I have stolen away from Lake Brownwood and the encampment to check e-mail's and to (finally) update my blog.
The Encampment is going great! Kerry told me last night there are 310 registered for this first-ever encampment, which equals the number Red River had its first year. Red River is recognized as one of the premier encampments among churches of Christ.
Thus far, the speakers have been outstanding (with the possible exception of this afternoon's keynote) in centering around the theme of seeing Jesus. Experience tells me keynote speakers tend to deliver their "favorite" message at events like this. I've heard countless presentations where the assigned topic was never touched. This encampment is a refreshing change, with each speaker thus far displaying great diligence to address his assigned topic in view of the overall theme.
My presentation on "We see Jesus...In His Church" was warmly received. I began by discussing the desire of the non-churched to see more than an institutional church which reflects Jesus; seekers are looking for Jesus living in His church! The role and goal of the Holy Spirit is to re-create in the hearts and lives of believers the character and attitude of Jesus Christ. His ministry was based on a perfect balance of grace and truth and our lives and ministries must be likewise. That difficult balance is only possible through the divine aid of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Tomorrow, my presentation is "We see Jesus...High & Lifted Up." I plan to use Isaiah 6, Exodus 33 & 34 and the worship scenes of Revelation to make the case that seeing God forces us to see our need for Him and motivates our service to others in His name.
This Sunday morning, in my absence at the Village, Jimmy will give a charge to our graduating seniors. Our Sunday evening Connection Groups will discuss the U-Turn of life...repentance.
