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One of my favorite weeks of the year is in early June when we open our doors to thousands of children coming to enjoy Vacation Bible School. I tell you, it’s such a rush to see kids pouring into the church for those five days...It’s loud, but awesome...
Today, our Children’s
Minister Sondra Saunders (and the best Children’s Ministry staff team in the country) are welcoming more than 4,000 children (including my grandson, Ian) between the ages of 3 and through 6th grade for Treasure iLand. This will be our 32nd VBS!
The kids have a great time, no doubt, with a petting zoo and inflatables for the little ones and fun games and great worship for the older kids ... and at the heart of it all is the Word. Many of these kids are unchurched and are hearing the Gospel message for the very first time. They learn every day while here that we love them and Jesus loves them.
Outside the Saunders Children’s Building, we have a bronze of Jesus and small children with Matthew 19:14: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
That’s what VBS is all about ...
This weekend, Jarrett Stephens and I will tackle one of the most divisive issues facing our country and one that I believe the Church has not sufficiently done enough about—the sanctity of life. We’ll be answering the question “When Does Life Begin?”
We’ve addressed some critical issues throughout this Straight Up message series but this is one that is a litmus test for every believer. What do you believe?
I will leave you with just one thought: Life is precious because life comes from God!
See you this Saturday and Sunday. If you don’t live in the area, I hope you’ll catch the live stream of the service at 11:00 a.m. on powerpoint.org.
Congratulations, Cameron Rupp and Jordan Swagerty! Cameron and Jordan, two of our outstanding former baseball players here at PCA, were among the top baseball players in the MLB draft. Jordan, a sophomore closer at Arizona State University, was the 75th pick in the draft (second round) by the St. Louis Cardinals. Cameron, a junior, is catcher at the University of Texas. He was taken in the third round (108th pick) by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Today, the guys talked to Ty Robinson, our Sports Information Director at PCA, and had this to say:
Cameron: “I’ve been smiling ever since I found out. I’m really happy. (Coach Mike Maack and PCA) taught me to never give up and never stop pursuing my goal. I’ve learned that God’s in control and will guide me through it all.”
Jordan: “This has been an exciting day. Coach Maack and PCA molded me into the person I’ve become and helped me get to this point.”
I’m glad to see th
e boys going to these great organizations (if everything works out with the negotiations) and I look forward to seeing them rise up through the minors.
These are good times for Cameron and Jordan, who not only can look ahead to playing pro ball, but their current teams could meet up once again in the College World Series. I’m hoping to make my way to Omaha to watch them play at the famed Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium.
Only one thing could have made this sweeter ... if the beloved Rangers had drafted them!
Like many Southern Baptists, I have followed with great interest the work of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force that was appointed by Johnny Hunt, the President of our Convention. I have prayed for the Task Force knowing that their assignment was impossible to fulfill apart from God’s enablement and the prayers of God’s people. I have followed their progress and read carefully their final report which was
released on April 26. I must say, I am thrilled with the report and joyfully give it my full and unqualified affirmation. Why? Let me note just a few of the reasons.
First, the missional vision calling us “to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations” is biblically accurate. It is also a statement that reflects who Southern Baptists have been and what we hope will be our main focus as a convention of churches until Jesus comes again.
Second, the eight core values reflect well the kind of culture we must build in our personal lives, our local churches, and our denominational entities. We need a new day of radical commitment to the things of God, and these core values get to the heart of the matter.
Third, celebrating and empowering Great Commission giving rightly elevates the genius of the Cooperative Program, and at the same time, celebrates all financial gifts to the work Southern Baptists are engaged in. The challenge to increase Cooperative Program, Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong, I am convinced will happen with an enthusiastic passing of the Task Force Report on June 15. I will certainly lead Prestonwood in this direction.
Fourth, unleashing NAMB for a new era of penetrating lostness in North America is exactly the shot in the arm we need at this particular time. NAMB has done much good in the past. I am convinced this recommendation will set the stage for even greater days in the future. Contrary to what some may think, I believe the unreached and underserved areas of North America will receive greater attention, personal and through resources. Small state works and small churches will be the great beneficiaries with the passing of this component.
There is more I could write, but these items alone cause my heart to contemplate with enthusiasm what God might do in the future through our people and churches.
I believe Southern Baptists are at a critical stage in our history. I believe we will make a crucial and significant decision when we gather in Orlando. I believe the report of the GCRTF provides a hopeful and helpful course of action for our future. I believe it provides a better way for us to work together in the ministry of the Gospel. It has my full and complete support. I pray you will be led by our Lord to support it as well. The nations and our nation call out for us to bring them the Good News of Jesus. We must not miss this golden opportunity.
21 years! It is really true—time passes quickly when you are having fun. Deb and I and our family are so very grateful for every day God has given us to serve Him through this wonderful, glorious church.
We have seen God do incredible things as together we have moved forward in faith. No pastor could be more blessed than I. Prestonwood is among the
greatest churches on the planet. As always, we stand on Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
But let’s not think so much about the past, but of the present and future. It is my firm belief that the best is yet. God has given me three, all-consuming, holy ambitions for the next 10 years. You might call it “Vision 2020.”
1. Continuing to expand the local, national and global influence of Christ and the Church. This includes a greater and growing commitment to personal evangelism, reaching our neighbors with the Gospel and a determination to fulfill the Great Commission in our generation through mission partnerships, church planting and PowerPoint Ministries. We will proclaim the Message to the nations.
2. Growing and building the North Campus and strengthening the Plano Campus. We are already planning and preparing to build Phase II on our 120 acres at the 380 Corridor. The fields are white unto harvest. It is clear that God is going to do at our North Campus what He has been doing and is doing in Plano. Believe it—it is happening. Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.—Isaiah 54:2
3. Developing a new generation of 21st-century leaders for the Church. This includes Prestonwood Christian Academy, our Children’s and Student Ministries, and our Pastoral Intern Program and a determination to equip young pastors and church leaders for the coming generation. We will prepare young men and women to deliver the Truth of Jesus Christ long after we are gone.
Jesus said: And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. —Matthew 16:18
This is His Church. He is building it. To God be all the glory!
Hard to believe how technology and social media allow us to connect ... reconnect ... and stay connected ... 24-7. With my iPhone and iPad, I can do just about anything from just about anywhere. And I have to say, I’m really enjoying it. I having a good time Tweeting (@jackngraham) and there are a great number of friends I like following. There’s some incredible information out there (and some...not so much).
But one of my favorite things is the power of social media and how we can use it to expand the Kingdom of God. Our Facebook pages, facebook.com/prestonwoodbc and facebook.com/pptministries are great tools in sharing the Gospel and what’s happening at Prestonwood and PowerPoint Ministries.
Check out this new TV spot about our PowerPoint Facebook.
During my quiet time in the Word each morning, I also read devotionals by various authors. I hope you are reading a devotional as well.... Here’s DAY 153 from my most recent devo A Daily Encounter with God.
But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.—Isaiah 64:8
According to today’s Scripture, you and I are like clay vessels made by God, the Master Potter.
And there are four k
inds of people, or vessels. Which category do you fall into?
A vessel being formed. God is making and developing you. He’s creating something beautiful, according to His plan and purpose for your life. And as you cooperate and yield to His hands, you are being formed into a beautiful, purposeful creation.
A vessel fractured. Maybe your life seems to be out of control. Has your heart been broken? If you are a fractured, broken vessel, God can put the pieces back together. If you turn your life and struggles over to Him, He will put you back on the potter’s wheel and put your life back together again.
A vessel fixed. If you’ve experienced pain, but God has brought you through and restored your life, then you are a vessel fixed. You know the power of the Master Potter to restore, refresh, and renew because He’s done it for you!
A vessel finished. This is the most frightening condition. If you and I say no to God’s grace too many times, we can become hardened. Don’t let that happen to you! Accept God’s love and grace. Ask for His forgiveness!
TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR LIFE. WHAT KIND OF VESSEL ARE YOU?
Minister Sondra Saunders (and the best Children’s Ministry staff team in the country) are welcoming more than 4,000 children (including my grandson, Ian) between the ages of 3 and through 6th grade for Treasure iLand. This will be our 32nd VBS!
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