Thank you for making last weekend’s “Go Blue Sunday” so special at ABC. It was exciting to have the Austin Police Department’s new chief, Joseph Chacon, join us in worship along with several officers from our local law enforcement agencies. I know they were encouraged to witness a sea of blue in our worship center, and they were so grateful for your kindness, hospitality, and prayers. I was encouraged to hear our chief make a bold profession of faith from stage, and I encourage you to join me in continued prayers for him as he steps into this important position of leadership. Every day, our officers need our prayers and support, as they are called to one of the most challenging, yet also most vital, positions of service in our city. May we each continue to express our gratitude when we see them serving in our neighborhoods this week
While Go Blue Sunday was a big success, last weekend was memorable for another reason. As you all heard, there was a big football game that took place in College Station. Over 12 million people around the country tuned in from their homes to watch my beloved Texas A&M Aggies shock the world (and me) by upsetting the #1 ranked team in the nation. I normally go to bed early, especially on Saturdays, but I of course stayed up to watch the Ags take down Alabama. It was thrilling to watch the game winning field goal go through the uprights, but it was equally exciting to watch what happened afterwards. Soon as the game clock ticked to zero, thousands of Aggies came flying down the bleachers to rush the field in celebration. This spontaneous act did come at the cost of a hefty $100k fine, but I’m pretty sure no one in College Station cared.
Why do fans do this after every big win? This is a fair question to ask because the Ags weren’t the first to rush the field, and they certainly won’t be the last. Anytime a team experiences a big victory, people can’t seem to keep themselves from exiting their chairs. It seems that when we see big things happening, we naturally desire to be a part of the moment. I believe this should be the same in our spiritual lives as well. When we see God doing big things in our midst, we should all be rushing to the field to be a part of it. I do believe God is doing big things at ABC. Every week, we are seeing new people come through our doors, new members joining the church, and we are continually seeing more light bulbs go into our sign. In fact, by the grace of God, we could have the best baptism year in church history by year’s end. Our kids and student ministries are growing, people are getting connected in our BFG’s, and lives are being touched through our prayer and cares ministries. We’re packing 20,000 meals for Haiti this Saturday, we’ve got a big community event coming up with Trunk or Treat, and lots more is on the horizon. God is blessing our church with many victories, and this weekend we’re going to give you an opportunity to “rush the field.”
Following each of our services, we’re going to offer a church-wide ministry fair in the Great Hall. The purpose of this event is to showcase the many ways you can get out of the bleachers and into the game. All our major ministry areas will have tables with staff and volunteers ready to answer your questions and help you find the right place to use your spiritual gifts. Paul explains, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone” (1 Corinthians 12:4-5). If you are in Christ Jesus, God has empowered you with at least one spiritual gift, and that gift was given to you for the glory of God and the good of others. God wants to mobilize His people to build up His church and expand the Kingdom here in Austin, Texas. My question is, are you willing to answer His call, or are you going to stay put in the bleachers? It’s so much more exciting to get on the field and play. And as our church continues to grow, so do our ministry needs so we need everyone to prayerfully consider how they can help build up this City on a Hill. I encourage you to begin praying in anticipation for this Sunday, and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do as more and more people transition from spectators to participants on the field. God bless you and your home, and I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday.
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