Monday, July 24, 2017

"REALITY CHECK" - Monday July 17, 2017


REWIND ... THE CONTINENTAL SINGERS OPENING NIGHT, JUNE 2007


REALITY CHECK 2007                                                                

(An important check-up before tour begins)



I have spent months getting your music and production ready, and now, I have just 15 minutes to talk to you about the reality of what we expect from you and expect from your Continental music outreach ministry this summer.

Here is your THREE POINT REALITY CHECK:

First, a few personal questions.  Do you really know Jesus?  Do you totally believe that He is the Son of God, who came to earth, and gave His life on the cross as a sacrifice for you? If so, is He, then, the Lord of your life?  Does He reign in the center of your heart?

These are the biggest questions a person who calls him or her self a Christian can ever ask.  Jesus Christ rose from that grave, way back then, and He lives in your heart today, right now, if you believe in Him and have asked Him into your life.  If you have made that confession, then there is no question, you are one of His!!  That is your first reality check. But, believe it or not, lots of people fake it.  Some have even been Continentals, pretending to appear like a Christian by saying and doing the right things.  Deep in your heart, you know what I’m saying.   If you are going to be effective as a Continental this summer, sharing your testimony with people and audiences, then Jesus will have to be your Lord, living in your heart.

The second reality check is also a question.  One that has to do with your time with us on this tour.  Assuming you have made a commitment to the Lord, DO YOU REALLY, SERIOUSLY DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD?  This tour is an outreach to share the gospel with everyone we come in contact with.  You have been called to do just that and we have been called together to expand the Kingdom of God.  It is one of the primary reasons we exist as a music ministry.

I hope it is the desire of your heart to follow God’s calling on your life.  We are told to Love the Lord with all our heart and with all our strength.  This summer tour is really the “strength” part of that ask.  You will be tested, tempted, tried and maybe even tuckered out sometimes.  But this experience is about giving your all to the Lord.  The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”  That means you are not performing, or loading, or unloading for me or some church or even for your director. We  may give you a directive word now and then, but YOU ARE DOING IT FOR THE LORD.

Your third reality is that you are part of a team.  You are not alone in this, and it’s a fact, there is strength in numbers.  In order to be an effective Continental group, you are going to have to love and respect each other.  The Bible says they will know we are Christians by our love for each other.  On the bus, it will take humility, and sometimes, a little sacrifice, if we are going to be ok together.  Sure, someone’s stuff will end up in your bin or on your seat.  Get a grip, it is not the end of the world!  No complaining!  Instead we are asking you to be forgiving and loving.

So, your Reality Check is simple:  You need Christ in your heart, you are to follow His call on your life, and you are to do as you’re told!  NO, I’M KIDDING!!! You are to love your Continental neighbor as yourself. 

You are here as part of a group of fantastically talented Christians.  Love and partner with them and together we will help change our world for Christ.




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