Church OBX Blog

This is the blog for Church of the Outer Banks. It contains articles, devotions, and perspectives on what’s going on in our church and community. Check it out and add your comments.

Name:
Location: Nags Head, NC

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Stoked and the Joy of the Lord


No matter how long you’ve been surfing whenever you catch a wave you can’t help but be stoked. I was as stoked the first time I road a wave as I was when I road down my first line. Words can’t describe what it actually means or feels like to be stoked on riding a wave.

In a similar way spiritually, words can’t really express what it feels like to experience the joy and delight of the Lord. However, this is a spiritual reality that you can and should experience for yourself personally. I can remember how incredible I felt when God first came into my life! It was the shizzle dizzle! This is not a distant reality, I am as full of God’s joy now as I was then. God wants for you to experience his joy and peace in your life today.

John Piper said it best, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in him.” God is glorified when we take joy and delight in him. The bible tells us to, “Delight your self in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4). The key to finding and abiding in God’s joy. The joy of the Lord can only be found in God Himself. For it is in His presence that we receive the fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11).

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

2nd Annual Mosaic Art Show


Creative energy was in the air as nearly one hundred and fifty people came in through the doors of the Outer Banks YMCA on January 20th to see artwork and hear live music at the second annual Mosaic Art Show. Church of the Outer Banks, Outer Banks YMCA, Dare County Arts Council and International Art Missions sponsored the event. The show featured more than 20 local artists including pieces from Ben Morris, Brent McCoy, Kim Diggs, Dave Hill, Pete Rudolf, as well as students at First Flight Middle and High School, just to name a few.

Mosaic began from the creative vision of Winfield Bevins, pastor of Church of the Outer Banks which meets at the Outer Banks YMCA in Nags Head. Pastor Bevins started Mosaic in January ‘06 as a way to show unity and diversity in the arts community and to prove that people of all ages have a place. Bevins says art is best when it is shared in community. Art should bring people in the community together rather than keep them a part.

The evening featured live music from local singer songwriter Jessica McLean and her band. McLean just came out with a new CD entitled “Designed to Dream.” Her live acoustic style added a unique touch to the show. D.J. Bruce J. offered his own special contribution by mixing fresh tunes. D.J. Bruce J. is a local favorite and regularly mixes music at the OBX Brew Station and Kelly’s. The Good Life Gourmet donated fresh, wonderful coffee and Bob’s Grill supplied delicious brownies. Both were enjoyed by all and were greatly appreciated!

Brent McCoy, director of International Art Missions, helped coordinate the night’s activities. International Art Missions is a group of artists who use arts education to bring hope and healing to children, communities, and countries around the world. They are a group of professional artists from different backgrounds who want to use their gifts and talents to help children realize their creative potential. Dawn Grey of Red Dawn Designs worked with the children as they painted surfboards on the walls of the YMCA. The children also enjoyed making beaded bracelets and necklaces and receiving candy!

The night was fun for everyone who attended. Artists of all ages were able to display and share their work with the community. The Mosaic Art Show is destined to become an Outer Banks tradition! This is the beginning of an ongoing partnership between these community organizations to bring the arts to Dare County. If you would like to see pictures or learn more information on upcoming art events stop by the YMCA or visit www.churchobx.com or Art.missions@hotmail.com.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Going Deeper

PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

“As the saving doctrine of the Christ is the soul of the church, so discipline forms the ligaments by which the members of the body are joined together and kept each in its proper place.”
-John Calvin

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of Godliness.” 1Timothy 4:7

God has given His Church the Spiritual Disciplines to promote spiritual growth and godliness. There are both inward and outward disciplines. In them we partner with God in our own spiritual journey. By them we mature and grow day by day in our relationship with the Him. The spiritual disciplines help us become better followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. They move us beyond the superficial into the deep things of God.
Spiritual disciplines are vital for becoming a disciple of Christ. The word disciple comes from the Greek word Mathetes, which means a learner or a pupil. In the ancient times of the Bible, a disciple was a person who left everything that they had to follow the teachings of a master. The word ‘disciple’ implies much more than a learner or a pupil, it is someone who has totally committed his or her life to the training and teaching of a master or a school of thought. Therefore, a disciple is someone who follows a leader and who submits himself/herself to the discipline (teaching) of that leader. According to the New Testament, a disciple is a born again believer who obeys and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Spiritual Disciplines are important because they promote spiritual growth. God gives us these disciplines so we may grow in godliness. St. Irenaeus said, “God became man that we may become like Him.” Godliness is the goal of the disciplines. The English word discipline comes from the Greek word gumnasia, which the English word gymnasium is also derived. The word literally means discipline or exercise. Spiritual Disciplines are spiritual exercises. Just as physical exercise promotes strength in the body, the Spiritual Disciplines promote Godliness. It could be said that disciple is the gymnasium of the soul.
As Christians we must accept the responsibilities of this new reality because “we are new creatures in Christ; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”(2 Cor 5:17) Responsibility is simple: the ability to respond. No longer are we to act as victims, but become responsible members of the Kingdom of God. We are to act as children of the King. We are to fulfill the work that God has begun in our hearts by daily walking with Him in faith, hope, and love. If the spiritual disciplines are important because they promote spiritual growth, then you and I have the responsibility to learn and practice them daily.