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God is doing something pretty amazing at ADBC.  Let me explain - usually, this time of year, spring fever hits, attendance drops, energy in church wanes, and everybody slips into a pre-summer coma.  But not this year!

We topped 1100 in worship for the second Sunday in a row.  We baptized three folks - and I loved what David said to me in the third service.  He said that even though he had grown up in a church, he was really just putting an “x” in the box.  But when he and his wife came to ADBC, something clicked and he had a real encounter with Christ.  That’s what it’s all about!

Travis Pruden did a great job helping us remember what Build on the Rock is all about - Raising Leaders, Offering Offerings, Creating Community, and Kneeling before God.

And we wound up our series on Beyond - what a great series, thinking about life and death and what really counts.

As I shared with you Sunday, and I am so thankful to be part of a church like ADBC - a people where God is at work!

Judges 6 - Gideon, the reluctant leader - He can’t believe God has chosen him.  But honestly, don’t many of us have the same problem?  We disqualify ourselves when God is calling us!  Notice it is not until the Spirit takes possession of him that he gains confidence to call the people to battle.

Judges 7 - God devises a battle plan where he alone can gain create for the victory. 

Pslam 84 - It is better to be near where God is at work than anywhere else

Mark 6:1-13 - the hometown dilemma hits even Jesus - they wouldn’t accept him for anything other than what they thought he could be.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13.  Pay speciall attention to verse 12 and 13.  When things are going well, remember to watch out - that is a vulnerable time and you will be subject to testing.  Testing will come.  God is faithful - he will provide a way out - look for the exit sign!  You still may have to endure - grit your teeth to get through it - but God will get you through!  A great promise!

I admit a year ago, I was discouraged.  Our church had just finished the preparation and commitment stage of Build on the Rock (BOTR) and the results were not what we wanted.  We had four goals:  Raise up leaders; Offer Offerings; Create Community; and Kneel before God.   It was the offering part that was the disappointment.  We had set a goal of $4 million dollars and received estimates of giving only $1.9 million – a little short of half-way.  In the midst of my discouragement, I knew two things:  we couldn’t quit and God still had a plan for this church.
As the leadership of our church tried to dissect what had happened, a consensus emerged that we as a church were not ready to take this step.  We wanted to be ready – but wanting to be ready and being ready are two different things.  So we decided to move ahead with what we could do and to see what God would do.
One year later, this is what has happened.  God has indeed begun to raise up leaders.  People are stepping forward to volunteer and take more responsibility for our church.  More people have gotten involved in leadership in Bible Community Groups than ever before. 
The offering part of BOTR has stayed on track – which is a true testimony to the people of ADBC.  To date we have received almost $750,000 – 39% of what was originally pledged.  These funds received are enabling us to renovate and add classrooms to the student building (The Studio), construct additional parking, and build a covered drop off (work on these projects should begin in the next couple of weeks).  If we continue on pace, we will be able to have in hand over $1.5 million for our new building.
God has knitted our hearts together – so that we are creating community.  One “expert” I spoke to told me that the results of BOTR indicated deep division in our church.  Not so.  I’ve never seen our church more united and committed to being a place of grace.
The biggest win one year into BOTR has to be our increased prayer life as a church.  PrayerForce has become a force!  Since we began this time of prayer on Mondays at noon, our baptisms have dramatically increased, as have our offerings and volunteers.  We know that without God, we cannot achieve our purpose.
The Big Lesson of BOTR?  Never let the first set back keep you from the work of God.  God is in control, so keep walking by faith.  This Sunday, that’s what we are going to celebrate – this church built on the rock of Jesus – so nothing keeps us down!

Judges 1-3- God gave His people a test - He left a job unfinished.  Presumably, God wanted them to keep relying on Him.  They failed the test, and were enticed by the gods of the people they had conquered.  How stupid is that?  But we are like this too.  Even when we know stuff doesn’t work, we still turn to it, seeking answers and living frustrated lives.  Don’t fail the test

Psalm 82 - Don’t follow people who have no knowledge or understanding.

Mark 5:1-20 - One of my favorite stories about Jesus and one of the funniest moments in the gospel.  Highlights:  Legion is what evil looks like when it runs amuck.  You are out of control and out of your mind.  Jesus can order evil around - and out of your life.  Evil is always looking for a place to go.  This is the funny part - Pigs would rather die than have evil inhabit them (Is this a different version of “If your right eye leads you to sin, pluck it out…?).  And when Jesus delivers you, tell people.

1 Corithians 9:1-12:  The servants of God - ministers - have some rights - the right to be paid, the right to have a family, the right to be respected.  But, like Paul, they should never insist on these rights, but have the mind of servant.

Great to be back at ADBC!  And what a day.  First, any day you get to baptize 6 people is a good day!  There are so many churches that never get to baptize this many in one year.  I am humbled and grateful that God is using us to reach people for Him.

Strong attendance.  Over 1120 in the three services.  Best of all, about 730 or so in the Bible Community Groups.  Normally we’d be dipping this time of year - but I’m grateful we’re moving forward.

Our Personnel Team did a great job in meeting Sunday night.  They helped us take a step of faith and upgraded our Preschool position to full-time.  Why is this important?  According the research done by the Barna group, a child forms their world view - their understanding of right and wrong by the time they are 9.  As early as 2, children are learning concepts of right and wrong.  Our budget will have to stretch up some to take care of this position, but I believe we can do it!

Mark 3:20-35 - this is what scholars call an inclusio - meaning a story within a story.

The story that is the outside bracket is how Jesus’ family thought he was crazy.  Sometimes even those closest to you don’t understand you, especially when it comes to doing God’s will.  Jesus then re-defines the family for us - closer than blood kin are the ones who do God’s will.  Bottow line, never let your family or your fear of your family’s disapproval keep you from doing God’s will.

The inner story is Jesus telling us that it is ridiculous to think he is on Satan’s team. But he gives us an important principle - if you want to defeat evil in your life - greed, gluttony, lust, anger, pride, envy, and sloth - you need to tie up evil. 

                                                                                                                     How do you tie up evil? Be strong in Christ.  Eliminate temptation.  Throw it out of your life.  Don’t be afraid.  Think through your decisions and their consequences.  Claim the victory God wants you to have.

I Corintians 7:1-16 - great teaching about sex, marriage and divorce.  Bottom lines:  Healthy sex is part of God’s design for marriage.  Headaches are no excuse - only prayer.  If we lived by this passage what would it to for intimacy in our marriages?  Not to menion what it would do for our prayer lives!

It is better to marry than to burn with passion - but if you have the gift of being able to be unmarried, stay that way.  If your spouse is not a believer, then be a holy influence on them!