Prayer Is Where The Action Is

Right now I am sitting at my favorite bfast place in NOLA, Slim Goodies. I absolutely love the workers, the music, and especially the food. I am sitting at my favorite window booth watching the Magazine St. world pass by. You would think that life would be good right now, but I am currently overwhelmed.

Without going into any details, I just returned from the hospital trying to visit someone. This person is struggling hardcore and is contemplating ending their life. I tried my best to convince the doctors to let me seen him, but they said that he didn't want to talk to anyone. I want so desperately to let my friend know that Christ loves him, I love him, and our church loves him. This and many other experiences over the last month have brought me to a place of desperation before God.

So what is my response to the great need for Christ in my city? Prayer.

This past Sunday, we continued our journey in Colossians looking at "Your Prayers". You can listen to the sermon online at www.vintagenola.org/podcast. Our media team created this video as a lead into this message:



Unfortunately, prayer isn't always my first reaction. Lately, God has really convicted me about my prayer life. Planting a church in NOLA will do that to you. There are so many needs, so many people who need the love of Christ.

God call your people to prayer. May we be broken on our knees before you in intercession for these incredible people in NOLA and around the world.

“Prayer is where the action is." John Wesley

ENOUGH is ENOUGH

Enough Series from Vintage Church on Vimeo.

This past Sunday was an amazing day. We launched a second gathering at our Valence Campus, had a great block party called V2K, and began a journey through the Book of Colossians called ENOUGH. We are going to learn through preaching and Community Group study that Christ is enough for our authority, identity, community and mobility.

You can subscribe to the Vintage Podcast and listen to the first sermon in our series:

www.vintagenola.org/podcast

Here is our journey this fall:

Christ is Enough from Vintage Church on Vimeo.

Wk 1/Aug 23 - Authority: Your Call (Col 1:1-2)
Wk 2/Aug 30 - Authority: Your Prayers (Col 1:3-12)
Wk 3/Sep 6 - Authority: Your Position (Col 1:13-18)
Wk 4/Sep 13 - Authority: Your Need (Col 1:19-23)
Wk 5/Sep 20 - Identity: Your Suffering (Col 1:24-29)
Wk 6/Sep 27 - Identity: Your Wisdom (Col 2:1-7)
Wk 7/Oct 4 - Identity: Your Sins (Col 2:8-15)
Wk 8/Oct 11 - Identity: Your Death (Col 2:16-23)
Wk 9/Oct 18 - Community: Your Life (Col 3:1-4)
Wk 10/Oct 25 - Community: Your Actions (Col 3:5-17)
Wk 11/Nov 1 - Community: Your Relationships (Col 3:18-4:1)
Wk 12/Nov 8 - Mobility: Your Speech (Col 4:2-6)
Wk 13/Nov 15 - Mobility: Your Mercy (Col 4:7-15)
Wk 14/Nov 22 - Mobility: Your Endurance (Col 4:16-18)

I am really excited to launch our Community Groups this fall. We have changed from 11 LIFEgroups to over 20 Community Groups. The biggest change is simple. We aren't encouraging people to have a Bible study once a week. We are encouraging people to "do life" together. Acts 2:47 says that "the Lord added to their number DAY BY DAY those who were being saved". That means they weren't just meeting on Sundays and Wednesdays. They were always on mission...being the church. As our CGs live out the Gospel, we have equipped them with a study that is parallel to our journey in Colossians.

This study is intended to facilitate an opportunity to learn and apply the truths that are preached on Sundays. Each week’s study takes the central themes to higher level of understanding and application. The central theme will be based on the weekly Colossians passage, but will focus upon a parallel text.

In preparation for our study this fall, we will provide the following to our church family:

• Sermon Notes & Podcast Download
• Vintage Kidz Bible Study Notes and Guide
• Weekly Community Group Study Guide (includes worksheet overview and full study)

The Journey Ends and Keeps Going

Yesterday we wrapped up our journey through the Psalms of Ascents. We called our series RISE. The goal of our series was to journey upward towards God as we looked at different spiritual disciplines that were brought out of each Psalm. The journey included Repentance, Providence, Worship, Service, Help, Security, Joy, Work, Happiness, Perseverance, Hope, Humility, Obedience, Community, and Blessing. I reminded Vintage that we were on a marathon, not a sprint. Whether it is joy, hope, community...take it one step at a time. I know most churches live and judge as though they are perfect people, but no one is perfect. So what does this mean? Our summer journey through these Psalms might have ended, but it keeps going.

Here is a basic summary of these Songs:

PSALM OF ASCENTS (Psalm 120-134)
• Songs sung by Hebrew Pilgrims on their journey to Jerusalem (Temple of God).
• Faithful Hebrews would not only participate in daily God-following but also attend events like the Feast of Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles and would also take 3 trips to Jerusalem each year.
• Literal Ascent – Jerusalem was the highest city in Palestine.
• Metaphoric Ascent – Life as a faith-journey lived UPWARD TOWARD GOD

We also journeyed through Eugene Peterson's book, A Long Obedience In The Same Direction. I highly recommend reading this book as you journey through these Psalms. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this book:

• “It is a rejection that is also an acceptance, a leaving that develops into an arriving, a no to the world that is a yes to God.”
• “Every skeptical thought, every disappointing venture, every pain, every despair that we can face is lived through and integrated into a personal, saving relationship with God – a relationship that also has in it acts of praise, blessing, peace, security, trust, and love.”
• “God wants us to sing like this! Christians are not fussy moralists who cluck their tongues over a world going to hell; Christians are people who praise the God who is on their side. Christians are not pious pretenders in the midst of a decadent culture; Christians are robust witnesses to the God who is our help. Christians are not fatigued outcasts who carry righteousness as a burden in a world where the wicked flourish; Christians are people who sing “Oh, blessed be God!...He didn’t abandon us defenseless.”
• “We want a Christian faith that has stability but is not petrified, that has vision but is not hallucinatory. How do we get both the sense of stability and the spirit of adventure, the ballast of good health and the zest of true sanity? How we get the adult maturity to keep our feet on the ground and retain the childlike innocence to make the leap of faith?”

Another great part about our journey was hearing from some of our other leadership. I praise God for the quality leadership that has surrounded me at Vintage. I am extremely blessed to be linked with these studs. Thx Drew, Brick, John, Luke, Gavin, and Matt for faithfully preaching the Word. You can listen to all of the messages from this series at our podcast (http://www.vintagenola.org/podcast).

Concluding Thoughts:
I am going to conclude my thoughts as Eugene Peterson did in his book. All of life is about one thing, glorifying God. Peterson brings up the first question in the Westminster Shorter Catchism is "What is the chief end of man?". The answer is "To glorify God and enjoy him forever." Yesterday I preached on Psalm 134 about "Blessing". Ultimate blessing is found in God. That is it. Our goal on this journey isn't to gain more knowledge, become more spiritual, receive health and wealth...our goal is God. Our carnal mind doesn't allow us to understand the blessing that we will receive when we get to heaven. We will worship God. We won't think about our status, our location...we will be united with Christ.

Lord, keep your church focused throughout our journey in this world on YOU!

FOLLOW THE RULES!!!

MissionLab 2009 Week 7 from MissionLab New Orleans on Vimeo.

I can't believe that we have just wrapped up another MissionLab Summer. Over 3000 people poured into NOLA to share the love of Christ. I am so thankful to Christ for the privilege of journeying with this mission over the last 4 years. We had an incredible summer staff that served Christ with everything. We raised tons of money to help our friend Hannah Sterling stay in Africa. We loved people all over the city of New Orleans. We saw people come to know Christ at camp and in the city. If they'll keep us, the AOB and Rob show will keep it going for another summer.

To all my friends out there that came to NOLA...I love ya and thanks for coming. Keep "BEING THE CHURCH". God has called you to a great mission.

For your enjoyment, I have uploaded the rules video that my boy Dan and Brett put together. Mike and Travis did a great job making this probably the most amazing rap video ever. As you will notice (and in my defense), I didn't have my lines memorized. Started looking like a Bruce Lee movie towards the end. By the way, that isn't Fat Joe rapping next to me, it's Andrew Ogea.

MissionLab 2009 Follow The Rules Rap from MissionLab New Orleans on Vimeo.

MissionLab Summer #4

I can't believe I am about to launch into my fourth summer with the MissionLab program. Right after Katrina I received a phone call to come back to NOLA and help revive this great ministry. That first summer we saw close to 600 students flock to our city. This summer we have close to 3000 students coming! God is amazing.

Why stick around with MissionLab for so long? #1 God has called me. Enough said. #2 I love it. Seriously, I have a blast. #3 The impact. Each summer I get to preach to hundreds of church groups that have poured into my city to "love God and love people". I could talk for days about the stories of impact for Jesus Christ in NOLA.

Summer #1 our theme was IGNITE MISSION. Summer #2 - LIVE LOUDER. Summer #3 - REBIRTH. This summer our theme is BE THE CHURCH. We will be taking a journey through the book of Acts. I can't wait.

Here are a couple of videos that highlight our mission in NOLA. The second is a video that the groups watch as preparation for their week.

MissionLab Youth Camps from MissionLab New Orleans on Vimeo.

Preparing for your New Orleans Mission Trip from MissionLab New Orleans on Vimeo.

Tonight the 2009 Summer MLab Journey Begins!

DETOX: Day 10 (Daniel 11)

Saturday May 9: Daniel 11

Read Daniel 11

In spite of present evil situations, God is in control! He has always been and will always be sovereign. The prophecy given in this chapter is amazing when you read history and see that everything God shows Daniel is fulfilled exactly. God knew and controlled the Babylonians, Persians, Alexander the Great and his four sons. When the Antichrist arises in power and unleashes havoc, God will still be in control. Daniel concluded by saying “Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.” (v.45) The infinitely powerful God who guides the events of history also extends His guiding hand daily to each Christian. How do you need God to be your guidance?

Deeper Study: Compare yourself with Gideon (Judges 6 & 7)
Ask God for direction in the area of life that you currently need Him most.

My Reflections:

Matt Brick has done an amazing job with these short devos. I love being surrounded by studs. One of the things that sticks out to me the most in Daniel 11 and in this devo is the simple fact that "GOD IS IN CONTROL". This has so many implications to our lives. Our plans, our circumstances, our lives...He rules and it is all for His glory. God has orchestrated all things in this world for His supremacy. How dare I think that I am more significant that Him? What??????? Rob, there are times that you think you are more important than God? Everytime I sin or move against God's will for my life I am basically saying that I am more important than God. One of my pastor friends in town gave me this expression when confronting people on Lordship Salvation. "So what's it gonna be...Kingdom of Self or Kingdom of God." God is in control. He rules and reigns. Holy Spirit, unleash your knuckles upon my life in such a way that I never forget this truth.

DETOX: Day 8&9 (Daniel 9&10)

Thursday May 7: Daniel 9

Read Daniel 9

Daniel’s prayer stands as the model prayer for us to follow as we intercede on behalf of New Orleans, North America and the world. The beginning (v.4), the end (v.17-19), and everything in between is primarily focused on God. God-honoring and God-glorifying prayers are ones that have Him placed at the center. God does all that He does because He is who He is. (v.17-18) The answer for accomplishing Vintage’s world vision of reaching the nations must be found in God Himself. (v. 19) This type of prayer has an impact upon our daily lives because we realize that God is even more passionate about His interests and purposes than we could even imagine. Today, use this chapter as you pray and, as Daniel did, bring God’s greatness and glory into your prayers for His sake.

Deeper Prayer: Use Nehemiah 1:4-11 to help you be in continuous prayer today.

My Reflections:

This past Sunday, we looked at Daniel 9 as an example of how we should approach God in prayer. Remember Christian fasting and prayer focuses on God. Here are my notes from the message on Sunday. You can listen to the message at http://www.vintagenola.org/podcast

4 ASPECTS OF DANIEL’S PRAYER:

Contrast it with THE LORD’S PRAYER in Matthew 6:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

1. PRAISE (3-4)
Matthew 6:9
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

2. CONFESSION (5-15)
Matthew 6:12
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

3. INTERCESSION (16-17)
Matthew 6:11, 13
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

4. PRAISE – BOLDNESS (18-19)
Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

God gives Daniel an answer:
Daniel 9:20-23

Vs. 20 Angel Gabriel brings an answer
Ch. 9-12 is the revealing of the coming of the Messiah and the end times (tons of different views)

All you need to know:
JESUS WAS, JESUS IS, JESUS WILL BE COMPLETELY VICTORIOUS

Friday May 8: Daniel 10

Read Daniel 10

John Piper described prayer as a wartime walkie-talkie for the mission of the church against the evil one. Daniel experienced spiritual warfare in this chapter as evil forces challenged his prayers. But the resistance made him even more fervent and earnest. (v.12-13) In the same way that the iPhone and Blackberry are powerful tools in the hands of business professionals, so is faithful prayer in the hands of Christians. Today, focus your heart on asking your heavenly Father for understanding, strength and the Words of Life to speak. Use prayer for the proclamation of God’s Glory.

Deeper Study: Meditate on Ephesians 6:10-20. Prayer is for wielding the Word.

My Reflections:

In Daniel 10, we find Daniel going on a 21-day fast. Reading through this book I am amazed at his pursuit of God. He is relentless. I love the illustration found in Piper's book. Is prayer a wartime walkie talkie or is it a domestic intercom? Life is war. God is calling us to seek him with great urgency. We are in a war for people's souls. Satan is throwing everything he can to distract the world from seeing Christ. Our only hope is for God to move. Thank you God for speaking to me through this fast about the urgency of praying for people's souls.