Fast Five: "Sexcellence" 2/14/16

Here's your Fast Five recap for our talk about Sexcellence yesterday!

1. Sex was created to be great, within the right context!
2. If you won't show your spouse you're passionate about them, you won't be intimate together
3. You won't be truly intimate with your spouse until you have their trust
4. Long before you ever "make a move", you build intimacy.
5. God is an expert at making unholy things holy again!

Use the hashtag #lovesongrc

Don't forget... March 6th we move service times from 9:30 and 11am to 10 and 11:30am!

Why Should I Go To Church?

Church. It's really a polarizing subject with many people. There's many topics that people seem to debate within and about the Church. Should they be tax exempt? Should they discuss politics? Should you just attend? Is the Tithe still applicable today? Should you be involved? But, perhaps the most discussed topic about the Church is this... Why should I even go?

It's a legitimate question. I mean, we do have a lot of things vying for our attention right? Kids, spouses, jobs, finances, sports, hobbies, etc, etc. The reality is... do we even have time to attend Church? I mean, after all, it IS the only day of the week we get to sleep in right? Because we can't sleep in and rest on Saturdays, after all, we have football games to attend, sports to play, and other things to do... we can't sacrifice those things, but Church we can sacrifice. I mean, it is JUST Church!

"And He puts all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the FULLNESS of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23, NASB... emphasis added)

So, Jesus is over all things and has authority over all things. If you have ANY familiarity with Church at all, you've probably heard that Jesus has authority over everything. That's not really the part I want to discuss today, but it is interesting to note that nothing we face on this earth is above the name of Jesus!

But, here's the interesting portion of scripture here... it says Jesus has authority and "head" over all things TO THE CHURCH... Which is HIS BODY! The Church is WAY more than a building, windows, doors, parking lots, and coffee in the lobby. All of those things are great and important, and in my opinion vital to church growth. But what does that have to do with going to Church? This... when we commit to being part of a Church we are agreeing and committing to part of the BODY of JESUS! You're not just committing to a saved seat each week, but you're literally committing to being part of the Body of Jesus... which is the body of power, authority, love, grace, goodness, sacrifice, mercy, and so much more!

Then the scripture makes another bold accusation about the Church... the Church is the FULLNESS of Jesus. In short, here's why you should go to Church... because you want love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, purpose, hope, promise... but you cannot FULLY have it until you are connected to His body! Therefore, through transaction, you cannot be fully walking in everything Jesus has to offer unless you are a part of a Church!

Jesus discusses in Matthew that HE is building the Church. 1 Corinthians says that GOD causes the growth of the Church. Going to Church isn't just about attending, about consuming, about setting an alarm clock. Committing to the Church is much more about being part of the FULLNESS of everything that Jesus is...TOGETHER!

So, you make the decision. Should you go to Church? I say "yes", others say "no"... I believe Jesus says "yes". Been hurt by Church? Join the club. Think Church is a bunch of hypocrites? Join the club. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb? Join the club.

1. Decide if you want to be part of the FULLNESS of Jesus.
2. Find a Church in your area.
3. Go to Churches until you find one you GROW in!
4. COMMIT and go!

Fast Five: "Faithful Attraction"

1. Your abilities will get you attention, your character will gain you influence.

2. In order for anyone else to respect me, I must first respect myself!

3. Don't expect a quality relationship without quality standards

4. If I can't encourage those I love, I must not love them too much!

5. I have to work on ME before I can work on YOU!


Enjoy your week!

Fast Five: "Cut it Out"

Here's your Fast Five update!

1. I can't give myself life. True life only comes from Jesus!
2. If I can't be uncomfortable, I'll never be successful
3. If I want to grow I have to be willing to be pruned
4. I can never become more if I can't become less
5. God must change things IN me before He can change things THROUGH me!

Join us this week as we begin our new Love Song series!

Fast Five Recap: "Cut The Bull" 1.24.16

Here's your Fast Five Recap for our "Cut The Bull" message yesterday!

1. Don't expect God to bless what He didn't build! #levelup
2. For me to rebuild my life I have to be willing to get dirty! #levelup
3. The more impossible the situation, the more possible it is for God! #levelup
4. It's my time to cut the bull and trust God! #levelup
5. I'll never move higher until I cut the cords that are holding me back! #levelup

See you next Sunday @ 9:30/11

1.18.16 - Fast Five - "We Need Each Other"

Before I type out our Fast Five takeaways from yesterday's amazing service, "We Need Each Other" I want to say "Thank You" to Dr. Martin Luther King. He was a pioneer, not just in racial equality but also in the voice of the church in America. Thank you Dr. King!

Now... FAST FIVE!

1. More ground gets covered when you're in groups!
2. We're ALL capable of making a difference
3. Doing life in groups prepares you to be the BEST you!
4. No one was created to do life alone
5. The church is most effective when we work together!

Use the hashtag "#levelup" and share these all over social media! Let's make a statement! See you and your guests next Sunday at 9:30 and 11am!

Fast Five Recap: "Work It Out"

Here's a recap for our "Level Up" series message from this Sunday "Work It Out". Tweet it, Facebook it, use it! As always you can hear the message at www.radiatechurch.net/media

1. The longer we wait to make the call, the more we postpone God's promises.
2. To level up I have to put off temporary comfort for future enjoyment.
3. If I won't withstand it, I will waiver in it.
4. My timing has to be based on God's clock!
5. To achieve the higher level, I have to operate higher than I'm currently at!

Tag with "@radiatechurch" and "#levelup"

Fast Five - "Watch Your Mouth"

5 things you need to remember from the message this week "Watch Your Mouth"
(scriptures: Prov. 18:31, Genesis 1:26, James 3:3-10, 1 Peter 4:11)

1. The outcome of what you say is your responsibility.
2. What you say is a seed that can produce your future.
3. God created everything with words & we are created in His image.
4. What you speak can direct where you will go!
5. Your tongue is a tool that is constructive or destructive, depending on how you use it.

Post these on your social media and use "#levelup" and "@radiatechurch". As always you can also go to radiatechurch.net to listen to the Level Up series by clicking on the "media" tab

5 Reasons NOT To Come To Christmas @ Radiate!

Regardless of popular opinion there are actually 5 reasons you DON'T want to come to Christmas @ Radiate Church this Saturday and Sunday! 

1. There will be family photo opportunities! 
And really, who wants a family photo... in a carriage... at Christmas... for free?
2. Frozen characters will be here for the kids! 
And seriously, haven't we all heard watched our kids freak out about Frozen enough over the past year?
3. Santa is visiting all 4 services! 
Really? Santa? At Christmas? Your kid doesn't need to see Santa and freak out about him visiting their church. Come on!
4. There is some awesome music planned!
Because NO ONE likes to hear GOOD/QUALITY Christmas music during the holidays!
5. You'll hear how your life actually means a lot!
Because, really, isn't it more fun to think our lives are meaningless?

BUT, if you insist on joining us for Christmas at Radiate we have 4 services to meet your busy schedule this weekend! Saturday @ 7pm and Sunday @ 8:30/10/11:30am - you can find more information at radiatechurch.net

See you there!

OCD Sweaters, Red Cups And What It Means To Me

Ok. So, I've been holding off on writing this for a while now. But, I just need to get it out, therefore I'll write it. 

Recently we've seen the events that have shaken our country. Everything from racism, to natural disasters, to a political competition that seems to be more focused on mocking and belittling competitors rather than adding solutions to problems. 

I try to keep up with the news and the "goings on" of the world. Yesterday as I was watching the news I saw a report about a new Christmas sweater that is the newest output of controversy... on the sweater it says "OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder". And there is literally a group of people that are getting together to ban the sales of the sweater due to "offense". All this on the coattails of a group of hypersensitive Christians that were offended because a SECULAR company isn't putting Christmas symbols on their Starbucks cups! (you know, because snowflakes and reindeer are the reason for the season after all.)

As I've grown increasingly frustrated with what seems to be the fact that we are a society that is offended by anything, yet feel as if we are owed everything - I've repeatedly thought on this verse. (I'm quoting from The Message Bible due to the ease of the wording.)

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,

    what God is looking for in men and women.

It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,

    be compassionate and loyal in your love,

And don’t take yourself too seriously—

    take God seriously.

Micah 6:8

I want to focus on this... "...And don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously." It seems as if we have all began to take ourselves too seriously. Life isn't about us, it's about the God in us and helping others meet Him! When we get to a point where a CHRISTMAS SWEATER offends us, we are taking ourselves way too seriously. When we get to a place where a bumper sticker causes you to question your loyalties, we're taking ourselves too seriously. When we get to a place where a secular business acting like, well, a secular business offends us...we are taking ourselves too serious. 

It's not about me in this life! It's not about my wants. It's not about my desires. It's not about everyone discounting what they feel/want to appease me. As a follower of Jesus, honestly, it's more about me understanding where someone that isn't a follower is coming from more than them understanding where I'm coming from.

And let me answer your criticism. NO...I don't think you should back off of your stance, beliefs, values, convictions. But I do believe we need to stop being so freakin' offended! IT'S NOT ABOUT ME OR YOU! It's about Him! I believe the enemy knows we are hyper-sensitive. I believe the enemy knows that if he can get us so offended at everything that we will focus on that rather than the real goal that Jesus told us about... "...Love God, love others..." and basically - the rest will work itself out.

My goal in this post isn't to stir controversy but to encourage us all in one thing. Don't play offense so much. Enjoy life. Enjoy people. Enjoy Jesus. You're not bound by the things that offend you, you're freed by the grace that others crave! Let's go out and make a difference and let's be more known for what we are FOR rather than what we're against! Because what I'm for can take care of what I'm against!

Fast Five Recap: 11/8/15 - Creating A Legacy

Use the following Fast Five Recaps to post on your social media accounts and hashtag "#radiatechurch" and "#weareradiate"

1. Reproducing myself isn't about me but about the God in me!
2. My setback is God's setup!
3. We are all on the same page, with the same goal, declaring the same God!
4. In order to properly reproduce ourselves we must be willing to trust and invest openly!
5. The way I handle my situations are the way my kids (physical & spiritual) will handle theirs!


See you next Sunday for week 5 of We Are Radiate - "That's MY Job!"

3 Ways To Say You Matter

Chick - Fil-A. The epitome of customer service. There are many people and businesses that try to model their customer service techniques on a strategic and daily basis. Why are they so successful at this? Because they make each and every customer feel like they matter! Feel like they are the only ones on the planet in that moment that wants a lemonade, a sandwich, or some Polynesian sauce!

Everyone on the planet likes a compliment every now and then. They at least like to know that what they are doing matters in some way, shape, or form. What if we, individually, thought of ways to make sure people, each month, know that they matter? I believe this life would be completely different than it is now! Below are 3 quick ways to say You Matter to someone today.

1. Show them they matter!
I say this a lot... "It's one thing to tell someone about Jesus, it's something else to show them Jesus!" Do something unique for someone else. And by "unique" I don't necessarily mean something no one else has done, I mean something the they wouldn't expect. Bake cookies for a neighbor, ask a co-worker if you can pray for something for them...anything really!

2. Say "THANK YOU"!
When someone does something for you, or lets you know something... tell them THANK YOU! And add in "you really helped me out today." or something to the like. Why do you think Chick-Fil-A always says "My Pleasure"? It's because that phrase let's someone know that it wasn't a burden and it was APPRECIATED that you let them give you more tea! Say Thank You! It'll go a long way!

3. Tell Them They Matter!
We can do all kinds of things that could show someone, but sometimes people just need to hear the words "You Matter"! Make an agreement within yourself to tell at least 3 people in the next 24 hours that THEY MATTER! Your spouse, your kids, your co workers, your boss... who cares!

The reality is that everyone matters to us and to God. Let's do everything we can to help people walk in that truth!

Oh, and guess what... YOU MATTER!

Share your thoughts... what are some ways that you are letting people know they matter? Share them with us!

Fast Five: Message Recap 11/1/15

We Are Radiate

Week 3

Relational

"You & Me"

Here's a Fast Five recap of the 5 main points from Sunday's message! Post, share, make a graphic and put on instagram Get it out there! See you next Sunday...and don't come alone!

1. My love for you isn't determined by your ability to impress me!
2. My love must always speak louder than my frustrations!
3. Who you are is more important than what plagues you!
4. Being relational isn't about picking and choosing, it's about loving...regardless!
5. We weren't created to do life alone! We must connect to get the most out of our calling.
BONUS: This church isn't built on the talents of a few, but the sacrifices of many! 

Next Sunday: "That's MY Job" - Responsible

Making A Difference

Across the great state of South Carolina for the past 3 days it has gone from the beautiful state we know, to something out of a movie. A land that is ravished with water, floods, homes being swept downstream, lives lost, and families losing everything. They call it the 1000 years flood, I don't think any of us ever thought we would see this in 1000 years! But it's in these times that we, as followers of Jesus and lovers of people are called to be RESPONSIVE!

So... here's the plan for Radiate for the next few days.

1. We will pray!

We realize that it's great to be responsive, but impossible to change lives without prayer! Pray for families, pray for communities, pray for our state, and pray for the First Responders that are and will be risking their lives in order to save the lives of others!

2. We will be responsive!

Radiate Church (1955 Legrand Road Columbia) will begin taking donations of the following:

- Non-Perishable foods (canned goods, rice, noodles, etc.)

- New Bottled Water

- Finances (no this is not a money grab. This is a chance to give to a church that will make sure the resources will be used to purchase whatever the community needs. You can give at www.radiatechurch.net)

To drop things off:

Since we do not know our full work schedule yet due to weather conditions you can drop things off at the front door, and we will get them. We are planning regular work hours beginning Wednesday, but with the road conditions consistently changing we feel this is the best way to just be consistent. When there are time changes for sure on this we will let you know ASAP!

3. We will continue moving forward!

If the Church (big "C") is supposed to be a beacon of light and a representation of it's community, then we can rest assured of this: If the Church stops moving forward so will the community! If the Church stops helping others, so will the community! We will be EXCITED to have church on Sunday! We will continue to prepare for our Revive Conference, we will continue preparing for Cover Columbia at the end of October, and we will continue to promote 1 - JESUS, 2 - RADIATE!

Thank you for all you do to serve our community! Should you need the church for any reason here is our contact information:

Phone: 803-810-9737

Email: YouMatter@radiatechurch.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/radiatecola

Twitter: www.twitter.com/radiatechurch

Web: www.radiatechurch.net

Thank you!

Fast Five Review: Are We There Yet week 2

Here's five "Tweetables" you can Facebook, Tweet, or Instagram to share the truth of Jesus with others!

1. Your past doesn't determine your future!

2. God can use where you've come from to build you for where you're going.

3. We have to let God do powerful things IN you before He will do powerful things THROUGH you!

4. You're never too much of anything for God to do something with!

5. Even when your faith feels low... remember you're still called


Share. Post. Invite.
See you Thursday @ 7 or Sunday @ 9:30 or 11:00

God Wastes Nothing

As most of you know when I was 23 I was diagnosed with WPW (Wolfe-Parkinson White). A heart condition that creates extra pathways in your heart and can cause your heart to skip beats, speed up unannounced, and more. Most of the WPW cases are never diagnosed, because it's typically not too bad of a condition. But, of course, I'm not MOST people. Through a course of surgeries, being shocked on the table 3 times, heart kept beating through a catheter, my AV Node being blocked off, and spending a night in CCU, as well as a pacemaker being implanted... I gave my heart back to Jesus, in a hospital and invited Him to take me where He wanted. Ministry it was. (This is just a portion of my testimony)

I spent the next 5 years in youth ministry, watching God take me higher, change more lives, and increase my walk with Him in ways I could never have actually imagined. Then God called me to begin a church in Columbia, SC... Radiate Church. The church that is changing lives daily. The church that is shaking a city. The church that is growing leaps and bounds each week...in every way possible. The church that doesn't care as much about "religious correctness" or "political correctness" as much as we do "loving God and others". The church that changed my life...and hundreds of others.

A few months ago I had to go back to my cardiologist due to some a-typical symptoms. After some tests and discussions... what I thought was "fixed" and "taken care of" for the past 8 years, had returned. I was informed I'd developed Cardiomyopathy (in easy terms: basically very early heart failure) due to my pacemaker pacing my heart 100% of the time. My blood flow rate in my heart had dropped, over the past few years, to right around 40%, the normal healthy person is right on 60%. I had experienced symptoms for a little over a year, and had just pushed through because I thought they were "just because I had a heart issue".

My energy level had dropped. My stamina was lessening. All while I was actually getting healthier in my life. After discussion it was determined everything could be reversed with a surgery, of a 3rd wire added to my heart muscle, and a new pacemaker/technology that will reverse it back to 60%, and "prolong my life". July 6 is the day that I pray that I will get back to normal. After a several week layout I'm told I'll be able to see a difference "quickly". Until then I have to "take it easy and relax" when I feel my heart and my energy level do something abnormal. Something that's difficult for me to do.

Here's why I write this (and it has NOTHING to do with you feeling sorry for me) - that recent diagnosis ran a gambit of emotions in me. Anger, fear, hurt, confusion, sadness, fear, death, uncertainty, and did I say fear? Why fear? You sit in a doctor's office at 31 years old, thinking your heart issues were controlled and hear that you have early heart failure. I have a growing church to lead, kids to love, a wife to adore, a family to make proud, and a vision to fulfill. I don't have time to "take it easy and relax", and I sure don't have time to be dealing with early heart failure!

Then God broke the emotions with a word... "No one knows how much time they have left. You don't know how much time you really have left. What are you going to do to make the most of what you know you have in front of you?" Reality check much? ABSOLUTELY!

As we argue about pieces of fabric we call flags. As we argue about the right to marry whomever we want. As we argue about denominational differences/beliefs and as we fight back and forth about whether or not we should drink alcohol to be saved... I've realized something - We don't have time for that!?

Now that I've offended you let me explain. In Matthew 28 Jesus gives a going away command. "Go into all the nations and make disciples. Baptizing them in the Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to obey all that I command." Now I don't know about you but I've heard/read that my entire life but it became real to me. Why? Because it doesn't tell me one thing about walking around and yelling at everyone until they agree with me. It tells me to make disciples - EVERYWHERE I GO! I make a disciple by investing in them and loving them - EVERYWHERE I GO! That means when I disagree or agree. When I like them and when I don't.

Baptize means to "submerge into" - so I am to SUBMERGE them into the love of the Father, the forgiveness of the Son, and the guidance/power of the Holy Spirit - EVERYWHERE I GO! And to teach them to obey all that He commands means that I show them what it looks like - EVERYWHERE I GO! And here's the kicker... none of what's going on in this world is a surprise to God.

Here's where I'm going. I don't know how much time I have left on this earth. I'm told that the surgery will prolong my life - I believe the doctors when they say that, but they aren't God. And reality check for you too... You don't know how much time you have left either! My concern isn't you agreeing with me or liking me anymore. My concern isn't fulfilling people's expectations or thoughts of me. My concern is one thing... LOVE PEOPLE TO JESUS AND LET HIM FIGURE OUT THE REST! I'm determined to SHAKE MY CITY by introducing as many as possible to the life God intended. If that offends you, you'll be ok I promise. But understand something... I love you! But more importantly, Jesus loves you - and because of that - we will ALL love Him and others EVERYWHERE we go!

And this is why I'm 100% certain... God never fastest a thing! He always takes what feels like the end for us, and makes it the beginning of something else! Join me... Let's shake this city and love people to Jesus!

Fast Five: Father's Day

Here's a recap of Sunday's Father's Day service with 5 quick "Tweetables". Enjoy/Share/Invite

1. Although on the outside things may look bad. At it's core everything is good! Because God made it that way!

2. Noah was chosen to be favored by God, because he decided to live his life according to God's desires!

3. Righteousness is the act of clearing everything through the cross; not being perfect!

4. Righteousness is an inward act of God. Blamelessness is the outward example of righteousness.

5. The only way future generations will be world shakers is for fathers to reverse the course and become favored!

Based on the message "Favored Fathers" in Genesis 6:8-10,18-19.

Fast Five: 6.7.15

Here's a Fast Five recap for the last message of the Psalm 23 series - Psalm 23:6. Share, enjoy, and share again!

1. Our response to God's goodness is to sit still in it, or to share it with others!

2. The job of the sheep is simple: Leave this place better than you found it!

3. "The good men do, lives after them." Sir Alfred Tennyson

4. To dwell in the house of the Lord is to accept the cross of Jesus, to love Him, and to love others!

5. Our job is to love people to Jesus, not condemn them to my way of thinking.


Update us on the challenges given at the end of each message. Remember:
1. What is something you can do in 7 days to leave this place better than we found it?
2. What is something you can do in 24 hours to leave this place better than we found it?
3. Who are 3 people you need to do everything you can to bring with you to church?

Share your stories at YouMatter@radiatechurch.net, use social media and use "#youmatter" or "#radiatechurch", or message the church on Facebook!

3 Ways To Lead Differently

Leadership. It's a disease that infects and effects everyone around you. The deal is simple: you either become a leader or you don't. I wanted to take a few minutes and spell out 3 ways to be a more effective leader today, but before I do, let me begin with 3 things that leadership is NOT!

1. Leadership is NOT Authority!
That's right! If your leadership is dependent on the amount of authority you possess from a higher authority, you're not being a leader. You're being a dictator!
2. Leadership is NOT a Position!
If your leadership is dependent upon a position that you inhabit, you'll be taking a walk without a following very quickly. You can be a leader without a position!
3. Leadership is NOT Glamorous!
Most people look at successful leaders and have the misconception that it's glamorous! But what they don't see is the long hours, sleepless nights, stress attacks, and headaches caused by being a successful leader.

Now that we see what a leader is NOT, let's look at 3 ways we can lead differently and become better leaders...instantly!

1. Lead By Following.
Leading means you'll have people on your "teams" that are following you. They are following you to a destination that is scary, uncertain, and oftentimes makes others feel out of their comfort zone (or at least it should). The best way to lead someone to follow vision, is to show them how to follow vision. I've said it before and will say it again... you can NOT be a successful leader without being a selfless follower! And remember this, "More is caught than taught."
2. Lead With Humility
A humble leader is a confident/strong leader. Too many times we get caught up in the cycle of having to be the owner of the best ideas, the most successful risks, and the most impressive team members. Instead of taking the credit for that, give the credit to the ones that served their tails off for next to nothing to make it happen! Leading with humility means that you realize that nothing about who you are makes you special except 2 things: 1 - God, 2 - your team!
3. Lead By Delegation
This may seem counterproductive but this is one of the greatest keys to being a successful leader... DELEGATE! Don't give position without giving authority... in fact, I'd say don't give position UNTIL you've delegated authority. Ask your self a couple of questions: what is it that only I can do to further this organization? What is it that I'm weak at? Who is strong in the areas I'm weakest? How can I enable others to be most effective? If you can ask those questions and master them... you'll become a successful leader by allowing strong leaders to lead at what they are good at, while you lead/develop more leaders!
BONUS: Lead Through Celebration
Don't forget who's serving the vision with you! Andy Stanley, Lead Pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta Georgia says this: "What's celebrated is repeated." Celebrate what you want repeated, and don't pay attention to what shouldn't be repeated. Sure, you'll have to hold team members and other leaders accountable to things, but overall...spend more time celebrating your team than condemning them. Write thank you notes, buy them their favorite candy, schedule fun days, etc.

I hope these few points help you in leadership as much last they have and are helping me in my leadership endeavors! My job is to grow as a leader, because as I grow so grows the organization. Let's grow together... share some of your leadership ideas/concepts.

Fast Five - 5.31.15

Here's a Fast Five recap of this weekend's powerful message "Your Cup Runs Over"

1. You aren't on the same level as your enemies. Don't sit at the table, inhabit the table!

2. You become a product of your environment. Be careful of your environment!

3. Allow the Holy Spirit to become a continuous application in your life, He's a solvent that solves it all!

4. Just because you're bitter, cold, and "finished" doesn't mean God's finished with you!

5. God walks with you daily, and knows just when you need what you need. Your cup is running over!


Share! Post one a day. Whatever you want to do, share the promises in this!