Hebrews 13.11 - 16 are phenomenal verses of Scripture and loaded with truth. These verses, simply by their content, are life-challenging and life-changing. However, over the past few weeks, this particular truth has impacted me (and the Emmanuel fellowship) in ways unexpected. God used the teaching of John Piper, on these particular verses and at a particular point in time, to galvanize Doug & Sara Whitaker's call to the mission field. Since that point, in the Spring of 08, the invitation of God and the immediate 'yes' from Doug has become more and more clear. It was a fresh encounter with God as I was able to sit with Doug at the front of our worship room and to talk about the next adventure in their family and the next adventure for the life of EBC. It is always incredible to watch as God calls and we respond in obedience.

These verses are compelling. As Doug stated yesterday, they invite each of us 'outside of our camp' of comfort and complacency. Because Christ stepped outside the camp and sacrificed His life for the sake of God's glory, likewise we are to step outside of our own camp of comfort and live a life that expresses our passion for Jesus Christ. So, I guess that I find it challenging to ask myself (and you) how God is asking you to step outside of your camp? How is He inviting you to uniquely live, move, and have your being for His glory? Your step outside will probably not look at all like Doug and Sara's. God is incredibly unique and creative and He has wired you to leave His life-impression on this earth in a very profound way. Will you step outside the camp?

I love Opie Watt. He is just an incredible guy and I am so thankful to count him a friend. He said, a few years ago, that God would love to use a small town and a small fellowship to lift up a great God. He asked the question, 'is it possible that God will elevate worship around the globe and that He just might use EBC?!?' Since that point, God has placed one of our team members on the African continent.. another on the Asian continent...another on the European continent... and now, we are sending Doug and his family to South/ Central America. Amazing! (Wow, we haven't touched the myriad of partnerships that we, as a church, are going, living, and doing!) God seems to be saying, "Yes, I'll use a fellowship whose hearts are turned toward mine and who love and live for my Kingdom!'

So, what will happen when an entire fellowship of believers step outside the camp and filet our lives for the advance of the fame of Christ? Could God use us to lead His worship parade around the globe? What will that look like? Honestly, I have no idea, but I think that it will be utterly beautiful and will involve a bunch of people whose hearts fully belong to God.

Willing to go outside the camp....

PS... the band was so so so good yesterday! Our 're:Group' band brought it with double barrels and it was the most musically eclectic service that I remember. How about the 'band-described' "Grannie Gospel" version of I'll fly away. Yeah, I loved that moment and I actually got in on that song six times during our three Encounters! I love our bands!!

By Grace... For Glory,
Mark

Doug...

Opie Vision