Catching Up

Hey guys (and I mean that in the most general sense of the word) sorry I haven’t written in some time. I go through these writing droughts where I just don’t have much to say. Maybe that’s a good thing. Too often our mouth is engaged before our brain has time to catch up (James 1:19).

We started two services on January 4th. I was a little hesitant to make this move because I knew that we would go from one full, rocking service to two half full services and that naturally it would take some excitement out of the gathering. So far this prediction has come to pass but our attendance is up overall and and to my amazement first service (9am) has actually been larger than second  (11am). I believe this move will allow our church to fulfill it’s vision of reaching more and more lost and hurting people in our community. It will allow us to continue to grow whereas we were limiting ourselves with only one service.

I am looking forward to this upcoming season (late winter-early spring) as it is typically our time of greatest growth in the fellowship. The weeks leading up to Easter are an exciting time in the life of the Church as we ponder afresh and anew the wonderful message of the gospel.

In ligth of that I would like to recommend two books to you…

1. Death by Love (Mark Driscoll)
Death by Love Website
Death by Love on Amazon

2. The Prodigal God (Tim Keller)
The Prodigal God Website
The Prodigal God on Amazon

Both of these book capture the heart of the gospel in an amazing way. If it strikes you wierd that a Calvary pastor would recommend two books written by Calvinists then you don’t know me very well

In all seriousness both of these authors have a unique perspective and although I don’t agree with all of their theology I respect them, their ministries, and their focus on the gospel immensely. I will be happy when the Church gets to a place where it no longer divides itself along party lines of denominationalism and arrogant labels but simply identifies itself with the timeless truths of the greatest message ever told…the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I plan to write more in the coming days and weeks so don’t take me out of your bookmarks yet!

grace…ryan