Chuck Bridges Blog

Several years ago Rick Warren used the analogy of a surfer riding the waves to illustrate a very important dynamic in Kingdom growth. There are numerous things a surfer can do in preparation for riding the waves. First you need a surf board. Second, the board needs to be prepared for surfing. Another thing the surfer must do is gather his equipment and travel to the ocean (cause that’s where the waves will be). While there are numerous things the surfer can do to get ready to ride the ultimate wave, there is something that no surfer can do. They can never create the wave!! Only God can do that!

 This simple analogy highlights a very important concept in Kingdom growth. As a church there are several things we can do to prepare for growth. We can create an atmosphere of expectancy among those who want to see people get saved. It is also important for us to be willing to adjust our schedules, styles, formats, etc. so that people outside the church will see that we are serious about reaching them. We also need to have sincere Christ-followers ready to mentor those who are beginning a relationship with Jesus Christ. While all of these things are important, there is one thing we can never do — We cannot ‘create the WAVE’ that leads people to seek a life-changing relationship with God. ONLY GOD CAN DO THAT!

I truly believe that God is once again sending a WAVE of Kingdom growth our way. Yesterday we had the exciting privilege of baptizing 15 people and there are 8 more ready to be baptized next week. NOW is the time to ride the WAVE! We cannot afford to miss this opportunity. We are expecting people to be saved every day and for new people to find their way into our worship gatherings ready to begin their journey with Christ. These are DAYS of excitement that can change lives, homes, communities, schools, etc. It is time for Believers to do what high stakes players do every week playing poker — go ALL-IN! Don’t hold anything back! God is worthy of our total abandon to his cause! LET’S GO TEAM.