Church at Canyon Creek

Church at Canyon Creek http://churchatcanyoncreek.com Sat, 12 May 2012 17:46:39 +0000 http://snappages.com en Responding to the Call http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/05/12/responding-to-the-call http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/05/12/responding-to-the-call Sat, 12 May 2012 17:46:39 +0000 Keith Tooley, On Mission Pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/05/12/responding-to-the-call
]]> 40 vs 3,000 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/05/04/40-vs-3000 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/05/04/40-vs-3000 Fri, 04 May 2012 17:49:30 +0000 Patty Evans, children's minister http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/05/04/40-vs-3000
]]> Jesus Is the Only Way! http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/04/22/jesus-is-the-only-way http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/04/22/jesus-is-the-only-way Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:38:04 +0000 Mark Perkins, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/04/22/jesus-is-the-only-way
]]> Casual or Passionate http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/04/19/casual-or-passionate http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/04/19/casual-or-passionate Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:21:54 +0000 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/04/19/casual-or-passionate
]]> Palm Sunday and Easter http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/30/palm-sunday-and-easter http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/30/palm-sunday-and-easter Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:01:06 +0000 Monty Watson http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/30/palm-sunday-and-easter
]]> Is God Enough? http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/30/is-god-enough http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/30/is-god-enough Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:14:14 +0000 Kelly Gottschalk, preschool minister http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/30/is-god-enough
]]> Be Anxious For Nothing http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/12/be-anxious-for-nothing http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/12/be-anxious-for-nothing Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:07:00 +0000 Mark Perkins, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/12/be-anxious-for-nothing
By one definition, anxiety is a displeasing feeling of fear, worry, uneasiness, or dread. I have to assume it is a common experience for mankind because God’s word is not silent on the topic and addresses it clearly. Meditating on His word is a great antidote to anxiety. Many verses are applicable, but one in particular I have taken great comfort in is Philippians 4:5b-7.
“The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When I am confronted with my anxious thoughts, I am comforted knowing that my Lord is near. He is not far off tending to other more pressing issues. He is right here with me, ready to help. Also note that in everything we are to present our requests before the Lord in prayer. Did you catch what He said? Everything. I take great hope in knowing that there is not a single difficulty or trial that does not escape the sovereign knowledge of my Lord. And I am to come with a grateful heart. Gratitude to God is to accompany all true prayer. And in His wise and loving response, God gives me what I really need during my anxious times…peace! Our God is good and He promises us peace that combats our anxious thoughts. Note that this peace of God will guard your heart and mind. The word guard is a military term meaning “to keep watch over”. God’s peace guards believers from anxiety, doubt, fear and distress.

I like how Dr. John McArthur in his commentary states that the peace of God is a God-given inner calm that is promised to the believer who has a thankful attitude based on unwavering confidence that God is able and willing to do what is best for His children.

In closing, I am reminded of the words from the old hymn What A Friend We Have In Jesus:

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Maybe you are struggling with anxiety. If so, my hope is that you will find the God-given peace promised to you in scripture as you turn over your thoughts and circumstances to the Lord in prayer.

]]> Becoming http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/04/becoming http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/04/becoming Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:07:00 +0000 Dusty Brewer, youth pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/03/04/becoming
I’m to become like God.

That seems almost arrogant to write. However, that is exactly what we’ve been called to do. As a Christian, I have been made new through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. As a part of that transforming process, we have been designed to model the character of God. Check out what we find in Ephesians 4…

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Whether I’m a police man, a math teacher, or youth pastor my goal is the same… to become like the creator. Now, don’t get me wrong. My goal is not for power or prestige. My goal is to model the character of God by living the way He would. Fortunately for us, He has given us a model in the form of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2 charges us to imitate Christ. It’s in Him that we find our belonging, our purpose, and who we are to become.

The process of becoming like Christ is a never ending process. It’s a lifelong journey of living out what we find in Scripture to model our lives after Him. No matter where we are on this journey, may we all recognize together that our primary goal is not to become a teacher, an artist, or an accountant (fill in the blank with your occupation). Our primary goal as a follower of Jesus Christ is to become like Him. May that be what defines us.

]]> Surrender http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/02/17/surrender http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/02/17/surrender Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:59:00 +0000 Steven Hieronymus, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/02/17/surrender
All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior
I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me, Jesus, take me now

All to Jesus, I surrender
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine
Let me feel the Holy Spirit
Truly know that Thou art mine

All to Jesus, I surrender
Lord, I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Thy love and power
Let Thy blessing fall on me

All to Jesus I surrender
Now I feel the sacred flame
O the joy of full salvation
Glory, glory, to His Name

I suggest that we should let these words wash over us anew; not just a repeating of words to a song repeatedly sung years back, but rather with an embracing of the commitment and joy that is being expressed. I confess that surrendering myself so completely might give me some initial apprehension; to freely give of all that I have, to forsake worldly pleasures. However, this is our call. Am I ready and willing to release the “things” in my life and even my mindset into His hands? As part of God’s family and members within our body, we will be asked to surrender things we might hold dear, as we together follow the Lord’s leading and strive to impact our community and world as an Ambassador for Christ. Am I willing to release, not just some financial resources, but also my preferred plans or way / view of ministry? Our finite minds sometimes struggle to grasp or comprehend the infinite given in exchange as we release or surrender. Have you now noted some of those exchange items; Belonging, Holy Spirit, Love, Power, Blessings and most significantly Salvation.

One of the Webster’s definitions of surrender is – to give oneself up, as into the power of another; to submit or yield. The day is coming when all will surrender, bend the knee and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Sadly, many will not bow in joy, but rather dread. I have already placed my life eternal into the hands of my Lord, and now my desire is that – “I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

Thank you Jesus. Glory, Glory to Your Name!

Steven

]]> “But a certain man named Ananias…” Acts 5:1 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/02/07/%e2%80%9cbut-a-certain-man-named-ananias%e2%80%a6%e2%80%9d-acts-51 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/02/07/%e2%80%9cbut-a-certain-man-named-ananias%e2%80%a6%e2%80%9d-acts-51 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:12:00 +0000 David Melles, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/02/07/%e2%80%9cbut-a-certain-man-named-ananias%e2%80%a6%e2%80%9d-acts-51
Their fellowship was pure. They had all things in common, and much grace was upon them all. Every member’s need was met, no-one claimed any of his possessions were his own. There was harmony and unity. I cannot [...]]]>
Their fellowship was pure. They had all things in common, and much grace was upon them all. Every member’s need was met, no-one claimed any of his possessions were his own. There was harmony and unity. I cannot think of a better illustration of biblical fellowship.

Notice however, the turn of events in the opening word of chapter 5. “But a certain man named Ananias…”. Suddenly with one small word, ‘But’, the purity is shattered, the harmony is broken, the unity is spoiled.

Often simple words like ‘but’ have a deep significance, not in and of themselves but in the context in which they are used. In the case of this word its significance is derived from the things which follow, as in Acts 5.These things which qualify the word are not always negative, as we might think.

In Deuteronomy 4 we have a good example; “There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deu 4:28-29)

Moses is warning against idolatry. He tells the people of Israel that idolatry will result in captivity, slavery and dispersion. The prospect of captivity is not good he tells them, “There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone…”. But if from there you seek the Lord…if you look for Him with all your heart”.

Moses is telling them that there is no circumstance so difficult, no failure so deep, no breach so wide that if they repent, God He will restore.

Consider Luke 9:61, “… I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Jesus believed that once the man was back amongst family his resolve to follow Jesus would wane.

In Jesus day ploughing had to be done during the harsh cold of winter, with the temptation to leave it to another day and shelter in the warmth of the house. Ploughing calls for endurance, and a constant focus ahead, not behind. By inference so does following Jesus.

What is the relevance for us?

What follows ‘but’ in your life? What stands in the way of following Jesus? This is the very thing we need to overcome. Some temptation, some habit, some indulgence, some relationship which has the effect of sapping our resolve and diminishing our faith, some area of our life marked ‘private’ where Christ is not welcome, something we dare not sacrifice for the King, at least not yet.

“ I will follow you Lord, but…” But what?

]]> Thoughts on Studying the Bible... http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/30/thoughts-on-studying-the-bible http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/30/thoughts-on-studying-the-bible Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:21:54 +0000 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/30/thoughts-on-studying-the-bible Click here to view notes on studying the Bible from Monty Waston. [...]]]> Click here to view notes on studying the Bible from Monty Waston.

by Monty Watson, senior pastor Monday, 1/30/2012

]]> Ideas on How to Pray http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/26/ideas-on-how-to-pray http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/26/ideas-on-how-to-pray Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:24:00 +0000 Monty Watson, senior pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/26/ideas-on-how-to-pray
1. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray He told them to start with this line. “Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name” (Matthew 6:9). When you pray, think of Him as your Father. God loves you. He loves you so much that He sacrificed Jesus for you. That was the price He was willing to pay to make you His child. But, remember that He is holy. “Hallowed be Thy name.” Yes, He is our Father and we can run into His arms anytime we want, but remember that He is holy. He is the majestic Creator of the universe. Respect Him.

2. Understand that prayer is being with God. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you,” and then, “ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:4, 7). Prayer is about oneness with Him, about enjoying God’s presence, about resting in Him, about spending time with Him, about talking to Him, and about listening to Him.

3. I know you’ve heard it before, but the A-C-T-S acrostic is a great pattern for prayer. Begin with
adoration, remembering how great God is. Confess your sins to Him before you ask anything from Him. Thank Him for what He has already done for you. And then last, supplication. Let Him know what you need.

4. Pray Bible verses. If prayer is hearing the mind of God, then there’s no better way to do that than praying Bible verses. Read a verse, and then pray, “Lord, what does this mean? Father, show me what You want me to get from this verse.” And as you meditate on it, and read it again, and roll it around in your mind, God will show you what He wants you to get from that verse.

5. A way to stay focused is to journal your prayers. Kathy and I do this. Write down what you’re
praying. It will help you stay focused. And you can review previous days and see what you were
praying for and how God answered. It will show you the progress you’re making in your walk with
God.

6. Make prayer a habit. When we talk about having a quiet time, some of you bristle. Some of you think it’s legalistic and some of you feel guilty that you don’t get up at 5:00 every morning and spend an hour of prayer. Yes, the Bible says, “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there” (Mark 1:35, NAS). But the point is not when you pray, but that you pray. The point is to make it a habit, to see prayer as a necessary exercise to stay in shape spiritually. Find the best place and find the best time of your day for scheduled prayer.

7. The Bible also talks about spontaneous prayer. “Pray at all times” (Ephesians 6:18). “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Think of it as flashlight prayer. A flashlight is only good for shining a light on the next step. So, throughout your day, pray about your next step. Pray about what’s in front of you. Pray as you go into the next meeting. Pray before you make that phone call. Pray before you take a test. Pray as you go to the next thing on your schedule. “Lord, help me as I ____ … Lord, give me the words to say in the next few minutes … Lord, is there anything You want to tell me before I ____?”

8. Talk to God about your life. David said, “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NLT). He is a “refuge,” a safe place to go. So, talk to God about your fears and your worries. Talk to Him about your doubts and your questions. Talk to Him about your temptations and your decisions. “Pour out your heart to him” and talk to Him about your life.

9. And tell Him what you need. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NAS). Or as the NLT reads, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT).

]]> "Did Jesus Really Hate Religion?" http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/26/did-jesus-really-hate-religion http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/26/did-jesus-really-hate-religion Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:35:00 +0000 Monty Watson, senior pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/26/did-jesus-really-hate-religion
I’ve heard many people talk about or post on Facebook a video by Jeff Bethke called “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.” What was meant to be for a few Facebook friends has gone viral and millions have applauded the video and share Bethke’s sentiments. What’s good about it is a fresh [...]]]>
I’ve heard many people talk about or post on Facebook a video by Jeff Bethke called “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.” What was meant to be for a few Facebook friends has gone viral and millions have applauded the video and share Bethke’s sentiments. What’s good about it is a fresh passion for Jesus that breaks free the bonds and errors of the traditional church.

But what’s not so good, in my opinion, is a lack of love for the bride of Christ. So, if you have seen the video, I’d also like you to read the two blogs below. One is Kevin Deyoung’s critique of the video. DeYoung is a young pastor and frequent blogger for The Gospel Coalition. The second blog is an exchange between DeYoung and Bethke. I appreciate their candid dialog and respectful, humble demeanor.

My purpose in sending this to you is to urge you to be balanced in your understanding of the culture and the church. So, let me know what you think.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/01/13/does-jesus-hate-religion-kinda-sorta-not-really
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/01/14/following-up-on-the-jesusreligion-video

]]> Missions and Evangelism...the land of opportunity http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/20/missions-and-evangelism-the-land-of-opportunity http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/20/missions-and-evangelism-the-land-of-opportunity Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:52:00 +0000 Keith Tooley, missions and evangelism pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2012/01/20/missions-and-evangelism-the-land-of-opportunity
I’m so glad you asked.

There are many volunteers who serve in a number of ways. One of these ways is serving on one of our outreach ministry teams, which include Missions Leadership Team, Evangelism Leadership Team, Connections Team and the [...]]]>
I’m so glad you asked.

There are many volunteers who serve in a number of ways. One of these ways is serving on one of our outreach ministry teams, which include Missions Leadership Team, Evangelism Leadership Team, Connections Team and the Marketing Team.

We also have teams that serve and support most of our Local Missions partnerships including Hill Country Community Ministries, Baptist Children’s Home, Austin Disaster Relief Network, Canyon Creek Preschool, Impact Austin (outreach to homeless), Young Life, Gideons and the Foreign Exchange Student ministry. And we have Global Missions teams for Thailand, China, Progreso and Church Builders, and Support Teams for two of these partnerships.

A ministry everyone can be a part of is Unceasing Prayer. Our church is one of over 40 churches that participate in this prayer initiative to reach Austin for Christ. Our church prays for Austin 24 hours nonstop the first Thursday of each month. Won’t you take a 30-minute prayer slot? God is transforming Austin through prayer!

You can serve on a short-term mission trip. We have seven trips this year including Thailand (2), Taiwan, China, Progreso (2) and Church Builders. God wants all of us to see His vision for His church and for the nations, and going on one of these trips is a great way to experience what He is doing outside of our context.

We are seeing more and more opportunities with our benevolence ministry that serves those outside of our church. These are folks that either call or walk in to our church needing assistance. We are seeing new ways to connect these individuals and families to Jesus Christ, to this church body, and to resources outside of our church.

Another exciting ministry, which was birthed out of the Evangelism Task Force last year, was the need for a class on Sunday mornings geared for visitors. So we created The Bridge class under the Guest Connections ministry. This class provides a way for us to get to know our visitors as they check out our church.

There are many other ways to get involved. We need people from our congregation who are willing to disciple some of our visitors and walk-ins on a one-on-one basis. We have the curriculum. All you have to do is meet with them once per week, get to know them, and go through the curriculum with them - which helps them learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
We also need volunteers who can come alongside people outside of our church in a number of ways – from helping them move, to giving them rides, to providing for some of their basic needs, to a number of other things.

And we could also benefit from having some couples who want to interface with couples and families who visit our church. This would entail taking visitors to lunch, or inviting them to your home for lunch or dinner.

And last, but not least, we need teams of volunteers to follow up with those who make decisions for Christ, or to grow spiritually, at outreach events such as our Easter service, the upcoming outreach concert our church is sponsoring on Jan. 29, and at other events.

So if you are on the sidelines, and you want to get in the game, give me a call (331-7340) or shoot me an email (keith@tcacc.net). There is nothing more exciting than being used by Jesus Christ to transform lives!

]]> Have I Told You Lately How Fabulous Kids Are? http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/12/30/have-i-told-you-lately-how-fabulous-kids-are http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/12/30/have-i-told-you-lately-how-fabulous-kids-are Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:41:00 +0000 Patty Evans, children's minister http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/12/30/have-i-told-you-lately-how-fabulous-kids-are
One of the reasons we started this class is because of a true story. I received an email from a mom whose 9 year old son had just had communion for the first time. His mom asked him what he thought of the experience and he said "Well, the bones were kinda crunchy." This made me laugh so hard because it was so innocent and literal…. just the way kids are. But there was an underlying message in this exchange. Sometimes we adults take for granted that our teachings about Christ are clear. There is so much symbolism in our faith, not to mention practices that date back thousands of years that aren’t understood in today’s secular culture. It is our job to make these important Biblical truths understandable.

That’s why I love the time I spend with kids talking about deep spiritual topics. One of the most frequently discussed items is that of grace. It is hard for kids (and even adults) to fully understand that “even big sinners” will be in Heaven. As mature believers, we understand that all human occupants of Heaven are “big sinners” but for a child whose main sins are disobeying parents, being mean to their siblings and maybe an occasional petty theft, the idea of murderers in heaven is mind boggling.

That’s when I talk to them about the two thiefs on the crosses with Jesus. You see, they tend to know a lot about Jesus’ crucifixion but aren’t aware of the thieves who were being punished that day. I remind them about the parable of the Good Samaritan where it gives a picture of what robbers of that time would do to their target. Often they would beat them and leave them for dead. It is highly likely that the thieves on the crosses next to Jesus were murderers too. The thief who mocked Jesus is a picture of so many of our friends and loved ones who don’t believe Jesus’ claim to be the son of God and want to see great signs to prove His deity. And those of us who are believers in Jesus are portrayed in the life of the one thief who believed… the one who was justifiably being punished for the many deplorable sins committed in his lifetime and yet called out to Jesus and simply acknowledged His deity.

"But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don’t you fear God', he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise'.”
Luke 23: 40-43

Each time I’m with these kids, it is an opportunity to renew my mind with the amazing truths about God’s love for us and the grace He extends to all those who receive. I leave my class with renewed enthusiasm in my relationship with God and gratefulness for his favor upon me.
If you have children in your life, may I encourage you to start spiritual conversations with them? I guarantee that you will have funny stories to tell and will be stumped by a question they pose. But if you dig into the scriptures with them for the truth, you both will be greatly blessed.

Go and Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.
Matt 28: 19-20

]]> Family Activity Ideas for Christmas http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/12/09/family-activity-ideas-for-christmas http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/12/09/family-activity-ideas-for-christmas Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:58:00 +0000 Kelly Gottschalk, preschool minister http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/12/09/family-activity-ideas-for-christmas
I would love if you’d reply to the blog and share your own ideas also.

• Buy a Christian devotional and go through Advent with your family.
• Read the Christmas story throughout the month of December to your children.
• Have your family memorize and recite passages from Luke 2.
• Prepare goodies for unsaved friends and neighbors.
• Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood or at a nursing home.
• Watch a classic Christmas movie together.
• Visit a living nativity scene.
• Act out the Christmas story with your family and possibly share it with neighbors.
• Choose a charitable activity you can do as a family.
• Take someone, possibly an elderly neighbor or children from a single-parent home, Christmas shopping.
• Have your family select a Christ-centered phrase to be repeated over the holidays, like Jesus, the Heart of Christmas, as a reminder to why we celebrate Christmas.
• Keep a Christmas journal expressing your thoughts throughout the season, paying close attention to items you are grateful for.
• Purchase “spiritual gifts/books” for your children’s teachers and/or coaches.
• Set a place for Jesus at your dining table for Christmas dinner and place a golden crown as a symbol of our King.
• Attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church service.
• Pray for the families that send you Christmas cards and then send them a letter or card sharing that you prayed for their family.
• Visit adventconspiracy.org for other ideas on how to give to the needy during Christmas.

My prayer would be that these types of activities will help you and your family to truly focus on the real meaning for this season. Have a merry and meaningful Christmas.

]]> Give Thanks to the Lord! http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/26/give-thanks-to-the-lord http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/26/give-thanks-to-the-lord Sat, 26 Nov 2011 08:52:00 +0000 Mark Perkins, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/26/give-thanks-to-the-lord
While sitting together at dinner, our family tradition has been to go around the table and have each person share what they are thankful for over this past year. Blessings mentioned included continued good health, the opportunity to go to college, employment during a tough economy and the milestone of a 25th marriage anniversary. Though we also had our share of trials this year, I was once again reminded of how our Lord has poured out His blessings in so many ways. My heart was full of gratefulness and I so wanted to give the Lord all of the credit for His loving kindness and His work in our lives. I am reminded of a verse in I Chronicles 16:34 which says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Our God is so good and His love for us endures far beyond what we can imagine! Therefore, I will give thanks to Him for all He has done.

May you and your family enjoy the bounty of God’s many blessings with grateful hearts as we observe this time of Thanksgiving.

]]> To be on "mission" we must be led by the Spirit http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/18/to-be-on-mission-we-must-be-led-by-the-spirit http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/18/to-be-on-mission-we-must-be-led-by-the-spirit Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:07:00 +0000 Keith Tooley, missions & evangelism pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/18/to-be-on-mission-we-must-be-led-by-the-spirit
When I was on another mission trip to China – in 2006 - I went to the book of Acts to guide me each day while on the trip. So Acts is my [...]]]>
When I was on another mission trip to China – in 2006 - I went to the book of Acts to guide me each day while on the trip. So Acts is my go-to book when it comes to missions because this book is all about being “on mission” and being directed by the Holy Spirit as to where we will go, who we will meet and what we will do.

In Acts 16:6-10, we see that Paul and his companions – as they sought the Holy Spirit’s direction - were kept from going to some places, yet they were “called” to go to other places. The Holy Spirit was leading them, telling them where to go each day.

On our recent trip to China (Nov. 3-12), Brian Smith, Matt Watson and I were dependent on the Holy Spirit for direction. This was a very fluid trip, meaning each day was not scheduled. The days were left wide open for the Spirit’s prompting. And He delivered.

The Holy Spirit led us to the towns and villages where we met with the people He wanted us to meet, and meet with, every day while we were in China. All we had to do was pray, seek God’s direction, and see where He was going to take us. And He scheduled everything just perfectly. That is what He does.

Would you be uncomfortable on such a trip as this – not knowing where you are going or with whom you are going to meet with? I must admit, there were times I was saying to myself – “what are we doing?” Then God would surprise me with our next divine appointment.

Being “on mission” is a Holy Spirit-directed adventure. As we pray each day, and expect God to show up, we may be surprised with where He takes us, with whom we meet, and what He asks us to do.

Are you experiencing this great adventure of being “on mission?” I hope so. If you are not, you “will not have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (refer to Philemon 6)

I encourage you to get out there and experience the fullness of Christ!

]]> How to have endurance during hardships http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/14/how-to-have-endurance-during-hardships http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/14/how-to-have-endurance-during-hardships Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:21:00 +0000 Steven Testone, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/14/how-to-have-endurance-during-hardships
In his letter to the church in Smyrna, Jesus encourages a church that is going through all sorts of trials and tribulations. Their faith is being tested and he challenges them to "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." In this way, Christ is calling them to look-ahead to what he has in store for them in order to get through their current struggles. The most powerful information believers have that enables a faith that endures to the end, are the promises of God about what lies beyond the end.

I think many of us do not spend enough time studying and meditating on the good things that God has in store for the believers. You may spend a lot of time thinking about what Christ has saved you from, but do you really think about what he has saved you to? Christ did not just save us from a place of punishment, but saved us to a place of paradise. True faith is about "the assurance of things hoped for" (Hebrews 11:1), so you have to understand what it is you are hoping for.

God's word promises that what is in store for us is more awesome then our wildest imagination can come up with (1 Cor. 2:9). It's so good that the worst troubles you could ever have on this world will seem like nothing compared with how great eternity with God will be (Romans 8:18). For those that have experienced the worst this world can throw at them, this might seem impossible, and almost insulting. It would have to be so unimaginably amazing to make what you've gone through "seem like nothing". God knows this, he knows what you've been through, and he still makes this promise.

We learn from scripture that Christ himself was looking ahead in order to have endurance in the present. "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). This week I challenge you to read and meditate over Revelation 21:1-8 and focus on the joy set before you to see if it doesn't help with what you are going through today.

"Hope is one of the Theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next." - C.S. Lewis

]]> In the Family http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/03/in-the-family http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/03/in-the-family Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:31:00 +0000 Steven Hieronymus, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/11/03/in-the-family
I struggle to understand how those that don’t have the hope of heaven, through a personal intimate relationship with the Lord, cope with death. Either their perception of finality or questioning as to what really happens simply would seem to consume the mind and impact emotional stability. In my case; I have experientially received comfort from the Lord and know peace as a result. I recently shared with my ABF class the following:

My dad’s passing has been painful in that we were exceedingly close and I miss him terribly. Yet I also celebrate not only the life he led and legacy he provided, but the knowing that he is with our Father. I don’t mean this in the somewhat generic usage we often hear in that someone is in a better place, but that my dad is truly in the presence of the Lord Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of all creation, most especially of life itself. It is my confident celebration of this knowledge, which also convicts me over the sad fact that so many do not have this confidence.

So I can express that the Lord has addressed and supported my soul, my mind and my emotions over this past month given that I am in His family. However, he has also provided support from being “in the family” as well. When I was in Springfield with my mom leading up to and during the memorial service for my dad, it was reinforced to me the power of our familial relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. People that I did not know previously, were uniquely capable of connecting with me and providing significant support to me. Similarly, I received so much support from within our Canyon Creek family, people that I know and have the privilege to serve alongside and it has been greatly appreciated.

So I guess the question is where might I be heading with this blog? As usual I seem to have a multipart heading, but here goes. First - The loss of my dad has further focused my thoughts on the reality that we all must address death, with either hope in Jesus thus confidence, or with trepidation (fear) while being hopeful for a better place. Do you see the difference? I am ever so convicted to share hope in Jesus. Second – I am also more convinced than ever over the significance of the gathering and bonding of the local church body (family). I Cor. 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it”. If you are reading this blog and still seeking a church home, then I encourage you to seek the Lord for discernment and then obediently take the step to align yourself with the body. If you are already a part of this family, but not yet feeling connected then please reach out to one of our leaders or please touch base with me so that we can help guide and assist you in becoming an integrated part of our body. I would also encourage our church family to be specifically aware of those that might not yet seem to be plugging in and then take a step out of the comfort zone and invite engagement.

The bonds and benefits of being “in the family” simply cannot be overstated. We are connected to strangers in that we are brothers and sisters, joint heirs to the kingdom with both spiritual and eternal connections. We are also connected through our being fitted together within this church family; worshiping, serving and supporting one another. Thank you Lord for your grace and provision, such that I might be in your family.

Is it not totally awesome to be – In The Family!

Please know my appreciation to you all and let me know your thoughts.

Steven Hieronymus
Steven.hieronymus1@gmail.com
512-415-4785

]]> Life's Big Questions Message Series http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/10/26/lifes-big-questions-message-series http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/10/26/lifes-big-questions-message-series Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:41:00 +0000 Monty Watson, senior pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/10/26/lifes-big-questions-message-series
We’ve spent the last six weeks talking about living on mission. I know I’ve been challenged and I hope you have too. I’m convinced that most evangelism will, and should, take place outside the church. It’s in our spheres of influence that we build relationships with the people and rub shoulders with during [...]]]>
We’ve spent the last six weeks talking about living on mission. I know I’ve been challenged and I hope you have too. I’m convinced that most evangelism will, and should, take place outside the church. It’s in our spheres of influence that we build relationships with the people and rub shoulders with during the normal course of life. So, we need to pray for each other as we look for those God-appointed opportunities to share our faith. But I also believe a lot of people we know would attend church if we would just ask. The church can partner with you as you influence your friends for Christ. And our next message series is perfect for inviting your non-Christians friends to church. On Sunday, October 30, I will begin a new series called Life’s Big Questions. There is a flyer on the home page to describe the series to you. The purpose of this series is to build us up as Christians and to firm up our worldview. It’s intended to give us the conversational ammunition for spiritual conversations with our non-Christian friends. But if there was ever a good time to invite your non-Christians friends to church, this is the time. I think you’ll agree that these are the questions your non-Christian friends are asking too. So, check out the attached flyer and pray about who you can invite to Life’s Big Questions.

Monty

]]> Concert of Prayer http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/10/18/concert-of-prayer http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/10/18/concert-of-prayer Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:28:00 +0000 Monty Watson, senior pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/10/18/concert-of-prayer
Over last few months, God has refreshed a vision in us as leaders. And we hope that through our On Mission campaign, He has refreshed a vision in you as well. And that vision is nothing less than a revival of personal evangelism in The Church at Canyon Creek.

Yes, [...]]]>
Over last few months, God has refreshed a vision in us as leaders. And we hope that through our On Mission campaign, He has refreshed a vision in you as well. And that vision is nothing less than a revival of personal evangelism in The Church at Canyon Creek.

Yes, evangelism can be scary and intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. Evangelism is the Christian’s highest calling, greatest privilege, and most thrilling adventure. Evangelism is telling people what Jesus has done for us and how much we love Him. And it’s how we impact eternity. There’s no greater endeavor on the planet than living on mission – everyone, everyday, everywhere.

But we can’t do it alone. We need God’s help. That means we must pray. So, I encourage you to attend a special time of prayer this Sunday evening called a Concert of Prayer.

The concept of a “concert of prayer” goes back to 1744 in Scotland. Just like us, those believers were praying for people to come to Christ. Their movement was called “The Concert of Prayer for the Conversion of the World.” That prayer movement lasted several years and a book was even written about it. That book made its way to America and into the hands of Jonathan Edwards. Edwards became convinced that “God will do nothing but in answer to prayer.”

The First and Second Great Awakenings were birthed from prayer movements like the concert of prayer. In 1857, businessman Jeremiah Lanphier advertised a noonday prayer meeting every Wednesday in a New York City church. The first week 6 people showed up. The second week 40 people showed up to pray. Within six months, 10,000 people were meeting all over New York City at noon to pray. It is estimated that 2 million people came to Christ that year in New England.

The best way to understand a “concert of prayer” is to think of an orchestra. An orchestra blends the distinct sounds of different instruments to create a unified, beautiful symphony that is pleasing to the ear and which touches the human heart. A concert of prayer is also a blending together, a blending of distinct prayers offered by different people to create a unified, beautiful petition to God. This Sunday night, we want to offer our prayer symphony to God and hope that it will be pleasing to His ear and touch His heart. And by touching His heart, we anticipate His blessing and His answer to our prayers.

The Concert of Prayer is our bold request for a revival of personal evangelism in our church.

After Peter and John were released from prison for preaching the gospel, they returned to their friends, and the Bible says, “When they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). We’re asking God to shake us, to shake our hearts for lost people. We’re asking God to fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we might share our faith with boldness.

So, for the sake of living on mission – everyone, everyday, everywhere, I ask you to join me and many others for this special night of prayer.

Monty

]]> Providing Hope and Help to Fire Disaster Victims http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/09/20/providing-hope-and-help-to-fire-disaster-victims http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/09/20/providing-hope-and-help-to-fire-disaster-victims Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:53:00 +0000 Kay Tooley, ADRN Team Member http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/09/20/providing-hope-and-help-to-fire-disaster-victims
Having previously registered for a three-night CISM (Crisis Incident Stress Management) training session - there could not have been better timing. Fires ravaged Steiner Ranch, Leander, Pflugerville, Spicewood and Bastrop, and we were being trained in the literal 'afterglow' of these disasters.

I was ready and willing to go to Bastrop as they were opening up subdivisions daily for the residents to return and survey the damage to their homes. I have, however, a high-paced and challenging job. I had also recently used all of my vacation time for a trip to see our daughter in Lebanon. I conveyed my desire to serve during this pressing time of need to my HR department, and to my surprise, they called me in to tell me that someone had anonymously donated (we have over 600 employees) a day of vacation time for me to go to Bastrop and serve. What a gift!

Trained, with a vacation day off and ready to go, I went to Bastrop. Our team, with sheriff escort, entered the previously closed subdivisions of Bastrop. This was the first time the folks had been allowed to return to their homes... or lack thereof. In teams of two (made up of an ADRN volunteer and a pastor from an Austin-area church) we, along with assigned drivers, visited the homes where families were present.
We 'debriefed' (a series of carefully constructed questions designed to allow opportunity to vent/share/explore), visited with, shared bottled water/breathing masks, prayed with, handed out resource materials, filled out forms for those who wanted to be ‘adopted’ by one of the approximately 100 churches in the greater Austin area, and generally listened to their stories. Some were too shaken to talk, others cried, and we ran across the occasional individual whose home did not burn and they were struggling with “survivors guilt.”
FEMA appraisers, water and power companies, and Bastrop sheriff and Texas Public Safety personnel, made up the team of responders.
Utter devastation and destruction would be the best way to describe the area. Melted, stinky, black and gray, full of hazards, wayward lost animals and pets....very quite. Only an occasional helicopter passing over.

One thing that particularly stood out for me, as we listened to so many stories, was how many of these victims had numerous other issues they were dealing with: major health issues (many battling cancer), no insurance of any kind, collapsed family systems, recent deaths in their extended families, and so much more. It was clear there were several levels, in all the folks we debriefed, of crisis. They needed hope. They needed a listening ear. They needed to know help was available.

I came home feeling rather somber, reminded of the need we all have for hope, help and purpose amidst living this side of heaven.

]]> Fall Evangelism Campaign http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/09/15/fall-evangelism-campaign http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/09/15/fall-evangelism-campaign Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:24:00 +0000 Monty Watson http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/09/15/fall-evangelism-campaign

Our Fall Evangelism Campaign begins this Sunday!

September 18 – October 23

What is the Vision?

The Great Commission is to “make disciples.” That includes evangelism and discipleship, both “baptizing [...]]]>

Our Fall Evangelism Campaign begins this Sunday!

September 18 – October 23

What is the Vision?

The Great Commission is to “make disciples.” That includes evangelism and discipleship, both “baptizing them” and “teaching them” (Matthew 28:19-20). We’ve based our discipleship strategy on Romans 8:29, “to become conformed to the image of Christ.” Our destiny is to become more and more like Jesus. That in itself is a worthy goal. But following Jesus includes sharing the message of Jesus and fulfilling the mission of Jesus. As leaders, we believe our church is doing well in many areas. But an honest evaluation of our church reveals a weakness in personal evangelism. So, for the last few months, we’ve been discussing, studying, and praying about God would have us do. And He has refreshed a vision in us as leaders. A vision that does not neglect many other important areas of church life, but a vision to improve this area of weakness.

The vision is nothing less than a revival of personal evangelism among the people of The Church at Canyon Creek. We want to see Acts 4 become a reality in our church just as it was in the early church. After Peter and John were released from prison for preaching the gospel, they returned to their friends, and the Bible says, “When they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). We’re asking God to shake us, to shake our hearts for lost people. And we’re asking God to fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we might share our faith with boldness. That’s what we, as leaders, are praying for, and that’s what we’re asking you to pray for. On mission – everyone, everyday, everywhere.

What are the desired outcomes?

• That every person in our church answer the call to live “on mission – everyone, everyday, everywhere.”
• That every person in our church be passionate about evangelism; having love and compassion for lost people, a sense of urgency for eternity, a delight at seeing their friends come to Christ, an excitement to be used by God.
• To be involved with people, engaged with new friends, to be a “friend of sinners.” We want our members to learn how to make contact with non-Christians and turn conversations to the gospel.
• To create an inviting culture in our church, where members begin inviting their friends to lunch, to dinner, to a game, and of course to church.
• That every person in our church be able to share a simple presentation of the gospel and to share their testimony as to how they came to Christ.
• That every person in our church develop a relationship with a non-Christian with the hope of sharing the gospel with that person within the next 12 months.
• To sustain a commitment beyond a six-week campaign so that personal evangelism becomes a part of the personal DNA of each individual and a part of the cultural DNA of our church.

What are the components of the campaign?

• Sermon Series – Monty Watson will present six messages in a series called On Mission: Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere to inspire and cast vision for personal evangelism. The series and the campaign will launch on September 18.
• ABF – Keith Tooley will train our ABF teachers to teach the DIALOG curriculum, a conversational roadmap to the gospel. There will be a kick-off rally of all ABF classes in the auditorium on September 18. The remaining 5 lessons will be taught in our ABF classes.
• Life Groups – For the Fall semester, Donnie Dixon will provide a tool that focuses on the “E” of IMAGE, engaging friends, to guide groups in talking about sharing the gospel, sharing personal testimony, and establishing accountability.
• Marriage Class – The Fall marriage class has a session which addresses a person’s salvation. Each couple will be asked to confirm their faith in Christ. The 6-week class will begin on September 11.
• Parenting Workshop – During the November 12 parenting workshop, one of the sessions will coach parents on how to lead their children to Christ.
• Children’s Ministry – Ellen Haley has created a curriculum called iWitness to equip elementary children to know the gospel and to be able to share it. They will be encouraged to invite their friends to church and to share the gospel with a friend. Patty Evans has also equipped the shepherds to share the gospel one-on-one.
• Preschool Ministry – MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will launch in the Fall and each table leader is being challenged to take the next step relationally to share the gospel one-on-one to those women who are open.
• Student Ministry – Dusty Brewer and his team will teach a six-week series in both Middle School and High School. The Student Ministry will also host an outreach event on October 29.
• Women’s Ministry – Two of this Fall’s women’s small groups are outreach focused. Rhoda Perkins will lead Foundations, a study on how to share one’s testimony and how to follow-up a new Christian. Patty Evans and Tami Overhauser will lead Irresistible Evangelism, a study on personal evangelism with the hope of raising up women to launch outreach Bible studies in their neighborhoods. Chris Watson is already leading such a group in Steiner Ranch.
• Friendship Sundays – To stimulate becoming an inviting church, following the campaign we will offer two friendship Sundays on which we will challenge our members to invite their friends. This is not a high attendance gimmick and we want to avoid our friends feeling like a project. This is about challenging our members to be more intentional about inviting their friends to church. The two Sundays are October 30 and November 6. On November 6, we will also host a church-wide lunch on the campus.
• Resources – Keith Tooley will offer recommended resources on personal evangelism on a lobby display table.
• Stories – We will share stories of people sharing Christ and people coming to Christ. We believe these stories will honor God and inspire all of us to share the gospel with someone we know and love.
• Prayer Strategy – We will also offer a 42-day prayer guide for our members to use devotionally throughout the campaign. Each day, there will be a verse to consider, a prayer focus, and an evangelistic testimony. The campaign will end with a Concert of Prayer on October 23.

What are the themes in the sermon series?

• Calling – What Does It Really Mean to Follow Jesus? – Mark 1:14-20 – Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). Followers of Jesus are, by definition, fishers of men. Any definition of spiritual maturity that omits personal evangelism – both evangelistic fervor and evangelistic fruit – is not really spiritual maturity. Sharing the good news is our mission.
• Content – A Simple Truth – John 3:16 – This is the greatest verse in the Bible because it capsulizes Christianity in 26 words. “For God so loved the world.” Tell people about God’s love. “He gave His one and only Son.” Tell people about Jesus’ sacrifice. “Whoever believes in Him” Tell people about faith. “Shall not perish.” Warn people of the consequences of rejecting Christ. “Eternal life.” Paint a glorious picture of eternity. That’s the what and why? So, the question is who and when?
• Contact – Just Be A Friend – 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 – One of the things that keeps us from sharing our faith is a lack of contact with non-Christians. Cultural Christianity can breed isolation. So, the challenge is to break out of the comfort of the Christian cocoon and build meaningful relationships with people who do not know God.
• Conversation – Open Your Mouth and Say Something – Acts 8:26-40 – Philip was responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He was on the lookout for opportunities to share the gospel. And Philip was not reluctant to open his mouth.
• Conversion – This Is Bigger Than You – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – Only God can convict and only God can convince someone to become a Christian. Our job is to share the message of the cross and to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Commitment – On Mission: Yes or No? – Acts 4 – We want to see Acts 4 become a reality in our church just as it was in the early church. Through prayer, we call upon God to fill us with His Holy Spirit and enable us to share the gospel with boldness.

What are the big questions the Evangelism Task Force grappled with?

Some of the questions the elders asked the Evangelism Task Force to research and answer this past summer. This Fall, the Council (elders and staff) will be considering how to implement many of their great ideas.

• What is your sphere of influence? – We want to help our congregation leverage the activities, organizations, and places in which they are engaged, and to see those venues as personal spheres of influence. The focus for every one of us will be to develop relationships with non-Christians in our spheres of influence.
• How can we impact our circle of responsibility? – Sphere of influence is personal. It’s where we go and live and work and do life. Circle of responsibility is corporate. It’s the geography of where God has strategically placed our church, and we take responsibility for reaching those who reside in that geography with the gospel. We want to determine, and then implement, the best ways to penetrate our circle of responsibility.
• What are the evangelism strategies and practices that every church ministry needs to have in place? – Every ministry must have measurable evangelism outcomes – fruit, not just activity. Every ministry must be about building relationships with non-Christians. Every ministry must have a champion for evangelism. Every ministry must have an evangelism prayer strategy. Nothing we plan will be effective apart from a movement of God.
• What is the best way to equip every person to share their faith? – We will be offering several equipping tools over the next couple of years. For the campaign, we will offer DIALOG, which focuses on how to bridge into spiritual conversations and move those conversations to the gospel.
• How can we incorporate prayer into our evangelism strategy? – During the campaign, we will be asking every person to participate in a 42-day prayer initiative. There will also be opportunities for corporate prayer. And we will encourage every Life Group to pray for personal opportunities for evangelism. And again, long-term, every ministry must have an evangelism prayer strategy.

What is your heart for personal evangelism?

So, let me ask you, what is your heart for personal evangelism? I’m not talking ideas or strategies. I’m asking, what you are thinking and feeling? How is God stirring your heart as you think about sharing your faith? We believe that evangelism is on the heart of God. There’s just too much Scripture about grace and about mission to ignore it. Paul said that God “desires for all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:5). So, that’s what should be on our hearts too.

How are we praying?

• Council – We have been praying for months. We prayed through key Bible verses on evangelism for 30 days this Spring.
• Worship Services – Each Sunday worship service of the campaign, we will pray corporately for this revival of personal evangelism.
• Prayer Walking – We also encourage you to get together with other Christian friends and prayer-walk your neighborhood, praying for opportunities to share the gospel and for your neighbors to come to Christ.
• Prayer Guide – This Sunday, September 18, we will distribute a 42-prayer guide for you to use devotionally throughout the campaign. Each day, there will be a verse to consider, a prayer focus, and an evangelistic testimony.
• Concert of Prayer – On Sunday night, October 23, we will conclude the campaign with a night of worship and prayer. Again, our Acts 4 prayer is that God would fill us with His Holy Spirit and enable us to share the gospel with boldness just as He did the first century believers.

]]> The Next Step http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/25/the-next-step http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/25/the-next-step Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:06:00 +0000 Steven Hieronymus, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/25/the-next-step
With respect to life within our church body we too are making ready for the next step. Over this past year our leadership recognized a weakness in the area of personal evangelism and we brought forward a vision to correct this weakness; a vision that our church body has endorsed and supported as we applied resources toward investigating and strategy development to better incorporate evangelism and evangelistic opportunity into the life of our church. There is, or should be, a balance to the Christian life that is being conformed to the image of Christ, thus the need to ensure our engagement in sharing the Gospel message.

Soon you will be hearing more about our “next steps”, but I ask you now to be seeking the Lord, to discern His thoughts as to how you are doing in the area of sharing your personal story of graced received. Remember what I said above – excitement, daunting & scary. You can now insert these words again, as you might open yourself to what the Lord might reveal to you.

Just a couple of weeks ago I was reminded of my own weakness in being properly aware of opportunities. I think I have shared before that I live in Canyon Creek and I spend a fair amount of time walking my dog around the neighborhood. I have met many people over the years and developed some degree of relationship with many, or at least with their dogs. At any rate one man that I have known for at least eight years, spending time in the park as our two labs played, recently zinged me pretty good. It was a Saturday morning and we had not seen each other over the past number of months, but we ran into each other and stopped to talk for a moment. This time I said something about our church and he quickly let me know that they were members of another sister church in the area. I have friends that attend and inquired as to whether he might happen to know them. He then told me that his family only attended services and did not really know anyone in the church. I then began to share how having a church family is so important and how valuable it had been to me over the years. As I was speaking he was looking at me intently and paying close attention. He then said the following words to me – “How come you have never spoken about this to me before”? I used the word “zing” above, but that really doesn’t do it justice. I generally consider myself as being pretty bold and am open about my faith, yet here was a guy, that turned out to be a believer, that really shook me - hard. How many people could ask me the same question? How many of them might have their all is well Canyon Creek facade on their face, but really be lost and seeking behind this mask? How many opportunities have I overlooked over the years?

I suspect that my story might also be your story as well. Will you join me as we prepare to take these next steps; confessing our fears, seeking support for the challenges and of course sharing the exciting stories that are sure to come.

Psalms 26: 6-7 – “I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.”

Please let me know your thoughts and your stories.

Steven Hieronymus
Steven.hieronymus1@gmail.com

]]> Life Apps message series http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/08/life-apps-message-series http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/08/life-apps-message-series Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:29:00 +0000 Monty Watson, senior pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/08/life-apps-message-series
I’ve got to admit I was spoiled this past week. Being on vacation and having my entire family with us in Austin and playing with my granddaughter Brooke was pretty special. But this morning, it’s back to work and seeing how we can help families thrive and experience God’s best.

On August 21, [...]]]>
I’ve got to admit I was spoiled this past week. Being on vacation and having my entire family with us in Austin and playing with my granddaughter Brooke was pretty special. But this morning, it’s back to work and seeing how we can help families thrive and experience God’s best.

On August 21, we’re launching a four-week sermon series called Life Apps. You’ve heard the commercials. “There’s an app for that.” And there are thousands of apps that promise to make life easier, more productive, and more fun. But most of us need more than another game on our smartphone. What we really need is real help for real life. And that’s what our Fall kick-off series is about, about learning how to apply the Bible to the real life issues we face every day.

For students, it’s about life@school. It’s about dealing with peer pressure, with the pressure to make good grades, with fitting in with friends, and figuring out who you really are. For families, it’s about life@home. It’s about making home a safe place – a place of acceptance, forgiveness, grace, affirmation, and unconditional love. For adults, it’s about life@work. It’s about fulfillment of a career, making a living, balancing work and home, and about managing stress. And for all of us, it’s about life@play. Yes, play is biblical. God commanded us to take Sabbath moments to refresh our souls. But too often we seek that refreshment in unhealthy ways; with escapism, entertainment, and even addictive behaviors.

Again, the purpose of this series is to help us learn how to apply biblical principles to the real life issues we face every day. So, mark the date – August 21. And think about inviting someone you know who could benefit from one of these messages.

Monty

]]> Faint Not - Galatians 6:9-10 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/05/faint-not-galatians-69-10 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/05/faint-not-galatians-69-10 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:53:00 +0000 David Melles, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/08/05/faint-not-galatians-69-10
I read this week that the Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is composed of two symbols, that represent two words: ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity’.

In the midst of crisis we are often inclined to focus on the element of danger and for this to swamp the element of opportunity.

It may seem to be enigmatic, but more often than not for those who follow Christ, God allows crisis not for danger but rather for opportunity.

James 1:2-4: “…Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything…”

We must be even more keenly aware of the opportunities crisis brings!

In Galatians 6:9-10 Paul wrote “…let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men….”

God is allowing this world to be shaken a little today. Of all people we should prepare ourselves to be a means of peace and light and strength to those who are afraid. Let's not grow weary in well doing – there's so much work to be done!

In Christ,
David Melles

]]> Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/15/created-in-christ-jesus-for-good-works http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/15/created-in-christ-jesus-for-good-works Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:20:00 +0000 Mark Perkins, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/15/created-in-christ-jesus-for-good-works
Sadly, Grandpa recently suffered a stroke and has experienced some partial paralysis and loss of sight and now lives in a nursing home. Rhoda and I recently made a trip down to Eagle Pass, TX to visit with Grandpa for what might be the last time we see him before he goes to be with the Lord. It was an emotional trip for us given the many memories we share of Grandpa and his spiritual legacy.

A year ago, Grandpa gave some of his personal belongings to his children and grandchildren. One of the most precious gifts we received was a straw cowboy work hat worn frequently by Grandpa. What makes this hat special is that it is stained with rings of sweat, which serve as a reminder to us of Grandpa’s hard work and dedication to serving our Lord.

I am reminded of a verse in Ephesians 2:10 that states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” In general, the term good works refers to all righteous behavior that conforms to God’s revealed Word. As one commentary states, good works are an expression of gratitude flowing from the believer’s heart and have the glory of God as their object. Grandpa is a living example of a man who offered his life to the Lord and was committed to accomplishing the many good works God had sovereignly prepared beforehand for his life.

Do you and I realize we too are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works/righteous behavior? I had to stop for just a moment and dwell on the truths of this verse, that Almighty God, who created the heavens and the earth, has prepared in advance good works for you and for me with a desire that we would walk in them. I had to ask myself, how am I doing? I am thankful that in our family, Grandpa went before us to set an example.

]]> What Does It Mean? http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/08/what-does-it-mean http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/08/what-does-it-mean Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:08:00 +0000 Steven Hieronymus, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/08/what-does-it-mean
The corruption of the Christian faith can be quite subtle and might well be deemed attractive to our human (sinful) nature. Paul directly addresses in his warning in 2 Tim. 4:3-4 – “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” These words of truth resonate with me today.

I recently put aside my “let it go” mentality and responded to an article published in our local paper, but which was written by a writer with the Fort Worth paper. My communication as follows:

Dear Mr. Sanders,

There are elements of your article that I would certainly agree with, yet one comment took me by surprise. In your second paragraph you said the following:

“As a Christian myself, I am offended by those who, in the name of Jesus, go out of their way not only to denounce other religions, but to condemn people of other faiths to hell.”

You then end the column with this sentence:

“My prayer is a simple one that I’ve been reciting for a long time: Dear God, please help Christians to become more Christ-like.

To be a “Christian” is to be a Christ follower, thus the words and call of Christ are of great importance to we who have become His followers. I certainly would not have the “audacity” to define or confine the Lord God, thus choose to let His revealed “Word” provide the definition. So what are the actual words of Jesus to us on the subject of salvation?

• John 3:18 – “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
• John 6:29 – “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
• John 11:35 – “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• See also: Luke 13:22-30, Matthew 7: 13-14 & 21-23, Luke 12:49-53, Luke 16: 19-31

I send the above because Christianity is not comparable to other religious faiths and quite honestly is exclusionary in that Christ specifically says there is only one way to be reconciled and at peace with God our father and creator.

As such all must respond to the person of Jesus. We can reject him or we accept him as the Christ and His offer of grace. To accept and then follow means to be a Christ Follower – thus Christian.

I hope that you might explore the verses referenced above and of course there are many more as well. My intention is not to be contentious, but desire accuracy as to how we convey the meaning behind identifying oneself as a Christian.

What does it mean – to be a Christian? Are we ready to contend for the faith, without being contentious? Are we prepared to address the tenants of our “exclusionary” faith; guiding people to critically examine what they believe, what they know and what the Bible might actually say to us? Opportunities to grow in this area abound and I would encourage you to engage, with love and care, those that might be directed your way. Please respond to me and let me know your thoughts in the coming days.

Steven Hieronymus
Steven.hieronymus1@gmail.com

]]> On Mission! http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/01/on-mission http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/01/on-mission Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:59:00 +0000 Keith Tooley, missions and evangelism pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/07/01/on-mission
If I was going to sum up where we want to go in personal evangelism as a congregation - this would be it.

What if we got up each day and we had a missional focus, just like any missionary out in the field. That focus might include the following:

We catch a vision, and we [...]]]>
If I was going to sum up where we want to go in personal evangelism as a congregation - this would be it.

What if we got up each day and we had a missional focus, just like any missionary out in the field. That focus might include the following:

We catch a vision, and we feel a calling, to reach a people group in our “sphere of influence” - the places we frequent as we do life. Within our sphere of influence could be the nearby HEB, our place of work, our neighborhood, the schools our children attend, the local park, or other places. (Anyone who goes grocery shopping can tell you that every HEB or Walmart is a mini-subculture. They all reach a different clientele, or in some cases, a completely different people group or culture.)

We move into that people group and immerse ourselves in the culture. We get answers to questions such as: Who are these people? What are their families like? What are their fears, thoughts, hopes, hobbies, habits, etc.? Where else do they do life, and how is it going for them?

We learn new ways to connect to, and communicate with, the culture. What do we have in common with them? Do they have needs we can meet? What are their life circumstances?

As we learn more and more about the culture, and make some changes in our lives, we are meeting these people where they are, and we are becoming more and more relevant to them. This opens the door for more open dialogue and trust.

We are praying daily for insight and for new ways to reach the culture. We are praying for opportunities to share Jesus Christ – in many creative ways – with those that He places in our path, or those we go out of our way to reach.

We are on mission!

Where are you on mission? What is your sphere of influence? We will be talking a lot about that in the months to come. I want to hear how God is using you to reach the world with His light, love, and good news. Please share your seed-planting attempts and spiritual conversations with me at: keith@tcacc.net

]]> Youth Camp in Taos, NM. http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/27/youth-camp-in-taos-nm http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/27/youth-camp-in-taos-nm Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:09:00 +0000 Dusty Brewer, youth pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/27/youth-camp-in-taos-nm
Seeing students and adults respond to God is at times indescribable.

A week ago a group of students and adults from our church returned from a week in Taos, NM where we gathered with other churches around Texas for youth camp. Youth camp is always a blast. In Taos, many of our students went white [...]]]>
Seeing students and adults respond to God is at times indescribable.

A week ago a group of students and adults from our church returned from a week in Taos, NM where we gathered with other churches around Texas for youth camp. Youth camp is always a blast. In Taos, many of our students went white water rafting, horseback riding, and hiking. There were lots of laughs and lots of fun. But much more importantly youth camp was an opportunity for our students to disconnect from the busyness of life as well as the common distractions of the world to focus on connecting with the Father.

As camp unfolded, it was amazing to watch over the course of the week as student after student had their hearts drawn nearer to Jesus. Our final night was the most powerful. On Thursday night we had an extended time for praise and worship followed by a really meaningful time of communion. During this time, several of our students prayed to receive Christ. One of those students was one of our 7th grade guys. He wrote the following text to his mom at 12:30am that night.

“Yesterday i wasnt a christian … right now i am a christian … At 9:05 on June 16th 2011 I asked God and jesus if he would be my savior and they responded … I have never raised my hands to god while i was singing a song about him … I have never cried to God while i was singing a song to him Tonight i joyfully raised my hands up and i started crying with tears of joy … God had answered me and finally made me feel his faith, power, grace, hope, and most importantly HIS LOVE !!! MY LEGS WERE shaking and my hands were sweating and my arms were shivering and about 15 minutes later i went up to the stage and i sat before the singers and i prayed to god and i told god how thankful i was for him excepting me and wanting me as one of his glorious shining soldiers.. I love god and i never want to be apart from him.. i love him with all my heart he made me love him more than anyone ive EVER loved before EVER!!! i had a communion and i still hate grape juice but i draink it for the father !!! Today satan has grown weaker and the angels are rejoicing by gods side that they have a new recruit !!!”

As a youth pastor, I can’t tell you how proud I am to watch students respond to God’s calling on their lives. Whether that is to become a Christian or to live their lives daily under the authority and leadership of the Holy Spirit. When students build their lives upon the foundation of Jesus and you see it bear itself out in transformation and the daily decisions and commitments of life, it is an unbelievable experience.

It never gets old!

]]> "That the church may be built up" http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/18/that-the-church-may-be-built-up http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/18/that-the-church-may-be-built-up Sat, 18 Jun 2011 15:43:00 +0000 David Melles, elder http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/18/that-the-church-may-be-built-up
This has, I believe, engendered a situation that impacts our whole worship experience on Sunday morning. We can come with an expectation to be entertained. That the pastor should hold our attention, engage, entertain. That the worship music should be of the highest quality, contemporary, relevant, engaging, and also, need I say it, entertaining.

If it is not, in the extreme, we will go elsewhere to find something that suits us better. We church hop, to find an experience that is better, more relevant, something that suits ‘me’, and if we are honest we will even start to make judgments about where God is more alive, and where He is not.
Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth gives a very different picture, a picture of how we should come to church on a Sunday morning, and in fact, any time.

“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up” 1 Cor 14:26

You see Paul is saying something quite different. He is saying when we come together, we should all come with something to offer. Something to contribute, in order that “the church may be built up…”. The fact that he is speaking about spiritual gifts is, in my opinion, irrelevant. The principle is, we come with hearts prepared to give, servant hearts. I want to suggest that a person who comes with a spirit that expects to be entertained or engaged, is going to be disappointed at some stage, because things will not always be to their liking.

So the next time you see yourself complaining or feeling under engaged or entertained on Sunday morning ask yourself this, “What did I bring this morning? What word of encouragement?, What compassion for the wounded soul?, What prayer for someone suffering?, What scripture to minister to a struggling relationship?...

“… that the church may be built up…”

]]> Staying With vs. Staying Put http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/11/staying-with-vs-staying-put http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/11/staying-with-vs-staying-put Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:53:14 +0000 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/11/staying-with-vs-staying-put John 15:7-11

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, [...]]]> John 15:7-11

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

In John 15 Jesus outlines for us how we can “bear much fruit” in a way that will not only glorify God but also so that “your joy may be full”. The way that we do this is if we “abide” or “remain” in Christ as he is the vine and we are the branches. This is an easy metaphor to understand because we know that if a branch doesn’t stay connected to a vine it won’t bear any fruit, but what exactly does it mean to abide? Is this a command to be passive or active?

The answer is that this is command that will require both. For me the problem is that I too often just focus on the passive nature of this command. The call to just be in Christ and be satisfied. The issue with this is that when I only focus on this aspect of abiding it can leave me simply staying put vs. staying with Christ.

The answer I believe lies in verse 10 when Jesus says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” We have to look at how Jesus kept his Father’s commandments to get an understanding of what it means to abide.

You see, for Jesus it was not merely about knowing the Father and being satisfied. For Jesus this meant a life of complete radical obedience to God. Jesus went where God commanded him to go, and said what the Father commanded him to say. Whatever God asked, whenever God asked it. His heart stayed in sync with the Father’s heart at all times. I’m sure that being “in Christ” might mean something more profound than being in sync with His heart but it is certainly not less.

If remaining in Christ means that we are to stay in sync with him, then to abide we must stay with Him. It means not just abiding in the aspects of Christ where I feel comfortable or gifted. It means not just a life of general obedience but specific obedience as well. This means when Christ calls me to go and witness to my neighbor, then to not follow him is to not abide in him. If God calls me half way across the world and I don’t go, then I am no longer abiding in Him. If God calls me to show grace and mercy to someone I feel doesn’t deserve it and I withhold that then I am not remaining with him. His heart and my heart are now out of sync.

Of course we will not be able to do this perfectly like Christ did but it is still what we should be aiming for. This also doesn’t mean that if you don’t do this perfectly that you won’t bear any fruit or have any joy. I do believe however that the fruit we bear and the joy we have is directly related to how much we abide. Isn’t this what Christ said in chapter 15? We should have a holy discontent with the level of fruit we bear and the joy we have because He is always offering us more.

So if you are like me and would like to see more fruit in your life, then here are some questions we must ask ourselves. Where does Christ go that I will not follow? What are some areas and times in my life that I don’t abide with Christ? Is it personal evangelism? Is it trusting Him with your finances? Is it serving others? For all of us there are specific things that God is calling us to be personally obedient in. We must trust that He is the good shepherd that leads us where we need to go. The more we follow the more we will experience the abundant life he came to offer. So abide in Him but don’t just stay put, stay with Him as well.

]]> He loves me. He loves me not. http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/03/he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/03/he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:36:00 +0000 Kelly Gottschalk http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/06/03/he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not
My Life Group and others have been helpful as I’ve been maneuvering through this journey. They’ve challenged me, provided encouragement and given me several resources. One of the books recommended to me was called 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It’s about a mom who is struggling to see God amongst all the details of her daily life and some tragic experiences that have happened in her past. She “overcomes” this by starting a grateful journal where she lists the gifts that God gives her each day. I can’t say that I would recommend the book to everyone. It’s definitely written for women and/or mothers, but the concept of a grateful journal can be beneficial to everyone to keep track of how you are blessed or loved on by God each day. I’ve also been reading through a devotional book called Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. The messages are written as if Jesus were talking directly to you and then they are followed by several scriptures that correlate with the devotional. I’ve enjoyed reading His Word and then hearing how Jesus could have possibly wanted to encourage me if He and I were discussing the scriptures right then and there at my breakfast table.

And finally, I have found that it is easier to focus on how much He loves me when I “bombard” myself with praise and worship music or ipod casts of different messages. Don’t get me wrong, I do love 80s music, but walking through this journey, I’m really trying to renew my heart and mind, moment by moment with reminders of who He is and how He cares for me. My prayer is that this blog would be an encouragement to others who may be where I am at this point in my Christian walk. He loves me. He loves me. He loves me.

]]> 100 Words or Less... http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/28/100-words-or-less http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/28/100-words-or-less Sat, 28 May 2011 10:24:00 +0000 Patty Evans http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/28/100-words-or-less
”I grew up with a missionary father so I knew all about God and Jesus very early on. So I was really surprised one night at camp when our pastor shared that just because my mom and dad were Christians that didn’t guarantee that I was one. What!! Did he know who my father was or that my mom played the piano in church??? Surely I was in!? He said that God wants all of us to make our own decision. So right there, around that campfire at age 9, I prayed and made Jesus the leader of my life.” 100 words!!!

Wow, that was hard! And there really is a lot more to the story but maybe those humble beginnings of my journey with Christ are why I am so passionate about church camp. That wasn’t the first or last summer I spent under the stars evaluating our Creator and my relationship with Him. I wonder if I felt closer to God because I was taken out of the comfort of my home or because of those many hours each day for 5 days I spent talking about Him and singing to Him that did it. Whatever it was, it still drives me to count down the weeks until I get to go to camp again! I really feel blessed that my job is taking kids to church camp. If you never experienced it as a child then come and talk to me. I would love to take you!

]]> Lead Me http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/13/lead-me http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/13/lead-me Fri, 13 May 2011 14:05:00 +0000 Steven Hieronymus http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/13/lead-me Joshua challenges his people to choose, but then quickly states “but as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD." For various reasons I have been thinking upon leading and
leadership, so thought I would go ahead and write (blog [...]]]> Joshua challenges his people to choose, but then quickly states “but as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD." For various reasons I have been thinking upon leading and
leadership, so thought I would go ahead and write (blog – strange word) about it today.

The Lord has blessed me with a tremendous family heritage of men who have stepped up and been a strong leaders for their families. These influencers include a grandfather, my father and my father in law, men who love the Lord and have led their families. I lost my grandfather in 1986, but the impressions he made upon my life were very deep. I greatly appreciate my father in law and the relationship that we have been able to establish and foster over the past three plus decades. He too has provided cautious words of guidance and been an example in many ways to me. I simply cannot say enough about my father, a man who loves and leads in a manner that people cannot help but notice. My father was a strong business leader, an impactful leader in church service over the years, but of course his greatest role was in leading his family. Many of you have met my father and know that he is now experiencing the ravages of cancer, which combined with his many other health challenges have left his physical presence a mere shadow of his previous self. It pains me to know his daily struggle, yet when I see and speak to him I see and hear a giant of a man, one who radiates in the confidence and peace from being a child of the King, one who has words of wisdom and the walk that has carried the words expressed. I see and hear a man who has led well and has inspired his family and others to know the author of his strength - Jesus.

From my current perspective of life I still have in view the legacy of my grandfather, my father in law and my father, while also viewing my son & son-in-law as well as my new grandson (Isaiah). I find myself inspired yet challenged to be the leader that God would have me to be and to become. There is a great song out by Sanctus Real called – “Lead Me”. I think the closing verses well express my thoughts, so I have included them for you.

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone
Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone
I pray that the men of our church family will step up to follow the Father and then lead. I might suggest to our men to take the opportunity to get in a Life Group, challenge yourself to grow spiritually and add accountability in your life. As the song says we can’t do this alone so seek the Father and strong Christian counsel as we all do life together.

Thank you Lord for: saving me, for guiding me, providing me wisdom and strength and for the family legacy you provided to me.

To my father: I know that you have not been able to physically run since you were a teenager, but you have run a great race and you have victory. Tales will be told, stories shared and your leadership legacy will continue to impact and point your family toward faith in the Lord.

Thanks Dad!

]]> Sit, Stand, Walk http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/07/sit-stand-walk http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/07/sit-stand-walk Sat, 07 May 2011 20:53:00 +0000 David Melles http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/05/07/sit-stand-walk
From birth there are distinct phases that mark the normal development of a human being in terms of their ability to move. At first we are completely helpless and [...]]]>
From birth there are distinct phases that mark the normal development of a human being in terms of their ability to move. At first we are completely helpless and need to be carried and supported as our bones, spine and muscles strengthen. Soon we learn to hold up our heads and push ourselves up, eventually to a sitting position. After this we build up the courage to pull ourselves up to stand and in short succession we, with faltering steps, learn to walk and then run.

It is perhaps a coincidence that the order in Psalm 1 is opposite to that of positive, healthy development of a human in the physical world, or is it?

In the physical, so in the spiritual.

In Luke 10:39 we read that Martha ‘…had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said….’.

Sitting is not a bad thing, if we are sitting at the feet of Jesus.

In Ephesians 6 the church in Ephesus is encouraged by Paul to, ‘… put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...’ (Eph 6:11)

Standing is good, if we are standing girded with the full armor of God.

Earlier in Galatians Paul wrote “…This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh….” (Gal 5:16)

and in Ephesians:

“… As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received…” (Eph 4:1).

(It is a commonly known fact that here, and elsewhere in Ephesians, the verb ‘live’ is actually the Greek verb normally translated ‘walk’ as reflected in the King James Version).

“…I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…” (Eph 4:1)

“…And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour...” (Eph 5:2)

“…For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light…”(Eph 5:8)

So let me ask you what is your spiritual posture or condition today?

Are you sitting at the feet of Jesus or in the seat of scoffers?
Are you standing in the full armor of God or in the way of sinners?
Are you walking in the Spirit or are you walking in the council of the wicked?

My prayer is that your delight “…is in the law of the LORD…”, that you will be “… like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither….”

That whatever you do prospers. (Psa 1:2-3)

]]> A Longing for God's Word http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/29/a-longing-for-gods-word http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/29/a-longing-for-gods-word Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:20:00 +0000 Mark Perkins http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/29/a-longing-for-gods-word
In all seriousness, while I walked the bookstore aisles that were full of various versions, colors and sizes of Bibles, I was reminded of how blessed we truly are to have abundant access to God’s written word. These are the words of life, God-breathed and written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit. Yet in light of my ease of access, I began to evaluate my own desire to be a faithful student of the written word I so freely possess? In the busyness of life and the fast pace by which I many times live, it is easy to be tempted to set aside regular times of Bible study and prayer. I wonder if any of you share this same challenge.

It is in these times that I renew my mind with truth that comes from the very word I long to read. I am reminded of an Old Testament scripture verse in Psalms 119:105 that says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s word provides illumination to walk the paths of life. The Psalmist goes on to say in verse 130 that “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” I personally am committed to walk the “path” of life being guided by the word of God and the Holy Spirit that lives within me as a believer in Jesus Christ. As you walk the path of your life, I would like to encourage you to allow God’s word to be a “lamp to your feet”.

Hope you have a wonderful day in the Lord.

]]> The Easter Story . . . Phrase by Phrase http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/20/the-easter-story-phrase-by-phrase http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/20/the-easter-story-phrase-by-phrase Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:46:00 +0000 Monty Watson http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/20/the-easter-story-phrase-by-phrase Mary Magdalene came to the tomb.
The stone had been rolled away.
She ran and found Peter.
“They have taken the Lord!”
Peter and John race to the tomb.
Nothing left but grave clothes.
John “saw and believed.”
Mary crying.
[...]]]> Mary Magdalene came to the tomb.
The stone had been rolled away.
She ran and found Peter.
“They have taken the Lord!”
Peter and John race to the tomb.
Nothing left but grave clothes.
John “saw and believed.”
Mary crying.
“Mary.”
“Rabboni?”
“Yes, it’s Me. Go tell your brothers.”
“I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!”
Later, behind locked doors.
Suddenly, Jesus was standing there.
“Peace be with you.”
His hands, His side.
They were filled with joy.
But Thomas is not there.
“I will not believe unless I see.”
Eight days later.
Again, behind locked doors.
Suddenly, Jesus was standing there.
“Thomas. My hands, my side.”
“My Lord and my God!”

These things have been written
So that you may believe
That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
And that by believing
You may have life.

John 20

]]> Easter...Then and Now http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/15/easter-then-and-now http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/15/easter-then-and-now Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:45:00 +0000 Kelly Gottschalk http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/15/easter-then-and-now Don’t get me wrong. I had wonderful parents and still do. They were very loving and supportive. They definitely taught us right from wrong. They believed strongly in helping others and giving of yourself. They even believed in God and doing the right thing so that you could spend eternity in heaven with Him. Both of them worked full time, but they made time to spend with me and my brothers, usually on Sundays. That was our family day where we slept in, had breakfast together, participated in different family events and ended the evening with a steak dinner. So many great memories. My parents were pretty darn perfect other than their lack of having a relationship with Christ.
It wasn’t until later in life after I was married that I realized there was more to Easter. My husband and I had moved to the “buckle” of the Bible belt and we were far away from our family and friends. We were very lonely and decided that we needed some friends. He had grown up in church and knew church would be a good place to find new friends. We definitely found a great set of friends there, but I had no clue that would be where I would meet my best friend, Jesus. I accepted Christ into my life and even though people may not have seen a drastic outward change, my heart was changed forever. Even though some of my actions may have been the same at that point, I was now doing the things Christ put on my heart because I knew how much He loved me and sacrificed for me.
There have been many times since I became a believer that I had really wished that I would have become a Christian at an earlier age. Many times, I believed lies like I wasn’t as “spiritual” as the other people in church. I also struggled when I became part of the staff here because, in my mind, I could very easily feel inferior to people who had been raised in church and had been on this staff, or other church staffs, for many years. I wondered why this was His plan for me. Then one day, God revealed to me His reasoning. Because of my position here, I am able to spend a lot of time with preschool moms. The preschool moms that I have gotten to know have not only been from our church, but our MOPS ministry and Canyon Creek Preschool. So many of the women have the same story as me. They are living life as a good person, but not realizing that they are missing the reason we should live a life that is honoring to God. God is amazing like that. He uses each of our stories to reach out to others around us. He knew exactly what my calling would be later in life and knew how He could connect me with the many women and their families that filter through the preschool ministry here at The Church at Canyon Creek. I look forward to the discussions I will have with these families over the next few weeks as we approach the Easter season. My thoughts about Easter now: My risen Savior. His sacrifice. My sin. Immeasurable grace and mercy. Gratefulness for my parents now growing in their faith. Urgency to tell others about Him.

]]> 30 Days of Prayer http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/12/30-days-of-prayer http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/12/30-days-of-prayer Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:26:00 +0000 Monty Watson http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/12/30-days-of-prayer
Therefore, we are calling the entire church body to join together for 30 days of prayer for the evangelistic initiative of our church. It begins today, April 11, and goes through May 10. During this season of prayer, ask the Lord to show you His will, to give you a burden for the lost, and to anoint our church with His Spirit as share His gospel in our community.

In the prayer guide on our website, there is a Scripture passage for you to consider each day. As you pray through each passage and as the Lord speaks to you, write down your thoughts, impressions, and ideas. At the end of the 30 days, summarize what the Lord has impressed upon you and to forward your thoughts and ideas to Keith Tooley, Missions and Evangelism Pastor, at keith@churchatcanyoncreek.com. At the Council’s May 20-21 retreat, we will consider your thoughts and ideas as we discuss the church’s evangelism initiative for the coming year.

Your involvement is very important. We believe there is power in the entire church praying together and seeking God together. And we believe that the Lord will speak to us, because evangelism is so tender to His heart.

Inviting you to join us in praying for the evangelistic initiative of our church,

Monty

]]> If You Can? http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/08/if-you-can http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/08/if-you-can Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:58:00 +0000 Steven Hieronymus http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/08/if-you-can The Lord has chosen to teach me much through the life of David. Upon his arrival Rhonda and I were not really walking in close relationship to the [...]]]> The Lord has chosen to teach me much through the life of David. Upon his arrival Rhonda and I were not really walking in close relationship to the Father, yet He chose to remind us in a powerful way that while He was giving us a son, He had already given us His Son. This reminder required a response and we committed our path to walk with our Father and to grow and conform to His IMAGE.

I love my children, David and Jennifer, with a passion and tried to be the father and teacher they deserved. Regardless of this personal commitment, David began moving down troubling paths and this only accelerated as he left home and joined the Navy. This past decade we moved from crisis to crisis, each time experiencing great anguish and crying out to God to intervene and fix the situation. It seemed that this decade of praying was not having the desired effect and frankly we were on the verge of losing him completely. In despair Rhonda and I finally and completely released him into the hands of the Father. I frankly admit that this was the hardest thing I have ever done. My mind and my will kept telling me that I get things done, I fix things and I did not want to give up, yet my strength was gone and I had nothing left to offer or give to the situation.

Recently I shared a passage of scripture at one of our Council meetings and I think it worthy to share here. In Mark Chapter 9 (starting at verse 14) a father brings his son to Jesus. The boy was possessed by an evil spirit and great harm was being done. The father loved his son and brought him to Jesus seeking help for his son. In verse 22 the father makes the following request – “But if you can do anything take pity on us and help us.” You can just image the pain of the father as he must love his son very much, yet he was really missing it. Jesus then responds with an incredibly powerful retort – “If you can”? Jesus then reiterates that everything is possible for him who believes.

I wonder how many times we have cried out to our Father, but communicated an “if you can” component to our prayers. I know, I believe, yet there it is –If you can?

The exciting part of my story is that soon after our “release” of David, the hand of God grabbed hold of him and pulled him back from the precipice and began a miraculous healing. I now have at least a glimpse of what the Father experiences as he sees his prodigal children on the horizon returning to Him. I can’t tell you how many Sunday mornings I have to fight back my tears as I am standing alongside my son in worship. I am so proud of David and excited about the things happening in his life, including his wedding on April 22nd, but most assuredly I am praising the Savior all the day long. “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” (Psalms 30:11-12)

There are so many in this family that we call “The Church at Canyon Creek”, that have been faithful to support us and to pray in great faith. I will spend eternity in praising God and expressing thanks. There is power in faithful prayer and there is power in God’s church.

My take away is as follows; where there is faith there is hope and I will choose to praise the Lord regardless of the circumstances. My encouragement and challenge to us all is to stay the course, keep the faith and Pray Big! I pray for our “family” each day and ask you to lift up our ”family” as well.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

]]> Changes http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/01/changes http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/01/changes Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:45:45 +0000 Keith Tooley http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/04/01/changes
A life of constant change is hard for some of us, but exciting for others. Some of us like to get in a comfort zone and [...]]]>
A life of constant change is hard for some of us, but exciting for others. Some of us like to get in a comfort zone and stay there. Others thrive on constant action and drama and like their boat to be rocked on a daily basis. It seems to make life exciting for them. Where are you on the extreme ends of this spectrum?

We are all being transformed. 2 Corinthians 3:18 assures us that we are being transformed into His likeness. And Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. But we cannot be transformed without some changes taking place in our lives.

On both the Thailand and Progreso Mission trips, I witnessed changes in members of both teams as we stepped out of our comfort zones to serve Jesus and others. He made all of us aware of new things on these trips. He gave us a different perspective. He used some of us in ways we have never been used before. And in the end, transformation took place. Not only in the lives of those who went on these mission trips, but also in the lives of those who live in Thailand and Progreso who were touched by our team as we engaged with them, gave them water and food, bibles, clothes, prayed for them, shared the gospel with them, encouraged them, and more.

As we are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29), there will be change. Is that something you look forward to, or something that unsettles you?

I would suggest that Jesus wants all believers to live on the edge - that He wants us to step out of our comfort zones and engage the culture. He is calling us to be on mission every day in our spheres of influence – at school, at work, in our neighborhoods, at our children’s activities, as we join others in sports and hobbies. There are plenty of places for us to be on mission.

There is nothing that has changed me more than being on mission. The biggest spiritual growth in my life has occurred over the past decade as I have been more focused and intentional about sharing my faith with unbelievers. It has not only brought about changes in my lifestyle, but I believe it has also sped up my transformation. Every time I engage with unbelievers in spiritual conversations, it forces me to lean into God more, to pray more, to read my bible more, to trust Him more. Can we say “growth spurt?”
And I have been very encouraged by the people I have met in our congregation who are already engaged in a missional, evangelistic lifestyle. I have heard several exciting stories of transformation!

Are you up for some big-time, fast-track growth? Are you okay with making some changes in your life to make that happen? I hope so. God wants all of His children engaged in sharing Jesus with others. He also knows that we will be the beneficiaries as it will expedite our transformation.

I am looking forward to our exciting journey together as we go on mission in Austin, throughout the world, and as we watch God change each of us.

]]> Thank You, Church Family! http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/25/thank-you-church-family http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/25/thank-you-church-family Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:09:00 +0000 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/25/thank-you-church-family So thank you, church family, for your faithfulness. Our staff and leadership are excited about the ministries and events planned for 2011…all made possible by your giving.

]]> The Great Quest for Joy http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/18/the-great-quest-for-joy http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/18/the-great-quest-for-joy Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:13:00 +0000 Steven Testone http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/18/the-great-quest-for-joy
Joy is the second fruit listed and I have been very convicted over the past year to experience it more. Sure I have joy from time to time but I wonder if anyone would characterize me as a "joyful [...]]]>
Joy is the second fruit listed and I have been very convicted over the past year to experience it more. Sure I have joy from time to time but I wonder if anyone would characterize me as a "joyful person". This concerns me because I think one of the greatest witnesses to others will be when they see the great joy that we have in Christ.

I firmly believe that God created us not because he was lonely or needed us in any way, but purely out of a natural overflow of his love. If love is by nature something that delights in the joy of others, then what else could be more natural for a loving God to do then to create others? Some might wonder if God ever should have created us, but perhaps the real question is could a loving God have done anything else? We were created with the purpose of being the great beneficiaries of God exercising and displaying his goodness. Created with a great thirst and capacity for joy, and that thirst could only be fully quenched by God himself.

The reason we struggle to quench our thirst for joy these days is because we try to quench it in other ways that do not satisfy. Jeremiah 2:13 says it best: "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." We seek for joy in the "broken cisterns" of money or the praise of men. Maybe we seek it in our accomplishments, our job, our entertainment, or even in our churches.

Sometimes we might even earnestly seek joy from God but perhaps as a means to an end instead of as the end itself. As if there were something higher and greater than Him? We should as Christ says: "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33). Perhaps when we do this he will not always give us the desire of our hearts but instead change our hearts to desire something greater and then give us that.

"It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." - C.S. Lewis

If you can relate to any of these desires I would recommend a few things. First I highly recommend reading "Desiring God" by John Piper if you haven’t already. It is an entire book dedicated to this subject and he does a better job explaining it then I can. Secondly I would ask that you join me in praying that God would increase our desire for true joy and give us the wisdom to seek it in nothing but him. It is my great hope that this joy would then naturally turn into a life of true praise and worship, as all things we delight in naturally do, and that others would see this and be drawn to God through it. I don’t want to continue settling for mud pies.

]]> An Idol Commentary http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/12/an-idol-commentary http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/12/an-idol-commentary Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:56:00 +0000 Damon Andrews, worship pastor http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/12/an-idol-commentary
But the show progresses beyond that and eventually the talented few remain. We hear their stories; we get to know them. We pick our favorites (Casey is amazing!), and we empathetically walk with them through the pressure and emotion of the performances, the judge's commentary, and hearing the results each week. We feel the tension they feel as they listen to those familiar words, "America has voted, and..." We share their exuberance when they learn they are staying another week, and we grieve with them when they find out that their journey is over, and they are going home.

Yes, I enjoy the show. The performances and the drama entertain me. However, as a worship leader, I feel compelled to make an important distinction. I have often considered the unfortunate similarities between an entertainer and a worship leader. They do, in fact, share much in common. They both are on stage, with a microphone, facing an audience. On the other hand, there is a monumental difference.

It's not that I have any problem at all with entertaining or being entertained, because I truly don't. God created us with a need for periodic diversion from work, and entertainment fills that need for both the performer and the audience. But a worship leader is not an entertainer. While the entertainer is saying "look at me," the worship leader is saying "look at God."

So, if you've never really considered the difference between the concert stage and the worship stage, I encourage you to view worship leaders with a fresh perspective. Think of them not as performers, but simply as fellow worshipers who are publicly reminding us, by their words and their example, to direct our voices, our hearts and our attention to God. And as our focus is fully toward God, I am confident that He will be blessed, and our desire to meet Him personally in worship will deepen.

]]> Welcome to our new website! http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/04/welcome-to-our-new-website http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/04/welcome-to-our-new-website Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:22:00 +0000 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/04/welcome-to-our-new-website
Updated Media Player – easily browse through archived message series to watch, listen, or download message notes. We are still in the process of adding and improving content here, so please be patient with us while we work toward optimum functionality of this feature.

Calendar – up to date scheduling of church services, events, camps, retreats, mission trips, etc.

Ministry Blog – weekly articles and ministry reports from the Elders and church staff

Just like in any family, things always work better when there is clear communication of up to date information, and that is one of the goals of this new site. Of course, if you have questions or comments, or suggestions, you can easily connect with any Elder or staff member. Simply go to the Elder or staff pages from the “About Us” tab and click on the email link for the person you want to contact.

]]> Disciple Now Weekend 2011 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/02/disciple-now-weekend-2011 http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/02/disciple-now-weekend-2011 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:28:00 +0000 Dusty Brewer http://churchatcanyoncreek.com/blog/2011/03/02/disciple-now-weekend-2011
Dusty Brewer
Youth Pastor

]]>