Monday, February 28, 2011

What are the two most important days in life?

Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why." Discovering our purpose is essential to living a meaningful and satisfying life. I love Serena's words about placing her faith in Jesus. I was privileged to have a front row seat to this one. I'm proud of her for choosing to follow Jesus and going public in baptism. Listen to her story:

Serena Richardson from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Speaking candidly...

Here's another story from one of the recent baptisms at Ridge Church. Logan has a quick wit and it comes out in his story. I remember a couple of years ago hearing Jeff Foxworthy (who attends our partner church North Point Community Church) say that one of the defining moments for him was when he realized that his humor and natural ability to see the funny side of things wasn't a curse but instead was part of God's unique design on his life. He said it freed him to use that for a "bigger purpose." He now partners frequently with Andy Stanley and his church using that gift to raise money for charities. God created us uniquely and when we surrender "all of us" to him those gifts come alive and make a difference! Enjoy:

Logan Martin from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Tell the World

We recently baptized 6 teenagers at Ridge Church and that's such a huge deal and reason to celebrate. It doesn't mean their lives will be perfect, sinless, or wrinkle free from now on. In fact the act of Baptism in of itself doesn't have any special saving power but what it represents is absolutely powerful. When a person is baptized they are "publicly" acknowledging that Jesus is their Savior and they want to follow him with their lives. It takes courage to "go public" with your faith. Baptism is an event that celebrates a person's personal faith in Jesus but being a follower of Jesus isn't simply an event it's a journey. It's a life long journey where we relentlessly pursue a relationship with our Heavenly Father who pursued us through his Son Jesus. Thanks for being courageous! I'll post each of their stories and baptisms in the days ahead, starting today with Robert Spurrier's story!

Robert Spurrier from Ridge Church on Vimeo.