It’s a simple love story that represents something more profound than my mere words can describe. A tale of pursuit between a Savior and his bride. The beautiful, dangerous, and central message of Jesus.

The gospel.

The gospel literally means, “the good news” yet the term has been stained by the dung of religious bigots, the lies of nutty televangelists, and the hypocrisy of everyday followers of Jesus like me.

You see, I don’t fully believe the gospel.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the life, crucifixion, resurrection, and reign of Jesus. That he died on the cross, in my place, for my sins. But I struggle to believe in the wonder of grace. The truth that sets us free. The hope that keeps us going. The love that knows no bounds.

I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Christ loves me so much that he gave up his life so I might have life.

But I’m learning.

I’m learning that I can never experience how amazing grace is unless I realize how spectacular my sins are. While I’m a great sinner, the good news is, Christ is a greater Savior.

In him, we have a God who loves us enough to enter our story to rescue and redeem us from the mess we’re living in. A God who says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18).

Religion omits the “white as snow” part but not the gospel. And the gospel is so much better than religion.

I hope this story helps you uncover the magnificent scandal that is the gospel.

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Don’t be fooled by simplicity of that question.  Like most simple things, it pierces through all the B.S. and gets to the heart of the matter.  And in today’s environment, that’s exactly what we need.

At times we can get so busy juggling everything that we forget why we’re juggling in the first place.  However, when we can answer the why question, we can then assess whether our lives are moving in the direction it should.

Here are some of the questions I’m wrestling with this week.  Maybe they can help you too.

Why don’t I say what’s on my mind more?

Why do I have this morning routine?

Why do I work?

Why do I watch those television shows?

Why should I keep pursuing my wife?

Why do I deal with stress that way?

Why do I blog?

Why do I Twitter and Facebook?

Why is it important that I be a good daddy?

Why did we start Project Church?

Why don’t I pursue that dream?

Why am I bitter about that one issue?

Why do I avoid that person?

Why do I pray?

Why don’t I pray?

Why do I spend my money on that instead of on this?

Why do I drink coffee?

Why…?

Imagine going about your daily work when all of a sudden something remarkable happens: You encounter God.

That’s exactly what happens to Moses.

When he saw the burning bush wasn’t actually burning he thought that was so strange and went to investigate the phenomenon. What started out as an innocent inquiry turned into a calling on his life, a life mission, and a conversation with the Creator of the universe. Not a bad day.

As though a talking burning bush wasn’t enough, God made sure Moses knew it was really him. He told him to take off his shoes because the ground was holy. He identified himself as the God of Moses’ ancestors. At this time, much like today, people have all kinds of views of God. But here we see that God was making it very clear who he is. And the dialogue between God and Moses began with a call of “Moses! Moses!” The response of Moses was simple, “Here I am.”

What God is calling Moses to is an adventure that has impacted humanity for generations. But when God gives Moses the “go” command Moses hesitates and replies, “Who am I?” God’s response is the same response he gives to us, “I will be with you.” And again, God repeats the “go” command to Moses and gives him a mission and direction.

The mission God is calling Moses to is impossible unless God is truly with him. It’s not as if Moses is well thought of by the Hebrew people. He has just as much of a chance getting an audience with the Pharaoh of Egypt as we do with the President of the United States. On top of that, God promises Moses that he will do wonders among them and that he will actually change Pharaoh’s heart. Will Moses trust in God’s promises? Does Moses believe that God is sovereign enough to do the things he said he would do?

What’s at stake if Moses doesn’t obey?

The entire Hebrew nation.

The same nation in which Jesus would later rise from to bring salvation to his people. Who knew? Certainly not Moses. But God had written this plan in eternity and Moses was about to fulfill his destiny.

Like Moses, you and I have a call on our lives. Like Moses, we likely have self-doubt and more questions than answers. Like Moses, we will fail unless God shows up. Like Moses, we must answer the question, “Do we trust God?”

What is God calling you to?

Is it a call to change careers?
Is it a call to stay at home with your children?
Is it a call to invest in the life of a neighbor?
Is it a call to tell your story?
Is it a call to go where no one else will go?
Is it a call to stop wasting your life?
Is it a call to simply smile more?
Is it a call to be a part of something bigger than yourself?
Is it a call to follow Jesus?

Often our response to a call from God is the same as Moses. “Who am I?”
Moses knew his limitations and we know ours. We all fall short- you, me, and Moses.

The good news is that it’s not about who we are, it’s about who God is. God loves to use the unlikely to do remarkable things. If you’re like me, you feel like an unlikely. Somehow that makes us ideal candidates to be used by God- and that’s mind-blowing!

When God tells us, “Go…I am with you” we discover that our calling comes with a promise. We are not in this alone.

It wasn’t that long ago I had everything figured out. I had answers to everyone’s questions. I had my life all planned out. My faith fit nicely tucked away in my shirt pocket. I wasn’t caught off-guard by much because I was in control and on a roll.

Then God totally messed me up!

Now, I don’t have much figured out. I thought I had all the answers, but then the questions changed. Apparently my little life plans were way too small compared to God’s plans. And my faith? Well, it’s grown and can no longer be tucked away in its place. It’s exploded and I’m covered in it. And it seems something new catches me off-guard daily- and you know what? I kind of like it.

I’m unlearning and rediscovering. I’m jumping off cliffs and realizing that the ground I once stood on wasn’t that secure to begin with. I’ve stopped centering my life around me and have found freedom in the process.

This is the road to the life I’m meant to live and I love it.

Traditionally, churches have either been silent about sex or painted it in a bad light. But the truth is it’s really something wonderful that God’s given us.  Think about it, God didn’t have to make sex feel good.  He could have set up procreation without pleasure, but that’s not the kind of God we have.

Why is sex such a big deal?

Sex becomes an issue the same way everything in life becomes an issue.  When we turn a good thing into an ultimate thing (worship) which then makes it a bad thing.  We do this with sex, people, stuff, you name it.  Worship Christ; enjoy sex.

The fact of the matter is this: God created sex, made it good, and we need to embrace his gift to us and reject any notion that it’s somehow dirty.

Religion may say sex is dirty, but God says it’s good.  God is always better than religion.

How cool is it that included in the very Word of God is a book of beautiful, erotic poetry?  The entire book of Song of Solomon is this amazing picture of a newly married couple enjoying their sexuality and intimacy with one another. In it you’ll find everything from strip teases, to foreplay, to oral sex, to lovemaking- all to celebrate their oneness.

God gives us freedom to be passionate lovers, to do all kinds of kinky stuff, to be free with our body, while always seeking oneness in marriage.

It all goes back to the original design.

Man and Wife…Becoming One Flesh…Naked and Unashamed

Sex in marriage is the closest thing to naked and unashamed in Garden that we will experience in this lifetime.

If you’re married, chances are your sex life is too infrequent. Even in our sex-crazed culture, it’s an issue.  Isn’t interesting that the enemy will do everything he can to get you to have sex before you married and then once you’re married, do everything he can to keep you from having sex.  That should tell us something.  Yes, we’re supposed to wait until we’re married.  But once we’re married, we make up for lost time.

Married people are to have lots and lots of sex.  In fact, the only exception is a mutual exception so we can pray (spend some time alone with God).

So if you’re married, let me ask you a question: What’s keeping you from having frequent business time?

Too busy? Schedule a date night, enjoy spontaneous quickies but plan for some extended time
Lack energy? Work out and/or just do it anyway.
Kids? Set boundaries (bedtimes), use creativity (afternoon delights).
Fighting? Communicate. Reconcile. Make up sex is the best!
Stress? Finances (budget, spend less, make more), Work (change jobs if necessary)
Health? Do what you can to take care of one another

If you commit to having more frequent encounters, you will find that it actually reduces stress, decreases fighting and tension, strengthens your bond, and can even be a pretty fun workout.  Just make sure you stretch out first so you don’t pull a hamstring.

The best sex is when each partner is seeking to fulfill the others sexual needs with selfless abandon.  It’s the most amazing masterpiece in all of creation. We have freedom in our marriages to use our imaginations. To experiment and try new things.

Again, it all goes back to the original design.

Man and Wife…Becoming One Flesh…Naked and Unashamed

That’s the truth about Business Time.

We call these things regrets.

Regrets are a nagging mistress.  She pesters you, eats away at you, motivates you with guilt.

Dump your mistress.

You don’t have to live with her anymore.

There’s a better companion.

Her name is grace.  She forgives you, restores you, motivates you with love.

No, you don’t deserve her.

But she’s yours anyway.

Embrace grace.

She’s a much better companion to live with.

We get this from God. After all, He is in relationship with himself as Father, Son, and Spirit. When He created humanity, He designed us for relationships- with Him and one another. It’s in the fabric of our being.

This is why God calls us to essentially love Him and people. Love can only travel on relational highways. The very highway He constructed. Our challenge is to love like God does. Right where people are.

Of all the entry points into our community, this is the most significant. We encourage the people of our church to tether themselves to Jesus and go as far as He leads. To have friendships with people who are far from God yet be connected to those who are following Christ.

Because relationships are so important, we seek less churchy activities and more intentional relationship development. If anything, we are to equip the people to go through everyday life to build and develop genuine relationships. If Jesus can gain a seat at the table of doubters and explorers (Luke 15:2), then we need to follow the footsteps he left behind.

This may seem to be a given, and perhaps a bit elementary, but we are about intentional, genuine relationships. This is where the rubber meets the road in terms of following Jesus and being the Church Jesus had in mind.

We’ve had several people become Christians at our church recently and I want to create something that helps them take their next steps in following Jesus.  Something more than read your bible and join a small group.  That’s important, but I want to give something more practical beginning with, “What is the Gospel?”

I’ve got a decent start but need your help.

What are some things you think a brand-new follower of Jesus should know?

Leave a comment and let me know.

Thanks!

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” – Mark 1:15

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” – Mark 8:35

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” – Mark 16:15

“One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel…” – Luke 20:1

“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples…” – Acts 14:21

“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” – Acts 20:24

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” – Romans 1:16

“and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.” – Romans 15:20

“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” – 1 Corinthians 1:17

“In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” – 1 Corinthians 9:14

“For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” – 1 Corinthians 9:16

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.” – Ephesians 3:7

Being a Christian is so much more than a mere label, it’s a way of life.  A pattern that’s integrated into everyday life not because we have to but because we get to. Not so much out of religious obligation but compelled by a love for God and people.  Love is what a disciple of Jesus should be known for and these are the rhythms we are striving for.

Follow
Above all, we seek to know, love, and follow Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions.  In every day and every moment, we look to Jesus as our great King and example.  Following Jesus is a series of next steps, each resulting in us becoming more like him. His footsteps may be large but they mark the path of the life in full.

Sent
Jesus sends us out, on mission, into culture, to be salt and light everywhere we go. In this sense, we are missionaries wherever we are.

Explore
To love God with all our minds means we are to be curious and filled with wonder at what God has revealed- in particular in the scriptures.  By regularly reading the bible, we learn what it means to live the lives we’re meant to live and we are shaped by the very words of God.   We also discover more about our Creator and his creation in all realms of learning through story, wisdom, song, nature, imagination, and more.  However, our highest authority is our divine conversation with Jesus through the reading of scripture.

Eat
We choose not to waste our meals.  We will seek to commune with others when possible and view each meal as a blessing from God.  With each food and drink we consume, we will remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf as his body was broken and blood was shed for us.

Presence
We reject any notion that we are to create our own subculture. Instead, we dwell within culture in order to influence, shape, and redeem it. We believe this whole world and everything, and everyone in it, belong to God. Like Jesus, we choose to enter the story in order to change the story.

Listen
We are charged to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. One tangible expression of love is listening. We will take opportunities to hear the stories of others. To rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. We also will listen to God and create deliberate moments of silence and quiet our hearts before our Creator.

Party
Backyard BBQ’s, gathering at the local watering hole, inviting friends to our home for food and fun. These are just a few examples of what it means to party. We choose to celebrate and enjoy life with people inside and outside our community. This is what Jesus did. A good party is like a little drop of heaven on earth and is a way of life for the follower of Christ.

Bless
We are blessed by God to be a blessing to others. This can come in many forms. An encouraging email, a note of appreciation, a kind word, an unselfish act, a helping hand. Wherever your imagination takes you. Being a blessing is to make deposits into the accounts of people. Showing grace is to do so whether someone deserves it or not. We will look to tangibly bless others daily.

Grow
Growth is a natural byproduct of every healthy, living thing. This includes people.  Since growth comes from God, we will continually fix our eyes on Christ, search our hearts for any cheap substitutes to him, and repent of our sin and place them at the feet of our King.  We will seek to live lives of health and wholeness remembering there’s one throne and one source of genuine growth.

Include
The arm of God is big enough to wrap around the whole world. The least we can do is wrap our arms around our neighbor, the people we come across in our daily lives. We will not play favorites based on social status but view all people as equally valuable under an almighty God.  Our community is one where people can belong before they believe and find grace overflowing.  All are welcome to the table.

Pray
We will be a people of constant conversation and communion with God.  As we live our lives, we will pray without ceasing according to God’s will.  We will thank God, worship God, be honest to God, confess our sins to God, listen to God, and always seek opportunities to pray for others.  Our hope is to be the go-to people for prayer in our relational networks without making a big show of it.

Share
We will seek to share our time, talent, and treasure with others. Generosity will flow out of the grace God has given us. We are to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. We will be an authentic community who shares one another’s burdens with a battle cry that “no one stands alone.”  This is pleasing to God and a fingerprint of a true disciple.

Fight
We will stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves and offer hope to the hopeless. We will fight against injustice and guilt-based religion by our actions and the Gospel.  We agree with scripture and believe for justice to roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.  In serving others, we serve Christ.  We will never forget that our ultimate mission is to bring good news and be good news to those around us.

Romans 12:9-18 (ESV):

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

A special thanks to my friend Sean Alsobrooks for the idea.