Yesterday we took a look at Remember the Titans, and walked through how no matter what people might say/do/act like- our goal is always to start, continue, and end with love. It’s not easy. Loving people is hard. Many times we find difficulty in loving others because we haven’t learned to love ourselves (i.e. “love your neighbor as yourself).

A couple of bonus material items from yesterday’s message:
1. We listed a boatload of passages that show our mission is to “love people.” They’re listed for you below.
2. We didn’t have enough time, but I have 10 thoughts on engaging people and loving others. I truly believe if you put these into practice you’ll see your relationships flourish and watch new ones begin to take shape!
3. The video we played in the opening was great! Justin (our creative arts pastor) did a fantastic job on it. It’s located below for you to share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

1. Passages on Loving People 

Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 17:9
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 15:12-13
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Luke 6:27
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Romans 12:9-10
Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

1 Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in love.

Galatians 5:13-14
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 John 3:11
For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

1 John 3:23
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 4:7-8
Brothers & sisters, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:11
Because God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

2 John 1:5
And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.

2. Ten Thoughts on Loving People & Connecting in Relationships 

1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2. Smile at people. It takes seventy-two muscles to frown, only fourteen to smile.

3. Call people by name. Music to anyone’s ears is the sound of his/her own name.

4. Be friendly and helpful. Even if they’re rude and inconsiderate, you’re not called to be hurtful- you’re called to love.

5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is genuinely a pleasure, and if it isn’t, learn to make it so.

6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like almost everybody if you try.

7. Be generous with compliments, cautious with criticism. For a single hurtful thing you say, it takes 8 encouraging things to off set it.

8. Be considerate of people’s feelings. There are usually three sides to a controversy: yours, the other person’s, and the right one.

9. Be alert to serve. People remember when you are present & helping.

10. Embrace humor, practice patience, and be humble. Enough said.

**11. BONUS: Learn to party well. Jesus was constantly invited and going to parties. Christians (for the most part) don’t know how to party well these days. Let loose and enjoy the company of others.

3. Intro to Service Video 

Worship Him Today from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

I love buffets.
There are so many different choices.
I never utilize them to their full potential (usually only getting two plates max).
But, it’s nice to pick what I want.
It’s even better to bypass the items I dislike.
Brussel sprouts? Pass.
Liverwurst? Pass.
Lima beans? Pass.

Mama isn’t there to force me to eat collard greens and squash. So I zip right on by for more appetizing endeavors like steak, grilled chicken, potatoes, green beans, steamed broccoli, and more! It’s everything I want, that brings me joy, on one plate. MMmmmmm! But, that approach to the Bible is deadly and can have dreadful results.

The Bible is God’s heart revealed to us, in it’s completeness.
It shows us what love and grace are.
We explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
There are plenty of hard topics in the text as well.
Turning the other cheek.
Releasing people from the pain of their debt.
Letting go of behaviors that don’t aim us towards holiness.
Submitting to God, authorities, church leadership, etc.

Following God isn’t a walk in the park.
Our human nature fights against the very precepts of the Bible.
It’s easier to ignore your neighbor, than it is to love them and be friends.
It can be a more natural thing to complain, instead of looking for the joy in things.
The world inundates us to live for numero uno, but God tells us to be servants to everyone and live humbly.

Our human nature is to skim through the Bible and take what we want, toss out the rest. My prayer for you is that you take God at His word, pray over what He’s telling you through the life of the pages, and begin to put it into practice- one day at a time.

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

I heard the phrase often growing up. My dad is a very sarcastic individual and I learned under his tutelage to yield it like a well trained swordsman. Verbal banter and joking abounded under our roof. It’s what got us through difficult times. Laughing broke the ice. When my dad retired after a 22+ year career in the Navy. He cried and was heartbroken (one of only three times I’ve seen the man cry). It was a side comment of my brother in an Applebees, “So, you spent two decades in the Navy learning to be a man and now you’re crying like a baby” that softened the moment. We all had a laugh. The tension was broken. It wasn’t that we didn’t take the day seriously. We all knew a large chapter of my dad’s life had closed. But, the laughter helped us move through it.

Sunday evening I had the honor of speaking for a large group of area churches. Hurricane Irene came through and shut down Virginia Beach, so most churches didn’t hold a.m. services. We gathered a plan together to combine efforts with Real Life Church to invite anyone in the 757 to come and worship.

It was great.
God was honored.
We enjoyed spending time with other people who want to figure out how to live like Jesus. Some people had a close relationship with Jesus. Others were virgins to the church, God, and this Jesus guy they had heard about once. It encourages me to always be in places where it isn’t just Christians. It shows me we’re meeting new people who need to experience God. It’s great.

After I got back home, my Facebook, Twitter & Phone had blown up about how much people enjoyed the evening. Some of of the comments were:

“We had no clue you were that funny!?”
“On the way home we talked and agreed, you rocked that sermon… and you’re so funny, who knew?”
“You were great. My oldest daughter asked if you were a comedian!”
“My mother-in-law laughed so hard she was crying. Great job.”
“I think I pulled a muscle in my neck laughing. LUV’D IT!!!!”

Then, I opened up my Facebook page today, to a private message from a fellow minister. It simply read:

“Saw all the updates about last night. Didn’t know you left ministry to be a comedian. Good luck with that.”

Ouch.

Let me first off say, we’ve talked and everything is copacetic. I wouldn’t share this if we hadn’t had the opportunity to talk it out “brotha to brotha.” (Look in the Bible for Matthew 18, this is huge for dealing with sin/confrontation). Second, there was a false dichotomy assumed in that message I found in my inbox.

That false dichotomy is this:
“If you’re preaching the Bible, you cannot be funny.” or…
“If you’re funny, you cannot be preaching the Bible.”

I grew up in pretty conservative churches where humor wasn’t used in large segments. To preach and use humor was to “water down the message” or “entertain people instead of challenge people.” The assumption is that you can only preach with limited humor and honor God. This is simply not true.

I would assert that laughter is one of the most successful ways to diffuse walls, barriers, and tension that people have about the church, God, faith, heaven, hell, and the story of love that God has for every person under the sun. Yes, the topics & truths we have are about people’s salvation and eternity. Oh… Hell, it’s not a joke. But, you preach a sermon on Hell, the air is going to be thick. You’ll be able to cut it with a knife. But, you can break the tension. It can be done in a way that doesn’t make Hell a cocktail joke, but brings people’s anxiety down to a place where they’re actually going to hear the love/grace/truth you’re teaching.

The guy who comes in with a Pantera shirt and thinks Hell is better discussed by ACDC, he’ll hear you better. The woman who just got beat by her husband and hasn’t told a soul why her abusive spouse doesn’t come to church- she’ll smile and chuckle for the first time in years, and she’ll hear you for the first time in months. The guy wrestling with porn addiction and he’s depressed thinking God doesn’t love him, he’ll begin to laugh and realize that was God bringing him joy again.

Some notes about humor & preaching:

1. Jesus Communicated in Ways People Could Relate To. He told stories, talked about farming/agriculture, used illustrations people connected with. Nothing brings people together like food and laughter. Now in a message, as a pastor, part of my task is to balance both (the message & teaching being the meat/meal they need, and the humor).

2. Humor Diffuses Tension. When my wife and I fight (yes, we fight), most fights end when someone breaks the cycle with a joke. Usually it’s one making fun of themselves. More often then not, it’s me making the joke. Because I was wrong, and I needed a break. We soon realize whatever we were arguing about wasn’t worth it. With speaking, when the topic is tense, people’s minds are wrapped up in defending themselves. Protecting their ideas, thoughts, and conclusions. Want to break down the walls? Use humor.

3. People Remember God’s Love Through Moments. Create Moments. Last night opened up with buffaloes dangling from dental floss in reference to my fear of heights, hurricanes with family is a glimpse of hell, earthquakes aren’t supposed to happen in VA, and my youngest daughter is a mobile piranha biting anything in sight. Yes, there was laughter. People were holding their sides in tears at times. It was quite a moment. But how did it tie together? Well…

4. Laughter To Life Change Is Tough, But It Pays Off. It is not easy to use humor to communicate hard things. It takes work. That’s why many communicators fail when trying to use humor. I opened up with a question, “Who in here likes to have control?” All those things I mentioned a second ago were things I wanted control in my life (heights, natural disasters, my little girls). But I don’t get to control life. I followed up with a quote from my dad, “If your life seems completely in control, you’re not really living.” Then we asserted from the Bible in James 5:10-11 that in trials, what we want is to have control, but God calls us to follow the examples of the saints before us (i.e. Job, a guy who finally let God do the talking), and live with God in control and practice patience. One of the greatest examples to illustrate this was the moment of the Israelites coming to the Red Sea with Moses in the Bible, Exodus 14. We walked through their fear, lack of faith, and desire to take control instead of being patient with God. I asked if they had totally given over control? The best way we surrender control is to give all of ourselves to God  (communicated through video, it’s embedded at the end of this post). Then we sang a song, prayed, and waited.

37 emails, 9 face to face prayers, multiple conversations and quite a few back&forths via social networking…

- a woman is finding strength in a physically abusive realtionship
- a young lady is learning to forgive her rape attacker
- a young man is beginning the road to peace after a hurtful relationship
- two ladies renewed a commitment to be active in church & carpool together
- a man confided that he’s giving up pornography and getting help
- a man is asking about baptism, and is on the verge of surrender
- a family is certain God is good and they want to get more involved
- numerous people share, “Did you spy on me this week? I need to give up control!”
- An offering was collected for a family who lost an 11 yr old during the hurricane
- God was honored
- People laughed till it hurt
- The Bible was preached unapologetically
- I was a pastor (and a comedian)
- God was pleased with our worship
- Live were changed for the better with God’s love

So, if you’ve made it this far, you have a longer attention span than a gnat, and… you have a choice to make when you communicate with people. Will you embrace the use of humor in tearing down walls? People need the love and grace of Jesus. Our interaction with them could be the moment created where God’s Holy Spirit burdens their hearts to choose Christ over the world.

Note to Pastors/Ministers/Preachers, you have the most difficult job on the planet. The burden you carry is immense. What you have to stand up for and answer to at judgement is more than many will ever fathom. Please, for the love of all that is holy, learn to communicate in such a way that you engage people into God’s story of love. Don’t compromise the message. Stand strong. But, do so in such a way that you are with the people in their world. Jesus did.

-branded with love

Why Baptism?

This morning my wife lovingly confronted me in the bathroom.

“I read your post last night. Don’t you think people will get the wrong idea?”
“What post?”
“The post about watching HLN & the interview with Jay Bakker.”
“No.”
“So, you didn’t really say what you thought about it. It was kind of vague.”
“I’m pretty sure people know I am for God’s love, truth, & grace. I’ve preached on these kinds of topics before.”

It’s one of the things I love about Forefront. People know we love everyone and so does God. Liars. Gossipers. Tall. Short. Skinny. Fat. Angry. Happy. People who claim Jesus. People who hate him. Vegetarians. Carnivores. Homosexuals. Heterosexuals. Prostitutes. Pimps. Navy. Army. Marines. Homeless. Bitter. White. Black. Asian. European…. It doesn’t make a difference. We love people and we point them to Jesus. And Jesus loves us so much, that he can’t leave us the way He finds us. He wants to take seat inside our lives, clean the place up, and make us whole.

This was the post she was referring to,

But it got me thinking,

“In light of God, faith, love, grace, etc— What ideas & concepts of faith am I entertaining?”

There are so many ideas out there about God. I read a ton of them.
Some are things that many pastors refuse to read.
They say it’s because the teaching doesn’t match with their faith.
If that was the case, my author pool would be narrowed drastically.
Rob Bell. Jay Bakker. John Piper. C.S. Lewis. Lee Strobel.
I’ve  disagreed with some stances from men like these, but I read their books.
Why?
Because I want to know what else is out there.
I always have a desire to hear another side of the coin.
But I also need to proceed with caution.

This practice can be troubling for many.
I would ask the question, “What are you entertaining?”
Some topics are clear and precise through the Bible.
Topics on faith, Jesus as the only means of salvation, loving God and our neighbors, drawing close to God and living a life of holiness, there is a heaven and a hell, we all have sinned and messed up, the Holy Spirit is our daily companion & help, etc.
While others are left up to the reader to decide if it’s something they should do and will this honor God or hurt God’s heart?

Should I drink?
What is a curse word? Who decides that?
Can I watch movies that are R rated and still be close to God?
Is a cigar/cigarette something I am allowed to do?
What music is wholesome and what draws me away from God?
Is it alright to be married and close to someone of the opposite sex?

Now, some of the things like this are difficult.
Jesus came to conquer our sin and we are freed by His love/grace.
It’s not a list of do’s and dont’s, but an examination of our heart condition.
Are we striving to love God more and serve God more?
I just ask you to consider,

“In your quest for God, his love, truth, and grace- what are you entertaining?”

Sometimes we want so badly to believe things about God, that we’ll search the world over to make it true in some way/shape/form. My prayer is as we search for God, we ask Him to reveal His love, grace, and truth- despite how badly we might want to put something on Him that isn’t in His character.

God is amazing, and every day I want to know Him more.
But, I never want to place my ideas & beliefs on God.
He is way bigger, smarter, stronger, and more knowledgable than me!
I want Him to teach me His ways and desires for my life.

“You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;  you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue  you, LORD, know it completely… Search me, God, and know my heart;  test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:2-4, 23-24 

God finds offensive ways in me daily.
I’m so glad He hasn’t given up on me and leads my heart.
I just need to learn that my thinking cannot be placed on Him.
What am I entertaining?
Well–His love, grace and truth hasn’t changed.
So the person that always needs to change… is me.

With friends in my generation/people in general, I’m seeing a trend that really burdens my heart.
When we discuss God, they claim to believe in Him.
When we talk about being a Christian, they have made that step.
Then, the church is brought up, and I begin to hear things like…

“I really don’t need to go to church, my relationship with God is personal.”
“The church is filled with hypocrites, I would never go there.”
“The institution of church just wants my money, it’s not about the Bible.”
“I get my relationships and community without being a part of a church.”

Now, I’m a total introvert who moonlights as an extravert due to my occupation.
It would be easy for me to work at Walmart stocking shelves at night.
I probably wouldn’t speak to anyone at work or home.
I have to force myself to be social.
If we’re friends and we’ve never hung out… it’s probably my fault.
Seriously. I’m scared of calling people only to get rejected.
Me = total weirdo.

So, now put a bunch of people in a room and we’re supposed to share?
About God?
Faith?
My personal relationship with Jesus?
Um… uh… yeah. Exactly.
I would almost always result in choosing to be secluded. But, there problem is…

Church membership, for someone who claims to be a Christian, isn’t an option. Although, many people do run to the church when the mess hits the fan… they just don’t enjoy a committed relationship with the church. In the Bible, the New Testament (NT) teaches that every Christian is to be a member of a local church that is preaching the Bible, taking communion and practicing spiritual disciplines, and being led/protected by elders. Some of the other functions of the local church include serving the community locally, building up other believers, and sharing in community.

The strongest reason to not sit back like a lone ranger and engage the church, is that the church is the body of Christ (I Cor.12:12-27). When someone accepts Christ and is baptized, God does not save them in isolation from themselves and from the others in the church. He brings them all together and unites them. Through the church, God encourages each person by the teaching of the Bible and by the practicing spiritual disciplines as the early church did (communion). Through the church God provides opportunities for each person to honor and serve Him alongside all the other members of the church (Eph.4:15,16).

For a follower of Jesus to live in separation from the church, is to break the heart and very design of God. God’s plan for us is to join us together for the work of His kingdom.

This is tough for me.
I imagine this is difficult for you.
While we long to be accepted and loved, we’re scared to live in community.
Here’s to encouraging each other together.
Let’s live it out, or as we say @forefrontchurch, “Let’s Gel Baby!”

Here are some ways I’d like to challenge you…

Sundays:
If you go to Forefront and just kind of come here and there, I encourage you to make a 1 month commitment. Come every Sunday for one month. And, when you engage the service, I’d ask you to pray, “God, what are you trying to teach me today? What do I need to let go of to be closer to you? What is it that I need to do, so I can be more devoted to you?” And… see what happens!

Gel Groups:
Maybe you feel alright coming on Sunday mornings, but getting into a living room with people is too close for comfort. I want to make a deal with you- email dan@forefront.org and tell him, “Jason challenged me to get into a group, but I’m not sure it’s for me. I’m going to try it for one month and see what happens. What is a good group for me?” He will help you with a group and I promise it will change your life (this is coming from a guy who is really weird in groups, I LOVE my Gel Group and look forward to it every week).

Let’s Eat Together:
My wife and I eat every day. I know it’s a crazy concept, but we’re wild like that. How about we get together? A meal. You, us, our wild little girls, and just share life for an hour or so? No one should do life alone. We can talk more about life, Sundays, Gel, and get to know one another. Wanna try it? Don’t want to hang with us, but you’d like to eat with someone else on staff? That’s cool too. Just email: ieatfoodtooandwouldliketoeatwithyou@forefront.org (yes, that email address does rule) and we’ll make it happen.

Also, if you have any questions about Forefront or are new to the church, we’re offering ELEMENT, a class to learn about what we do, why we do what we do, what the Bible says about it, and how to be involved here. You can email dan@forefront.org or lisa@forefront.org and say “Hey, I want in on that ELEMENT Class. Jason said I need to be there!” It’s Saturday, July 16, from 9-12. It’s going to be a great time.

Until next time,
Jason

*content concerning church membership was adapted from David J. Engelsma’s book, “Bound to Join: Letters on Church Membership”

Is Heaven real?
Would a good God really send people to Hell?
Who gets a ticket into the “big show” for eternity?

These questions are not new. Theologians, philosophers, pub crawlers, and the average Joe & Jane have been prompting this discussion for hundreds of years. It’s part of our design to wonder, dialogue, and discuss these questions. Fear of opening Pandora’s Box on these issues seems to stem from people’s fear of hurting feelings, leaving someone out, and/or misinterpreting the scriptures. There are all sorts of reasons to bring the topic up. It’s good for the soul. We begin to think on eternity. It raises our awareness to share our faith with everyone we come into contact with.

Recently, the web has been in a sort of “upheaval” with the soon coming release of Rob Bell’s newest literary piece “Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.” I’ve received numerous emails from friends and people at Forefront asking, “What do you think about all of this? Is Heaven real? Is everyone going to be there?” The video that publisher’s Harper Collins released, has many Christians waiting with eyebrows raised. Here is the video (embedded below):

LOVE WINS. – Available March 15th from Rob Bell on Vimeo.

• It’s Not New: First off, Rob Bell isn’t asking anything new. Remember- this dialogue has been going on for hundreds of years. There isn’t anything He can ask, say, do, or teach that someone hasn’t come up with already this side of Heaven.
• The Bible As The Authority: The Bible is the final authority, not Mr. Bell, or any other author for that matter. When we begin to raise up the the early theologians like Calvin, Stone, & Lewis or well-known church leaders such as Warren, Driscoll, Piper, Chandler, Chan, Noble, Hybels, etc… above God, Jesus, and His word- we’re headed in a dreadful direction. God holds the power and eternity, let’s keep it in perspective.
• Questions Are Good: Our faith is challenged, provoked, and stimulated by questions. You learn about God and decide if you believe it’s true based on…? Questions. Study. Searching through His word and deciphering what it means and how to apply it. When we stop asking questions, we’re also hitting a dangerous slope. It’s a sign we’ve arrived (or we at least believe we have). We’re told in scripture that some things are a mystery. Deuteronomy 29:29 states “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever…” If anyone claims to know everything about God and have it all figured out, be aware and keep a distance.
• What Does Forefront Believe?: It’s always the question that comes up. What does the church believe about Heaven, Hell, and Who’s Going? Well, here is what we’ve come to know, understand, and believe (based on our study and research as a leadership)…

Heaven is real. Heaven is for eternity. And followers of Jesus have a hope that they will spend eternity there with Him. Heaven is a place where those who have followed Jesus will share community with Him for eternity worshiping the one and only Creator, God of the Universe. On the day of judgment, Heaven will come to earth for God to create a New Heaven and a New Earth.
(on *Heaven: Matt. 5:12, Luke 6:23, Deut. 26:15, Matt. 10:22-23, Rev. 21:1-27, Rev. 22:1-21, Luke 23:43, Acts 7:59, 2 Cor. 5:8, Phil. 1;23, Rev 6:9-11, John 14:3, 17:24, 1 Thess. 4:14 & 17, Isa. 65:17-25, 66:22, Rom. 8:19-22, 2 Pet. 3:10-13, Gen. 1-14-16, 26:4, Pss. 33:6, 19:1, Gen. 1_20-22, Pss. 2:4, 11:4, 103,:19, 110:1-2, Dan. 7:9, Acts 2:34, 3:21, 7:56, Heb. 8:1, 9:24, 1 Pet. 3:22, Rev. 4-5, 2 Cor. 12:2, 1 Thess. 1:10, 4:16, 2 Thess. 1:7, Matt 24:29-31, 26:64, Acts 1:11, Acts, 7:55-56, 2 Cor. 12:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:9)

Hell is a real. Hell is for eternity. Jesus taught many people will see it first hand because the road leading to it is broad and our selfish nature (sinful nature) draws us to the wide road. It’s easy, self-fulfilling, and makes us feel good- for a moment. We have every opportunity this side of life to accept God’s grace (a gift we don’t deserve), and come into a saving relationship with Him.
(on *Hell: 1 Tim 2:24, 2 Pet. 3:9, Matt. 13:42 & 50,, 18:8-9, Rev. 19:20, 20:14-15, Matt. 25:30, Jude 13, Rev. 14:10-11, Matt. 7:23, 25:41, Luke 16:19, 2 Thess. 1:9, Rev. 14:11, Rev. 2:11, 20:6 & 14, 21:8, Matt. 13:42 & 50, 22:12-13, 24:51, 25:30, Luke 13:28, Matt. 25:41. Rev. 14:10-11, Rev. 20:10, Dan. 12:2, Matt. 25:41 & 46, 2 Thess. 1:6-9, 2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, 2 Chron. 28:3, 33:6, Jer. 19:56, 32:35, Matt. 5:22, 10:28, 18:9, Mark 9:43, Matt. 13:42 & 50, Matt. 23:15 & 33, Matt. 25:41, Rev. 19:20, 20:10, 14, 15, Isa. 66:24, Mark 9:47-48)

Salvation is real. Salvation comes through Christ Jesus and Him alone. It’s by grace, through faith, at baptism, for good works. My prayer is that you hear it, seek it, find it, and thank God for it. God’s gift of grace (a gift we don’t deserve) is open to everyone, but the Bible parses out through the teachings of Jesus and Paul that not everyone will decide to follow, obey, and live according to His will and precepts.
(on *Salvation: John 3:16, Acts 2:38-39, Eph. 2:8-10, Col. 2:12, Acts 16:30-31, Rom. 11:6, Gal. 3:27, 1 Pet. 3:21-23, John 3:5, Titus 3:5, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, Mark 16:16, 2 Cor. 5:17, Rom. 3:20,24,28, 4:5, 5:9, 10:17, John 6:45, 12:32, 20:31, Rom. 1:16, Heb. 4:12, Jam. 1:18, John 12:32, Matt. 23:37, Acts 7:51, 2:41, John 1:12, John 6:44,65, Eph. 1:5, Rom. 8:29-30, 2 Thes. 2:13, 1 Peter 1:1-2)

Let’s not be afraid to ask questions. Also, let’s no be quick to throw stones at people who don’t feel the same way as we do. Lay off the Rob Bell’s of the world for a moment. If you feel someone does or does not believe the same as you on God’s word: pray w/ them, talk w/ them, and allow yourselves to have an honest discussion free from social networking. Just because technology has given you and I a platform, doesn’t mean every discussion needs to stay there. Some are better left face to face in our homes, pubs, and meeting places. We’re forever learning, coming into new understandings, and allowing God to teach us.

What I understood about God’s love at age 13, is much different than what I understand about God’s love at 31. Let God’s word marinate in your system, cover you, and transform your heart. As you do that, share it with others. Because eternity is at stake and the road is broad. Chances are, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have friends on the broad road. It leads to destruction and eternal separation from God. Let’s share our faith. People are dying without Him.

Jason

(Comments on this post have been turned off. We all have better things to do than to have virtual discussion here. I hang out on occasion for lunch during the week. Wanna talk about this stuff? Let’s get together for lunch. Amen.)

*All study, scriptures, and themes are cited from
His Truth: Scriptural Truths About Basic Doctrines by Jack Cottrell,
Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears,
Thirteen Lessons In Christian Doctrine by Denver Sizemore

She’s all together.
The perfect package.
Well, actually… 30 of them.
All you have to do is pick who you like the most.
Test her, try her out, see if she fits.
If you don’t click with her or like her that much…
“No rose for you sucker!”
Pack. Your. Bags.

Early on in my faith I approached God’s Word (the Bible), much like this. Read a little, take it or leave it, move on. The parts I got excited about was great, but the parts that were tough just got tossed. I loved reading about Jesus being my Savior, but the fact of the matter was, I hated the idea of Him being my Lord.

The Bachelor/Bachelorette fails almost every time because in the quest to hand pick perfection, they just want one side. The problem is, it’s a package deal. You pick the blond bombshell, you also get the bad mood in the morning with once a month “attitude.” Snag the hunky fire fighter, you get the sometimes-but-not-always angry & bitter guy. No matter the choice, they are a package deal. The stuff you don’t like will make you want to run. Even though they got a rose, it isn’t always roses…

Taking on the message of Jesus is much the same. You love the Savior, struggle with the Lord. Sing for joy about heaven, trembling about the reality of Hell. Reading, accepting, and believing the words of scripture is a package deal. It’s not a 10-12 week dating game where we “court” the words of Jesus and take the parts we like, ditching the rest.

It’s all or nothing. The Word of God is so very important:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:5-7

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:21-25

Taking on the life of following Christ isn’t easy,
But He eases the burden.
Picking n’ choosing from the Bible feels good,
But like the Bachelor, will always end badly.
Trusting all of scripture is an act of faith,
That doesn’t go unrewarded.
Just probably not something we’ll see this side of heaven.

*jdel

Want to read the Bible for free online or on your mobile device?
You’re Welcome.

This Week: Faith To Change Lives
Speaker: Jason Bedell, Teaching Pastor
Theme: With the power of the One and Only Almighty God, we can do anything. Join in as we explore what role faith plays in our relationship with the Creator of the Universe.
You can listen on our website via your computer or mobile device.
Click here for the RSS feed, or…
Click here to view the podcast via iTunes

The message from James last week will be posted soon!

*jdel

Over the holiday, my family and I received some very special gifts from individuals at Forefront. We’d just wanted to take a minute to say, “Thank you.” From books and gift cards, to meals and more- you all definitely honored my wife, two little girls, and myself. We cannot say enough how much we love serving here with God’s Church at Forefront.

On a completely different note: I never get mail. Well, let me rephrase that… I never get mail that matters much to me. I do get lots of junk mail, bills, sales ads, bills, more junk mail- you get the idea. Yesterday though, was quite the turn of events. I got mail- and it wasn’t junk, bills, or sales ads. I received this:

One line in the letter read, “I’m writing you with good news today. Someone who knows you and loves you requested that we send you a very special gift of appreciation.” And, enclosed was a CD with some great mp3 messages, a short book on things James MacDonald has learned in his 2 decades of preaching, and some other goodies.

I have no idea who this was, but thank you. When Carrie and I look at the resources God has entrusted us with each pay period, the last thing we think about is how to cultivate ourselves more. We immediately default to you all at Forefront, helping other families, the Crisis Pregnancy Center, etc. We justify it by saying, “We have our Bible’s and a few books we like- we don’t need any more stuff compared to what others need.”

While some might read that last paragraph and go, “You’re just trying to pat yourselves on the back” or “Man, they have a heart for God. Good for them”… the unfortunate part is, we should also be putting more of an emphasis on diversifying our spiritual growth than we do. Don’t get me wrong, Carrie and I are in the Bible, reading books, teaching our children, praying, searching after Him, etc. But, I think in the place we’re in, in the leadership God has called us to- it’s time to invest more than we have in previous years into reaching new levels. It’s one of our goals in 2011. And to this nameless individual who requested this packet of resources in appreciation for all we do…

Thank you. This keeps us aimed at our goal.

*jdel

This Week: Faith To Step Out
Speaker: Jason Bedell, Teaching Pastor
Theme: With the power of the One and Only Almighty God, we can do anything. Join in as we explore what role faith plays in our relationship with the Creator of the Universe.
You can listen on our website via your computer or mobile device.
Click here for the RSS feed, or…
Click here to view the podcast via iTunes

*jdel