GACC is Doin' a new Thing!

Isaiah 43:18-19 18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. My wife, Yolanda & I have been disciples of Christ for 13 years, and we’re so happy to be in a ministry that is active in sharing our faith, we’re devoted unswervingly to the scriptures, and we’re enjoying fellowship and “each other” times filled with salt. I have many friends in other churches that are still yearning for days of old, or to worship with friends from the past. Of course I’d love to see various friends that mean a lot to me, but God is doing so much now, and I only hope all disciples will get to feel that again! At GACC we’re making new friends. Almost every week there’s a new baptism, a new family, campus student, or single learning about God or visiting. We’re meeting dynamic & vibrant people from various races and backgrounds all streaming to the kingdom, the way Isaiah describes. Isaiah 2:2 
 In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.. It’s obvious that people are craving the word that is preached with authority and even more so being lived out in reality! I’m proud that the only disciples that are moving over to our ministry have been those who want total commitment, accountability and yearn to have more zeal for the Lord. I’ve also noticed that only people who have left our ministry unhappy, feel we are too committed, and active in each others lives and in the lord. They didn’t leave because GACC isn’t striving to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind & strength. (The Baptism of Jermaine & Denise) Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Our church has refused to play church politics. We haven’t joined any particular movement, because we’ve insisted that anyone who is a disciple of Jesus is in our family! We are about the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17 & we won’t refuse fellowship with anyone who is for building God’s kingdom in scriptural truth, righteousness and faith. As we study the bible with new people it enables us older disciples to see the folly in being hung up with past church rifts, & divisions. Those divisive issues primarily fester in the prideful hearts of leadership, and the average disciple and especially new converts could care less about any of it; And rightfully so, because they have just learned about the importance of forgiveness, humility, self -denial and trust in God. I know all of us, especially those older in the faith, can stand to take a refresher course in these concepts, for they are the foundation of the church. Our teen’s ministry is prepped and ready to go, our campus, married and single ministries have had incredible successes, in spiritual growth and in numbers. But all of that pales compared to the hearts of serving disciples. I can see that God is ready to move in all of us if we are willing to let Him. I pray for all churches around the world to have at least what we have right now, and even greater things than this! Please pray for God to continue to see us worthy of His grace, blessings and power, as we pray for your church as well. In unity, and the encouragement that comes from being in the Lord. Speech. Read more!

Art & Soul 2008!

By ADAM M. PEACE Originally Published June 2, 2008 There is a common misconception that a person truly living a Christian lifestyle cannot have fun because everything considered “fun” is sin. Well, through the Metro Atlanta Church of Christ (The GACC & ANCOC), God annihilated this theory last Sunday, May 25th, through Art & Soul! Disciples from all over the nation came together for this mass celebration and a chance to glorify God with their talents. With a wide array of creativity and diversity, spectators were continuously surprised with the different elements of performances that embodied Art & Soul! As the show started, the audience was greeted by the hosts of the evening, the charismatic Raymond Edwards Jr. and the comical Marcus McNeil. After getting the audience excited, they brought out the first performer, Ashaki Broadus, who got the show started with a bang with her performance of Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine.” Next up was Sylvester “Sly” Walker featuring Jerod “J-Rod” Mundy and Jodi Lewis. The trio performed an original hip hop and R&B performance showing us how we have to “learn to fly.” Rodrigus Graham, a sophomore at Morehouse College, then did a monologue that tugged on everyone’s heart strings as his acting abilities exemplified that of a young Sidney Poitier. Following Rodrigus was Myron Abernathy. Already known in the Kingdom for his tantalizing salsa moves, he did not disappoint as he and his partner set the dance floor on fire! Muy caliente! But next it was “Official Business” when gospel hip-hop artist King got on stage and astounded the audience with his rap style and flow. One of the highlights of the night was the official Art & Soul Fashion Show! Organized and choreographed by Keegan Leiba, the show was as classy and trendy as it was ground-breaking. It demonstrated how models of all shapes, sizes, ages and races can still rock the runway and look beautiful at the same time! The show also represented how modesty and class can go a very long way and even though it goes against popular demand, skin does not have to be the main accessory. Throughout the show, the audience was captivated as they were immersed in a sea of vibrant colors and patterns, vintage as well as modern wear, formal gowns, precise poses, in-sync choreography, and glamorous jewelry that were all presented with an enchanting sophistication that left everyone wanting more! After the fashion show, Jodi Lewis and the Church Band performed Ben Harper’s “I Wanna Be Ready” giving non-members a taste of the wonderful vocals the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ has the pleasure of hearing every Sunday. The performance that followed was the group, “Brilliance,” which was composed of Almasi & Lisa Sims, a married couple from Tampa, FL. The duo performed an inspiring music ministry with a powerful message that moved the crowd. “He knows my heart but you must know His,” [referring to Jesus] is just one of the convicting lyrics that was heard in their songs. A GACC favorite, Adam Delanoy or “Delanoyz” performed his original hip hop single, “In My Opinion.” The audience was then blown away by the soulful vocals of singer, Nanyana united with the melodic sounds of her band. What can be described as a mix of jazz, funk, folk, and even a little reggae, the performance was amazing as one could hear acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, drums, and bongos in this creative and fun performance. After a short dance break, Chigi Ukadike performed “Are You Ready for Love” by India Arie and Jade Barber read her original poem, “This Dress.” The audience was then brought to their feet with the energetic hip hop group of five, The Elements. Hailing from Columbia, SC, The Elements brought a northern style as they ministered the Gospel through their hip hop rhymes. Afterwards, Demerris Johnson, from Dallas, TX used her soulful, resonant voice to sing hit songs from both Jill Scott and India Arie that had the audience in a trance as they swayed back and forth to her lyrics. But just when everyone thought it was over, when the audience thought that it could not get any better, Arrested Development came on stage! The Grammy-winning hip-hop group brought the house down with an overabundance of brand new songs from their newest album, “Since the Last Time,” as well as classic hits like “Tennessee,” “People Everyday” and “Mr. Wendal!” Yes, God’s power was in full view that night. One of the many amazing things that could be said about the night is that many people had their children there. At Art & Soul there was not one performance where parents were tempted to cover their children’s ears or make them leave early. This showed that it’s possible to have a clean event and still have an awesome time! The turn-out and performances as a whole were truly amazing this year. One can only imagine what God’s going to make happen for next year’s Art & Soul! By ADAM M. PEACE Originally Published June 2, 2008 Read more!