Lean Into It

 

[Youth Group Bible Study from 8-20-26]

Most of you have seen this video before, as it went viral rather quickly. But this video is a great example of what we’re going to be talking about tonight.

In this video we are going to see one young man (age 10) who is literally being pounded by a force stronger than he is – the Pacific Ocean. When the video begins, a lifeguard (age 16) is already on the scene, trying to pull the victim out of the surf. Things are not going well. Something nasty is about to happen. You can see it beginning at the top of the screen. A massive wave is coming. What is the lifeguard going to do? Will the young swimmer survive?

(Watch the video)

Open your Bibles to Acts 17 and scroll down to verse 16. The Apostle Paul is in Athens, Greece. He is waiting for two of his friends, Silas and Timothy, to arrive from Berea. Let’s read.

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” – Acts 17:16

Those statues were idols in Paul’s eyes, but they were gods in the eyes of the Athenians. The Greeks would not take kindly to Paul telling them that they were wrong in their beliefs. Was Paul afraid? Was the lifeguard in the video afraid? Paul did what the lifeguard did.

What did the lifeguard do just before the wave hit? He leaned into the wave. Why? He was trying to reduce the surface area of his body so the wave would have a reduced impact.

Time for a little lesson in physics. Have you ever stuck your hand out of a car window like this? (Flat) A car that’s going 65 mph? What happens when you go like this? (Vertical) It just about rips your arm off, right? Whoa! The lifeguard was making himself “aerodynamic” by leaning into the wave.

Paul was really “leaning into” his missionary work. He didn’t know when Silas and Timothy would arrive so he got busy sharing the Gospel. In the lifeguard video we can see a few people coming to help. Maybe they’re named Silas and Timothy. Lol! Not likely. But none of them were as determined as the teen holding onto that kid. It’s the same with Paul. He was a determined evangelist - just as we should be.

Let’s take a look at Paul and see exactly what he did. Maybe we can learn something. What’s the first thing he did when he got to Athens?

He observed. He went around the town, observing what they did. He learned their customs, their habits, their gods, and their traditions (v16).

He was distressed by what he saw. He cared deeply for the people he met there and wanted to help them come to know Jesus. (v16).

He reasoned with them. This took the form of debates – a back and forth discussion with unbelievers. Are WE up to doing something like that? (v17).

He met with them.  And this was wherever and whenever. The Areopagus, the synagogue, the marketplace (v19, 22).

He redirected. He used one of the Athenian’s own statues to preach Jesus to them (v23).

So, what are WE to do when talking to others about Jesus? Where do we even begin? Well, we can start by getting to know those we are taking to, just like Paul did. But before that we can pray for opportunities and for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and words. And remember, the first and greatest commandment is to love God and love others (Luke 10:27). And we are also called to love our enemies. These “enemies” have a tendency to suddenly appear when we are talking about Jesus.

“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Luke 10:27

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home and shake the dust off your feet.” – Matthew 10:14

Train yourselves. Spend time reading God's Word. It will get you ready for the big wave when you leave home and go out on your own. Back to sharing the Gospel for a moment.

Not everyone is open to hearing the Gospel message. Turn to 2^nd Corinthians 11:24 This is what Paul endured.

“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked." - 2 Corinthians 11:24-28

We may lose friends, family members might get angry with us, but the key is to never give up, like that lifeguard.

“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” - 1 John 3:13

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9

"For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." - Philippians 1:21-24

Paul was eventually beheaded in prison because he kept on preaching the Gospel.

And how do we know whether or not what we say might work on someone and, over time, they would come to believe?

There is a cool story from a man named Lee Strobel who was sharing the Gospel one day at work. God's message of grace and hope did not return void (link below).

“My word that goes out from my mouth, shall not return to me empty; but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

Is there anyone in YOUR life who needs to hear the Good News about Jesus? Is anyone “drowning” in worldliness and in need of a rescue? In need of Jesus? Speak to them. Follow Paul's example. Lean into sharing the Gospel with God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Save a life, right here, right now.

Cool Lee Strobel story

To Know You

There is a place in Athens, Greece that is known as the Areopagus (aka Mars Hill). The Apostle Paul spoke there during his 

second missionary journey. This one account gives us all great insight into how to talk with others about our faith in God.

Open your Bibles to Acts 17 and scroll down to verse 16. We find Paul, waiting for his traveling buddies, Silas and Timothy.

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace, day by day, with those who happened to be there." - Acts 17:16-17

Athens is in Greece (1,802 miles from Jerusalem), and who did the ancient Greeks worship? Verse 16 says they worshipped "idols." These "idols" were their gods - Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Athena, Artemis, Ares, and Aphrodite to name a few. They had many gods.

So, what did Paul do here? Did he continue to wait for his boys before preaching? Or, did he get to work? He got busy! He didn't wait for a more opportune time. He shared the Gospel, wherever and whenever. 

I was at Walmart yesterday and I was wearing one of my VBS shirts (pictured above). I passed a dad and his two kids by the "Back To School" aisle, I noticed one of the kids staring at my shirt. Mission accomplished!

"My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11

If we look at these Acts 17 verses, we can "observe" Paul's evangelical checklist:

Verse 16: He observed

Verse 16: He was distressed

Verse 17: He reasoned with them

Verse 19 & 22: He met with them

Verse 23: He redirected the conversation to Jesus.

Paul had mixed results in Athens, but some believed. Then it was off to Corinth! 

Paul was obsessed with sharing the Gospel. Are we? Or do we just blend in with the crowd?

The Gospel of You

On the surface, the title of this story sounds a little ridiculous - the Gospel of You. That's silly. Everyone knows that there are only FOUR Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It's not until we dig a little deeper that it begins to make a little more sense.

What IS "The Gospel?" It is the "good news," right? That's EXACTLY what it means. So any "good news" is "The Gospel." We must train ourselves to always say, "The Gospel of Jesus Christ." Now we're talkin'.

The Gospel of You, or anyone else for that matter, is simply the good news of how God changed our lives upon believing on the Lord Jesus. It's our own personal story. It's our testimony.

For me it was hearing a convicting word in a sermon that made me realize that Jesus was indeed real and active in the world today. A changed life testifies that our story is true.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

I had the joy and privilege of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with 39 kids this past week at VBS. My prayer is that all would consider it and take it to heart, literally.

Everyone who believes in Jesus has a Gospel to share. Good news of hope and change. The question then becomes, "Are we sharing it?" Sadly, the answer is often "no."

I would challenge those who don't share the Gospel of Jesus with others by asking this: Have you really been changed? Scripture asks this very question.

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test." - 1 Corinthians 13:5

We DO NOT want to fail the test! Share the love of Jesus with everyone you meet!

Why Speak At All?

Let's face it. We're all different. We look different, act different, and even think differently. Why should it surprise us then when we don't agree? And why does it matter so much to some when we don't?"

Look at our country's government for example. It is run by people who cannot seem to agree with one another. Only rarely does that ever happen.

Some people's opinions are so important to themselves that they lie and cheat and even kill to get their own way. Why?

Why should we Christians care when someone doesn't believe in God? I mean, we're chosen, right? Our future is secure for all eternity.

The reason is this: it's Christ, in us. It's the Holy Spirit. We have compassion and mercy for the lost because of what we have in us.

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. ²⁰We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:17, 20

It seems as if we are to be certain of conflict as we try to speak to those who don't want to hear what we have to say  The reward however is worth the fight.

Yesterday in church I saw a young family talking with our pastor after the service. There were smiles on everyone's faces. The center of attention seemed to be their oldest daughter. Could it be that this young soul wanted to be baptized at our church picnic in August? It could!

And that is the reward. The crown we lay at the feet of Jesus. This girl must have heard the Gospel enough times to finally connect. What a wonderful thing to behold.

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." - Romans 10:14, 17

We must never stop sharing the Gospel. Who knows. One day, you may be the one who the Holy Spirit uses to deliver His nessage of hope and love at just the right moment. And, in that moment, someone crosses over from death to life, and they become saved - forever changed.

The Life Preserver

What does love look like to you? Most of us tend to picture a young couple, walking along the beach at sunset, holding hands. Or perhaps a young mother, holding her newborn child to her breast.

"See how much they love each other," we say. "Look how much she loves her child!"

God commands us to love one another. And we DO have that ability within us. But we tend not to love those who are against us or who are not interested in hearing the Gospel message.

How can we NOT share the Gospel? Considering what awaits those who have not come to a saving faith in Jesus, it is the ONLY loving thing we can do.

"So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" - John The Baptist, Luke 3:7

The example I always use is someone drowning at the beach. They need help. If they don't get that help, they will soon be dead. Are we just going to stand there and watch them die? Or, do we throw then a life preserver?

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." - James 2:26

Every human needs a life preserver, and His name is Jesus. Without Him, we will be eternally dead, spending our forever life after this one in hell. But, in Jesus, we can have eternal life, free from pain and suffering, surrounded by love.

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - Jesus, John 13:34

It seems so simple. So, why do people not want to hear our message? Why do they choose to spend eternity in anguish? They don't believe our message.

We can do nothing to change their hearts. But we CAN love them, and pray for them, and share  the message of hope with them.

We are ALL sinners. But, if we repent of our sins and trust in Jesus, we WILL be saved.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the Gospel!” - Jesus, Mark 1:15

So then, this is love . . .

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." - 1 John 4:10-11

Our departure for our new home is approaching. We best be found busy when He comes.

This Is Home - Switchfoot

What To Say

"Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

“¹²But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." - Luke 21:10-15

Why is my heart troubled these days? Why am I downcast? I feel like David right now. Why?

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? 

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you." - Psalm 42:5-6

Well, I am remembering God right now. I am remembering how Jesus told His disciples not to worry about what they should say because Jesus would give them words to say.

In all of my "what if's" and "shoulda said's," I must remember what David said. I must "put my hope in God" and "praise Him."

I become troubled when I remember all of my friends and family members who don't know Jesus. It saddens me because I know what awaits them. I don't want to see that happen to them, or anyone. I love them!

These are the words that I would say:

I believe in God, and I also believe He is perfect. "In Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

God demands perfection from all of us (absolutely no sin allowed in heaven).

Our problem is that none of us is sinless. As Peter said to Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" (Luke 18:26) The answer is that no one can be saved, apart from God's grace.

The Bible says that, "without blood, there is no remition of sin" (Hebrews 9:22). There has to be a sacrifice.

Enter Jesus. He led a sinless life while here on earth. And He died for OUR sins. A spotless, sinless lamb, sacrificed for OUR sins.

This is where God hits it out of the park - John 3:16. 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

That's it. We have to repent of our sins and believe in Him. And that's the snag for many, including many whom we love. They're too busy, or the lifestyle they have chosen is more important to them. It's frustrating. Our hearts break. I keep hearing the words of Isaiah in my head. "Here I am Lord. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

But really, the only solution is prayer. We cannot change people's hearts. That's the Holy Spirit's job. The Holy Spirit draws people to God. And that is what we should pray for. And we should "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Instead of feeling bad about this situation, I need to be praying about it! Won't you please join me?

The Words I Would Say - Sidewalk Prophets

Who's Crying Now?

My heart, and the hope it contains for those who don't know Jesus, is fading. The "fire" will never go out, but seeing so many refuse to listen to the Gospel is taking its toll.

I have a young friend at church named Elijah. His favorite band is Journey. I like them too, so my friend and I have that in common. These words are from one lf their songs:

"Only so many tears you can cry

'Til the heartache is over

And now you can say your love

Will never die"

The words of that song resonate with how I am feeling. I have a finite number of tears that I can cry for the lost, but my love for them will never die. Yet, with each passing day the hope I have for them decreases because our number of days here is also decreasing.

Romans 1 says that "God gave them over to a reprobate mind." And Jesus said this:

“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." - Matthew 13:13

And that's what hurts. No matter how many times we talk to them about Jesus, no matter how often we pray for them, some people are simply never going to get it.

There will soon come a time when Jesus returns for His Church - The Bride of Christ. Many theologians and pastors feel that the departure time is very near. 

Hmm. "Departure" is the name of a Journey album. So is "Escape." So is "Revelation" (Are you scensing a theme here?). When all of the Christians disappear from the earth, then the question will be asked . . .

"Who's Cryin' Now?

"To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. ⁷Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. ⁸But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” - Revelation 21:6-8

Who's Crying Now? - Journey

The Cost

This guy is (or was) an NBA shooting guard named Jaden Ivey. He played for the Bulls until March 30th of this year when they waived him. Why did they do that? Was he a bad player?

Jayden was the #5 draft pick for the Detroit Pistons in 2022, so he is VERY good at basketball. Jayden's "problem" is that he's a Christian.

Team management said it was, "for conduct detrimental to the team." That sounds pretty bad. What specifically did he do? For one, he posted this comment on social media:

"They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA," they say. 'Come, join us for Pride Month' to celebrate unrighteousness."

That's it? But wait, there's more! He also talked about Jesus in the locker room. Apparently, Christianity and the NBA don't get along so well.

Jesus can be a very controversial figure ANYWHERE, but in some circles He is extremely disdained. For example, it wouldn't be a good idea to go sharing the Gospel in downtown Tehran. But what if God told you to go there for Him? Would you go?

Jonah was sent to an enemy country to warn them of God's impending judgement, but he refused to go. Not right away anyway. But, when he finally obeyed the Lord, the Ninevites repented.

Being a follower of Jesus can be costly. Millions of people have died for their faith, and there will be many more that will do the same.

"Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." - Luke 14:33

Would we do that? Would we give up everything for Jesus? That was Him talking to His disciples in Luke 14. He was also talking to us.

At the present time there are "churches" who support LGBTQ+ behavior in their membership and even in their pulpits. Was Jayden wrong to say what he did? The NBA says 'yes he was.' What do we Christians say? I don't know about you, but I'm with Jayden.

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴Do everything in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(from  the picture above)

The Unrequiting

The term unrequited means "unanswered; not returned; not reciprocated; or not repaid," according to The American Heritage Dictionary. "The Unrequiting" are those people who choose not to return something or reciprocate in any way.

An example of this can be found in the relationship between my wife and her cat. Normally their interaction during the day is very loving. My wife feeds the cat and pets it, talks to it, and picks it up and cuddles it. However, at 4AM my wife my is very unrequitive, wanting to sleep just a bit more.

The cat tries to get beyond the closed bedroom door with clawing and mournful meowing but my wife ignores the cat,  choosing sleep over requiting. Poor kitten.

We humans can be the same way in our relationship with God, if a relationship even exists. Most who don't know God are just fine without Him, even though HE might "stand at the door and knock."

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20

But even those of us who believe can go through times when we ignore God. That usually doesn't end well.

"Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah, son of Amittai, saying, ²“Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me.”

³Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD." - Jonah 1:1-3

That didn't go so well for Jonah. He ended up on a beach in a pile of fish vomit.

People who refuse to hear the Gospel or ignore the knocking of God at their door, are destined for a fate far worse than Jonah on the Ninevah beach - eternity in Hell.

What should we do then, for the unrequiting; for those who are unwilling to return the love of God and His offer of forgiven sins and eternal life? All we can do is pray for them. If they refuse Almighty God's knocking at their door, do we think they will open up for us?

It hurts when those we love refuse to even consider a relationship with Jesus. Why? Because we know what awaits them. And that, for all eternity. How incredibly sad.

“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’" - Matthew 22:13

Fear Not

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’" - Isaiah 41:10

Wow! Those are some very encouraging words. They were given through the prophet Isaiah to the Israelites who were struggling in their captivity. But what do they mean to us today? They mean the very same thing (with an asterisk).

God was speaking to "His people." Back then it was just to the Jewish people, but today, it also includes the Gentiles - those who have received the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus. And by "faith" I mean through repentance and surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ - the Messiah.

It's hard to explain but I have found this to be true: There is no fear in love. There is also peace. John confirms this.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:18

And where do we experience this "perfect love?" And how do we get perfected? 1.) Jesus. 2.) Become weak.

"My power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9"

Is it not true that, in our times of weakness, we pray? We pray more deeply, more meaningfully. Isn't that what God desires?

When I was in Boy Scouts 60 years ago we once said a prayer before our meals when we went camping. It went like this:

"Rub-a-dub-dub. Thanks for the grub. Yay, God!"

It's a wonder that we survived the weekend. God does not desire meaningless prayers and sacrifices. He wants our hearts to turn to Him in sincere repentance. And when we do, THEN we are blessed, we experience His peace, and truly realize the love He has for us.

"Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations - I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.

¹⁴Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.

¹⁵When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening." - Isaiah 1:13-15

But then comes this....

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

¹⁹If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; He's waiting for you. He's waiting to make you strong, in His love." - Isaiah 1:18-19

If we honor God, obey His commands, and seek His will, THEN we shall all know peace. THEN we shall have NO fear.

How Deep?

"Who am I that you are mindful of me?" - Psalm 8:4

This is going to be an emotional story for me. I hope I can properly write down what my heart is dictating to me. Several things are prompting me to write. First of all, this verse you just read. I read it this morning in my daily reading. It asks a good question - Who are we that the God of the universe cares about us?

Secondly, I am also reading two other books along with the Bible right now. Both are nearing their end, but one struck a sympathetic note with me today, dealing with the subject of compassion as it relates to evangelism.

The author related a story about a college student coming up after the talk he had just delivered, asking him, "Could we talk?" And talk, they did. This is from the book:

"I realized that this wasn't just an intellectual puzzle to figure out, it was an emotional knot to untie."

I go back to when Jesus was talking to Nicodemus (picture above). I can picture that conversation whenever I am about to talk to someone about Jesus. Speaking in love. Asking questions. Telling the truth. It's a very intimate time.

I recently reached out to someone who was struggling. And there came a thankful response.

The timing of me reading this chapter along with this new person in need of encouragement agreeing to meet and all, is simply amazing. The Romans Road to Salvation is one thing but offering to walk along the road WITH THEM and to ENCOURAGE THEM as you walk down that road, is an entirely new ball game.

Again, who am I Lord, that you are mindful of me?

There is a bridge on that Romans Road. Its a short, narrow bridge that takes the traveler from death to life. We cannot cross the bridge without first acknowledging that it exists. And that it spans an immensely deep chasm. The bridge has a name written on it. "Jesus. King of kings, and Lord of lords."

The person we are walking with is uncertain about the bridge. Why? Because they can't yet see it or understand it. So, what do we do?

Your friend can see YOU. Your friend can hear YOUR voice and understand YOUR words. So, what's next? How can we tell our friend that they can trust the bridge and not fall?

Tell them how YOU crossed the bridge!

Tell them YOUR fears and doubts before YOU crossed it. Tell them what awaits them on the other side. It is YOUR healed heart that makes others want the same. Share. Trust. Love. Pray.

Sin separates. Love binds us together.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34

How Deep The Father's Love - Fernando Ortega

Why?

Everyone has their own belief system - a set of personal conclusions arrived at over time. We also have our own set of priorities too. So, what happens when we encounter someone with a different point of view?

"I don't like cranberries with my turkey."

"Seriously? They taste wonderful together."

A fight ensues and the police are called.

The cops are no help. Instead, they insist that doughnuts are supreme. And there you have it. Personal opinion wins every time.

Look at Ukraine and Russia. Putin says he wants Ukraine. Zelenskyy says no. They've been fighting for years.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to me the Father except through me." - John 14:6

The Pharisees disagreed, and crucified Him.

So, how can we ever possibly convince someone that Jesus is the key to eternal life? Answer: we can't. That's a wrestling match between them and the Holy Spirit. We can help but as the old saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them." - John 6:44

When I was in sixth grade we had a neighbor kid who'd come over to play with my sister. She'd ring the doorbell and ask if my sister could come out to play.

"No, not today, Paula."

"Why?"

"She's taking a nap."

"Why?"

"Because she's tired."

"Why?"

(Getting a little annoyed now) Thinking: "Because she got tired from answering all of your repetitive questions!"

You get the idea. So, how do we talk to others about Jesus when they don't want to hear it? The answer is simple but sad. Try asking questions. If they don't want to answer, then we should stop asking them and go home.

Read John 6:44 again and accept it. And then pray for them. It's the Father who draws them to Himself.

The problem comes when we love those who refuse to answer our questions. Maybe it's a spouse, a child, or a friend. We should pray harder and more often! Be like Paula with God. Don't give up praying for them.

“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

⁴"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

⁶And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. - John 18:2-6

Keep praying!!

The Unknown God

There are stories about Jesus appearing in dreams and people becoming saved as a result. How wonderful! To go to sleep as an unrepentant sinner and wake up healed, forgiven, and saved. None of that is OUR doing, but His.

The problem with dreams though is that they quickly fade. Unless someone writes it down upon waking . . .

Have you ever received a spider bite? At least that's what I am assuming it to be. It was itching like crazy at 3am so I got up to put some ointment on it. It didn't help. It was still itching as I sat in my living room chair . . . and fell back asleep . . .

Suddenly, I was walking through a big church and I was quickly becoming aware that I was all alone, in a crowd of busily talking people. Why is no one talking to ME? Where is the love I heard so much about?

So, I sat down, dejected. Why is no one talking to ME? I walked around some more. Nothing. Lots of activity, but no conversation. So I sat down again, alone.

That's when she sat down next to me and, placing her hand on my leg, compassionately asked, "What's wrong?"

"No one's talking to me. No one, except for you."

The conversation continued. I would say something and she would reply, inching closer and closer as we talked.

People began to stare. There were looks of disgust towards us and what was taking place in THEIR  church. But then the people disappeared and I was now talking with a man.

The conversation continued as it had with the woman. Still sitting in the same two chairs, in a row of chairs, in a church.

Then I awoke, and the itching from my spider bite was gone.

And then came this passage to mind from the Book of Acts:

"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. ²³For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, ²⁵nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. ²⁶And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, ²⁷that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, ²⁸for:

“‘In him we live and move and have our being.’" - Acts 17:22-28

Have you ever read The Song of Solomon (aka The Song of Songs)? It's the story of a romantic couple from a woman's perspective. But the book is really about a love relationship between believers and Jesus. The believers are the woman.

Are we as intimate with Jesus as we are with mere humans? We should be. Even more so. I'm not talking about anything sexual here. Rather, we should be opening up our hearts to Him and sharing everything with Him. Not just a prayer here and there, but everything.

I have no idea who the man and the woman were in that dream, but I got the message. We need to be sharing the love of Jesus, even with those in the church, but especially with those who are alone and hurting.

Forget about current world events and the human leaders of these earthly nations. "Preach Christ and Him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2

And also this . . .

"Stop trusting in mere humans." - Isaiah 2:22

Trust in the Lord!" - Proverbs 3:5

Subliminal

It's hard to see perhaps, due to my poor photography skills, but the above picture is a hand-drawn cross on one of my disc golf putters. Inside the cross are the words to Psalm 23.

As part of the class I teach for the local Parks & Rec Department, we play "Best Shot" on some of the holes at the local course. I use this disc to mark what the kids think is the best shot. And everyone throws from its position. Everyone sees it.

I don't preach the Gospel or tell the kids about Jesus. But I do let my actions, and this disc, do my talking for me.

During the last class one of the dad's picked up my disc and looked at it. And I began to pray a quick prayer.

"What's this say?" he asked.

"It's Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want."

My "conversation starter disc" was working. Soon the dad was telling me about his faith and a program he supports called Project Bible Runners. They give out donated Bibles to anyone in need, anywhere in the world. Sometimes countries don't allow people to import their bibles. That's why they are called 'runners,' because they literally run them in.

Anyway I thought that was cool. Check them out at the link below.

My new friend had a daughter in the class. I taught her to throw a "roller." Soon she was out-rolling the older, stronger boys. You should have seen the smile on her face. 😁

Perhaps she will be the first Bible "roller," spreading to gospel of Jesus . . . and also the gospel of disc golf.

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." - Matthew 24:14

Come, Lord Jesus!

Project Bible Runners

The Parable of The Chipmunk

I think something must be wrong with me. Or right, I guess, depending upon your world view. You see, I see parables. 😮

I didn't always see things this way. It began 19 years ago. These stories that I write,  many of them, are simply parables of how I see things around me. An outlet of sorts. Or maybe a history of my walk with Christ.

For example, a few days ago I was cleaning out the gutters on our house. I had already opened the shed door to get the ladder, and was on my way back there to put it away, when a chipmunk ran past me and right into the open shed.

"Dude. You'd better not stay in there because I'm going to be shutting the door soon."

Instantly Bible verses came to mind. The Parable of the Ten Virgins for example. This is Jesus speaking.

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut." - Matthew 25:10

And then in the Book of Revelation . . .

"What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open." - Revelation 3:7

The chipmunk in my backyard was a perfect representation of those who ignore the Bible. They're so busy "gatheting nuts and seeds" that they ignore the dangers of being locked inside a "prison" with no hope of escape.

Why did you and I stop to consider the dangers we faced by leading a life of sin? Why did WE repent and follow Jesus?

God forenew who would say 'yes' to His invitation and who would "run into the shed."

The problem that the chipmunk had was he didn't know the shed door was about to be shut. It's the same for the unbelieving souls in this world. Even though it can be frustrating and painful at times, we must never stop telling people about Jesus. He is the only one who can open the door to eternal life.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20

Hidden Treasure

Today's story is brought to you by the pastor of our church. It's actually a story HIDDEN INSIDE of another story. I think that's why I like it so much.

The story is found in the Book of Acts, the 20th chapter. Paul is going to be preaching, but then something happens.

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. ⁸There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. ⁹Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. ¹⁰Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” ¹¹Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. ¹²The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted." - Acts 20:7-12

Are you ready to start digging? How can I encourage you to grab a shovel and begin? Well, how about if I tell you that the "hidden treasure" in this story.  . . is Jesus? There is no mention of His name, but the clues, the gold, is everywhere.

Verse 7 - "the first day of the week" - this is Sunday, the Lord's day.

Verse 7 - "we came together to break bread" - communion? fellowship? Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." - John 6:25

Verse 7 - "Paul spoke to the people" - what was Paul preaching? It was the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Verse 7 - "he intended to leave the next day" - Jesus preached HIS message right up to the day HE left too.

Verse 7 & 8 - "midnight" and "many lamps" - it was dark. We all were in darkness, until we "saw the light."

Verse 8 - "the upstairs room" - the kingdom of heaven? Where did Jesus hold The Last Supper? In an upper room.

Verse 9 - "Eutychus" - just a coincidence here, but the first and last syllables of Eutychus are pronounced YOU and US. seriously? In this story, Eutychus represents "you" and "us."

Verse 9 - "sinking into a deep sleep" - so will you and "us" sinking into a deep sleep (eternal death ie. hell) without Jesus.

Verse 9 - "picked up dead" - again, this is us without Jesus.

Verse 10 - "Paul went down" - and so did Jesus - from heaven to earth. Why? To save us. But I am getting ahead on myself.

Verse 10 - "He's alive!" - and so are we when we receive Christ. It is nothing we ourselves have done. It is Christ alone!

Verse 11 - "Then he went upstairs again" - and so did Jesus after His resurrection.

Verse 11 - "talking until daylight, he left" - this represents Jesus talking with his disciples for 40 days AFTER his resurrection. And then Jesus left.

Verse 12 - "The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted." - the rapture of the church? When Jesus and the heavenly host come to take US home?

This story is simply amazing, but it is only REALLY amazing if for those of us who have heard the story and been brought fully to life. If we don't hear the message, if we do not come to life, in Christ, we will fall into the outer darkness and truly die.

My prayer is that all of us would embrace this message, this gold that we have found, and embrace Jesus, just as Paul "fell on Eutycus" in verse 10.

Forgot that one.

Believing Is Seeing

The Matrix was on TV last night. Even by watching just a few minutes of it, I was reminded just how true it is when Morpheus says, "You've been living in a dream world."

And so have those who have not received Christ yet. When we place our faith in Jesus, and receive the Holy Spirit, we become changed. A friend of mine describes it this way:

"Since placing my faith in Jesus, I see things differently. It's like being in the shower. Once you've been washed clean by the shed blood of Jesus, you pull back that curtain, and you see everything differently than you did before."

Ain't that the truth!

The sad thing though is that people we love just can't see and feel the same things that we do. And that hurts. Why? Because we are destined for different places after we die.

One could focus on that alone and remain depressed for the rest of this earthly life, but that's not what God wants us to do. Read this:

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ²Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." - 1 John 3:1-2

[1st John is a great book. It's short and to the point, and if you look closely as you read, you can discover a checklist of sorts to determine whether or not you are truly saved.]

But let's get back to our topic. "You don't know what you don't know." Our pastor used that phrase on Sunday. It stresses the importance of reading The Bible.

We can say that we believe in God, but then we come across verses that test our beliefs. For example . . .

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!" - James 2:19

James was saying that there HAS to be more to our faith than simply "believing" in God. There must also be evidence of that belief in the things we say and do.

In the very next verse, James tells us that " faith without works is dead." He then goes on to say . . .

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." - James 2:26

What James is getting at is this: What do we do with your faith? Do we go to church and that's it? Do we put money in the tithe box and say "look how much I have given?"

The Apostle Paul said, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 11:1

And what did Paul do? He preached the Gospel everywhere he went. How are WE doing with that?

What Now?

"John, what should we do now? Jesus is dead!"

"Well, we should pray. Isn't that would HE would do?"

"Yes, but He's gone! I mean, he was supposed to be the Messiah. The chosen one! And now he's dead . . . and buried! I just don't know."

"We all felt it. We all saw his miracles. How he made the lame walk and the blind to see. How could this happen? He said he was God for cryin' out loud. And now he's dead. Can God die?"

"I know. I know. But he's not with us right now. What would he want us to do? Just go back to fishing? There has to be more. What shall we do?"

* * * * *

That was a hypothetical conversation amongst the disciples on Saturday, the day after Jesus' death. The doubts, the questions. They must have been questioning everything that went on in their lives for the past three years.

Their probable questions are still alive and active today. Only today, we know what happened Sunday morning two thousand years ago.

Today we can reflect on ALL the events of that weekend. That's why Good Friday is called 'good.' It's because we know what happened on the following Sunday. Without the events of Sunday, that Friday would not be referred to as 'good.' At all.

So what should WE do?

Share the good news of Jesus' resurrection! We know the story. The WHOLE story. This is the perfect time to share the Gospel. Who will hear without someone telling.

"¹⁴How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? ¹⁵And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” ¹⁶But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” ¹⁷So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." - Romans 10:14-17

Problem Solving 101

There is an unfinished jigsaw puzzle waiting in the sunroom right now. It is extremely slow-going and very tedious. The remaining pieces, about 150 of them, are all the same basic color and shape. Yet, progress is being made. How? Basic problem solving.

1. Assess the situation

2. Determine the root cause

3. Create a solution

4. Implement the plan

Upon closer examination there ARE slight differences in the color of the puzzle pieces. Very slight, but they are there. And the brush strokes of the artist are right to left on his painting. Puzzle piece placent attempts just got cut in half . . . or lower!

Examine the facts, come to a conclusion. Either the piece doesn't fit or . . . BINGO!

As we read the Bible it doesn't take long to figure out that God doesn't like sin (Genesis 3). He hates it SO much that anyone who commits a sin faces death - eternity in hell. That's a problem. How do we solve it?

Further examination reveals that God actually does provide a way to get into heaven and have eternal life with Him. His name is Jesus. We must repent of the sins that we have committed and then become a disciple - learning from Him and becoming obedient to His will. BINGO!

WE are the puzzle pieces. You and I. And no matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to fit (sin). But God has the ability to re-shape us - His Holy Spirit. He can change the sinful human heart with a word from His mouth. God created the solution to this puzzle called life - Jesus.

All that remains is for us to implement the plan. And there's the snag. Our free will. God has provided, but it's up to us. We need to make a choice.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

"I lift up my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the mader of heaven and earth." - Psalm 121:1-2

Admit - Believe - Forever Receive

Born Blind

Every once in a while, I have a link to a song at the end of my blog stories. Rarer still are the times I place those links at the beginning of a story but here it is today.

Yours To Hold - Skillet

I had a dream the other night featuring Skillet, a Christian rock band from Wisconsin. But they weren't performing in my dream. I was having a conversation with their lead singer - John Cooper.

We weren't talking about anything in particular, but a song came to mind as I thought about a few people in my life who need Jesus. Here's a few lines from the song. Imagine our Lord singing this to the lost...

I see you standing here

But you're so far away

Starving for your attention

You don't even know my name

I wouldn't say that Jesus is "starving" for our attention, but He DID sacrifice Himself so that we might live.

A Bible story comes to mind as I write about this - the story of the man born blind. It's really a story about each of us. We are all, in fact, born blind.

"As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. ²His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“³Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." - John 9:1-3

Think about that for a moment. Aren't we ALL born blind, spiritually, "so that the works of God might be displayed" . . . in us?

The story continues . . .

"⁴As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” - John 9:4-5

Jesus fortold of a dark time in the future when "no one can work." Of course, Jesus would be put to death in the NEAR future, but I think He also might be talking about the time of the end.

Jesus was truly "the light of the world." He STILL is. And He still wants us to shine brightly, letting everyone see hear about the good news, The Gospel. And He also wants others to SEE The Gospel, active in God's sons and daughters.

Only upon hearing, and seeing, the good news of The Gospel can we truly be made to see and believe. We all become changed. Only when God's Holy Spirit enters us can we be made to truly see.

"One thing I DO know. I was blind, but now I see!” - John 9:25