Relevant.ReVolution

THIS is Relevant!

2011-04-13T09:18:00.002-05:00

Let me encourage our "Relevant" family to join the RU Crew on Saturday morning, April 16th at 8! We will be hosting our fourth RU RUn... This is an event to help raise community awareness about the dangers of addiction, and to raise necessary monies to combat those dangers!

Our first RU RUn was held on the third Saturday in April 2008... The Sunday before Thanksgiving 2009 our beloved Danny Downes lost his fight against an addiction with which he battled valiantly beginning when he was 12 years old. It was shortly after Danny's death that his family allowed us to memorialize Danny's life, love, and spirit by running this race in his memory so that other might be made free!

Danny, I miss you, Buddy!
-R

A Day on the Range...

2011-04-01T13:11:00.004-05:00

Our next group outing will be held on Saturday, April 9. We will be meeting at the Rosa' Tortilla Factory in Coppell on Denton Tap Rd. at 11AM. We will then be caravaning (not a word) to a shooting range TBD. So, please come locked, cocked, and ready to rock!

Home Fellowship

2011-03-23T09:43:00.001-05:00

Relevators, YOU HAVE to get in on this! This book and study have challenged my personal spiritual growth more than anything in A LONG TIME! It's simply... FRESH!

On Monday night, March 28 we will meet at the home of Tim and Tammy (Shy) Duncan at 4000 Lancashire Dr. in Flower Mound... The study will begin promptly at 6:45. Childcare will be provided at the house, and everyone is encouraged to bring a salad, finger food, or dessert. Please read and study chapter 3 prior to the start of Monday's fellowship!

Lotsa' Love,
-R

Professional Bull Riders...

2011-02-09T09:36:00.002-06:00

Make plans to attend the PBR event at Cowboy's Stadium with the Relevant group on Saturday night February 19. Tickets will be $35 per person.

My family attended this event last year and we had a blast! The event begins at 7PM, but there is tons of stuff to do for fans of all ages... Mutton bustin', suped up lawn mower ridin', mechanical bull riding, face painting, among many others. Our family will be at the stadium most of the day. You can plan to join us as early, or as close to 7 as you would like.

The meal accommodations will be what the stadium, and vendors have to offer. Bring CA$H if you intend to take part in the festivities offered outside of the stadium.

-R

Time To Celebrate!

2010-10-27T13:41:00.001-05:00

Temple Baptist Church was founded by Dr. Richard Wallace, Sr. when he was a twenty-six year old man. Dr. Wallace laughs about those days by saying, "Back then I had all the answers, but nobody was asking any questions!". Of course, that was a long time ago and this is now! Dr. Wallace, and his wife Paula's ministry has had a profound impact on many lives, and this has no signs of stopping!

What started out as a store-front in Lakeland Plaza with eleven people and a twelve dollar offering has been blessed by God with millions of dollars in property, and hundreds in weekly attendance. The ministries include: a kindergarten to graduation Christian school, a day care, youth ministries, addiction recovery, ministry to incarcerated teens, and others.

If you would like to join the celebration with us our services are Sunday morning at nine, and then again at eleven. Our address is 2501 Northshore Blvd., Flower Mound, TX 75028. We pray that we will have an opportunity to meet you there.

Home Fellowships Are... BAAAAAAACK!!!

2010-09-14T09:10:00.002-05:00

Relevant Family,

Michelle and I would cordially like to invite you to our home at 2072 Belvedere Dr. in Lewisville, Texas on the night of Monday, September 20, 2010. This will begin the re-launch of our Home Fellowships that will be happening on a monthly basis throughout the fall and winter.

We will begin promptly at 7PM with some lively praise and worship, and close out by 8:05 with a Bible study and discussion. Light refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:30 and throughout the course of the evening. A nursery will be provided at the church.

Would you invite someone that you know who is un-churched or does not currently have a Sunday Small Group home to attend with you?

Michelle and I hope to see you there,
-R

"HAPPY ALL THE TIME!"

2010-08-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

There is so much that is said these days about the Church. So many people trying to cast their two cents about music, ministry style, age demographic, building styles, etc., etc., etc. Honestly, it goes on adnosium! EVERYBODY has an opinion about EVERYTHING! Trends flare, fire, flicker, and often fade. The average stay of a church member in today's churches is about two years. Which isn't all that surprising because the average length of a Pasor's pastorate is three to five years. It seems as though we have become as addicted to finding "satisfaction" in church as we are addicted to finding "satisfaction" outside of church.

Here is a simple truth that was revealed to me right at a year ago... At that point in time it did little for me. But, as I have been meditating on this truth over the last number of days it has become alive to me! I pray that it will bless you as it has blessed me!

The old Sunday School song... "IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'mmmmmmmm IN right! OUTRIGHT! UPRIGHT! DOWNRIGHT! Happy all the time..." You remember the song?! If you do... I apologize for sticking it in your head for the rest of today! LOL! However, this is the formula to be sure that you are "Happy (term used VERY LOOSELY!) all the time" in YOUR Church!

This must be prefaced with the truth that, "We ARE selfish people"! Unfortunately, the Church, to too many of us; has become all about me. I don't like the music! I don't like the style! I don't like the standards! I don't like! Etc. Of course, it is necessary for all of us to find a House of Worship that is Scripturally right, AND where we can feel at home. Once that has happened enact that little Sunday School formula! Here's how to do it!

The Church is God's living organism to fulfill the Great Commission, and storm the gates of Hell. As a result, EVERY church's PRIMARY focus should be OUTREACH and DOWNREACH! We are the Body of Christ! We are His hands and feet! The "outreach" and the "downreach" are ministries, or programs of the church that are constantly reaching out to those in "Jerusalem, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world". We should be touching our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But, "outreach" alone isn't enough! There are MANY in our communities and our world who are so far away from God and His Church, and bound by the Devil that they require a "special reach"... They require a "downreach" or it could be put another way... "A hand up!". I could expound for hours on these two "reaches" alone, and at some point I may. BUT, if you long to be "HAPPY ALL THE TIME" at your place of worship you MUST reach "out" and "down"!

The next "reach" of the church should be the "inreach". Let me also stop right here to say, that God loves a good balance. He is a "balanced" God! The "inreach" of the church are those ministries or programs meant to strenghten the people who are "in". This includes services, activites, classes, Sunday School, Life Groups, Teen Departments, and a plethera of other programs. This is "The Body" caring for "The Body". And, the "inreach" is just as important as the "outreach" and "downreach"!

We've had whole "groups" of churches who are known by or for promoting one "reach" above other "reaches". This behavior exalts one strength and shadows many weaknesses. We MUST have a healthy balance in reaching!

Then, there is the "upreach". This is where everything goes vertically! Without a proper "upreach" as a church member, and as a church eventually you'll stop reaching down, then you'll stop reaching out, and eventually you'll stop reaching in. Eventually, leading to a complete falling away as a Believer, or the impending closing of another church. This "upreach" IS done corporately through the worship of music, sacrificial giving, and the Spoken Word. However, MANY Believers fall into the trap that Sunday morning, sometimes Sunday evening, and the occasional mid-week "upreach' is enough to maintain their upkeep, and output... It's not! And, tragically, what ends-up happening is either: church-hopping, falling away, or maybe even the worst of all... Self-righteous, critical "reaching". Still "reaching" in the Church, but reaching critically and in our own power! The majority of the Church member's "upreach" MUST BE DONE personally, and privatly through a personal, dynamic, love relationship with Christ... Who loved us so much that He "REACHED WAAAAAAY DOWN" for you and for me!

Struggling where you are currently attending? Seeing more negatives than positives? More labor than reaping? Take, as I have, an honest look at YOUR PERSONAL, "INREACH! OUTREACH! UPREACH! DOWNREACH!"... And, when you get involved with ALL FOUR in a healthy balance you will find that you will, for the most part, be... "HAPPY ALL THE TIME!"

From my heart,

-Richard Wallace

PS: Truth given by Steven Curington during lecture entitled "A Healthy RU Chapter"

"And God Said..."

2010-07-22T08:17:00.000-05:00

This will be the second blog following up on week one's teaching "And God Said... AND IT WAS SO!" from our series: "Vintage Sunday School"...

After completion of Relevant I did a bit of clean-up in the room, and ran quickly down to fall into my spot for the morning worship service. Still burning in my heart was the desire that I spoke of to "finish well"! In group I had discussed the story of the retired Pastor who was incarcerated for murder... We discussed the fact that EVERYbody has SOMEbody that is looking to them to "make" it as a Disciple. With this weighing heavily on my spirit I saw a young man back in church who had been discipled, for a time, by a past TBC staff member. During the hand-shaking time of the service I hastened down to thank him for being back "home", and to let him know that I loved him... However, he wasn't hearing what I was saying! He was looking intently for the man who "had been 'Jesus' to him"... Sadly, I had to explain that sin had crept in, and led him captive. It was obvious to all around that this young man's spirit was broken.

My prayer for myself, and for you today is that when God speaks (AND HE WILL) to you and I... That we will MAKE IT SO! By dying to self, and living for Christ and others!

From my heart,
-R

Vintage Sunday School: Week 1

2010-07-20T10:21:00.002-05:00

This past week in Relevant we began to unfurl our new series: "Vintage Sunday School"... Vintage is "in"! Throwback jerseys, shirts, hats, and shoes are all the rage. Seems like, the older something looks the cooler it is.

With that thought in mind I thought it'd be cool if we turned back the hands of time on some Sunday School lessons! I thought we could take the "classic" stories of the Bible, and tell them again. Possibly looking for new meaning in the old stories. Now, don't get me wrong... We are not looking for new interpretation or revelation, but let's face it! Our lives have changed an AWFUL lot since many of us looked into these stories. It's not that the meanings of the stories have changed... It's more that our lives, and the needs of our lives have changed which will reveal to us deeper meanings from these stories. Case in point, when I was six I didn't necessarily care that David had found a "cause" worth living, and dying for... ALL that I cared about was that the "pipsqueek" was going to beat up the bully! It may have had a little more meaning than that... BUT... NOT MUCH! And, of course, we know that is not all God had for us to see in David's victory over Goliath! As a result, we're takin' off on "Vintage Sunday School"!

What Does Your Faith Look Like???

2010-06-16T12:44:00.003-05:00

We had a look at this video Sunday morning as we continue to roll along in our series: "GHOST: Doctrines of the Holy Spirit". The Spirit landed me on the fruit of faith for a second week, and we looked at "Faith: Our Deepening". As Believers, unfortunately, this video is a true testament of the faith we display on a daily basis.

May we plead with God to increase our faith so that our lives may be deepened in Him and by Him!

Lotsa' Love,
-R

HOT DATE!!!

2010-06-02T10:42:00.004-05:00

Make plans to join us as we head to Rockwall on Saturday, June 19 at 4:45 for a Hibachi-style, Japanese dinner. Harry Rachman, one of our Relevant group members, is the head-chef and will be cooking our dinner for us. Of course, Harry is the fiance of our worship leader, Lanny Wirjanto. We are blessed to have this great couple as part of our Relevant family!

Child-care will be provided in the church nurseries by donation. The nurseries open at 4:45 and close promptly at 9PM. Due to the fact that Rockwall is an hour away we must leave as close to 4:45 as possible.

We have been missing many students week in and week out. Now is a GREAT time to hop back on board!

-R

The Three "Re's" to Remaining Relevant...

2010-05-25T18:36:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday morning I felt the Spirit leading me away from our current series, "GHOST: Doctrines of the Holy Spirit" for one lesson. I had been led to the Book of The Revelation chapter number two verses one through five that read... "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works..."

We discussed from this passage the, "Three 'Re's Required to Remaining Relevant". They are:

1. Remember! Oh, how soon we forget how God has loved us and blessed us. How quickly we "get over" what we have in our lives. We were encouraged this week to ask the Holy Spirit to remind us of those opening days after we trusted Christ. The zeal! The passion! The service! The worship! The love! Not only that though, we talked about the need to remember, OFTEN, the blessings of our spouse, our children, our employer, our church, etc. Force yourself to remember when ALL of these things were a blessing, an answer to prayer, and a joy!

2. Repent! The one worship song that we do that I love above ALL the others is, "Heart of Worship"... Because I don't know about you... But, with me... So, often... It's ALL ABOUT ME! I want this week to repent of my sin, and my selfishness. I want to return with all of my heart to a heart of worship. And, I long to worship Him in my relationship with Him, my service to Him, in my family, in my work, and through my church.

3. Restore! Ask God, as David did in Psalm 51, to restore unto you the joy of your salvation. Once you've done these three "Re's" you can REturn to your "first love".

From my heart,

-R

70's Themed Skate Night

2010-04-22T13:45:00.002-05:00

Relevant will be hosting a 1970's Themed Night at the Roller Rink on Thursday night April 29 from 7-9PM. There will be a free nursery beginning at 6:30 at the church. This event is open to any and every adult so get out there and invite friends, neighbors, co-workers; but remember... Dress to impress!

The party will get groovy at Interskate in Lewisville on Business 121. Food and beverages for the event will be available through the concession stand... Nothing like Greasy Spoon!

Make plans to be with us!

Week 2 Recap...

2010-03-30T10:45:00.002-05:00

Week two of our "Ghost" series was AWESOME! We had a packed house, and that only happened because folks are beginning to step up and invite friends and family to come check out what we have going on. Thank you to all those who have done so, and my prayer is that this will be a habit that we all begin to take part in.

In week one of "Ghost" I took the teaching time just to "Set-up the Spirit". In week two we talked about the "Sealing of the Spirit" as seen in Ephesians 5:30. In this we discussed that the doctrine of "Eternal Security" is not a "Baptist Doctrine"; but rather, a "Bible Doctrine"! The Holy Spirit is He Who seals us until the day of redemption. With this we also discussed that fact that sin does not separate us from the love of God, but does separate us from the sweetness of His presence. The same way disobedience to our parents does not separate us from their love, but brings a tenseness in their presence.

I am looking forward to our next group time (Sunday after next due to Easter celebration) when we discuss the "Speaking of the Spirit". I trust that you are being blessed in the lectures as I am being blessed in the preparation of them.

Blessings,

-R

Sunday's Relevant Teaching

2010-03-22T17:30:00.002-05:00

Sunday morning we laid the foundation for a series that I believe will change lives if we will heed the Word's teaching's regarding the Resurrection Power that indwells each and every believer. We began looking at the series: "Ghost: Doctrines of the Holy Spirit".

We began in the beginning at Genesis 2:7 where God set man apart from all of the rest of His creation by blowing into him the breath of life. Then we discussed the impending fall of man that separated man from fellowship and communication with God.

We ended with a brief discussion on the grace of God that "makes alive" the Spirit of God in each believer.

I trust that you will make it a point to be in your place as we continue this necessary study of one-third of the Trinity and the importance and necessity of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. Left out for far too long I now intend to bring light to these great doctrines!

-R

2010-03-09T14:35:00.000-06:00

2010-02-24T10:19:00.002-06:00

I would like to cordially invite you to participate in festivities for "Baby Peanut"... Please join the Relevant family and Temple Baptist Church at MiMi's Cafe in Lewisville on Tuesday evening March the Ninth from 6:30PM until 8PM.

We will be celebrating God's blessings with Jason and Liz Williams and helping them to prepare for their first child. The Williams are registered at Babies 'R Us.

"Baby Peanut" as he has been affectionately named is still awaiting naming at this time... I have some PRETTY good ideas! All of which Jason and Lisbet have decided against....

Please come out and be a blessing to this great and godly couple!

I Was Blessed...

2010-02-23T10:21:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to drop a quick post in to say that I was so blessed Sunday morning by Vance's testimony and lesson regarding "Secular Goals or God's Standards". I was challenged, convicted, and compelled to re-align my life with God's will as opposed to my will - no matter how seemingly good that will is.

Thank you, Vance!

Valentine's Day Breakfast...

2010-02-12T15:58:00.005-06:00

Just a reminder that we will be having a Valentine's Day Breakfast upstairs in the Fellowship Hall during our normal Relevant time. Breakfast will be served beginning at 10:10AM.

Please feel free to invite anyone that you think might enjoy eating and fellowshipping with us. The breakfast is absolutely free so come hungry.

Our focus during this time will be getting to know one another better. There will not be a lesson. However, we may save some time for some praise and worship.

See ya' Sunday morning!

The Towel of Service - Sunday's Recap...

2010-02-10T12:20:00.004-06:00

This past Sunday morning we discussed Jesus, King, Messiah, Lord, God, Jehovah, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Alpha & Omega, Beginning & the End, The First & The Last, Emmanuel, Savior, Redeemer... And Servant!

We looked at how the God of the universe girded Himself with the towel of service to wash the feet of His followers.

Naturally, the challenge came that if we are to be "Christians" (Christ-like), or (and BETTER YET!) "Disciples"... We too must gird the "towel of service" for "the least of these."

We cannot allow ourselves to be bloated by title, or position, or power; but must empty ourselves and pour ourselves out upon the needs of others as Christ did for all.

But how will your service be reciprocated? It's a fair question, right?! We don't mind "serving" someone who is going to appreciate our service... What example did Jesus give?! He washed the feet of the men who would betray, forsake, and deny Him...

I want to, this week, gird myself daily with "the towel of service."

-R

Fighting the Natural Desire...

2010-02-05T09:27:00.003-06:00

"AMEN!" I have never been so glad to read John's closing word of the book of Revelation. Reading the New Testament thru in thirty days (New Thru 30) has been a very rewarding endeavor, and a great way to launch 2010! However, I know me! I get to this place of accomplishment and have a tendency to "exhale" and relax for a while... I mean after all, I've earned it! Right?!

So, I thought I'd write a quick blog to myself and pray that you too might glean from it. Every time I read of Jesus having "miracle" days in the Gospels you ALWAYS find Him the next morning EARLY finding a desolate place to worship, talk, and hear from His Father.

I am asking the Holy Spirit to empower me to do the same... To not "recover" from sooooo much reading, but rather press on in my relationship to greater heights, and deeper depths.

Just for me...

-R

Weeks 2 and 3 in the "Disciple" Series...

2010-02-02T12:59:00.002-06:00

In week 2 we discussed the "Radical Followers" of Jesus. He dispelled all religion when He went to the "outcasts", the poor, the weak, and the the weary... He called fisherman, tax collectors, physicians, prostitutes, and a host of other "unseemly" followers to Himself. If we are to become His disciple as He has called us to do our friends should look more like His friends.

This past Sunday morning we looked at "How To Follow Jesus". Which was, first, with "An Unquestioning Obedience". We saw this when Jesus stepped on board of Peter's boat and commanded that He push out into the deep (Luke 5:4,5). Then we asked the question, "What is our response when Jesus steps on board of our 'vessel'?" Secondly, we saw that we must follow with "An Absolute Abandon". This was evidenced by the first disciples in Luke 5:11 when the left ALL to follow Him.

All of this discussion wrapped around the premise that following Jesus will ALWAYS lead us to "Fish For Men".

I am very much looking forward to Sunday's discussion, "Disciples Wash Feet"...

Like I said during week 1... "Living in 'The Red' is 'REVOLUTIONARY'!"

-R

Week 1 In The "Disciple" Series...

2010-01-19T13:00:00.002-06:00

During Sunday morning's Relevant group we discussed the "revolutionary" teachings of The Christ... The words in red in your Bible destroy all thoughts of religion, sacrifice, and pharisaical followship. We talked about "Revolutionary Following". That being Christ's disciple demands that we love Christ supremely. This means that we love him above all familial relationships, above our own comforts, and above our own lives.

This coming Sunday morning I am AMPED about! We will be talking about the "Revolutionary Followers" of Christ. Just come on Sunday prepared to hold on to your seats as we take a look at who Christ came for, and just whom He calls to follow Him.

-R

Old Things are Still... "Relevant"!

2010-01-18T17:46:00.002-06:00

When people see a name like "Relevant" for a small group they get all bothered and worried thinkin' some young whippersnapper is going to come in and try and re-invent the wheel. They worry that the youngsters are going to try to re-do the church.

Let me say this... Soul-winning is still (and will ALWAYS be) relevant! As long as there is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun soul-winning will be relevant. It was relevant when the First Century Apostles, Disciples, and church-builders were doing it and it is STILL relevant today.

We have NO idea what is going on behind the closed doors of homes and hearts of the people in our neighborhoods. One thing we can know for sure is that EVERYONE is engaged in the war of soul vs. Spirit.

Let me encourage you today to be relevant in your faith and share that faith everywhere you go!

-R

New Thru in 30

2010-01-16T14:23:00.001-06:00

Be In Your Place...

2010-01-15T14:34:00.002-06:00

Be SURE to be in your place Sunday morning at 10:10 as we launch into a brand spankin' new series. The series is entitled, "Disciple"... Week one will be the lesson, "No Christians Allowed". Just the title alone I'm sure will raise some eyebrows and be hotly contested. Consider the connotation that is carried with the word. What do you think of when you hear the word, "Christian"? Is it a positive or a negative thought? Do you believe that during the First Century Church that the name "Christian" carried the same connotation that it does today? Do you even know where the term was derived? Do you know what the term means? The questions could roll on for hours on end...

Here's what I know... I AM JAZZED to go to work unpacking this and so much more on Sunday morning. Bring someone with you! Maybe someone who has a terrible "religious" or "Christian" taste in their mouth...

-R

New Series Announced... Disciple

2010-01-13T14:37:00.001-06:00

It's Been A Long Time...

2010-01-05T17:59:00.002-06:00

It's been a long time since I posted... I just wanted to drop by and say that I have no greater joy than to be used by God through the Relevant Group!

Sunday morning was great in spite of the holiday week-end. We had 23 in our group with Ashley and JT being back for their second group. Praise the Lord!

I am awed by the prospect of what 2010 could bring us as a ministry. As I look at the needs of our Church body, and the hurts of the world I see us poised to make a difference in a mighty way... So long as we continue to allow Christ to use us together.

My vision is to see our group travel to Africa in 2010 or early 2011. I want to see our group grow in a way that can only be explained by God. My heart burns to see us watch visitors walk into our group every single ministry week.

Will you play your part?

From my heart,

-R

Kingdom Come, Part 2: Uganda

2009-12-20T15:12:00.000-06:00

Kingdom Come, Part 2: Uganda

Relevant Christmas Party...

2009-12-08T10:03:00.003-06:00

This Thursday evening December 10 the Relevant Group will be throwing our "first ever" Christmas Party and gift exchange. I would love for you to join us! Here is all that you have to do... If you're a guy: bring a Christian/leadership book that you would have an interest in reading. If you're a lady: bring a scented candle. Every couple should bring a homemade Christmas dessert.

The party kicks-off at 6:45 with the nursery opening at 6:30. The place is Vance and Tiffany Stembers house which you may find at 1554 Winter Park Lane, Lewisville, TX.

Please e-mail me your RSVP at ruman.wallace@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas,

-R

That Time of Year Again... Joys For Toys!

2009-12-04T12:08:00.002-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Relevant Family!

You know, for many of us there is NOTHING more merry than this time of year! We celebrate the birth of our humble servant King, family, friends, lights, trees, and gifts... Smiles abound, laughter and giggles fill the chilled December air. Aromas of pine, and fireplaces, are mingled with Christmas dinner. What a happy, joyous Season!

That is, of course, unless you are the child of a parent whose life is ravaged by some form of crippling, and debilitating addiction. If you were that child your Christmas would be starkly different! Instead of constant loved ones filing into your living room you might witness lust-filled men filing into your mother's bedroom so that she can feed her insatiable addictions. Joy and smiles replaced by longing. You might not see a tree, but rather empty bottles and prescription cases strewn about. No, sweetness of pine, but rather the dank stench of stale cigarettes, and burned up crack, crank, and smack... No Jesus! Only demons in this house! The only thing you would share this time of year with the rest of the world is the chill that's in the air; but for you that chill is a deep freeze...

These scenes are best not thought about by those of us who will enjoy the splendor of the Season... For if we think about them we MUST do something about them! We MUST do what little we can to bring some joy to some suffering child this Christmas! It is not the child's fault for the choices and mistakes of the addicted parents, yet all suffer!!! There truly are some "innocent victims"!

Please consider what YOU might do to bring joy by providing a toy or a monetary gift this Season to Reformers Unanimous Chapter #520. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of proceeds collected will be handed out to needy families during this most joyous of seasons!

Merry Christmas,

-Richard

5 Easy Steps To Wreck Your Life- Adultery

2009-12-02T15:03:00.002-06:00

As discussed in the past two weeks:

Five Easy Ways To Commit Adultery:

1) Neglect Your Marriage.

2) Enjoy common interests and form an emotional bond with someone other than your spouse.

3) Anticipate time together.

4) Flirt whenever possible.

5) Make excuses and rationalize your actions.

Do Whatever It Takes:

1) Keep a growing relationship with Christ

2) Never be alone with the wrong people.

Coming Out of The Fog...

2009-12-02T14:48:00.002-06:00

It has seemed quite literally lately that my head has been in a fog, and my heart caught in the ruthless grasp of a vice grip... This isn't what this time of year is supposed to be all about! It's not supposed to be about physical death, anguish, sorrow, and various other woes... However, all to often it is! A Season that is supposed to be about thanks, giving, life, and celebration for to many folks and families becomes about hardship and turmoil.

As I mentioned Sunday morning I have been rocked over the past two weeks. When I say that my faith was shaken... I am not saying that I literally doubted God or got angry with Him... I more meant that I lost some heart, and though there is still a lot of healing to be done I finally feel as though the clouds may be lifting some. I am somewhat able to find again a routine and realize again why we must all press forward...

I was encouraged by the Thanksgiving week-end to see all of God's people so selflessly giving to the needs of the destitute, and back in the Lord's House on a holiday week-end certainly did my spirit well. It was awesome to hear of answered prayer that had been long sought after... NEVER GIVE UP PRAYING!

I am very much looking forward to being back with our Relevant family this Sunday morning!

From My Heart,

-R

New Series Announced...

2009-11-18T13:56:00.004-06:00

Packed House on Sunday...

2009-11-17T16:19:00.002-06:00

Sunday morning was UNBELIEVABLE!!! The house was packed! The circle kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger until eventually we had to do something a bit different. It did create a few problems, but who really cares about that! The truth is that we did have some "shoppers" this past Sunday, and with learning a new worship song, and the seating issue I am just praying that they allowed the Spirit to work in them in spit of all of that... He was surely there as tears were shed and masks came off as we openly discussed the hinderances to our lives "RE-volving" around Him...

You guessed it! I'm JAZZED for Sunday ALREADY...

-R

AWESOME STUFF!!!

2009-11-12T14:01:00.002-06:00

Questions For Sunday's Discussion...

2009-11-10T10:37:00.001-06:00

RE-volution Series: REvolve

2009-11-03T13:03:00.003-06:00

The definition of the word, "Revolve" is "to orbit a central point, or to turn on an axis".

The central point of each and everyone of our lives is absolutely supposed to be the Lord Jesus Christ. However, it is so easy to get our focus shifted away from Christ and on to other things... Whenever that happens inevitably our axis will become the thing of our focus and our lives will begin to revolve around things other than Christ.

When our lives revolve around other things we get what I like to call "Spiritual Vertigo"... Things that once seemed to provide firm footing, and a solid foundation are now beginning to seem shaky and of little importance. The only thing that has changed is our focus which has led us to a wrong axis.

I am looking forward to this week's discussion as we talk about focus, axis, and "RE-volve"!

Peace and Love,

-R

Hey, Guys, Tonight Is Our Night...

2009-11-03T11:39:00.002-06:00

Fellas, do not forget that tonight at 6:30 we will be meeting at Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3) in Lewisville for a night of wings, fun, and fellowship.

I would love to see a good turn-out tonight! I have been standing idly by as Satan is picking off some of our friends, and church-members. Whether it is through addiction, sexual sin, improper priorities, job loss, or a host of other issues the Body of Christ is hurting. The truth is, as men we often want help, and friendships but find ourselves either to proud or to shamed to asked for it.

Well, I am standing by no more! I am not waiting for men to admit what I already know, and I am certainly not waiting for the Devil to claim one more life, marriage, family, or career!

So, tonight we begin... Meeting. Sharing. Caring. Bearing. Daring to be the men that God has called each of us to be!

I Apologize...

2009-11-02T09:19:00.002-06:00

Those who know me best would tell you that I am borderline obsessive compulsive, and an absolute perfectionist...

With this in mind I would like to offer a public apology for the shortcomings with the multimedia and the hiccups with the PowerPoint presentations.

It may or may not seem like much to you, but all week I pray and pour my life into these things, and I am truly disappointed when things do not come off smoothly!

However, in spite of the Devil's fightings a lot of really good things happened yesterday morning for which we glorify God!

Peace and love,
-R

You Won't Want to Miss Sunday!!!

2009-10-23T16:01:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon... BW3 Guy's Night...

2009-10-20T12:17:00.002-05:00

Guys, this one is just for us! Beginning in the month of November we are going to begin meeting one Tuesday night a month at BW3 in Lewisville for an evening of spicy wings, Relevant fellowship, and raw Bible study....

There is so much junk pulling at our attention, and our desires... So often, Christian men feel isolated, alone, and hopeless with their inner struggles... Here is the good news... WE AREN'T!!!

I am jazzed about this one!

REcess Discussion this Sunday, October 25...

2009-10-20T10:03:00.004-05:00

I appreciate all of the positive feedback regarding Sunday's lesson on "REcess" as we continue in our "RE-volution" series. In spite of a computer battery failure and a weak (at best) worship time I really believe we were all challenged by the Word of God.

This week I would ask that you consider the multimedia presentation "Noise" that we watched (at least the majority of), and recognize the example that Christ gave to us to escape the "noise" of His day...

Questions to consider this week and discuss on Sunday:

1. Do you find yourself having to be surrounded constantly by "noise"?

2. Did you find it difficult to sit in silence on Sunday morning as the video played?

3. What is the definition of "Recess"?

4. With this definition in mind... Do you believe that Jesus made "recess" a habit during His earthly journey?

5. If your answer to question #4 was, "yes"... Do you, in turn, think "recesses" should become an integral part of our lives?

6. In John 18:2 we see that Jesus had a place, a garden to be exact, where He was known to resort for a "recess" with the Father. This was a place those closest to Him knew that He resorted to... Do you have such a place?

7. Have you ever had a place of "recess" with God?

8. If so, how long has it been since you enjoyed the solace there?

Home Fellowship Tonight!

2009-10-15T13:38:00.004-05:00

I am amped to begin our home fellowship group this evening! Much labor, and prayer has gone into making this evening a glowing success.

People are born with an innate desire to belong and to fellowship. However, many people find it difficult and overwhelming to break into a church relationally because of the sizes of many congregations.

Small group fellowships do not take the place of the local church... They simply provide an outlet for people to meet one another on a more personal and intimate level. They also provide people a harmless way to invite friends, loved ones, or even co-workers to a church event with out actually inviting them to church. Let's face it... There are many unsaved, unchurched people who are completely shut down to the concept of attending any congregation on Sunday or Wednesday... Do we allow them to perish simply because they would not come through our doors?! Or, is it our responsibility to provide a means for them to be introduced to the Life-giver?

I can't wait to see what God is going to do in me tonight!

-R

RE-volution Series: REcess

2009-10-13T14:19:00.003-05:00

Recess: the temporary withdrawal or cessation from the usual work or activity; to suspend or defer.

Ask ANY kid and he is going to tell 'ya that his absolute favorite class is recess! Well, unless your kid is like mine... He might tell you, "Lunch".

With all the kidding aside we will be focusing this week in Relevant in our RE-volution Series on REcess: Getting Alone With God. In today's post-modern society we absolutely run with our hair on fire! To work, the gym, kids' practices, church, etc. we are ALWAYS running! Though this isn't necessarily a bad thing it is an exhausting thing... Think about this... Jesus was constantly going, touching, healing, calling, raising, and redeeming. However, there were periods in His journey where He simply called a recess. These are the moments we will look into so that we too might gain strength!

Hey, I just heard the bell... RECESS!!!!

See ya',

-R

Comin' Home to a Busy Week

2009-10-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

I have had a blessed time with Jake Potter and the Rosedale Baptist Church family, but I am excited to get home to my beautiful wife and kids, and my church family.

This week has us very busy with our first Relevant activities. Thursday night we will have our "Crazy Love" home fellowship. This is going to be a time of amped up music, relevant multimedia, and impactful discussion.

Saturday is goin' to be absolutely off the chain as we visit one of the areas top Christian haunted houses.

Please become a "shoulder tapper" and bring someone with you to both of these relevant events...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Home Fellowship Trailer

2009-10-07T14:26:00.002-05:00

Join Us On The Web

2009-10-06T12:58:00.000-05:00

Amped!

2009-10-06T10:43:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my Angel and I spent the day together... Of course, our Monday date day is never complete until we have stopped in to check out the fare at Mardel... Yesterday was no exception!

I read a book a month or two ago that has revolutionized my life... The title of the book is "Crazy Love" by a man named Francis Chan. The book does a fantastic job describing the love that God has for His creation, and teaches how to take that love and turn our love for Him and our fellow man into a "Crazy Love".

On yesterday's venture into Mardel I picked up the small group curriculum to "Crazy Love"... There are ten minute DVD introductions that set the stage for the discussion. Following each introduction are discussion questions. I am amped about introducing this curriculum at our first home fellowship!

The date for that fellowship is Thursday, October 15. The nursery will open at 6:30 and our meeting will begin at 6:45. The nursery will be at the church, but our fellowship will be at the home of Jordan and Katie Fletcher at 1740 Forest Glen, Flower Mound.

It's nine days away and I can't even contain my excitement! We are going to have a great praise set, some food, and a great study... Make sure you don't miss it! Oh, and DO NOT forget to bring someone with you!

What An Awesome Group

2009-10-05T08:04:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to drop a quick line this morning as a form of public rejoicing for what God is doing in Relevant. Every week God has seen fit to allow us to have visitors, and a good sized group. It has been awesome to me to hear us growing more comfortable singing and sharing.

I cannot encourage you enough to invite friends, family members, and co-workers to come out... Not only to the Sunday morning group, but also to the events on the Relevant schedule. The Barna Group has stated that 81% of un-churched people would attend if invited by a close aquaintance...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

RE-volution Series: REstore

2009-10-03T14:50:00.004-05:00

Last week's Relevant meeting was off the chain!

The praise is beginning to get there. It is phenomenal to hear folk lift their voices in praise to God. I want to thank Lanny for providing the music for our praise sets. She has done an awesome job!

This week's lesson in the RE-volution series is "REstore"...

I don't want to provide the lesson on the blog site, but suffice it to say that the music, lesson, and multimedia will all go hand-in-hand with the place that MANY (if not all) of us find ourselves. I would imagine that if King David, the man after God's own heart, found himself at a place of disconnection, and in need of restoration than we will find ourselves there as well!

I pray that you will be encouraged by Relevant tomorrow morning...

-R

RE-volution Series: REdeemed

2009-09-16T14:26:00.002-05:00

Week 1 in the RE-volution series will be RE-deemed. How could we conceivably begin a new group without first covering the most basic and essential need of every heart, life, and home... Jesus Christ?! We simply cannot!

The definition of the word "revolution" is: the sudden or momentous change in a situation. To say that Christ brings "revolution" into a life would be a vast understatement. To begin attempting life revolution without Christ is an altogether frustrating and hopeless endeavor.

Redeemed is often one of those "religious" words that gets tossed about, yet rarely do we understand the full meaning behind the word, and more importantly, the cost behind the word.

If you are unsure of some one's eternal destiny I would tell you that you would be mistaken to not invite them to week one of "RE-volution"! We will have a praise set that is going to be off the hook! It is going to be a great week 2 in Relevant!

Amped,

-R

Week One...

2009-09-15T11:53:00.003-05:00

Relevant launched this week and other than some minor kinks, and fightings from Satan I believe that all want well. There was a high energy level going in and I have heard mostly positive feedback.

We were blessed (and I was blown away) to have 23 in attendance on week 1. I am praying this week that each and every person who attended week 1 will not only be back this coming Sunday morning, but that they will be "shoulder tapping" all week trying to bring other folk with them. I know that I have several more people that I am going to be inviting as my week rolls along in addition to the ones that I have already had conversations with.

I am looking forward to the potential of having some lively praise and worship music this Sunday... I am still looking for musicians so if you know someone who might be willing to help us out let's get in touch with them.

I would love to hear your remarks from Sunday's meeting, and your ideas for future growth and movement. Please post them on the "comments" section of this site!

Blessings,

-R

New Series Announced...

2009-09-09T14:44:00.002-05:00

Our first series is going to be entitled, "RE-volution".

I am amped! We are going to be looking at many "re" words that we must constantly be incorporating into our lives so that we have a RElevant existence.

However, Relevant week 1 will be a discussion format where we get to know one another, and where I do my best to communicate to you what I believe the Lord would have for this group.

Room Has Been Assigned... Anticipation Building...

2009-09-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

We got our room designation today...

I can feel the energy about the launch of the REvolution! We found out today that we will be meeting in the "choir rehearsal room"... It won't be long it will be know as the "Relevant room"!!! HA! I love that!

I trust that you have been asking God to do something great through this new ministry. Then I would ask that you ask someone to come and join the REvolution with you! This is not something that you and your significant other will want to do alone! Bring friends, co-workers, or family members as the REvolution begins!

See you on the 13th!

-R

Welcome!

2009-08-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

The "Relevant ReVolution" is about to launch at Temple Baptist Church in Flower Mound, TX. We are launching this new couple's ministry that goes beyond your "typical" small group or Sunday school class. This is going to be a "progressive", "forward-thinking" ministry that is going to seek to reach the unchurched, and un-reached where they are.

Our motto is, "Reaching the Unchurched While Strengthening the Church". To accomplish this we will be focusing on relevant Bible teaching, having relevant lively worship music that touches the soul, and reach deep into our communities with relevant activities, retreats, home churches, and mission trips.

The "Relevant ReVolution" is not for the faint of heart, or the "tired old Christian"! If you are looking for something lively, something intoxicating, and life-changing the ReVolution is just what you have been looking for in your life and faith...

Launch date is Sunday, September 13 at 10:10 a.m. We will have breakfast in the class beginning 30 minutes prior (9:40 a.m.) so that we can fellowship and get to know one another a little bit better...

See you there... Oh, and welcome to the ReVolution!

-R