Prison Break

This week we start a new series titled "Prison Break." I know it sounds just like the T.V. show but this prisonbreak is different. We are not talking about a physical prison but a spiritual or emotional prison. I meet with people regularly that are struggling with depression, addictions, abuse, religion or financial and relational pain. These are the struggles that most of us relate to. Sure the real prisons are surrounded by concrete and steel but the emotional and spiritual prisons are far worse. The people that are chained up in these prisons look normal on the outside but deep within they are in such bondage that life becomes hopeless. Many don't even realize that they are in this kind of prison. Jesus said that he came to set the captives free. What is freedom to you? We live in a country with more freedoms that anywhere in the world, but do you feel free? Over the next 6 weeks, we will look at what it means to be set free. I hope that you make it a priority to hear each talk and even invite a friend or family member to hear this important series. Remember, "the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

I hope to see you this weekend at Regal's Cascade Cinemas

Pastor Rick

This morning I sit in my office dreaming about what God has for me and Living Hope. From last September 2005 to this September 2006 we have grown by 1900 people. I met with Geoff Surratt a pastor from Seacoast church in South Carolina and he told me that there are no systems that can handle that kind of growth. He said that once you come up with a system that will work you will have outgrown it. What is God doing? Some people criticize us for not doing things the way that they think we need to be doing them. I just say, oh well. Isn't it really about reaching people for Christ and loving God. God is doing something at Living Hope that I have never seen or experienced anywhere. We just need to keep depending on him and then let him work and not get in his way. It isn't about us, it's all about him. So, what is God's dream for us? What is God's dream for you? At the Fisher landing campus we have a great opportunity in front of us. There are thousands of people that do not know Christ. Thousands more that have been hurt by churches. How can we reach those people? How can we be the Jesus to those that need him? My answer is love. People will never care about how much we know until they know how much we care. Are you loving your neighbor? Are you inviting them to church? Take a risk and see what God does.

Talk to you soon

Pastor Rick