The story of Jonah ends with a divine smack-down:
God curses the plant Jonah rests under.
Jonah gets angry (actually, self-righteous).
And then the Lord of Everything rebukes Jonah.
Why?
Because Jonah was always running away from the discomfort of God's mission and clinging to what makes him comfortable.
God's rebuke to this religious man is simple: the church exists for a mission, not comfort.
The fate of lost people matters more than our temporary preferences.
We either operate out of the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Self. It's your choice...
"So You're Dead, Now What" continues this weekend...we have a mission...lost people are depending on you. Bring somebody with you this Sunday.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Nero & The Burning of Christians
You have to hear this 6-minute story by Mark Beeson.
I think it might be the one of the most compelling historical Bible stories I've ever heard.
See if you agree...
I think it might be the one of the most compelling historical Bible stories I've ever heard.
See if you agree...
The Early Church from Granger Community on Vimeo.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"So You're Dead, Now What?" Homework
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." - 2 Corinthians 5:10
Sunday as we began "So You're Dead, Now What?" we talked about some of the rewards that the Bible is specific about. I'm not sure how many different crowns will be in Heaven but the Bible does show five of them.
I didn't have time to go into where each of them were listed in the Bible so for your reference sake I thought I'd put some homework out here on the blog for you. Below is a list of the five the Bible is specific is about and where they're found so you can read it for yourself.
Sunday as we began "So You're Dead, Now What?" we talked about some of the rewards that the Bible is specific about. I'm not sure how many different crowns will be in Heaven but the Bible does show five of them.
I didn't have time to go into where each of them were listed in the Bible so for your reference sake I thought I'd put some homework out here on the blog for you. Below is a list of the five the Bible is specific is about and where they're found so you can read it for yourself.
- Incorruptible Crown - 1 Cor. 9:25-27
- Crown of Rightesousness - 2 Tim. 4:8
- Crown of Rejoicing - 1 Thes. 2:19-20
- Crown of Glory - 1 Peter 5:4
- Crown of Life - James 1:12, Rev. 2:10
I pray that you're living a life worthy of the rewards of God...
(A person’s) work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. - 1 Corinthians 3:13-15
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday Thoughts (A Quick Post)
Just wanted to give you a few quick hits of what's running around in my mind today...
- Totally pumped about the kickoff of our new series that we started yesterday @NewLife. "So You're Dead, Now What?"
- Yes...we had a REAL casket there...and Yes! Alot of you thought I was in it to start the sermon! If you weren't here you missed maybe the most intense beginning of a message we've ever done!
- I'm so glad the fast is over! Loved every minute of it and as always God taught me so much...I'll be sharing more in the weeks to come.
- Yes I had Dr. Pepper at lunch and Yes I ate RED MEAT! And it was GOOD!!
As I shared yesterday with those of you where here...INVITE people like crazy and do whatever it takes to get them here during this series. We will be sharing the GOSPEL each week and I believe that people's lives will be changed forever!
Take advantage of this time to invest and invite...Sunday will be here again before you know it!
Friday, January 29, 2010
It's In Your Future
It’s just part of our reality. We don’t like to think about it, but it’s coming. None of us know how many days we have in this life. We hope for long, healthy and happy lives but in light of eternity our time here is brief.
So, if death is something we’ll all have to face, what will it be like?
Is hell a real place?
What about heaven?
This Sunday at NewLife we’re going to launch a brand new series, “So You’re Dead… Now What?”. We’ll put some fears to rest, and look at a huge truth that can re-define life.
Invite people like crazy!
So, if death is something we’ll all have to face, what will it be like?
Is hell a real place?
What about heaven?
This Sunday at NewLife we’re going to launch a brand new series, “So You’re Dead… Now What?”. We’ll put some fears to rest, and look at a huge truth that can re-define life.
Invite people like crazy!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
So You're Dead Now What
This weekend we’ll launch a brand new series, “So You’re Dead… Now What?”. The afterlife is cloaked in mystery.
What happens moments after we die?
What is Heaven really like?
What about Hell?
And does what we do in this world really matter in the next?
Join us as we uncover the life-altering answers to these questions in the series “So You’re Dead…Now What?” January 31 and February 7, 14, 21.
Honestly, I really can’t wait for Sunday… I’m so pumped! Be there, invite everybody you know, be on time, pray, and get ready to see God do huge stuff…
What happens moments after we die?
What is Heaven really like?
What about Hell?
And does what we do in this world really matter in the next?
Join us as we uncover the life-altering answers to these questions in the series “So You’re Dead…Now What?” January 31 and February 7, 14, 21.
Honestly, I really can’t wait for Sunday… I’m so pumped! Be there, invite everybody you know, be on time, pray, and get ready to see God do huge stuff…
