Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord." –Jeremiah 9:23–24 Last night the elders of Mars Hill from all of the campuses gathered for our regular meeting. We were able to spend some time boasting in Jesus and what he has done, both in our hearts and in the hearts of the people that make up the church. It was greatly encouraging as thirty men sat in a room recounting the grace of God in our midst. I share some of those things with you today so that you too can boast with us in the steadfast love, justice, and righteousness that come from Jesus.

• Easter Sunday was an overwhelming example of what God has been doing. Many of the pastors were able to see their fathers, sisters, brothers, and children worshiping Jesus. We were amazed to see God at work in so many people that we love so much all at the same time.
• One pastor pointed out that sometimes using and teaching the gospel is more comfortable than being affected by the gospel. Thankfully, he said, God is opening up his heart to experience a more personal taste of God’s grace, which has led to growth, freedom, and clarity.
• A new Christian at the Wedgwood Campus was baptized on Easter and got married a week later.
• Pastors are experiencing God’s grace by being able to pass on godly counsel they once benefited from, specifically in the areas of fatherhood and marriage.
• Many people are being changed by the power of the gospel, which is resulting in immediate obedience to Jesus. One pastor recently met with a couple that chose to make the difficult, repentant decision to stop living together until they are married.
• One of the elders in our pastoral care department rejoiced that God has been revealing more and more demonic strongholds in our people, creating a season of spiritual growth in our church, and bringing his light into very dark places.
• Friendships that date back to a few pastors’ pre-Christian days are bearing fruit as old acquaintances are beginning to learn and ask about Jesus.
• A pastor in our music department expressed gratitude that God has called him to be at Mars Hill, where he gets to use his gifts as a musician and write honest, raw songs about Jesus, sin, the crucifixion, etc. He’s been contacted in recent days by people who are deeply moved by these songs.
• An almost-divorced couple has decided to attend Mars Hill, where both the husband and the wife became a Christian within the past few months. They’re now committed to reconciliation within their marriage.
• Hundreds of men are gathering for early-morning prayer throughout the week at our various campuses.
• The City, our new online network, made its official debut last Sunday, resulting in over 500 new users (for a total of 1,500+). This tool is already bearing much fruit in the life of our church body.

We could have spent all night sharing the evidences of grace we’ve experienced recently. God has been very generous and merciful to us. His goodness is true, and his kindness is humbling. Thank you for praying for Mars Hill.