What Happend in the 11:30 AM service today?

It’s 4:15 PM Sunday afternoon and I just woke up. I typically crash at 3:00 PM every Sunday.  I use to lay on the sofa and nod off and catch a nap. But, these days I pull back the covers and dive in the bed.  Like I said, I just got up. The house is silent because Patty is in Atlanta and Samuel is at a youth function.  I thought that I would use this as a time to de-brief about what happened in the 11:30 AM service (10/25/09).

If you were not in the 11:30 AM, you will not understand this post. If you were in that service, you will know exactly what I am talking about.  In a nutshell here it is:  The Lord was present to save.

Let me unpack that a little bit. As most of you know, I have been serving The Creek for nearly 22 years.  Today’s 11:30 AM service was unlike anything in the modern Creek history.  For those that were not there, I will try to fill you in, but honestly I do not remember everything that was said. The words were not mine (I know that sounds strange to some of you…oh well).

On a practical level, I preached the same message in all three services.  It was a message focusing on the Great Banquet parable that Jesus taught in Luke 14.  I felt good about the message going in.  Earlier in the week, Dave helped me craft the talk.  He has helped some in the past.  This week was a little different.  Todd and Dave met and had a number on new ideas for me to use.  It’s hard for me to use someone’s ideas, so I ask Dave to talk me through it.  He did and got up to leave. I said, “Wait a minute. We are going to write it out with you here.”  We did and the sermon was 60% done on Tuesday afternoon.  I worked on it a few hours on Thursday and two or three hours Saturday morning. 

It was a good message…not a masterpiece but something I was looking forward to sharing. I was able to take a drive up to Greenwood by myself on Friday and had some extra time praying about the service.  I felt good about the day.

I went to the Carolina game on Saturday evening and got home around midnight. I do not like ESPN Saturday night games.  They are too late for me. Games are something that gives me one-on-one time with Samuel so they are worth the investment.  I woke up this morning feeling good. I expected to be tired and moving kind of slow, but no so.

I got to the church a little after 7:00 AM and started going through the message.  I felt good about it and was excited to share it.  I was a little nervous about the table on the stage because I did not know how exactly I was going to use it.

I sensed the Lord in the first service and that made preaching easier than normal. The first service came off like a second or third service would normally.  It felt natural. Todd encouraged me to reshape the ending because I was not clear enough when I talked about the empty chair.  I thought that was good advice so I went into the 10 AM service with a desire to make the ending clear enough so that people would be personally challenged.

The 10 AM felt good.  By this time, I am usually getting a little tired and sometimes I have trouble staying focused. It’s harder than you think to preach three times in a row.  Many times in the third service, I have to concentrate to stay in the game.  My mind wanders.  As the music started in the third service, my mind drifted a little bit.  I started thinking about next week’s message, my schedule for the next few days and so forth.  As we worshiped I refocused my thoughts and started to pray for the people in the service.

My prayer soon turned to intercession.  I started praying in tongues fervently.  Now, I do this as a normal practice, but this was different. It was as if the Lord was praying through me in a directed manner.  You know when you pray in tongues, your spirit is praying but like Paul said, your mind is unfruitful.  As I am fervently praying, I had this thought, “Most people in this auditorium would freak out if they knew what I was doing.”  As I write this, I am smiling because that is funny to me.

I stepped up to preach the message with a desire to communicate it in a way that would touch many people. I wanted it to be better than the previous service.  It went well.  I felt as though the Lord used me and I did what I was supposed to do.  Todd sang and I closed in prayer. As I said, “Amen”, I sensed that the Lord was not finished with the message.  I paused at that moment. 

It is important to respect spiritual moments.  Pause and see what the Lord is doing in the room.  As I waited for a few seconds, the Lord prompted me to call people to be saved.  I thought, “Lord, I just said that.”  To be obedient, I reiterated the call to salvation.

Well, that’s about all I remember right now.  Words that I did not write started flooding my mind. I could not speak them fast enough. It was truly like the Prophet Jeremiah wrote … a fire in my bones. As I write this blog, I cannot tell you what I said. I remember challenging people to making a decision to follow Jesus to making him the LORD of their lives.  I also remember feeling that it was urgent that someone needed to change today. I had to convince them that life was short and that it was time to change directions.  There was urgency like I have not ever felt in our modern Creek history.  There was a call to stop playing church and starting walking in the truth. I remember going back and forth begging people to repent.  The flow of words slowed down and I gave a second call to faith.  This time I knew that I had everyone’s attention.

We have a problem at Stevens Creek and that is, when I go to close a service people start moving (getting Bibles, purses, etc). This often hinders me and others that are spiritually seeking.  Today, however, NO ONE was moving.  They recognized that we were in the presence of the Lord.  I asked people to raise their hands if they want to repent. Thirty, forty or fifty people put their hands up in the air.  It was amazing.  I honestly believe that people were saved today.  Some of these individuals may have prayed a prayer before but today I think that prayed this one with great sincerity.  I think they touched God.  Again, it was amazing.  I am so appreciative of what the Lord did today.

Here’s what I know. I can pray and preach good sermons and some people will make a decision to follow Christ. The Lord can come in through the power of the Holy Spirit and preach a five to ten minute sermon after I have already preached one and get scores of people saved.  That’s how it works. I say it frequently, “We need the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.” We need the power of the Holy Spirit in our preaching. He can do more than we imagine.

As I reflect on today’s events, I am honored to have witnessed a “move of God” at Stevens Creek Church.  I believe that we snatched some people from the gates of Hell today. I believe that Jesus worked miracles in our services … all four services not just the 11:30 AM.

As I left the stage, I looked at Todd and said, “Well, I guess that won’t be shown on television or the web.” He said, “I don’t know. We might need to show it.”  Here’s what we will do. As we review it, we will pray to see if that was a specific word for that particular service or if it was a word for a larger audience. If it is for a larger audience, we will put it on the web.  I may hesitate to put it on television because it is the meat of the word and many of our viewers can only handle milk.  We have to be sensitive to our target.

I pray that this is the beginning of a new move of the Lord at Stevens Creek.  If these individuals that raised their hand to make Jesus Lord tell their friends what happened and then their friends come and find faith, we are on the road to revival.  Be praying that God does exactly that.

Speaking of prayer, pray for me tomorrow morning as I begin on the message, “You can have a new life” for this coming week.  As you know, Ruby will be with us.  I want this to be a life-giving service for our friends.

Be blessed and have a great week.

Sincerely,

Marty

martybaker@stevenscreekchurch.com

MSN Mentions The Creek ... Responses to Article Not So Nice

Earlier this week MSN ran a story about the expanding use of bank cards in America.  In this article they briefly mentioned Stevens Creek.  As you read the article, you will see that there are nine new areas that are using electronic funds. Only one of the nine areas focus on the church, but if you read the responses you will see that most of the comments ignored the other eight areas and focused on the church.


When Patty read those comments, she said, "Marty, does that not bother you?"  Honestly, it doesn't at all.  I realize that people are quick to post things on Internet boards and very seldom do they think through the process before they post. These folks probably don't understand the Bible and definitely do not understand how a church operates. If I am ever given an opportunity to help them see the big picture, then there is a higher possibility of them coming around. Now, having said that, I realize that there are some folks that just do not like me or the church. They may never like me, but one day they will change their mind about the church. They will bow their knee and say, "Jesus is Lord." They will come to know that Jesus loved the church so much that He gave His life for it.


These negative comments came up in our staff meeting this week.  Wes busted out and said, "Just google Marty's name and you will see a whole host of negative comments about him."  Oh well.  That's life.  Here's what I know...most of those folks don't know me and the ones that do know me shouldn't be writing their negative thoughts on a board, but should come face-to-face.

Jesus taught that we should address issues one-on-one. If that doesn't work, then gather a couple of people and go to the individual and if that doesn't work take it to the Elders of the church.


Here's another thing that I know... Genesis 50:20: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is not being done, the saving of many lives.  I have learned through the years that God brings good out of the bad.  Speaking of that, after this story ran, a mega church with a national television ministry called Patty's office and said, "We read the negative posts about you.  We are interested in a quote for kiosks at our church."  Go figure.

Here's the article.  As you read it, you will notice that it is barely a mention, but sometimes it does not take much to get a conversation started.

Now even God takes credit cards

From churches to courts to Salvation Army kettles, more and more places allow you to keep your cash and pay with plastic. These 9 might surprise you.

No cash in your wallet? No problem. Today, everything from Salvation Army kettles and churches to DVD rental vending machines and subway systems will gladly take your plastic -- and more are coming on board every day.

Retailers and service providers are moving very quickly toward easy, rapid on-location payment systems. It's all about convenience, speed and ease of use. And for some businesses, that means an extra perk: People who pay with plastic tend to spend more than they would if cash were their only option.

Here are nine everyday places where plastic has replaced cash:

1. Government offices

You've been able to charge your federal tax payment since 1999, but did you know that in many locales you can now post Junior's bail with your credit card? Then, if you like, you can use the card to pay his court fines.

2. Churches

Once Junior has been rehabilitated, he can get his own credit card and go to church, where a kiosk will process his tithe. Marty Baker, the pastor of Stevens Creek Community Church in Augusta, Ga., designed a card reader for his church in 2005. He and his wife, Patty, have sold the technology to 115 other nonprofits through their company, SecureGive. The kiosks can process debit and credit payments or debit transactions only. "Some churches have a problem with the credit card aspect," says Patty Baker, "and we respect that. . . . But it's really only a handful of them." Baker says donations and donor networks are increasing. "People who don't think about bringing their checkbook to church now have an option."

3. Vending machines

Now you can use plastic to quench your thirst, download games or buy a DVD from a vending machine. ClearSky Mobile Media launched its first integrated mobile download station in 2004, while Sony kiosks with robotic arms premiered in malls in 2006 -- all of which accept plastic payments. MasterCard, meanwhile, made Coca-Cola available by credit, with 7,500 vending machines outfitted with readers in 2007.

4. Air travel

You might have to skip cocktails on your next flight unless you have some plastic. Nearly all major U.S. airlines accept credit. In fact, most require it for in-flight purchases. American Airlines, Southwest and United are among the newest cashless converts, while Continental, Delta and US Airways accept both cash and credit. The cash-only holdout is Northwest, but Delta has purchased it, so expect credit there as well. Tip: Kids flying solo (and other passengers without credit) can typically purchase vouchers for drinks or meals at the ticket counter.

5. Photo-printing kiosks

Remember when you took your film somewhere to be processed and then waited three days? Well, for several years now, photo-printing services have been available either through the Internet or through a kiosk at a retailer, and you can pay by credit card. Prices are reasonable with services such as Snapfish, which offers prints for 9 cents each.

6. Salvation Army kettles

This year, even Santa may take your credit card -- if he's ringing a bell and standing next to a red kettle. In 2008, Salvation Army chapters in El Paso County, Colo., Dallas-Fort Worth and Plano, Texas, became the first in the United States to provide bell ringers with credit card kettles.

"The number of contributions made was relatively small," says a spokesman, Maj. George Hood, "but the bright side was that the average gift was higher, between $15 and $20." More markets will be tested in 2009.

7. Fast-food restaurants

Burgers, subs and fried chicken all can be had for plastic. "Quick-service restaurants have all begun to accept cards within the past 10 years, really beginning in earnest over the past five years," says Christine Elliott, a vice president with American Express.

Some customers may think it's a bit embarrassing to charge two items from Burger King's dollar menu, but plenty have done it.

8. On your phone

With the iPhone's Inner Fence application, even you can accept credit cards. If you want to sell jewelry at the fair or open a booth at the local flea market, this is your chance. It will cost you $50 for the application, plus $15 per month for a payment gateway service and $10 per month for a customer-service processing system. Maybe you should start that dog-walking business after all.

9. On the road

You can also use credit when you travel by road or rail. "During the past decade, Visa has worked to expand acceptance in a variety of new locations... bridges and tolls, parking meters, auto parking lots and garages, taxicabs and limousines," Visa spokesman Ted Carr said.

The Chicago Transit Authority, which already accepts credit cards, is looking at "smart" cards with computer chips allowing them to be used for transportation. The cards would also work anywhere else a credit card is accepted. And the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority wants to implement a new contactless fare payment system.

With contactless cards, you don't insert, swipe or hand over the plastic. Just tap the card, and you're done. MasterCard launched PayPass in 2002, Visa has payWave, Discover has Zip, and American Express has ExpressPay. Retailers are slowly gaining interest. In 2009, Home Depot, Sports Authority and Circle K joined in.

This article was reported by Manya Kaczkowski for CreditCards.com


Link to article: http://bit.ly/3c7hFH

Are You Relationally Intelligent?

All of us have times in our lives that we need some help in the relationship department. Yes, sometimes we are not as smart as we would like to be when it comes to dealing with others. If you want to sharpen your relational skills, read the newest book from one Stevens Creek Church's own, Steve Saccone. We are proud of what God is doing through Steve and Cheri and of course little Hudson (who just turned one). Go to Amazon.com and get Relational Intelligence today.

Guess Who's Coming to The Creek on November 1st? Ruby Gettinger

This past summer Patty and I were watching Oprah re-runs on our DVR. Oprah highlighted three of the biggest reality television shows of the season: The Little People, John and Kate Plus Eight, and Ruby. Now, I had heard of the first two, but I did not know about Ruby. Her interview with Oprah caught our attention, so we set our DVR to record all of the episodes of Ruby on the Style Network. We became instant fans and by the end of the summer, we had watched most all of her shows.

Ruby's story is very interesting. At one point in her life she weighed 716 pounds; today she is down below 330 pounds. The show chronicles her weight-loss journey. It is very interesting and inspiring.

As Patty and I watched the show, I noticed several things. First of all, it was evident that Ruby is a Christian. In fact, there was one show where they had Ruby praying at the altar of The Sanctuary Church in Savannah. Patty and I smiled when we saw this because we know her pastor, Larry McDaniel. Pastor McDaniel was my pastor when I was in college. Later on Patty's sister and brother-in-law (JT's mom and dad) was Pastor Larry's Minister of Music when he served the North Cleveland Church of God before moving to Savannah. Well, long story short, we connected with Ruby, maybe because we had two degrees of separation. As we watched the show, we figured out that Todd and April went to Lee University with some of the folks on the show, so that gave us a three degree separation from Denny and Jeff.

Ruby has a new book out, "Ruby's Diary: Reflections on All I've Lost and Gained," and she is currently doing a book tour. In the last few weeks, you may have seen her on Fox News, NBC Today or Rachel Ray. Last week, I called one of the staff pastors at The Sanctuary in Savannah and simply asked, "Is Ruby the real deal?" They said, "Yes and her story is inspirational."

I called and Ruby is coming to Stevens Creek Church on November 1st. I had already turned in the title of the sermon that day and it is, "You can have a new life." Wow! This let me know that God was at work to bring a real life story to illustrate this message. It's going to be great.

Invite your friends, your work associates, your neighbors and your family to come to The Creek. Do it today.

Ruby Gettinger to Speak at The Creek on November 1st

Do you remember what happened October 1, 1995?

Have you noticed how our seasons of life are often time-stamped around a particular date? In my grandparents generation, you could ask them, do you know what you were doing on December 7, 1941 and they could tell you. For those non-historians reading this post, December 7 was the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked in the Pacific. That day shaped a generation. If you were to ask my parents, what they were doing on November 22, 1963, they could tell you? That was the day that JFK was shot and killed in Dallas? In recent history, one could point to September 11, 2001 as a day that changed history.

Do you know what you doing on October 1, 1995? Most of you cannot remember that particular date, but I can? It's not a date that is written in your history books, it's not a date that many people remember, but on it's a day that helped shape my life and ultimately helped shape the life of our church?

On October 1, 1995, Todd and April Sturgell joined the staff of our church. They were practically newly weds, not even old enough to rent a car, but they came to us with a raw passion to do church in a different way. They came to us with an innocence and purity that echoed through their music. When I heard them sing, I could sense the presence of the Lord in them.

In those days, Todd was a little intimidated with this new church gig, but he was determined succeed. He came with an open attitude and a willingness to learn. He came with a strong work ethic and an even stronger personal set of ethics. In fact, in fourteen years, his integrity has never been in question. He was and still is the real deal, honest, straight-forward and focused.

Todd and April did not come on staff to change our church, but they have. They have led us into a deeper understanding of worship and shown us how to live out what we believe. Their creative insight has opened our eyes to new ways of seeing God. They have taught and trained people to serve alongside of them in the ministry.

Todd's leadership gifts have helped to direct our congregation in significant ways. He was the first one to push for Grovetown. He has an understanding of where we are, but an eye on the future. Not only has he shaped our congregation, but he has set an example in our denomination. Recently, he was named the national "Minister of Music" of the year, but that title does not reflect the true influence he has over the young students that flow through Lee University and our denomination.

Today is October 1, 2009 ... it has been 14 years since Todd and April Sturgell join our staff at Stevens Creek. I am so thankful for their ministry, but most of all, for their friendship through the years.

May God bless them with His grace and abundant blessings.

Sincerely,

Marty