We had an amazing time during our visit & work with the people of Ta Phin, Vietnam. The doors opened over the last few years to do work with water, the department of education, and we’re praying for avenues with the department of health. To catch a bit of what we experienced, check out this video:
Ever feel like you have too much stuff up in your head?
The lyrics to Tiny Dancer.
All those stupid Geico commercials.
867-5309
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, B, A, Start.
Yeah, I wish all that stuff was out of my head. But, because it’s so full, many times we don’t allow scripture to consume us. Or we’ve made up our minds from all we have stored up there, that what we’re hearing is a load of bull. In this series, “The Konami Code” our goal is to parse through what the true meaning or the Bible is. So we’ll be discussing:
03.06.11, God’s Word Brings Revolution, Matthew 10
03.13.11 God’s Word Combats Sin, Matthew 4
03.20.11 God’s Word Provides Guidance, Isaiah 58
03.27.11 God’s Word Brings Life Change, Acts 8
Invite a friend, come on out, and for more information on Forefront Church, check out http://www.forefront.org
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):
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.)
It won’t be every week, but on a semi-regular basis, we’re gonna take a look at the message from the previous week and “After The Message” give a little insight for further study, etc. This week, we’re taking a look at “Remaining Balance, Week 3″ (preached by James Davis, Student Pastor).
So this weekend we’re heading on a Men’s Retreat with 40+ guys to a 10 bedroom house to focus on God. Our purpose is to focus on God’s story, how we are involved, and what are we doing with our story… I’m not good in large groups (anxiety), but I do my best. Many of the guys aren’t into large groups either, but they’re coming. I’m glad God is pushing them (and me) to gather together and talk about our faith. We need it.
As I’ve been studying, learning, and praying over the retreat, here are some of the things, concepts, and ideas that have been weighing on me. If you’re going, I’m praying God moves your heart like He’s been moving mine… Enjoy the preview.
This baby was born deaf.
8 months later, through surgeries and modern technology, he hears the sound of mom’s voice.
It’s the first time he’s been able to hear anything…
Incredible.
When was the first time you could hear? I mean, really hear?
When did you begin to notice the sound & things around you?
Was it beautiful? Frightening? Distracting?
In life we have a variety of chaotic noise pollution pulling & vying for our attention.
What are you hearing?
Is there anything at all… or just static?
The first time I really heard was age 19.
Life was great, I had it all planned out, but things began to not fit. Kinda like a Tetris game gone awry. I tried with all my will and strength to produce results on my own accord. But, to no avail the static and noise continued. When I finally thought it was the end and relented to the fact I couldn’t do it on my own- I finally heard. I felt the presence of God stepping in. I peace and calm came over me. My anger, frowning, negative nature turned to joy. He led me to be better, think clearer and provided direction.
This is Jessie Kay.
She has been through quite a lot in life.
Jessie & her husband Tim attribute the stability in their lives to God and the help of Forefront.
Check out Jessie and her special moment of surrendering to God.
The “sheet” Jessie is talking about is a worksheet we give to people after we’ve discussed baptism, the biblical concept, etc. If you’re thinking about getting baptized and want to take a look, here is the link to the worksheet: http://www.brandedwithlove.com/media/baptism-sheet.pdf
