as Christ did.  Not one time do I read about Jesus pointing anyone to any church.  He is always pointing everyone to the Kingdom of God. 

Here is a novel idea.  What if all the churches in America quit worrying about who was right and who was wrong and we started loving on people?  What if God's children quit worrying about others sins and began loving on people?  Can you imagine how people would feel about the local church if we actually portrayed the love of Christ? 

Yes my heart has changed.  But I'm convinced that's only because Christ is changing it.  He is constantly telling me through scripture to love Him and love others.  To serve others and to be last. 

There is so much more to church than opening the doors on Sunday and expecting people to show up.  My mind has changed to loving and serving others and then they will want to show up.

As many of you know I have gotten involved with facebook due to our upcoming series in September.  Lat night I posted something on my wall that got a bunch of attention.  Here is the post:

"Been trying to get the hang of this facebbok thing, but I do have one problem. Every time I get on there is that box asking me what is on my mind. Let me be brutally honest, if I shared what was on my mind it would scare people. Just saying!"

So I wanted to share what is running through my mind today:
* Sunday morning message
* Song I am singing Sunday.  Yes you read that right
* My kids.  Andrew in med school.  Jacob about to start school and already in football.  Shell and the Kid Zone.
* It is smoking hot
* Deb and I going to look at tile for bathroom tonight and I could care less
* How to reach more people with the limited resources and building 5 Point has
* How to challenge myself, staff and others to love people not for what they are but for what they can be
* Our next building
* A capital campaign.  To do one or to try and raise money for building ourselves.
* Our youth ministry.  Back to school bash.  Series for them.  Getting more adults involved with small groups
* Next Sunday morning message
* We need more food in food pantry so how do I go about laying vision for something as simple as food for our community yet 
   getting people involved.
* Richard, Renatud and 5 Point Tabora.  We're short the money to finish the roof.  How to raise because they can't.
* Why the church is hated by so many people in the world today.
* Why our church isn't running over 1,000 already and what it will take to get to 2,000 and then 3,000.
* So many people who do not know Christ
* It is smoking hot outside
* I need to lose weight
* I could sleep for an hour right now.
* Navigator is getting oil changed, gotta get a ride to pick it up.
* Several people in church in which their life is falling apart and it breaks my heart.
* How can I become a better teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
* Liberty Middle School is in our building today.  Teachers are so unappreciated.
* I want to go fishing so bad I can't stand it.  Haven't been in a while.  But its so hot to fish.
* Going to Virginia Friday night for Deb's family reunion.  Coming back Saturday and that is a lot of driving.
* Will I ever be skinny before I'm dead for a week?
* Need to read some more but really don't have time right now.
* Why is my head spinning right now?

Being honest, I got tired of writing all I've been thinking about today.  The list could go on.  And I kept the list very clean.  Anyway, that is just a few of the things that are on my mind.

Some thoughts on worship at 5 Point yesterday:
* Another great day of worship at 5 Point.  Felt as if Jesus Christ was pleased.
* No invitation for salvation, but I know some major life change took place.  Saw it in the eyes and souls of a bunch of our people.
* I was literally exhausted.  Sharing such intimate, personal stories always take their toll on me.
* Wish you could have heard the gasp when I compared the American church to a manure pile.  But it is true.  Manure is only good when it is spread out, but when kept in a pile it stinks.  Believe same is true with churches.
* I'm convinced this Love series is making people think and that jacks me up.
* I promise you I had already promised myself I wouldn't be emotional when sharing about Crystal, but the heart took over the mind.
* By the way, I found her.  Writing her a very heart felt letter today.  May be headed to Florida for a face to face if possible.
* I'm 110% convinced that the America church has become a barrier to the church.  And I'm referring to ALL churches, including ours.
* Loving our enemies is a great first step in reclaiming our image. 
* Had a woman who hasn't been in church for years give me one of the greatest compliments ever for 5 Point.  She said and I quote, "That was the first time I ever attended church and thought, is it over already?"
* To the many who had such kind and encouraging words after both services, thank you.
* We have great momentum right now 5 Point, keep up the good work.  The goal of reaching 1,000 by September 12th is becoming a reality.  Keep inviting and praying.  We're going to see some incredible stuff happen this fall.

Some areas you can be praying with me about:
* Major life change.  Begging God to see hundreds of salivations and spiritual decisions.
* Tim Winkler and his family.  All of four of them have something wrong.  We need Tim healthy again.
* Moving forward with another building.
* September 12th.  Kick off the series, "Facebook" and have a goal of seeing 1,000 in attendance.
* Richard, Renatus and 5 Point of Tabora.  We goota get the permanent building done.  Running out of room in temporary building.

Gotta go, Corey and I are getting ready to make a video for this Sunday.  Doing something we've never done before.  Very challenging but VERY cool. 

I'm often asked why God allows bad things to happen to good people.  And in all honesty it is a good question.  I've done messages on the question but being honest I've often wondered the same thing.  Good example, why did God allow my Mom to die of lung, bone and stomach cancer?  She was a stinking health freak.  Couldn't he have taken her in a car accident?  At least it would have been quick.  My goodness, fighting cancer for years and allowing her body to be nothing but a skeleton with skin on it.  Even though i taught on this topic I often wondered why myself.

This morning I was having my devotion and I began 2 Corinthians.  I bet I've read this verse 100 times but it literally jumped out at me.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 
³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

There you have it.  god allows us to struggle with tough times so we can help others.  Do you have any idea how many people I have spoken with who have lost their parents to cancer?  God knew exactly who I would be talking to while I was struggling with the very thing. 

I have never seen anyone want a baby as badly Michelle (my daughter) wanted one.  I'll neve forget the day she told us they were expecting.  I was one jacked up Daddy.  But I'll never forget the day she lost the baby either.  I often asked God why?  So many people aborting babies and here was a woman who would be an awesome Mommy and the baby is lost. 

But none of us saw Michelle being in the ministry and comforting women through the exact same thing. 

So the next time your going through a tough time, start looking for ways to comfort those who are experiencing the same thing.

If you were at 5 Point Sunday or follow me on twitter you know I've been reading about and asking others what they think of churched people.  And the conclusion hasn't been good.  Christianity has an image problem and like it or not, what people think becomes their reality. I'm convinced the church has become a barrier instead of a bridge to the cross. 

I am in the process of reading "UNchristian by David Kinnaman.  Let me share some of his statistics with you.  Remember, the percentage represents those who do not attend church:
* 91% believe all Christians hate homosexuals.
* 87% think were all very judgmental.
*  85% think were very hypocritical.
No percentages given but the book shares that outsiders believe all church people are:
* old fashioned
* too involved in politics
* out of touch with reality
* insensitive to others
* boring

Like it or not this is the way the people outside the walls of church think about us.  And what we must realize is that people's attitudes drive their actions.  I know what some of you are thinking right now, yes we may be some or all of these things but I must stand on the truth.  I agree with standing on the truth but we must remember why Jesus Christ came, to share the truth with grace.

John 1:14 (NIV)
¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

For the most part I believe most churches are sharing the truth, but there is no grace with it.  We have become famous for what we oppose and not what we believe in.

When you see people holding up signs against porn and homosexuality and screaming Bible verses what do you think?  Love and grace is the furthest thing from my mind.  Just because we scream louder doesn't make people want to be a part of us. 

Here is my challenge to everyone.  Don't take my word for it or the statistics from a book.  Start asking people you know who do not attend church why they don't.  If we're going to lead people to Jesus we must begin knowing how they think.  We must change their perception of Christianity.    And I can promise you their perception won't change because we ask them a few questions.  We must change their perception with love and grace.

So start asking and let me know your results.

Let me give you a good place to start.  Ask a waiter what they think about church people.  I promise you'll be amazed.  Unless your one of those who leaves a tract instead of a tip

Great day at 5 Point yesterday.  Some of my thoughts:
* Some days really click and we had one of those days at 5 Point.
* Tim is on a well deserved vacation and I'm always worried when he isn't here but.... Daniel and the band did incredible.
* The creative elements were clicking.  The cheerleaders, songs describing four types of love, anchorman video all added to the message.
* I stand on what I said, "the church has become a barrier instead of a bridge to the cross."
* Never been so convinced of something in my life.  If you don't think so, get out of your protective box and begin asking people what they think about the church and the people inside of it.
* Asked everyone to read 1 Corinthians 13 and replace their name where the word love appeared.

Dean is patient, Dean is kind, Dean does not envy, Dean does not boast......

* If you know Dean at all you can see I fail the love test. 
* Great kick-off to the new series, "In the Name of Love."
* Attendance is jumping back up.
* Had 190 go through the Kid Zone.
* Corey did an amazing job with the stage design.  Best thus far. 
* But the best news of all, lives were changed.  One woman stood up during the first service and gave her life to Jesus.
* We had a ton of visitors.  I personally met four families and several individuals. 
* Keep inviting, it is working.
* Thanks to all those who make 5 Point what it is. 

Some random thoughts:
* Were going in a different direction with the youth.  Trying some new things.  Really excited about this.
* I actually went bowling with the youth last night and had a blast.
* Meeting with owner of a potential building for 5 Point tonight.  Praying for God's will to be done.
* Left my truck in neutral today in the parking lot and it rolled into Ann's truck.  I really did this.  Not that I've been driving a clutch since I turned 16.  I never cease to amaze myself.
* We'll be discussing how to love our enemies this week.  This should be fun

In The Name of Love from Corey Miller on Vimeo.

The past two months I've spent a lot of time on the road in Africa, Hilton Head and Wise, Virginia.  Add to that my urgency to share the gospel lately and it equals talking to a bunch of people.  Let me share one quick story (hear all of story Sunday morning).  While waiting to tee off (Hilton Head on vacation) we had 25 minutes so I started up a discussion with the starter.  Led the discussion to spiritual matters which eventually led to his opinion of the church.  He was a state trooper for 25 year.  Here are his exact words about the church, "For 25 years I have seen pastors lie to get out of tickets and being in trouble, if that is the leaders of the church, I want no part of it."  How do you even respond to that. 

In my opinion, churched people have become barriers to the cross instead of a bridge.  We are causing people to have the wrong attitudes of Jesus Christ.  So instead of just complaining about it God has led me to teach our people to love others just as he does.

This Sunday we will begin "In the Name of Love" and it is going to mess you up.  Come prepared to learn and not just sit through another worship service.  This isn't a series for someone else, it is for every church person in America. 

One more thing, bring a friend.  Anyone can benefit from "In the Name of Love."

Richard and I e-mail back and forth just about every day.  Love hearing what God is doing there with and through him.  I want to try and keep everyone updated on his progress.  Here are the most recent pictures.  This jacks me up!

You see Richard learning how to make the beams Africa style.




Beams on top of building.




Here you can see the concrete poured and wood taken off.  I'm sure they carried
the concrete with 5 gallon buckets.




The next step is to begin putting the roof on.  We need more money for this next phase. 
Begging God to do something BIG here.

Some things to pray with me about:
* Pastor Renatus is in the hospital with malaria.  Please pray for God to touch his body and get him back onto his feet.
* Important meeting for 5 Point Monday evening.  I'm meeting with the owner of a possible building for us.
* The kick off to our new series, "Its all about LOVE"
* Life change will take place this Sunday and every Sunday.

Have you ever wondered if what you do really even matters?  Have you thought to yourself (if not saying vocally) "no one is listening, whats the point?"  I know I have.  So many times on a Sunday afternoon or Monday morning I have wondered if mowing grass might not be easier and you get to see some results. 

That was especially true during my years in Gaffney.  I was allowed to teach God's Word in the gym to hundreds of students during FCA.  Couldn't believe how many students came week after week.  But I often wondered if anything I said was sinking in.  I knew some of the students but never saw the majority of them except during FCA.  I often left asking God to let his Word sink into their hearts because for many, this was the only Bible they ever heard.

As many of you know I have started a facebook account.  (I really need some more friends) and received a message last week I want to share with you.

Dean,
 I don't expect you to know me. But back in the mid 90's when you were at West End Baptist I believe, you spoke several times at a FCA before school started in the morning at Ewing Jr. high in gaffney. You were the first person I ever heard the gospel from. Shortly thereafter I surrendered my heart to the Lord at Berry Memorial where my uncle Joel Gardner was pastoring. I visited West End youth once and really enjoyed the fellowship. I'm a youth pastor now since 2003. I am part time at Midway Baptist in Gaffney and I work full time at freight liner custom chassis. I hope to go full time one day.

Just wanted to let you know I'll always remember you taking time and speaking the gospel to us. And it helped too that I'm a real big Clemson fan. I thank you for what you did in those days. It was a starting point to where I am today in my life and ministry. Though I'll probably never see you again til heaven, I send a Big THANK YOU your way,
 Rev. Curtis Dillingham

How cool is that?  Not only did some of it sink in but God is now using him to reach other students.  Moral of the story, what your doing does matter.  Others are watching and listening.  Stand up and speak out for Jesus and lives will be changed.  I feel certain we'll never know just how many lives we have touched until we come together on the other side.