unlikely clay

Tuesday Reflection

2012-01-31T21:33:00.003-05:00

Hope all went well with you this weekend.

Thanks to all who made Secret Church a great night of studying scripture! Thanks be to God for keeping my voice going!

I appreciate Condy preaching for me Sunday -attendance holds strong over last year - +12%. I think this shows we are buying into Team Teaching… Grateful for that.

Primary event for me this weekend was to see Abram and Hannah at College - attend Duke Basketball game and UNC basketball game. A child at each school means we live basketball and deal with the rivalry all the time!

Also went to their churches - Hannah attends the Summit RDU and Abram is college intern at Chapel Hill Bible Church. Both great churches - reminded me that God uses all kinds of churches to reach all kinds people.

What stood out for me in both churches - strong, intentional focus on first impressions ministry - parking, greeters, etc. Things were done with the idea to make an outsider not feel - well outside.

BUT - missed you all and glad to be back…

Big Thought of the Week - Are your future financial plans yours or God's?

Smile: " A budget tells us what we can't afford, but it doesn't keep us from buying it." - William Feather

Sermon Discussion Questions

2012-01-29T13:24:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Series: Moneytudes

Sermon Title: FinancialFaith Planning

Text: James4:13-17

In what areas of my life do I tend to “go it alone?”

What decisions have I made lately in which I failed to include God’s perspective?

What decisions are on the horizon that I need to set before God and seek his will?

What is it about American culture that tends to draw us away from the will of God?

Who/What are the biggest sources of financial guidance today?

When it comes to financial decisions, what motivates you?

How can we climb out of the “ditch of consequences” we may be trapped in due to decisions we have made outside of the will of God?

How have you discovered God’s will for your life?

Why you need to read your Bible each day

2012-01-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

Why you need to read your Bible each day -- a true story from a friend:

Clay

Before work Tuesday, I decided to read ch 3 of James, figuring it is next in line for your sermon series. A quick glance revealed that it was mostly about taming the tongue. My wife and I are in a good place now as well as the kids...work is fine...so I figuredthis scripture was not directly related to my present state. But I read it anyway. Check "read bible" off the list today and get on with the day unaffected.

Until I saw my younger son crying as he approached my truck after school..........

Apparently, one of his friends was playing his iPod after school, when another friend came by and slapped it out of that friend's hand. It crashed on the cement and shattered the screen. My son saved for over a year to buy that iPod. He was devastated. Inside me, the Bad Wolf broke the lock on the cage and was let loose. I strode into the school to find out what was going on...and looked for a hide to tack on the wall.

As it turned out, the kid most-likely-to-break-your-prized-possessions was in fact the guilty one. When I learned that, I spun my son around and said, "We are going to his Dad's office to settle this now!!"

I was 2 steps outside the school door when God tapped on my shoulder. "Watch it you fool. I knew what you needed this morning even before you did. The tongue is a dangerous weapon. Remember my scripture? The tongue can turn the entire course of your lifeinto a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself." Wow. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and I felt a tad dizzy. OK, ok, I get it.... I'll calm down first, pray about the matter and see what YOU lead me to do.

Later, I called the Mom of the kid and we discussed a suitable resolution to the sad situation.

I shudder to think what would have happened if I had not taken 5 minutes that morning to read chapter 3.

Understanding South Carolina - from the Charlestonian Viewpoint

2012-01-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

I've lived in South Carolina for 17.5 years. This map comes as close as anything I have seen to understanding this challenging state!

Thankful You “Get It” …

2012-01-25T14:56:00.000-05:00

God hasopened the door for me to talk with other pastors and to consult with otherchurches. I enjoy it – but eachencounter makes me grateful for you, the people of Alice Drive. I am grateful that you get it.

You getthat people matter to God. It’s not tradition. It’s not program. It’s not worship style. It’s people. Jesus died so people’s sins would be forgiven. Our focus unapologetically is to help peopleknow they matter to God – to help them know Jesus.

You getthat church is to be a place of grace. Does it really matter if a teenager wears ahat in church? If a couple is livingtogether, would you rather them be in church or would you rather judge them? Do we want to spend any energy trying to lookput together when everyone knows all people are flawed – and they all needgrace from God and grace from each other.

You getthat people need to be like Jesus. Justacting like a Christian is not the goal. Being like Jesus is. Being likeJesus leads to the happiest life possible for you and for me. Growing character like Jesus’ is hard work –really! But what in your life is worthdoing that isn’t hard?

You get that everyone has a purpose. A life ignorant of God’s purpose is a lifewasted. I have a story to share, resource to share, and gifts to share! I need to live my purpose and let otherpeople be responsible for living their purpose.

We’re not aperfect church by any means – but Alice Drive is taking next steps towardJesus.

Thanks forbeing a church that “gets it!”

Monday Reflections

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

Despite the rain and clouds, ADBC'ers showed up, 1449 strong! Well done! Thanks to all who brought an offering as a sign of their faith.

Remember Money+attitude = Heart that takes ACTION!
"For where your Treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21

Big Thought for the week: Is your Faith a saving faith? Are there signs of life?

Smile:
Bank accounts give a person a good feeling until they realize that banks are insured by an agency of a federal government that's over $2 trillion in debt.

Sermon Discussion Questions

2012-01-22T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Series: Moneytudes

Sermon Title: Faith inMotion

Text: James2:14-26

Describe someone you know whose faith is dead. Do they know it?

In your opinion, why do Christians not help Christians in need? Do we as a group need to do something about that?

How would you respond to the person who says, “I’m doing more good in the world than those Christians?”

In your opinion, what’s the difference between a demon believing in God and a person who believes but has no action?

God asked Abraham to do a very hard thing. Describe someone you know who has been asked to do something very hard for God.

If action shows the reality of faith, how many self-described “Christians” aren’t really Christ followers?

Rehab was able to believe in a new future and it leads her to action. If a person believes in a new future in Christ, what actions will they do?

How would you check to see if someone’s faith is alive and breathing?

Look, Down in the Pew – It’s FAITHMAN!

2012-01-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

During theweek, he is a mild mannered cubicle dweller. Quiet. Goes about hisbusiness. Never ruffles feathers. Goes home to his wife after swinging by toget Little Caesar’s Pizza. Asks thekids, “How was School?” Grunts inresponse to questions about his day. Watches Sports Center. Goes tobed.

But onSunday, he morphs into FAITHMAN! Heraises his hands during the praise songs for five whole minutes! He corrects his Bible Community Group teacheron miniscule points of theology! Hepulls the pastor aside to chastise him for not praying about the latestpolitical crisis! Mentally, he preachesbetter sermons than the pastor and sings better solos that the praiseteam! Yes, he is FAITHMAN!

Oddly, whenasked to serve, he declines, citing schedule, or the incorrect theology of theevent, or unqualified leaders of the ministry.

He is ableto complain about the ministry of the church though he never gives. He justifies this because of the poorstewardship of the church.

FAITHMAN isnever in doubt, never wrong in his own mind. He will tell you his wife and kids submit to him and respect him (butdon’t ask them how they feel).

One Problemwith FAITHMAN: Whatever faith he has isdead. It’s sterile. It’s all talk, noaction. It’s the kind of faith that dominates too many churches and is embracedby too many people.

PoorFAITHMAN – he only deceives himself. Sadly,though people try to tell him about a different kind of faith, hisself-righteous attitude keeps him from ever hearing the truth.

James toldus the truth from his older brother Jesus: Faith without works is dead.

Check themirror – make sure FAITHMAN isn’t you.

Money + Attitude = Heart…

2012-01-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

Definitionof Money: somethinggenerally accepted as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means ofpayment.

Definitionof Attitude: A settled way of thinking orfeeling, typically reflected in a person's behavior.

Definitionof Heart: regarded as the center of aperson's thoughts and emotions, esp. love or compassion.

$100 + Fear= Stingy

$100 + Anger= Impulsive

$100 +Jealousy = “I deserve this” = Selfish

$100 + Addiction= Lies

$100 +Greed = Risk

$100 +Pride = Deceit

$100 +Laziness = Foolish

But,

$100 + Love= Generosity

$100 +Humility = Selflessness

$100 +Patience = Wealth

$100 +Self-control = Freedom

$100 +Diligence = Vision

$100 +Wisdom = Righteousness

$100 +Kindness = Jesus

Your Money+ Your Attitude = What Kind of Heart?

Monday Reflections

2012-01-16T22:39:00.003-05:00

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

Great start to Moneytudes series! Remember Money+attitude = Heart
"For where your Treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21

Big Thought for the week: Really knowing Jesus means you will see people like He does - no favorites.

Ponder: A church member sent me this poem. It's worth the read:

The Cold Within
Six humans trapped by happenstance
in black and bitter cold
Each possessed a stick of wood,
Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,
the first woman held hers back
For on the faces around the fire
She noticed one was black.

The next man looking 'cross the way
Saw one not of his church
And couldn't bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes
He gave his coat a hitch,
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store,
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group
Did naught except for gain,
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.

The logs held tight in death's stilled hands
Was proof of human sin,
They didn't die from the cold without,
They died from the cold within.

Sermon Discussion Questions

2012-01-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Series: Moneytudes

Sermon Title: Better tobe Rich or Poor?

Text: James2:1-13

Could you share a story of someone whose attitude about money showed the true nature of their heart?

Please share a story of church that showed favoritism. How was the health of that church?

James gives the example of seating a rich person in a favored place and making a poor person sit on the floor. What ways have you seen a church show favoritism?

The Great Inversion challenges what our culture values. In your opinion, what are ways we can value a person’s heart, instead of their money or status?

Share examples of how we can love our neighbors.

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness? What did it mean to you?

Describe someone you know who is merciful. What is their source of mercy?

What do we need to do at ADBC to make sure we are a place of grace, and show no favoritism?

Are you praying for people you lead?

2012-01-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

One Sunday I invited everyone to share some specific prayer concerns on the Communication Card. I did this in the context of the message, not during it's normal time.

Response tripled. I now had 1300 cards to pray for instead of the usual 150.

I admit I did not greet this opportunity with joy.

In the process of praying through the cards, however, I realized it had been a long time since I prayed for the people of ADBC by name. God had given me a chance to do just that.

What I learned: People carry heavy burdens; I don't need to add to those burdens, but offer the hope of Jesus.
I learned people want to be generous, but feel trapped. They need the freedom of Jesus.
I learned people want to know Jesus better - they really do. They need the church to help them.

What was the last time you prayed for all the people you lead?

List for Leaders

2012-01-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

We often turn to Exodus 18 - Moses and his conversation with his father-in-law Jethro (one of the coolest Biblical names) for leadership lessons. In my devotions, I came across this passage again and this is what stood out to me:

The goal is not to burn out, but to lead.
The most important thing a leader can do is be before God-- take care of their core.
Teach the rules, the boundaries. The main job of the top leader.
Get help! Recognize talent, share responsibility!
It's okay to make the work easier!

God Story - Mom and Daughter connect spiritually!

2012-01-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

Young Woman at ADBC sent me this story about God working in her life:

For a couple months now my mother whom I have never known to go to church has been attending church at ADBCwith us, She has been a big God send cause well because of her I have gotten more involved in the church. We taught VBS together. It was a great mother daughter experience and I really enjoyed us doing that together..

Well the point of the story is me and mymom both have a hard time reading the bible and comprehending the meaning and some of the sayings but I found a book over the holidays that is perfect for all those people who have a hard time and want to read the Bible through but can't because they get “stuck”.The book is called “The Story” and it is by Max Lucado. It is the continuing story of the Bible from beginning to end. It is super great and we can't put it down. We have made a commitment to read the book through just like you would the Bible but it is in a way wecan understand. Because we have a buddy system it works good cause we can discuss the story and parts we don’t understand. I recommend this book to everyone and also get a buddy system going just like you would a diet plan. If you are held accountable youtend to do a little better. But again I just wanted to share this story, and the excitement that I have that me and my mother can share such a wonderful experience.

The Year of Knowing Jesus Better…

2012-01-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Quick Quiz about Jesus:

1. Jesus was bornin: a) Nazareth; b) Bethlehem; c)Wedgefield.

2. Jesus’ firstmiracle was: a) Healing a blind man; b) Turning water into wine; c) Preaching a20 minute sermon.

3. How manydisciples did Jesus have? a) 7; b) 12; c) 11 on offense, and 11 on defense.

You say this quiz is tooeasy? Here are more advanced questions:

1. Jesus saidyour relationship to Him could best be determined by: a) Your prayer life; b)Your treasure; c) Your church attendance.

2. Will peoplewho think they are going to heaven actually be there? a) Yes; b) Depends; c) No.

3. Why should youtry to know Jesus better? a) Get abetter seat in heaven; b) To live in Hope, Generosity, and Power; c) To feelsuperior to other people.

Correct answers? In every case: b.

Knowing Jesus is not thesame as knowing Biblical facts. It meansyou have a relationship with Himthat leads to spiritual experiencesthat change the way you think.

This year, my prayer isthat we as a church will know Jesusbetter.

Some of you arespiritually curious people – I pray you will shift from knowing about Jesus tohaving a relationship with Him.

Some of you have arelationship with Jesus – but you are not living in Hope. That’s because you are not living out yourpurpose, the reason God made you. I prayyou find this year.

Some of you have arelationship with Jesus – but you are not living as an inheritor of spiritualwealth. You are not looking at theresources God gave you (your story, your resources, your spiritual gifts) andlearning to share them. This is the yearfor you to step up and be generous.

Some of you have a relationshipwith Jesus – but you are missing the power of God shaping your life. I pray you will see His power transform youthis year. Let me hear your story; emailyour God at work stories to stories@adbc.org.

What will your life belike on December 31, 2012, if you know Jesus better?

Grace,

Clay

Fighting Cyncism

2012-01-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

Leaders have to fight cynicism. Especially in church world.

You see people who profess faith in Jesus but live like He doesn't matter in their marriages, their words, or their business dealings.

People lie to you because they lie to themselves.

Jesus had to deal with all this too. That's why he went away to pray.

The solution to fighting Cynicism if you a Christian - spend time with the Father. Hear His thoughts. Speak the truth to yourself and to others.

The solution to fighting Cynicism if you are not a Christian? I have no idea. Fake it, maybe?

.

Praying to Know Jesus Better

2012-01-10T07:44:00.003-05:00

As I shared Sunday, I have posted Ephesians 1:17-19a in my study. My promise to the ADBC family is to pray these verse every day I am in my study this year.

Remember to send your stories of God at work to stories@adbc.org

Monday Reflections

2012-01-09T17:07:00.001-05:00

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

Thanks for the positive comments about the Vision message. I believe the big challenge God is laying before is this year is to Know Jesus Better.

Numbers represent people God loves. This past Sunday 1562 people came to ADBC! Thanks be to God!

Big Thought for the week: Knowing Jesus better depends on the direction of your heart.

To all Football fans: no comment on Clemson v. West Virginia. But, wasn't Tebow impressive Sunday?

Smile: To all of you who wondered about my quote from Mark Twain ("The man who carries a cat by the tail learns something about cats you can learn no other way"), you may wonder if I have a cat. I do not. I have a teenager. The species are similar:
– Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when you call them by name.
– No matter what you do for them, it is not enough. Indeed, all humane efforts are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of waiting on them hand and foot.
– You rarely see a cat walking outside of the house with an adult human being, and it can be safely said that no teenager in his or her right mind wants to be seen in public with his or her parents.
– Even if you tell jokes as well as Jay Leno, neither your cat nor your teen will ever crack a smile.
– No cat or teenager shares you taste in music.
– Cats and teenagers can lie on the living-room sofa for hours on end without moving, barely breathing.
– Cats have nine lives. Teenagers carry on as if they did.
– Cats and teenagers yawn in exactly the same manner, communicating that ultimate human ecstasy — a sense of complete and utter boredom.
– Cats and teenagers do not improve anyone’s furniture.
– Cats that are free to roam outside sometimes have been known to return in the middle of the night to deposit a dead animal in your bedroom. Teenagers are not above that sort of behavior. Thus, if you must raise teenagers, the best sources of advice are not other parents, but veterinarians. It is also a good idea to keep a guidebook on cats at hand at all times. And remember, above all else, put out the food and do not make any sudden moves in their direction. When they make up their minds, they will finally come to you for some affection and comfort, and it will be a triumphant moment for all concerned.

PLUS one young lady from our church took up the challenge of picking up her cat by the tail:

I was assured that neither girl nor cat was harmed in the taking of this picture.

Sermon Discussion Questions

2012-01-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sermon Title: Do WeKnow Jesus

Text: Ephesians1:17-19a

1. In your opinion,what are the characteristics of a people who claim to know Jesus, but reallydon’t?

2. In your opinion,why do people not seek the solutions of God the Father?

3. In your opinion,when a person has the Holy Spirit giving them wisdom and revelation/insight,how do they live?

4. In your opinion,how would a person live who had hope in their calling in Christ?

5. In your opinion,how would a person live who thought rich and lived generously?

6. In your opinion,how would a person live who was aware of God’s power working in them and in theworld?

7. In your opinion,what would happen if ADBC was truly a church that knew Jesus this year?

A Shout from God

2012-01-06T15:54:00.000-05:00

A member shared this whisper/shout from God with me. Just a reminder that God is still speaking and we need to be listening:

Pastor Clay I want to tell you abouta SHOUT I received from God yesterday. My sister was put inICU in critical condition on Christmas Eve. She was in total kidney failure andmany other medical problems. I happened to watch the show 60 Minutes yesterdayand it was about a monastery in Greece, wonderful show, very educational. Thesemen pray incesscently. 24 - 7. They pray. I actually felt God scream at me topray like the Monks there. I started praying immediately and prayed all night,I took no breaks and I never stopped to sleep or drink. This morning thedoctors can not explain it but her kidneys started working. They were preparedto fly her to Oklahoma City to start dialysis this morning. She does not needto go now. Thank you for telling me God can do miracles and that He is nolonger a baby but a Warrior!

Celebrating ADBC Cares

2012-01-05T21:04:00.000-05:00

This year the people of ADBC helped provide Christmas for many.

Twenty Bible Community Groups participated in the Adopt a Family program. Between them, they adopted 20 families/adults and made Christmas better for 47 children. Some of the groups did provide something for the parents as well and that number is 9 adults.

We also had an individual in the church that adopted a family of 1 adult and 3 children and another individual adopted 1 adult (this adult is in the church).

A squadron from Shaw contacted Kelly Parker, our Benevolence Coordinator, and shed helped them adopt 3 families that came for assistance. That was 3 adults and 7 children.

Grand total: 25 families/adults adopted this year! (14 adults and 57 children) Thank you for sharing the love of Jesus!

This Can Be Your Best Year Ever IF....

2012-01-04T14:28:00.000-05:00

How will you make 2012your best year ever?

Maybe you will make animpressive list of resolutions, detailing plans for self improvement infinances, health, and relationships. Reality check: how did thoseresolutions work for you last year? Thetruth is about 92% of those resolutions won’t be kept. Why?

We don’t keep resolutionsbecause we assume we have enough will-power to overcome our problems. We think if we just try harder we can doit. We make our problems harder becausewe try to tackle all our troubles at once. By the second week of January (sometimes the second day) our will poweris overloaded. In a moment of stress wemake an exception. That exceptionbecomes a breach in the dike of resolve. We’re back to the same old patternswith the same old results in a matter of days – or hours.

There is a differentway. Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdomof God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Another translation would be, “Put God incharge and follow His way of thinking, and He will take care of everythingelse.”

Stovall Weems expresses itlike this: “This can be your best year ever if it is your best yearspiritually.”

Decide to make this yourbest year spiritually. Talk to God aboutwhat this year could look like. Ask Godfor His input.

God might tell you to readthe Bible through in a year – it’s a doable challenge. God might tell you go onan adventure – it may be a mission trip or it might to lead the group nextdoor. God might tell you to experiencetrue generosity for the first time – giving not out of guilt but out of joy!

Here’s the challenge toyou and to me: Let’s make 2012 our bestyear spiritually – and it will be our best year ever.

Grace and Happy New Year,

Clay

Tuesday Reflections

2012-01-03T09:36:00.000-05:00

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

First, Happy New Year!

Been on vacation - in fact, still on vacation! Last day before back to work tomorrow. Went to the Gator Bowl - nice to see Florida win. Glad for a USC win too!

Heard Condy did great job Sunday. Glad so many of you were present to start new year off right and celebrate the Lord's Supper.

This Wednesday night - Shipes share in TruLife more about their ministry in Botswana.

I am asking you to please make it a priority to be in worship Sunday. I want to share with you from my heart the challenges I think we as church family will face in the next two years. It has less to do with buildings and more to do with Knowing Jesus!

BIG THOUGHT: This can be your best year ever, if it is your best year spiritually.

Smile: A list of my past New Years Resolutions

2008: I will get my weight down below 180 pounds.
2009: I will follow my new diet religiously until I get below 200 pounds.
2010: I will develop a realistic attitude about my weight.
2011: I will work out 3 days a week.
2012: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week, on my way to get a Hardee's Sausage biscuit.

Sermon Discussion Questions

2012-01-01T13:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Sermon Title: A Jar ofPerfume

Text: Mark14:3-9

1. What elements of powerful worship do we find in otherworship passages/stories in the Bible? (For example: Mark 14:3-9, Isaiah 6,2Samuel 6:12-16, Acts 16:22-30)

2. What do they tell us about worship in 2012?

3. Why do we hold back from giving our best to God?

4. What do communion and baptism have to do with totalsurrender to Jesus?

5. How can you give your best to God? How can Alice Drive Baptist Churchgive her best to God?

6. What are the specific areas of your life that you needto surrender to God?

Jesus’ Christmas List…

2011-12-22T09:14:00.000-05:00

What wouldJesus really like for Christmas?

Humility from every leader of countries, companies, churches, and families.
Acts of Kindness toward the least of these – those hungry, thirsty, homeless, needy, sick, and in prison.
Republicans to say kind words about Democrats. Democrats to say kind words about Republicans. The whole “love your enemies” thing.
Less greed, more generosity.
Repentance.
His church to have “a little less talk and a lot more action.”
Courage for His church to risk more for mission.
Less stress around His birthday and more time with Him.
His people to be joyful and hopeful.
Followers that follow and worshippers that worship.
Everyone to have a childlike moment of wonder at His world.
Hard headed people to be soft hearted.
You to give grace to other the way He gives grace to you.
A spiritual adventure with you.
Real conversation when you listen as much as you talk to Him.

Andmost of all – Jesus wants You. He wantsrelationship with you. He wants you tobe forgiven. He wants you to know grace.

Anything onthe list you can give Him?

Grace,

Clay

From allthe Smiths –Clay, Gina, Abram, Hannah, and Sarah – May you worship the Kingthis Christmas Season with all your heart. Merry Christmas.

Monday Reflections

2011-12-19T09:19:00.001-05:00

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

Amazing Day of Worship at ADBC! Loved the Carol Medley. The Hallelujah Chorus was a great statement of triumphant truth: The Kingdoms of this World have become the Kingdoms of our Christ!.

Big Thought for the week: How would your life change if you began to live a Heavenly life now?

Join us for Christmas Services Dec. 23rd and 24th at 7:00. Identical services celebrating the birth of the King.

Celebrate Jesus' Birthday by worshipping Him - Sunday, Dec. 25th -one service at 10:00 am.

Smile: A minister is visiting his children to celebrate Christmas. When he walks into the house, he sees a beautiful nativity set.

His granddaughter walks up to him, and he asks her if she knows what it is.

She replies, "Yes... it's breakable."

Sermon Discussion Questions

2011-12-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Series Title: TheBest Christmas Story Never Told

Sermon Title: He Creates

Text: Revelation7:9-17

1. In your opinion, why do people hold on to theirprejudices instead of accepting why God loves all people?

2. In your opinion, why do people want to believe theirown salvation (works, grace, etc?)

3. In your opinion, how would church change if peopleaccepted they could do nothing to earn salvation?

4. Describe ways people can give praise, honor, wisdom, strengthand honor to God.

5. In your opinion, why are people so reluctant about thetransforming power of the blood of Jesus?

6. God invites us to live a transformed life by followinghis Leadership and embracing the reality he is in charge. What is the biggest obstacle to letting Jesusbe our shepherd?

7. If eternal life begins now, what would you suggest aperson do as if they were already living in heaven?

Sermon Discussion Questions

2011-12-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Series Title: TheBest Christmas Story Never Told

Sermon Title: He is theSacrifice

Text: Revelation5:1-14

1. What did the sermon today teach you about Jesus beingthe Worthy Lamb?

2. What did the sermon today teach you about theatmosphere of heaven?

3. In your opinion, would people rather see Jesus as ababy or a sacrificed Lamb? Why?

4. Pastor Clay explained today the idea of paying a ransomfor a slave so they could shift from a human master to a God as a master. In your opinion, do Christians understandthis exchange? What would be points ofresistance?

5. In your opinion, why would Christians not want theJesus movement to be heard and embraced by all people?

6. In your opinion, why would a person chose to standinstead of bow?

Directions

2011-12-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

When Does Your Story Begin?

Sooner or later, everychild asks, “Where did I come from?” Some adults may blush while others calmly explain that because Mommiesand Daddies love each other they want to have babies.

The question “Where did Icome from” is really a question that asks, “When did my story begin?” We want to hear stories about how Mom and Dadmet, how they fell in love. Sometimes wethirst to hear stories about why Mom or Dad isn’t in our lives anymore.

If you read the Bible, somewherealong the way you make the connection that the Bible’s story is really yourstory. Just like Adam and Eve, you’vemade poor choices. God calls you to anadventure like He called Abraham and Sarah. Just when you start to protest your unworthiness, like Moses, God tellsyou the job is yours. You have beenblessed and you still mess up – like David; God forgives you.

Your story is likePeter’s: flawed, but still chosen. You are like Paul: called to change the worldwherever you go. You are John, belovedby Jesus, and given a message to share. Your story is the Bible’s story.

Learn a little churchhistory. You are Gregory the Great,called to responsibility in the church without losing your love for Jesus. You are St. Francis of Assisi, opening your eyes to the amazing workof God in every moment of life. You areJohn Calvin, Martin Luther, John Smyth, and Thomas Helwys, who saw a churchthat strayed from scripture and rallied to the idea that the Bible alone wasenough.

Reading scripture and reading church history, though, onlystarts the conversation. The truth isyour story begins much earlier, earlier even than the words of Genesis. Your story begins when there was no time, nostars, no gravity – when there was nothing you and I recognize as “universe.”

There was only God. Your story begins and my story begins whenGod says “I make a universe.” I can onlyimagine there was conversation between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit before Godspeaks. That conversation had toacknowledge how this creation business would turn out. For the universe to be more than a wind-uptoy (and it surely is more than a wind-up toy), space for choice and freedomwould also be necessary. And God knewwhat we would do with choice and freedom.

So the plan, from thefoundation of the world, would require redemption built in. From the beginning, it was clear that asacrifice would have to be made. The Sonwould have to come into that which was created, exist in this world, and pay aprice to buy back what creation would wreck by using its freedom.

Before the light shown,God knew you. Before the light shown,God planned Christmas.

When did your storybegin? The same time Christmasbegan. Your story is the story ofChristmas – a sinner who needed a Savior.

Grace,

Clay

Monday Reflection

2011-12-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

Great start to the message series "The Greatest Christmas Story Never Told." Thanks to the Scott and Tonya Shipes for sharing about their work in Botswana. Plus a great joy to see three folks baptized. The song "Adore Him" really touched my heart.

Amazed by the great work our groups are doing - reaching out to people. One group has adopted a family for a year! Now that's like Jesus!

Big Thought for the week: When you sin against Jesus' church, you sin against Jesus. Need to do any repenting?

To all Football fans: Congrats to Clemson for beating Va Tech. USC to play Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl; Florida will play Ohio State in Gator Bowl. Wonder who Urban Meyer will pull for?

Smile: Definition of a Husband: A man who buys Football tickets four months in advance and does his Christmas Shopping on December 24.

Grace,

W. Clay Smith
Lead Pastor

From ADBC to Africa

2011-12-06T11:17:00.001-05:00

This is an article about Operation Inasmuch in Botswana. How did Open Baptist Church hear about it? Norman Schafer, visited our church last year. ADBC has impacts beyond our imagination!

By Lorraine Kalal

He said “No,” but she said, “Yes” to volunteers from Open Baptist Church, Gaborone, Botswana (in southcentral
Africa), who were delivering food boxes to families as one of their Inasmuch Day projects. He is a
traditional witch-doctor. She is his wife and normally would not have gone against his authority, BUT she
had already seen the love expressed by the church through the Inasmuch volunteers.
Delivering Food and the
Gospel
Though the witch-doctor’s wife had never attended the church, when she saw the volunteers painting a
security wall in her community, she grabbed a roller and joined the effort. Later that day, other volunteers
from the church showed up at her home offering a box of food. Without hesitating, she let them in and
accepted the gift — over the objections of her husband. And the story only gets better….
A few days later, the witch-doctor’s wife attended a prayer meeting at the church!
Open Baptist conducted their very first Inasmuch Day On November 19,
with 160 volunteers involved in 9 projects. In addition to painting security walls and delivering food, Open
Baptist volunteers visited an orphanage, a hospital, and the local prison where about 130 inmates are
incarcerated.
At the prison, roughly 30 of the inmates participated in a Bible study and 14 of them prayed to receive
Christ!! Prison officials have asked if the volunteers from Open Baptist would come back on a regular basis.
A church member who is a chaplain at the prison is organizing what they believe will be an ongoing ministry.
“Altogether, we served about 500 people,” says Jeff Sukup, Missions Pastor at the church. He continues:
What’s interesting is that there is no word in the Botswana language for volunteer.
Botswanians are consumed with doing what is necessary merely to survive, so the idea of serving
others is foreign to them. Our church has many ex-patriots and well-educated professionals from
the university across the street. Therefore, we could implement the Inasmuch Day model of
community ministry without some of the cultural challenges that might exist elsewhere in Africa.
One woman in our church expressed what many others felt when she said many times how blessed
she was to be involved in such a caring ministry as Operation Inasmuch
Open Baptist learned about Operation Inasmuch when our Senior Pastor Norman Schafer visited
Alice Drive Baptist Church in Sumter, South Carolina last spring. He brought back the concept of
an Inasmuch Day and we implemented it in November.
Volunteers Prepare to Visit an Orphanage
“We didn’t even know your organization existed,” Sukup emailed David Crocker. Now a working
relationship has been formed and we are exploring ways to help Open Baptist conduct an Inasmuch United inGaborone.
“Needless to say, this is an exciting new chapter in the Inasmuch story,” says David Crocker, Executive
Director of Operation Inasmuch, Inc. “It’s HUGE for us that God has used Operation Inasmuch to introduce
compassion ministry in a part of the world where the needs are enormous. It shows once again that God has
big plans for this ministry.”

Sermon Discussion Questions

2011-12-04T13:34:00.000-05:00

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Series Title: TheBest Christmas Story Never Told

Sermon Title: He OwnsChurch

Text: Revelation1:10-20

1. Which of Jesus’ attributes in Revelation 1:12-21 spoketo you most today?

2. In your opinion, what would a church look like if Jesuswas acknowledged as King?

3. Describe an experience you heard of when a churchrefused to acknowledge Jesus as King.

4. In your opinion, what kinds of destructive words andactions directed toward Jesus’ church need to be repented?

5. Describe a hero for Jesus’ church you have encountered?

6. In your opinion, what does our church need to do toguard against self-obsession?

7. Based on what Scott and Tonya shared this morning, whattouched you about their work in Botswana?

8. What church or churches do you need to pray for?

Directions

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Some Updates…

· Questions havebeen asked about the conversion of the room in the Southwest corner of theWorship Center and its future use. We’recalling this the Next Step Room. We’veseen rooms similar to this in several churches. During response time, some people do not like to come forward. Some people need to have an extendedconversation with a pastor after the service. And some people need some more information about their next step. This room will provide an easily accessiblespace to have conversations about next steps toward Jesus. During the week, it can be used for meetings,etc. I think this room is going to be aninvaluable ministry tool for our church for years to come.

· I received avery insightful email from a member about our new organ. He shared that he thought the organ was agood idea, but was puzzled about our getting it and then trying to raise moneyfor it. “Doesn’t our church discouragedebt?,” he said. “Are we inadvertentlysending the message that you can get what you want now and pay later?”

Oops. This is a very valid point. I can honestly say it was never mentioned inall the conversations we had with church leaders. This goes to show we are not perfect, andeven leaders to ask for grace. Soforgive us for when our practice does not match

ourpreaching.

· Having saidthis, let me share with you a deep conviction I have about a new ministryopportunity. I have been convinced forsome time that our church needs to have a video presence on the web. The firststep is to webcast the weekly messages.

Ibelieve this important for two reasons. First, many of our members and attenders deploy for lengthy periods oftime. If have video recording on the website of each message, they could see, not just hear the message. Second, before people visit a church, theywant to see something of the preaching and teaching of the church. A video presence will help them do this.

Todo this, we will need to upgrade our video equipment with an initial investmentof $25,000. I would like to see us havethe equipment purchased and be ready to stream video by Easter, 2012 (April 8). Join me in prayer about this need.

· The contractfor the new Student Building has been awarded and the steel has beenordered. Harrington Construction assuresus that barring any unforeseen weather delays, the building should be completedin 120 days. Pray for good weather!

· Sunday Scottand Tonya Shipes will be here and share in all three services. We’ll be launching a new message series, “TheBest Christmas Story Never Told.” Thisis going to be a great season of worshipping the King at Alice Drive!

Grace

Clay

Sermon Discussion Questions

2011-11-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Series Title: Genuine

Sermon Title: Reflection

Text: James1:19-25

Is it possible that our attitudes or habits towards others mirror the attitudes or habits we have towards God and his word?

Are you “quick to listen” to God? What roadblocks make this hard?

How are we “quick to speak/anger” with God?

What are the far-reaching implications of public and high profile hypocrisy in God’s church?

What does God’s word really reveal to those who are careful to look intently?

Do you know any “hearers” who are also “doers”? What do they look like? What do they do?

What are the character building steps we can take to make sure we are not counterfeit Christians?

Thanks for 2011…

2011-11-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when we listthings we’re thankful for, it sounds like bragging. This is not a bragging list – this is a listthat honors our God and points to all He has done in this year.

· More than 70people have taken their next step and been baptized this year. Thanks be to God!

· We crossed thefinish line for Build on the Rock, reaching our goal of $2,000,000. It was a long journey of 4.5 years, but Ithank God for your faithfulness.

· God provided anew children’s team: Julie Daniel, ourAssociate Pastor Preschool, stepped up to be our Associate Pastor – Children’sMinistries. Ashleigh Sease became ourPreschool Director, Kristi Hipkins became our Children’s Director, and MandyEaston became our Children’s Events Coordinator.

· God providedan Outreach Pastor, Condy Richardson. After four years, our ministerial staff is finally back to fullstrength.

· We need a fullstrength staff – for God is trusting more and more people to His church atAlice Drive. Our weekend attendance isup more than 12%. More amazing, ourMinistry Giving is up 12% as well – in this economy! Thanks be to God!

· We have addedanother 100 parking places and re-routed the campus circle road to create asafer environment. This was possiblebecause people gave generously to Build on the Rock.

· We renovatethe modular unit from Shaw to provide office space. This helped us gain 4,300 square feet at thecost of $55 a square foot. That is amiraculous bargain – God’s provision.

· We dedicatedthis past Sunday four new preschool rooms in Celebration Station. This will help us care for an additional 60preschoolers on Sunday mornings. Thanksbe to God!

· We have letthe contract on the new Student building – This will add about 4,900 squarefeet of classrooms for our students. Wehope to have this completed by March of 2012.

· We sent outthree mission teams this summer – two to Botswana and one to Beaufort, SC. We continue to be the primary support forScott and Tonya Shipes and their ministry in Botswana to train children’sworkers.

· Easter of 2011brought the largest crowd ever to ADBC – over 2200 people. To me, that is humbling. God must trust us a lot.

· God spoke tous through His word – series like “Can we talk about Sex?,” “Jump,” and“Whispers from God” were among the most challenging I have ever preached, yetwere among the most well received.

This Thanksgiving week,would you pause and give God thanks not just for your personal blessings, butalso for how He has blessed His people at Alice Drive. To Him to be the Glory!

Grace and HappyThanksgving,

Clay

Monday Reflections

2011-11-21T14:27:00.001-05:00

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

Great Day Sunday! Dedication of new Organ, Dedication of Preschool Space, and great Thanksgiving Meal - over 500 present. Also great to have Sumter High Choir help us in all three services.

Heads Up: This Sunday:Finish upGenuineseries. If you have not yet taken GROW or GO class, next opportunity is Dec. 4 at 6:00 pm.

Thought to carry with you this week: If your source of guidance is yourself, you will self-destruct. If your source of guidance is Jesus, you God will instruct.

Smile: Q: What did one turkey say to the other before Thanksgiving Dinner?
A: You're not going dressed like that are you?

Have a great Thanksgiving - and remember to give thanks to our wonderful God!

Sermon Discussion Questions

2011-11-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Series Title: Genuine

Sermon Title: Source

Text: James1:13-18

1. Have you ever heard someone blame God for theirsin? Why do you think they did that?

2. In your opinion, why is it good news that God cannot betempted?

3. Describe a time when you have seen someone’s desiresdraw them out and bait them toward sin.

4. Describe someone you know whose choices have been thesource of destruction in their lives.

5. In your opinion, why do most people resist admittingthey are the source of many of their problems?

6. In your opinion, why should it comfort us that God isunchanging?

7. In your opinion, what would a life look like thatre-sourced to a pre-sin condition?

A Whisper From God When you Hear News You don't Want to Hear...

2011-11-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

I appreciate the honesty of this Mom, when she hears news she doesn't want to hear:

My oldest child hasbeen a typical First Child... he has been very, very easy to raise. He issmart, well mannered, he was a perfect student in school, now college, I don'tever remember a time where he "tested" me as a parent. I amsure he and his brothers aggravated me from time to time, but most childrendo.

I heard God whisper to me. It was ONE simple word, but at the time-it was all Icould absorb. My angel child who had always been a perfect child in everyway, opened up to me. He told me as we were driving down the road that he was"gay". I froze, I immediately began to think about him from thefirst day he was born..... I kept hearing the word "breathe" in my head. Breathe- it was all I could let myself hear, and even though itwas such a simple little verb,and natural reflex I could barely do it. Iknew it was a godly message. I know God allowed me to say exactly whatneeded to be said at that moment.

When this series first began I instantly thought of this moment.

It changed my life. It changed my child's life. I know he is a child of God. I have been so hurt by the path he has chosen, but it does notchange that he is my son. He is the same child he was before his confession tome. This has made me focus on how I was raised, and how I want the restof my children to be raised. I want my children to know unconditional love. Iwant them to know that I will do all I can to not judge them. I also want themto know they can depend on Jesus Christ. Even when they feel alone.

It has forced me to listen to God.
I had no idea how much He wanted my attention. I have been taking forgranted many many things in my life. I am thankful for my own personal pathwith God, and I pray daily to accept things I cannot change.

An Organ?

2011-11-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

Our church is buying anorgan.

I never thought we woulddo this. We had an organ in the oldbuilding on Miller Road, but during the years we worshipped in NettlesAuditorium, we did without an organ. Afew people asked if we would put an organ in our present building. I would laugh and say, “If someone gives us$100,000 to put one in!” No one took meup on my offer.

We’ve worshipped over 10years in this building without an organ. We’ve created organ sounds through a keyboard, but let’s face it: itsounds like a keyboard trying to sound like an organ.

In church world, peopleare saying that traditional worship is dead. I always am suspicious of such a statement. What I think people really mean is they don’twant to go back to boring worship – and true worship is never boring.

Over the years we haveinvested resources of time and money to make worship a genuine experience. We have not made any major investments in ourtraditional service. It’s time.

Surprisingly, ourtraditional service, at the challenging time of 8:30, remains strong andgrowing. There are people in Sumter wholike a service that is more hymn based.

Our church leadershipbelieves that we have an opportunity to help people who like hymns and organstake their next step toward Jesus. Buying an organ is a step to fulfill that mission.

We are buying this organon faith. We have already received somefunds toward this – but we will need people to give over and above gifts tocomplete the purchase.

We are getting abargain. Our organ will be demonstrator– a $50,000 organ that we will cost us $27,000. We will allow the company providing the organ to bring other folks inabout once a month and hear how our organ sounds.

This Sunday, we shouldhave the organ installed and use it for the first time. We’re going to use it in all three services.

Remember that an organ isa tool – just like a guitar, a piano, a camera, a microphone. Our prayer is that is that it will help manypeople take their next step toward Jesus.

Grace

Clay

God Speaking through WKRP in Cincinnati

2011-11-15T15:59:00.000-05:00

Can God speak through a classic sitcom?

I love watching classic TV shows from mychildhood and seeing them through the eyes of an adult. Sometimes they arefunnier. Sometimes they are dumber. And sometimes they throw out a zinger.

One fave of mine is “WKRP in Cincinnati” which runs every Sunday. I’ve alwaysthought if I were a DJ, I’d want to be like Dr. Johnny Fever. But I could neverbe as cool as Johnny. And radio isn’t big like it was in the 70s, so I’m out ofluck all the way around. But watching the other night I heard God talking to meand so did Johnny.

The episode is called, appropriately, God Talks to Johnny and in it, Dr. Feverthinks he’s heard a voice talking to him in his apartment and he believes it’sGod. He asks everyone at the radio station if they believe in God and do theythink God talks to people. He can’t believe that God might talk to him. Of allpeople.

In the end, he calls the station owner, Mr. Carlson, and has him meet himaround 3am at the local hospital’s psych ward and is ready to check himself in.He’s waited the entire time to talk to this man, who is the one person on theshow that he knows is a religious man. One who attends church regularly andeven teaches Sunday School.

Mr. Carlson wants to know what God said to Johnny and he tells him that Godtold him that he loves him and wants him to do great things. Finallyfrustrated, Mr. Carlson tells Johnny that even if it’s not God talking to him,how could it be bad when someone tells you that they love you? Johnny stillhems and haws over believing it’s God and questions how can he know that God istalking to him? How can he know it’s really God? Mr. Carlson finally replies,“Listen buster, if God has something he wanted to say, you'd hear it!”

Well, I think he got it right folks. I really think he did..

Personally, I spend a lot of time praying to God for answers. I have so manyquestions and so few answers. I always pray for big, bright, flashing neonsigns so that if God is speaking to me, I’ll know that it’s really Him doingthe talking. But I frequently lose sight of the fact that if God has somethingto say to me, then I’d hear it. I’d know it was God talking to me withouthaving to wonder and question and ponder.

I am really hoping God has something He wants to say to me. And I hope I’vecleared my head enough to hear it.

Spiritual Position Assessment

2011-11-14T21:50:00.000-05:00

Questions in Group A:

Question 1: I believe life happens to me. Yes or No

Question 2: I struggle with fear and anxiety. Yes or No

Question 3: I need more money. Yes or No

Question 4: People have made my life hard. Yes or No

Question 5: I am waiting for my big break. Yes or No

If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, you struggle with poverty thinking. It means you tend to see yourself as victim, powerless, and always needing more. You need to remember you are a child of the King and have been promised hope, eternal riches, and power.

Now the Questions in GroupB:

Question 1: I believe my choices make a difference in mylife. Yes or No

Question 2: I want to live as long as possible. Yes or No

Question 3: I have at least one possession that is reallyimportant to me. Yes or No

Question 4: I have taken steps to protect my financialfuture. I have insurance, I have wills,etc. Yes or No

Question 5: I’m proud of the success of my family. Yes or No

If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, you struggle with wealth thinking. It means you tend to be self-sufficient, strive to be in control, and always seeking opportunities. You need to remember that you are a child of the King, not the King himself. Practice humility. Have pride in your low status - that God's love for you does not depend on your success or what you have.

Monday Reflection

2011-11-14T14:45:00.001-05:00

Hello Good People of AliceDrive

Hope you enjoyed the second message in the Genuine series. Big thoughtof the day: If you don't where you are, you don't know the direction of yournext step. Check out Spiritual Position Assessment posted on this blog.

Coming this Sunday: Dedication of new preschool space, Thanksgiving meal,and for Traditional service - a new organ! Plus the Lord's Supper in all three services.

Thought to carry with you this week: Are you thinking like a child of the King?

Humility is served: the Gator got eaten by the big Chicken.

A Whisper to have Courage and Finish

2011-11-14T13:43:00.000-05:00

We posted Bible verses on the walls one Sunday and this person got a Whisper:

When I went to pick out a verse card off theworship center wall last Sunday, I went to the Courage location. I feelthat I am being challenged by God to exhibit more courage in my Christian walk,so I wanted to see if the verse I selected would speak to me (I didn't know atthe time that all the verse cards in each section had the same verse). When I read "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD",I immediately heard God whisper that having Courage is an attitude, a decisionyou consciously make. It's not a feeling you feel, but an outlook onliving that you "have". It's like the Nike slogan: "JustDo It". Just Have Courage.

When looking up this verse in my Bible, I came across my WMHK guide for readingthrough the Bible in a year. I had started this guide about three yearsago, and became stopped at September 26. God whispered to me that I hadtime to finish it yet this year. So with His help, and by my sharing withyou this whisper I received so I can be held accountable, I will have readthe Bible through for the first time before 2012 arrives.

Isn't God good?