This week we were able to capture an amazing story on video from a single mom who attends Milestone. Her name is Connie Nunez and when I heard about her life over the last several years I was so encouraged! Life as a single mom can be difficult and demanding, but as you’ll see in Connie’s story – that doesn’t mean you give up and it doesn’t mean you stop trusting God.
As a pastor, a son, and a father I see the incredible influence of godly mothers on a daily basis. You never stop praying, never stop loving, never stop carrying the burden of doing everything you can to see your children pursue God’s plan for their lives. I want to thank you for serving and building the Kingdom by honoring this sacred calling God’s given you.
We see this pattern throughout Scripture. God honored Jochebed’s selfless love and courage by rescuing her son from the river and using Moses to change the world. Hannah’s obedience and faith transformed Samuel into a man who could hear God not just for his own life, but for his entire nation. Eunice had no way of knowing her baby boy Timothy would grow up to become one of the most vital leaders in the early church, but her prayers and training prepared him for that role.
“Don’t ever underestimate
your opportunity to make a difference”
We’ve been in a series at Milestone called Eschatology and so far I feel like it’s connecting with people. Why? Because so many people have questions about the end times and the book of Revelation. We took some time in the series to talk about the second coming of Christ and what that means for the Church. Whether you consider yourself a premillennialist, postmillennialist, or amillennialist here are some practical things to keep in mind as we wait for Christ’s return…
1) Stay out of the ditch!
On one side you have escapism/premillennialist side where we wait for the world to burn. Run up your credit cards, trash the earth, who cares, it’s all going to burn anyway. “Some glad morning, I’ll fly away.” On the other side of the ditch you have a heavy dominion postmillennial side where it’s more about you than it is about Jesus. The key is to stay centered and not let yourself get pulled heavily into either side of the road.
2) Get more engaged with the mission of God
This is where the amillennial could struggle and lose urgency. Remember – Jesus gives us a parable from Luke 19 in response to people questioning him for preaching to Zaccheus. Jesus view of the end caused Him to be more urgent in His mission. When you see eternal life as a progression, it makes you want to step deeper into everything God has for you and to give yourself to God’s purposes. Do business this way until I come is a standing order. Just like the standing order God gave us in the Garden to steward the earth.
God’s mission is to redeem and restore all of Creation. That’s been His plan from the beginning. Romans 8: all of Creation waits for the sons of God to be revealed. Why would it say that? Because God’s mission will bless and redeem all of Creation and that’s what we’re being invited into.
3) Long for His return with joy and worship
You should long for it. You should want God to come and judge the earth because if you’re in Him and trusting His righteousness, you’ll never be scared to be judged. Judgment isn’t like getting ready for a test or being pulled over by a police officer. Judgment is the world being made right by the only One who knows what that looks like. We don’t long for it so others will be punished or to escape our hard lives, but because we want to be with Jesus.
Pastor Larry Stockstill is a dear friend of mine and spoke at Milestone not too long ago. While he was here I had the chance to sit down with him and talk about something that he’s championed over his years of ministry: multiplication. His heart is to invest in leaders that will impact the kingdom of God for years to come.
I’m starting a new series this weekend called Eschatology and I’m really excited about it! People have a lot of questions surrounding the topic of end times and I want to share with you what the Bible has to say about it. The word eschatology literally means the study of the last things. The Bible is clear that there is a coming end to the world as it is now, and there is a coming end to all our lives.
“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement.” – Heb. 9:27
I want this series to help you look toward these future realities with a hope and a confidence. I’m praying this comes through some practical and spiritual understanding that I hope to provide you with over the next few weeks. It’s one of the most out of the box series we’ve ever done!
The reason I love our baptism testimony videos is because they put a name and face to our mission of reaching people and building lives. This video is too good not to show you. I know it impacted people this past weekend and I hope it encourages you as you watch it. It was so exciting to baptize over 60 people for Easter and celebrate with them in this amazing moment.
I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on Easter Weekend at Milestone, and there are 3 big take-aways I wanted to share with you:
1. People matter more than programs.
I think it’s easy for us to get a little carried away in our desire to put our best foot forward on Easter. After all, it is the “superbowl” for most pastors. We add cool videos to the service, rehearse the music, brainstorm awesome illustrations, time the service so it’s the perfect length. While these are important and add value to the overall experience, they are NOT the most important thing. People are. Guests connect to someone in our foyer. A small group leader invites someone new to their group. A child makes a new friend at Milestone Kids. Someone rediscovers hope. Someone is prayed for. Someone finds life! This is what matter most. People matter more than programs.
2. Our volunteers are amazing.
It took well over 400 volunteers to pull off the 7 services we had for Easter. Parking lot attendants, greeters, nursery workers, ushers, musicians, hospitality, production team, the list goes on and on. Bottom line, we couldn’t do it without them. I’m blown away by how many people are willing to serve with all their hearts at Milestone. By the way, if you’re looking for a good way to connect and make friends - serving on one our teams is a great way to do that.
3. God is faithful.
As I prayed for people leading up to Easter I prayed that God would change lives. That’s exactly what He did. 72 people gave their lives to Christ. THIS IS IT!! This is why we do what we do!! God was faithful and people were changed forever. Was Easter weekend a win? Absolutely, because God was faithful and impacted lives in a huge way.
If you missed our facebook event this morning, I shared some thoughts about Good Friday and the suffering that Jesus endured for us. This is Easter Weekend, and I can’t help but think about how much God loves you and I. He loves you so much that He sent His only son to die for us. Please take a moment to watch this today. I know it’ll encourage you because the story doesn’t end with Jesus on the cross!
Throughout the year Milestone looks for ways to give back. Sometimes we give to meet needs around the world like building orphanages, drilling water wells, or stopping human trafficking. But sometimes the need is right here in our back yard.
Yesterday Milestone missions partnered with the Community Storehouse to provide Easter dinner, Easter baskets, and some family fun to 430 families in need from our own community. Our church family donated 700 baskets, 475 gift bags, 800 hot dogs, and served all day to make this an impactful event for those that came.
When I think about Easter, I think about how much God gave to us – but this is our chance to give back! I love that we were able to serve and love others the way Jesus loves us.
