Shane Witbeck's Baptism
On Easter Sunday, Shane Witbeck was able to publicly declare his faith in Jesus Christ. Before you watch, you might want to read a letter Shane wrote 18 months ago about his faith journey. Watch as Shane tells his story:
Access Church is a new local church in Jacksonville, FL. Access is a strategic partner of North Point Community Church. While independent, we carry over the philosophy and strategies of North Point Ministries, and share Andy Stanley's practical, Biblical teaching.
On Easter Sunday, Shane Witbeck was able to publicly declare his faith in Jesus Christ. Before you watch, you might want to read a letter Shane wrote 18 months ago about his faith journey. Watch as Shane tells his story:
Our faith in God often hinges on his activity--or inactivity--in our daily experiences. When our prayers are answered or when God shows up in an unmistakable way, our faith soars. When God is silent or doesn't come through, it becomes harder to trust him and our confidence wanes.
Where are we headed as an organization? What's our plan to get there?
Pastel colors. Bunnies. Sugar-coated fluffy marshmallows. Egg hunts. Family brunches. These are the images that are usually evoked around the Easter holiday.
This Easter is going to be an amazing celebration at Access Church. Not only will we celebrate the historic event by which Jesus conquered death on our behalf, but we'll hear specific stories from some of you at Access whose lives have been personally changed by Christ's death and resurrection.
No matter when or where you hear the familiar "ding" on your cell phone, a text message gets your immediate attention. You're compelled to pull the phone out of your pocket and read it.
There's been a lot of talk lately about CEO salary caps. I certainly understand the sentiment. It's hard to believe that someone can receive compensation in the millions of dollars while apparently underperforming.
But as I look at scripture, I'm concerned that we might be missing a bigger issue. Let's recognize a few things:
1. We're all rich. If you're reading this on a computer you have free access to, you're in the top 5% of the wealthiest people in the world. Have a car? Live indoors? With running water? You get the point. You and I getting upset with the "richer" people must seem pretty silly to the family living on $4/day.
2. The pay system on this planet is messed up. Sure, some CEOs make a ridiculous amount of money. But so do some entertainers and athletes. If we put our money where our mouth is, it'd be teachers, stay-at-home moms, and caregivers that were the highest paid. So, determining a "fair" salary is kind of like chasing a rainbow. And really, don't we all make more than we deserve? Again, don't compare yourself to the person in the next cube, but rather the person halfway around the globe.
3. Okay, here's the Bible part: God doesn't seem to be mad at rich people. He doesn't seem concerned with how much money we make. There's no salary cap in scripture, even for God-followers. But he does seem concerned with how much we keep for ourselves versus how much we give away.
Look, there will always be rich people. And, you're likely one of them. So here's a great passage specifically for us:
(1 Timothy 6:17-19) As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Want some more practical thoughts on balancing faith & finances? Join us this Sunday for the final part of our series, "Balanced." See you Sunday!
Every successful organization must have clearly defined goals and concrete ways to measure success when those goals are attained.
If you have ever wanted to experience North Point Community Church for yourself, and get a behind-the-scenes tour, join us for Sundays @ North Point! You will attend a worship service, take a guided tour of various environments, and participate in a day and a half of informal sessions and discussions. You'll get answers to your questions and enjoy face-to-face conversations with North Point staffers about how and why we do what we do. Space is limited, so please let us know right away if you would like to be included.
The need in Haiti right now is great. This Sunday at Access, we'll be directing you to give through two organizations we know and trust, Compassion International and Samarian's Purse.