Am I A Life Saver Or A Boat Sinker?

Often times we forget that the church is not what we do in a 'building' but what we do in the world. We as Christians are the church so I love what Elevation did this weekend to start their summer concert series. Throughout this month they are honoring some of the greatest rock bands from the past. They did an intro video and 1 song from Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Aerosmith. It was phenomenal! They do that stuff not to give bands like that praise or to necessarily support them but just to have some fun. Pastor Steven got up and preached a powerful message...probably the best one that I have ever heard him preach but he talked about how some people will be offended by that music being played in church and will leave but for the lady that brought her husband for the first time after refusing for months...watching him rock his head back and forth and then take notes during the sermon...it's all worth it, because he wants to keep coming back. I'd say it's worth it because people far from God are coming to know Him in a real and personal way through this ministry and I am so glad to be apart of it.

Pastor Steven went on to preach from Acts 27 and the story of Paul riding a boat to Rome to stand trial for his faith. He tied in the story of Jonah running from God in Jonah 1. The comparison was that one is riding a boat, in chains, selling his freedom for the message of Christ...and the other is riding a boat trying to run away from God's will, making excuses and being negative. God's way is the best way even if it doesn't make sense to us. The question that rocked my world tonight was this...Is the boat that you are on better off because you are on board? The “boat” can represent your family, your business, your relationships, and any other place you find yourself in. Are the people around me encouraged and happy to see me because I am a light? ...Or does my attitude bring death to the 'boat'? People's lives should be better, not worse, because of our presence. The point is, we can bring many storms on other people by being on the wrong boat. The choices you are making right now will affect your future and the people you are around. Quit talking about Christ until you start living like it (1 John 2:6). All of us have people in our lives that we love to be around. They make our lives so much better because they are kind and reflect Christ. They encourage us and help us along this journey for the best. How can you be that person to others? Which boat are you on? Are you a life saver or a boat sinker?