Two nights, One purpose...

The message was clear, "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." -Romans 13:11. We recently had the privilege of sharing this message at two Rise and Shine concerts. The first one was held at FBC Washington,


the second, a week later at FBC Ellisville. It was so awesome to see God work in people's lives at these events.

The strong challenge to "unite together in faith, and take a stand for Christ" was clear throughout the night. About midway through, we transitioned from a "concert" into an engaging time of worship. Some 30 minutes later, as the music began to fade, we turned our minds and hearts back to the main theme of the evening with the song Calm Before the Storm. Following that song, I did something I had never done before. I asked the audience to split up into small groups for prayer. They could pray individually, as a family, or even find someone they didn't know to pray with. I encouraged them to lift each other up, and to pray for our nation as a whole. It was then, I believe, that the message began to sink in. I pray that we would see the need for believers to arise. But even more so, the need for worshippers to arise; believers who are willing to not just come to church on Sunday, but live lives of worship before God and man every day of their lives.

I praise God for the many ways He impacted lives through the message of Rise and Shine.

In Christ,
Kaleb

The Cross

Friends and family,

As believers, I think we all-too-often forget the amazing work that was completed on the cross. Yet, the cross is the one essential element to who we are as believers! As Jesus' torn body was hanging there, suffering bodily pain that we couldn't even imagine, He was enduring something that no one else could: a pain that far-surpassed anything that could be done to the body. The weight of every sin that would ever be committed, every one -from the most heinous crime that has ever been announced on public television, to the deepest, darkest evil thought ever to enter the human mind- every one of these sins was upon Jesus Christ while he was on the cross. Just before the death of the Savior of the world, God's only Son, Jesus spoke from the cross these three words of victory: "IT IS FINISHED". And at that moment, the great, insurmountable wall of separation that stood between the perfection of a Holy God and the depraved, sin-stained human race, was shattered. The door was thrown open, and God's amazing plan of salvation for the world was complete! The grave could not hold our Savior; He conquered death and lives to make intercession for His children. The invitation is open. Have you asked Jesus to be Lord of your life?

Believer, let's not fall into the tragedy of forgetting the power of what happened at the cross.
The cross is our hope, our strength, our life, and our salvation! That is why we sing...

" Mercy there was great, and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me, there my burden soul found liberty, at Calvary."

-Kaleb

Richard Hight, and a chapel to remember...

This past week was our Spring Lecture Series at Mobap. We were greatly blessed to have Artist/Sculptor Richard Hight bring the messages through word and art. The last day of the series, Thursday, SpiritWing led the worship and Bro. Hight asked if I would bring the invitation. I had planned on one, possibly two songs for the invitation, depending on how The Spirit led. I have to say I don't know if anyone was expecting what was about to happen. As Bro. Hight spoke, the presence of The Almighty filled that place. That day, the gospel was presented in one of the most powerful ways I have ever experienced and when it came time for the invitation, what was originally going to be a song or two turned into an extended time of worship that lasted almost twenty minutes! God worked mightily and people's lives were changed. It was a tremendous blessing to be able to share in this time.

(see above picture, taken during invitation)

-Kaleb