5.17.2010

Zac Smith

A few months ago I came across the story of Zac Smith, a member of the New Spring Church staff. Please watch this video.

Zac's faith is an inspiration to me and another reminder of the gift that is each day. His testimony by all accounts has been that he trusted Jesus no matter the outcome. So often times we set a far less glorious standard for our own faith. Often our faith is conditional. We won't come out and say it but if we are faced with adversity or a challenge we curl up in a ball and question God without giving him the glory He deserves.

Thank you Zac for being a man of God who set the example for those of us watching from afar. Your faithfulness is inspiring and your commitment to Jesus should become a springboard of faith for the rest of us. You knew pain and confusion but you knew Jesus and you made him known through your faithfulness in the midst of the storm. It is my prayer that God blesses your bride and children in abundance and that your sons grow into great spiritual giants as a result of the deep faith you've imparted to them. Thank you for your example. Thank you for your legacy.

From Pastor Perry Noble's blog:

I would ask you to please keep Mandy, his wife, in your prayers…as well as their children Luke, Jake and Lizzy. AND I will keep everyone posted as to when Zac’s memorial service will take place. One of his requests to me was that we live stream this service so that his friends from all over the world (literally) could participate.

Also…here is a link to his blog…I encourage you to read through his writings some time this week…he knew what was in his body, he knew pain and suffering in ways many of us will never know…but He KNEW JESUS, and THAT was the difference maker!!!

“…God is still good…to God be the glory!” Zac Smith

5.10.2010

Salvation and a Fist-Bump

One of the joys I have had in being a part of Captivate Church is seeing people respond to the gospel. Of all of the various types of people who respond to the gospel my favorite segment are men in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties.

Sunday I preached on "The Pirate of Fear" (link later today) and we discussed how living in fear is not God's plan. We are to fear Him but nothing else. We are to live in faith and not doubt. Our text was Matthew 14:22-33. As I began to ask people to come forward if they wanted to respond to the gospel and receive Christ's salvation I noticed a young man in his mid to late twenties sitting a few rows back and to my right.

As the band played I could see in his eyes that he wanted to respond. I silently prayed and asked God to give him the courage. Sure enough I saw this guy turn to the friend who brought him (a 2nd time guest himself) and he gave him dap (a fist bump) and then he stepped out in the aisle and came forward. Our church went nuts. We love to celebrate steps people make to respond to Jesus. I love seeing men respond. I love it when God calls men out of the culture and into the Kingdom.

It was a first for me at Captivate... salvation and a fist-bump.