It all started with an idea, and let me be clear by saying that it actually wasn't my idea. It was a thought that came from the Father, because all good things come from Him.
That vision turned into something amazing.
Since the moment the final song ended last September I thought, "We have got to do this again." It's a feeling that you just can't describe.
When the world around you is so broken and families are being torn apart for all kinds of reasons, and every time we turn on the news it's all negative...it's time to shift our focus to the eternal.
And turn our eyes upon Jesus.
Last year I interviewed people who talked about how Jesus had healed sickness in their lives and emphasized that we need to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
How could I lead another Night of Worship that was completely new and different?
Several months ago I was sitting upstairs in my house one evening, no doubt watching Emerson run around. I'm sure my hair was in a twisted knot, with pieces of cereal and toys spread around me like a moat. And in the midst of the madness it was as if someone tapped me on the shoulder.
"At the Cross." People need to come to the cross. The world needs to come to the cross. YOU need to come to the cross.
And it was done. Without question, that would be the theme.
How FITTING! Here are the reasons why everyone needs to come to the cross.
1) The cross means HOPE.
It is a symbol of ultimate sacrifice. For Jesus, as He walked the path where He met death, it was a frightening, excruciating experience. It was a literal burden on His back. But there was a reason that He took every agonizing step.
That reason...is you. And your family. And everyone you know. The people you don't like or may have mistreated you- for whatever reason. The people who have done you wrong and you won't forgive. The people who won't forgive you. EVERYONE.
He died for unborn children. He died for you before you were even conceived, because He knows us. He knows us more than we know ourselves. And as much as you love your spouse, child, or parent? His love is greater. It is stronger. It is deeper.
2) The cross is where we can lay down our burdens.
I'm talking ALL burdens; the big and the small and everything inbetween. Because what may be insignificant to someone else may have deep meaning for you.
If you saw someone carrying a heavy load, odds are you'd offer to help them carry it, right? I would hope so.
One of my favorite quotes has always been, "Shared joy is double joy, and shared sorrow is half a sorrow." Group worship allows you to experience Jesus's love on a personal level while surrounded with a body of believers. We are all different, yet we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Never underestimate the power of united believers.
A childhood Birthday is a personal experience, but didn't you invite many of your friends and loved ones to surround you as you blew out the candles? Weren't you thrilled to share that moment with a group? That's kind of like group worship. Besides, who can eat a whole cake by themselves?
On second thought...
Man is only human. We will fail every day and make mistakes. We can't possibly be perfect, because we were born sinners. But the price has already been paid for us. And as many times as you might have heard that before, I hope it will resonate with you in a new way.
When are we going to stop putting our faith in others and things of this world? At some point or another, we will be let down.
My prayer for this Night of Worship is that you will hear this message as if you're hearing it for the first time. Maybe it just hasn't hit home for you yet. Walking with the Lord is not praying a prayer one time for fire insurance. Truly knowing Jesus is having a personal relationship with Him. It's wonderful if you go to church; I hope everyone has a church home on Sundays. But going to church doesn't save your soul. Knowing Jesus does.
I pray that you will find it in your heart to spend 90 minutes with us this Saturday or Sunday.
7:00 pm both nights, and all ages welcome. We wanted to give people the option of choosing which night works for them.
Make worship a priority, and I promise you will be immensely blessed. Not because of anything I or my team members have done, but because Jesus's hands are over this, and I believe with all that I am that it will be a blessing.
I have to also note that I have the most wonderful team of people to work with. Without so many hands, bodies, and minds, this could not be carried out. I am grateful to each one of them from the bottom of my heart.
You can't afford not to worship. It's what we're called to do as believers. If you have two minutes, watch this video for a sneak peek of the set list: At the Cross: A Night of Worship.
And here is a link to the event: Facebook: At the Cross.
Bring your friends, neighbors, children, family members, coworkers...and most importantly, an open heart.
The time has come to meet us...at the cross.
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