Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably seen the “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” video circling YouTube (At least 16+ million have and continues to climb). Well, it stirred all kinds of controversy about whether or not it’s okay to hate religion and still love Jesus. Jay Bakker hates religion, Mark Driscoll hates it, Andy Stanley encourages you to lose it, so does R.E.M. 

It’s interesting. There are plenty of things done in the name of “religion” that are hurtful. I’ve even said “…it’s not about rules and regulations, but a relationship.” People hear religion, and they go running for the hills. It’s scary because of the stigma and social injustices that have happened in the name of God, faith, the church, etc.

But, I’m also a bit torn. I read passages like James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” So, there is a religion that is pure. In the NIV, it’s put this way, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless…”

So there is religion out there, untainted by you or I, that God looks down at and goes, “Man, they finally got it.” I pray I get there one day. I don’t think I’ve arrived- there’s plenty to learn in this journey of faith. This dialogue doesn’t look to be going away any time soon. Many different people are putting out responses (I’ve included one below), but what should our response possibly be in all of this?

As we search after God, let’s not strive to talk poorly of the church (which Jesus died for and will come back for one day), or religion (because anything can be tainted and abused by messed up people), and instead search out to honor God, share our faith, and build one another up in love.

Because after all, Love > Hate.

We’re prepping for our December 23rd service.
It’s a Friday Night, 7pm at Ocean Lakes High School.
It’s going to be intense!

While we’ve been out filming videos for the service, we film little teasers along the way to peak your interest. Here is teaser #2 (We loaded it to YouTube & Vimeo last night, and it’s been blowing up. This is probably due to the fact I fractured 2 ribs at the hands of an angry James elf. Dr’s visit confirmed it yesterday. Merry Christmas!)

Christmas Teaser #2 from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

We’re prepping for our December 23rd service.
It’s a Friday Night, 7pm at Ocean Lakes High School.
It’s going to be intense!

While we’ve been out filming videos for the service, we film little teasers along the way to peak your interest. Here is teaser #1 (it’s been floating around Facebook & Twitter for a couple weeks now)

Christmas Service, Dec 23rd, 7pm @ Ocean Lakes High School from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

“Christ is coming. He has come, and He will come again. This is the message of Advent.

Though Advent is often neglected in many contemporary churches, it has a long history of remembrance. It is a season of waiting, a time of anxious and eager anticipation for the coming (advent) of Christ to His bride.

Though it overlaps with modern Christmas celebrations, it is quite different. Whereas Christmas tends to be a season of noise and commotion, Advent is a time to slow down and reflect. It is a season to consider the first coming of Christ and patiently ponder His second.”

Here’s a short video to encourage you in the process and you can download a PDF guide for your family here.

Advent: God With Us from The Village Church on Vimeo.

I love Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) and the music he creates.
It’s so relaxing and gives me inspiration while writing, studying, creating.
So, I was extremely excited when he released his entire self-titled album to YouTube in video playlist format.
You can view one of the videos below, and the entire playlist here.
Total time is 39:59 seconds, but it’s totally worth it.

In short, lives are being changed.
I don’t know where you’re at, but God is up to something here…
And I’m loving it.
People keep asking:
“What is God all about?”
“Could He really love somebody like me?”
“If I give my life to him and mess up, will He give up on me?”
“Do I have to get everything right before I get baptized?”
“Is there any hope in this life?”

Here’s the great news, people are asking questions and God is providing answers. God is all about love, grace and forgiveness. He absolutely loves someone like you. If you mess up, and you will, God is there to pick up up, dust you off, and walk along this journey with you. You don’t have to have it all together, and it won’t. God is the one who begins and completes the work in you. Best of all, there is a hope that we can experience right now. It’s a hope beyond anything we have ever seen this side of heaven. God gives us a hope when all hope is lost. Man, it’s exciting times here at Forefront!

Take a look a few of the people recently who have given their lives to God. If you’re reading this and check these videos out & go, “I’m not real sure about this, but I have some questions” or “I’ve heard and seen this happening at Forefront, what is this all about?” Please email baptism@forefront.org with your contact info and I will personally give you a call. We can get together and talk about any questions you have.

Forefront Baptisms: Cheyenne from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Forefront Baptisms: Ryan Delacruz from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Forefront Baptisms: Malcolm FinkBeiner from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Forefront Baptisms: Tom & Deanna Cramblette from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Forefront Baptisms: Denielle, Tiffany, and Rickina from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Forefront Baptisms: Shelby Kay from Forefront Church on Vimeo.