David Whiting Live

A Baptism Invitation (for Northridge) - this is really cool!!

This month a young woman will be getting baptized at Northridge and she posted a FACEBOOK update to invite people. She's been attending a small group and Starting Point. With her permission, I wanted you to read it. Take a look! It's awesome! Could baptism be any more clear?

How it works: After the worship band (read: a band that plays contemporary Christian music) sings for about 10-15 minutes, the pastor gives a 30ish minute sermon (read: a talk) before the band plays again. At some point during this process, a video of me will be introduced and shown. This video (called a testimony) is just me talking to a camera for a few minutes describing how I came to choose to follow Jesus. There's a pool of waist-deep water right in the front, and I'll walk out into it as the video is playing. Once it's done, I'll under go a full immersion baptism (read: I'll be dunked under water for a few seconds). I'll be wearing a t-shirt and shorts. (Totally legit question, if you ask me. I was curious about how that worked too.) 

Here's a link to my church's website, it can give you a better idea of what the environment is like there: www.northridgerochester.com. It's very casual - please be comfortable. Jeans/sweaters/sweatshirts are what most people wear.

The baptism lasts about 5 minutes; the service lasts about an hour. 

I'm choosing to do this because Bible calls us to get baptized, so I will be doing so as an act of obedience to God and a public acknowledgement of my belief in Jesus Christ. I do not believe that doing this saves me from Hell; I believe (because the Bible says) that only believing in Jesus can do that. 

I know church can be intimidating. I avoided it for years. If you are coming and are not comfortable going alone, please let me know. I have lots of friends at church and would be happy to make sure you have someone to sit with. I realize I invited all my Facebook friends to this, but do not let that convince you that I don't care if you come. If we are friends, it would mean a lot to me if you came. If we're not really anymore, I'd love the opportunity to reconnect.

Afterward, I'll hang out by the info desk in the front lobby if anyone wants to say Hi. 

Jessy

PS - There are lots of people who have helped (and continue to help) me on this life-long journey, but I've chosen this photo as my event picture as a shout out to Lindy and Heidi. They both live out of state and can't attend but have been so vital to my journey - they bought me a Bible and answered endless questions and accusations about God. They are still a crucial part of my support system. Thanks guys :)

Sunday's baptisms @ Northridge. Watch them HERE:

We baptize in both our AM services, so unless you attend both, you will not see everyone baptized.  Here are the baptisms from Sunday. I love these stories!!

Here is the baptism of Carlos (1st service):

2011.07.24 - Carlos Torres Baptism from Northridge Media.

Here is his wife, Maribel's, baptism (also 1st service):

2011.07.24 - Maribel Torres Baptism from Northridge Media.

And here are the two baptisms from the 2nd service, Jacob & Danielle:

2011.07.24 - Jacob Phillips and Danielle Rizzo Baptism from Northridge Media.

As always, if you receive this by email, you need to click HERE or click on the title above to see the videos. I LOVE these stories!

Ladder Photos - from Easter

Yesterday, I shared a video from our Easter service.  You can watch "Ladder Stories" HERE.

At the end of the service, we invited people to lay their ladders and place their faith in Christ. See the pictures below... We had 111 ladders "laid down" on Easter Sunday. About half of them marked that on the communcation card and we have followed up with them to help them with their "next steps." Praise God! Amazing to be part of something God is doing! It NEVER gets old!

Here are a couple of photos...

Ladder Stories - from Easter

On Easter Sunday - we had one of those unforgettable illustrations.  Here is the video... it is the stories of people who laid down their ladders, then it is the video of what happened during the Easter service following their stories.  And - some didn't recognize this - but the ones who come on stage with their ladders are the same people from the video.

The idea of "laying down your ladder" comes from the concept that we all try to work our way to God. We all try to climb the morality ladder, and we must lay our ladder down and place our faith in Christ. You can see the entire sermon HERE.

But if you want to see the stories, and the illustration - watch this video.

If you receive this by email - click HERE or on the title above to see the video.

Laying Down Ladders @ Northridge - Easter Sunday Summary

Hey Northridge... Here are a couple of updates - some amazing news from Sunday:

1. If you missed Easter Sunday, this was a Sunday you will want to see.  You can watch the sermon (and the laying down of ladders) HERE.
   
   
2. We had 111 ladders put in offering baskets on Sunday!  WOW!
   
   
3. We had 41 people turn in cards with their contact information - saying that they were laying their ladders down and placing their faith in Christ!
   
   
4. Our firstfruits offering for CREATING SPACES was $221,231!
   
   
5. We had 1793 people show up at Northridge on Sunday.

Amazing! I'm so thankful for all God is doing!

Would You Consider Writing My Friend, Matt?

Matt Burgett, a friend of mine, needs some help.  If you watch the video we used a couple of years ago at Northridge, it will be a great introduction to Matt. (make sure you read part of his letter below the video)

Matt's Story from David Whiting on Vimeo.

If you receive this by email - just click HERE to see the video.

Matt had a couple of amazing "clean" years.  This past summer, he made some really bad choices and returned for a period of time to his former way of life. In his journey of re-escaping that lifestyle this fall, he ended up getting arrested for some choices made over the summer.  He ended up in the county jail and is now in a program a couple of hours from here.

He will probably be there for six months before coming back home. I could give you a ton of details, but I will tell you this - HE REALLY needs our encouragement and support. 

Here is part of a letter that Matt wrote me:

I am going to try and set up a Bible study group as part of the program because there isn't much opportunity to study with others otherwise. I have to write a memorandum, and get as many signatures as I can, and submit it to staff for approval. The other Christian man I've been talking to tried it, and got denied. So, my plan is to base it around the book you gave me, Addictions: A Bandquet in the Grave, because it will be addressing addictions from a biblical perspective. We'll see how it goes. Please pray that God blesses me with the starting of this group. This place is "dark" David. Every time that I share in one of my groups I bring a biblical perspective. In the groups that I'm in right now, I stand alone as a follower of Christ. Please pray that I continue to grow in being obedient to the Lord, and that my light shines brightly here. I've been keeping my mind focused on 1 Corinthians 10:13 (temptation) because there are a lot of distractions and temptations here. Not drug temptations, but there are plenty of other temptations calling me to be "of the world." Pass these prayer requests around. I need lots of prayer. Also, I need lots of support... in the form of letters. I need encouragement now more than ever. I am holding tight to many of God's promises right now, and they have been comforting me. Praise the Lord for the strength he has provided me up to this point. Pray that I remain obedient. There are a lot of crazy things going on here, and I've been diligent not to participate... 

I will keep Northridge in my prayers. More and better disciples! God bless you and your family. I love you. 

Because of Christ,
Matt

I'm wondering if you would take the time to write Matt. He could use our encouragement. Even if you don't know him, he would love to hear from you. Tell your story. Tell him you are praying for him. Even the shortest of notes will encourage him.  Tell him what you are doing at Northridge and what God is doing in your life.

Here is his address:
Matthew Burgett
10566 County Hwy. 18
South Kortright, NY 13842

Thanks for BEING the Church for Matt!

Our Latest Story and Baptism

For those who read this but don't attend Northridge - we had a baptism on Sunday. Here is his story and baptism:

Ryan Young's Baptism from David Whiting on Vimeo.

As always, if you receive this by email - you need to click HERE to see the video.  Or you can click on the title above.

 

Small Groups = Changed Lives

I love our small group ministry at Northridge! I rarely go a week without hearing a story of how God is using a small group in someone's life.  In fact, this Sunday - everyone at Northridge will hear a great baptism story and the impact of a small group on one man's life.

Here is a recent email I received from another person at Northridge (shared with permission):

Thank you for instituting small groups at Northridge. Last night as our group sang worship songs in the hosts' living room, a wonderful sense of family came over me as I realized how much we are getting to know and trust each other. Two years ago, this kind of fellowship, that would have seemed so foreign and uncomfortable to me, has now become something wonderful that I crave. I know it is God changing my heart, slowly, and I am truly thankful for what is happening. Praying and opening up with guys I trust is powerful - everybody is facing difficulties, but sharing and facing those daily difficulties with Christian brothers who love me and care about me and who pray for me is more than just a comfort; It is God working and living through people and touching people like me. And it is changing my heart in ways I never expected. I'm not just on the receiving end, as I also sense when God is working through me to minister to another brother, and that too is wonderful. ...Be encouraged that the small seeds you planted two years ago (in encouraging us to join a small group) are reaping a harvest of healing and of opportunities to genuinely bear each others' burdens. Small groups are a wonderful blessing, and your leadership and your life example had a major role in helping us discover the joys and benefits of small group participation. I'm very thankful God has you leading and teaching people like me the way to live a life honoring Jesus Christ.

We have 126 small group leaders at Northridge. Thank you, small group leaders, for all you do to make a difference in people's lives. I love parnering with you for Kingdom advancement.

A Life-Changing Book

Back in April a good friend asked for a book that might "fire him up" spiritually. I gave a list of a dozen suggestions. You can read that list HERE.

But he chose to read "Living the Cross-Centered Life" by C.J. Mahaney. Here is what he said about the book:

Well, I just finished this book... I've probably only read about 6-8 books on some aspect of Christianity in my lifetime, and I thought I'd tell you that hands down this has been the one that has impacted me the most.  Without a single doubt.  I felt like I gained something from every single chapter in that book, some more than others, but especially the legalism one. The book kind of rocked me to my core and totally challenged me to change my thinking (and how I approach my day) in a major way.  I know it is a small book, but the message couldn't be larger or louder in my opinion.

If you are looking for a great book to grow in your life - I couldn't recommend one more highly than "Living the Cross-Centered Life!"

An Unbelievable Story...

On Easter Sunday - we showed the video of Matt's story.  One year ago, Matt was homeless, hooked on drugs, and ready to be arrested... again.  And God has totally transformed his life.

Whether you weren't here on Easter, wanted to show the video to someone else, or if you just want to see it again yourself - here it is...

Matt's Story from David Whiting on Vimeo.

As always - if you receive this by email - click HERE to see the video.