3 Scriptures that I pray My Vintage Family will Read Today....

My opportunity to serve as a pastor of Vintage Church is truly a privilege and one of the greatest honors of my life. I thank Jesus for His work in each of our lives. The salvation, the growth, the restorations, the community, the mission and the hospitality I have seen displayed in so many lives are all evidences of the transforming power of the Gospel found in Jesus Christ working in our church family. He is working in such a way to get all the glory.

Today, as one of your pastors, I'm praying that God's Spirit would root these 3 scriptures in each of our  lives:

• Luke 8:26-39

• 1 John 4:4 

• Ephesians 1:3-4 

Jesus is powerful and the Lord of everything; this power which dwelled in Him [Luke 8] now lives in each of us who have repented and trusted in Him through the Holy Spirit [1 Jonh 4]. Recognize  the reality of victory that we claim through the Gospel in Jesus and live by the power of the Holy Spirit [Ephesians 1:3-4].

Be encouraged by this today!


-- Brick

Vintage Global

Vintage Church has a global team headed out. Below you will find a glimpse of the city and a Prayer and Scripture Guide for the trip. This guide will let you walk alongside the team spiritually. Thanks for the prayers. We look forward to sharing when we get back.

Here's a glimpse of the city:

Vintage Global: Scott & Wendy from Vintage Church on Vimeo.

Follow @Pray4SouthAsia for updates

Prayer and Scripture Guide 
PREPARATION - Ephesians 1
April 14, 2012
   “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2

• Pray for God’s grace and peace to cover the team 

April 15, 2012
  “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7

• Praise God for the gift of salvation 
• Pray that God will prepare the hearts of those who will hear the gospel 

April 16, 2012
  “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22

• Praise God for His authority over all things including the work of the Enemy 
• Pray for the team as they travel today

GRACE - Ephesians 2
April 17, 2012
  “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

• Pray as the team arrives carrying the message of God’s grace 

April 18, 2012
   “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” Ephesians 2:14

• Pray for the grace of God to knock down the walls of hostility in the city 
• Pray for the team today as they prayer walk in the community 

April 19, 2012
 “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the spirit.” Ephesians 2:22

• Pray for unity between the team and national translators 
• Pray for God’s grace as the team shares in community and in house churches

GLORY - Ephesians 3
April 20, 2012
   “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.” Ephesians 3:8,9

• Pray that God will bring to light the mystery of Christ and that people today will be saved from darkness 

April 21, 2012
   “That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16

• Pray that the team will be strengthened today through his Spirit.  
• Pray for the training and discipleship that will take place today 

April 22, 2012
   “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21

• Praise God for the church of the city. 
• Pray for the many gatherings happening across the city 
• Pray for the team as they speak at several church gatherings

UNITY - Ephesians 4
April 23, 2012
    “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Ephesians 4:1

• Pray for the safety of the team as they explore the city today 
• Pray for unity and rest 

April 24, 2012
    “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Ephesians 4:14

• Pray for the church leaders who will gather today for training and discipleship 
• Pray for the churches of the city to be unified through the truth of God’s Word 

April 25, 2012
    “Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

• Pray for the team as they debrief together about the trip 
• Pray for a spirit of unity, righteousness, and holiness

WALK - Ephesians 5
April 26, 2012
    “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

• Pray for opportunities to share about Christ’s love as half of the team travels to another city

April 27, 2012
    “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in theLord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8

• Pray for half of the team as they travel back to New Orleans 
• Pray for those who accepted Christ this week, that they will continue to walk in light 

April 28, 2012
 “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.” Ephesians 5:29

• Pray for opportunities to share about Christ as half of the team travels to Agra 
• Praise God for how He nourishes and cherishes the church in the city

SERVICE - Ephesians 6
April 29, 2012
    “Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” Ephesians 6:7

• Pray for the rest of the team as they travel back to New Orleans 
• Praise God for the service rendered to Him 

April 30, 2012
 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

• Pray for strength for the team as they recuperate from the trip

May 1, 2012
“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” Ephesians 6:24

• Praise God for His incorruptible love for those who love and serve Him 
• Pray for opportunities for the team to share with others about God’s work in the city

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

A Thought for Every Man

I am not a completely original thinker. Others' ideas often influence me. Sometimes reading a quote makes me laugh hysterically. Other times a quote will provide me with a romantic text to send Sarah in the middle of a busy day. Then there are some things I read or hear that challenge me as a man, husband or pastor.

Here’s a recent example:

The question for every men is not: “Are you a leader or are you not a leader?”
Instead the question is: “Are you a good or bad leader?”
Quoted by both Mark Driscoll and David Platt

A Biblical principle of manhood laid out in Scripture is that the spiritual, emotional, physical well being of a man, his wife and children is partly his responsibility. As men our masculinity centers primarily on how good or bad we are leading our wives and children. In fact being a good man who leads, loves and cares might be one of the greatest needs in communities today. In response to this need especially within the city of New Orleans and Vintage Church, the Vintage Church pastors have organized an opportunity for our men to be challenged, developed and grown as men. Pastor Rob’s father, Pastor Don Wilton, will be speaking to us on our priority as Christian, family and community men.

On a personal note, I want to encourage the men to join us for this retreat. Last fall I had the opportunity to study the life of Paul under Pastor Don. He is such an inspiring communicator of Scripture especially to men. You DO NOT want to miss this weekend

Vintage 2012 Men’s Retreat

• Camp Living Waters
• The MAN - Judges 6:12
• March 23-24th
• Speaker: Don Wilton

• Who: Men (high school and up)

Sessions:

• The Man
• The Man’s Family
• The Man’s Mission

Sign up here

Total Cost: $35

Includes:

- Retreat Fee & Materials
- Housing (Dorm Style)
- Meals (Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch)

Follow us on twitter: @vnolamen

Let's BE the MAN

Mardi Gras Sunday 2012 Report

Our Mardi Gras Sunday this year for the Uptown Sunday parades might have been the best so far since we began in 2009. One of our church partners, Temple, brought 100 volunteers to serve alongside Vintage. I'm especially thankful for Pastor Philip Slusher, the mission pastor, for bringing these families who were so excited to serve our city. I also want to especially thank Matt O, Mikey P, Craig, Lenny, Josh and Alex from Vintage Church for their service during the day.

We gave:

• 1,500 sausage dogs
• 600 burgers
• 1,200+ bottles of water w the Vintage information
• Tons of potato chips
• Clean toilet for every use [Yes there were individuals who cleaned after every flush]

We served:

• 236 registered
• 109 follow-up letters were sent
• 160 follow-up emails were sent

Now these numbers are just statistics if not understood to represent individuals, couples and families in our city that came in contact with Vintage Church. Maybe there are two other figures that would help communicate this opportunity:

• 167 of 236 who registered indicated they had never heard of Vintage Church
• 79 of 236 who registered indicated they have no involvement in a local church

Our challenge:

We are following up with those who registered this Sunday with letters, emails and phone calls. We ultimately served on Sunday with the hope that God would bring Gospel fruit in individual's lives as a result. Our prayer is that those who came in contact with Vintage Church experienced the difference of Jesus Christ. As a result of our hospitality, service, love and care we pray that people will connect with Vintage Church. Acts 13 tells us that Paul and Barnabas travel to different cities and served people. In one instance, as a result of their love towards others, the Bible says "The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord." [Acts 13:44] When I read that I say....Wow! May the Lord work in such a way this week in New Orleans.

So here's our challenge this Sunday when we gather as Vintage Church in Metairie and Uptown there will not be a small army of volunteers to greet, welcome and connect with the new guests. Uptown averages about 5 new guests per weekend. Instead this weekend will be the time for Vintage Church to BE the church in New Orleans.

My encouragement:

• Pray God will work in hearts over the next 3 days as people receive follow-up. [Use Mark 4:1-20 as a guide]
• Come to our gatherings early
• Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in relation to those sitting on your row
• Engage those who gather this weekend
• Be expectant that God truly wants to work through you

Live the Gospel, Love the City, BE the Church

Mardi Gras Weekend [Feb 18 & 19]

Carnival Season is one of the most joyous times in the city of New Orleans. Outside of the French Quarter, Mardi Gras is actually a pretty family-friendly event. In the Uptown, Mid-City and Metairie neighborhoods people host dinner parties with neighbors and friends to hang together for the parades. This provides our Vintage Church family with one of the most important times to connect with people outside our church family. This also provides the opportunity to bring the Gospel into the community.

So as an Uptown campus family we want to throw a great party this Sunday, February 19th. We will concentrate our efforts on the 3 Sunday parades which pass right in front of the Uptown Arts Center (our Magazine location). We will have one of our church partners help serve alongside our Vintage family on this Sunday.

- Mardi Gras Weekend Schedule -

Sunday on Saturday:

• Carrollton Location 5pm - Weekend Worship Gathering

Mardi Gras Sunday:

• Uptown Arts Center (Magazine Location): 4523 Magazine Street

• Set Up: 8am-9:30am

Parade Times

• Okeanos - 11am
• Mid-City - 11:45am
• Thoth - 12pm

• Clean-up: around 3pm

Our Goal:
- Create a hospitality center at the Uptown Arts Center (Magazine location)
- Provide food (Burgers, Dogs, Chips, Soft Drinks) for 150 Vintage Church family & 900 Parade spectators
- Provide clean bathrooms for parade spectators
- Provide 1,000 Vintage Logo Waters
- Provide parade music between parades or dead time
- Follow-up with those who register
- Send about 250 follow-up letters including information about Vintage Church.

I hope you'll join us.....Let's BE the Church!

A Video from Jeff Vanderstelt about joining parties:

A Daily Confession

This past weekend Dr. Murray Wilton, known as Pastor Rob's "Uncle Buzz," preached at our Vintage Church gatherings. He discussed the idea of shifting from rational to relational in order to experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

He offered us a daily confession from Romans 10:8-9

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus by the ministry of the Holy Spirit I believe in my heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus you are Lord. Thank you for the authority that I have to live by your resurrection life through the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit I welcome your presence in my life and invite you to work in me and through me for the Glory of God. In Jesus Name let it be so.

He encouraged us to speak this out loud each morning and then journal instances of increased awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your week.

Scriptures discussed :

• John 7:37-39

• Spiritual Blessings: Ephesians 1:3
• Spiritual Fruit: Gal 5:16 - 25
• Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:7

See our Community Group Discussion Guide for further growth.

Join a Community Group - here

A thought for your 2012 commute

Our American lives seem so packed with work, family, projects and tasks. As we begin to think through New Year's resolutions adding just 2 changes might seem daunting. A 2012 resolution I would encourage every person (Christian or non-Christian) to undertake would be consistent Bible reading. There are plans for beginners that take you through the New Testament, plans with free days to catch up and plans that give you a balanced reading from both Old and New Testaments. For the various options read Pastor Dustin's blog - "Plan your Reading & Read your Plan"

If this undertaking seems impossible because we don't know when we have time. Here's an interesting thought that I read from Justin Taylor:

"The entire ESV Bible on audio is usually about 75 hours (or 4500 minutes). If you commute to work 5 days a week, that’s about 260 days a year. And if it takes you, say, 17 minutes to commute each way to work—and if you listen to the Bible on audio during your drive each way—you’ll get through the entire Bible twice in a year. This probably isn’t the only way to do Bible intake—but it’s one most of us should take advantage of more." from Bible Reading Plans for 2012

As I was selecting my plan this morning God's Spirit impressed upon my heart that my daily commute provides a prime opportunity. The average American commute is 30 minutes each way. (watch this Community video) Most of us likely spend at least an hour per day in our cars. Let me encourage you to redeem your commute in 2012 through listening to Scripture.

The ESV reading plans can be received daily through your email, downloaded as podcasts, printed as a bookmark or input into your calendar. This technology really alleviates every excuse and make this resolution one of the easiest you can make.

Remember the goal is to know and love Jesus and His Word more this time next year. Look through the plans, ask God's Spirit for guidance and endurance then begin reading tomorrow.