The Relevant Disciple

The mission of the church is clear. Jesus himself states that we are to share the good news with people. This is not a calling or task for those in the ministry but for all who claim to be believers in Jesus Christ. I believe that the church is falling because believers have become lazy in their efforts concerning sharing of their faith. Some say it is so difficult because of the rejection that comes but remember the rejection that Christ suffered on the cross for you and me. That rejection was worth it and so is the rejection that we receive from others. We are being rejected for the glory of God! One of my favorite bands "Seraph" sings a song called "Supernatural". In the song they talk about a faith that is more than just a faith that is seen on Sunday and Wednesday but a faith that is seen everyday of the week. The problem is that most of us live the life of a Christian only on Sunday's and Wednesday's. We live for Satan and hell the rest of the week. It is time to live for Christ 7 days a week. That is our mission. It is a difficult mission but a mission that will change eternity for those who believe and follow Jesus Christ.

I have been on this mission for 15 years and have lost many battles but I realize that I have won the war because of my faith in Christ. As I look around the battle field it is becoming more and more difficult but the power that lives in us is more powerful than anything that the world can throw at us. You are not alone in this war and remember the mission is worth the scares and tears. Fight the good fight and finish your course with honor and dignity because it is well worth the reward that you will receive when you enter the gates of heaven. Thanks be to our Savior who paid it all for us and went all the way in winning the war.

As a pastor the one phrase I hate to hear is,"I can not do that for God because I am to busy." If we become to busy for God then we have become to busy. When we put ballgames, music festivals, crafts, friends, movies, TV, and everything else before God then we have lost touch with reality. God desires to be first in our lives and for way to long Christians have verbalized that God is first in their lives but in reality He has been second, third, or even dead last. This is even true for me which is a sad fact. God went all the way for you and me and we are not willing to go all the way for Him. What is wrong with us? We have lost touch with the true meaning of the Christian life.

The ministry here at FBC is really seeing the movement of God and I am scared that people will start to talk or get uncomfortable because we are moving past our comfort zone. When we begin to complain because God is moving then we have another problem. We can become so relaxed in the norm that when God steps in and disrupts us, we say wait a minute that takes to much commitment. That is why God does not move in our churches or our personal lives that often. It is not God but it is us that put the halt on the movement of His Spirit. I am praying that God will move in a great and mighty way here at FBC.

It is amazing how we can make excuses when God wants us to do something but when we want to do something we do everything we can to make it happen. I am so tired of ordinary Christians, they are nothing but stumbling blocks for the church. God clearly states in scripture that if we do not speak then the rocks will cry out. How close are we to the rocks crying out. If you an ordinary Christian, repent and turn to God because the nation needs you. It is time to stop making excuses and start fighting for the cause of Christ. Stop being a no man and become a yes man. No to worldly desires and yes to the Lord Jesus Christ.


May God Bless.

Wow!!! United 4 Revolution was greater than I could have ever imagined or planned. We serve a mighty and awesome God!! Seraph did a great job of leading in worship!!! They have a true heart for helping students grow closer to God. Also my good friend Jeff did an awesome job speaking at The Revolution on Wednesday night and helping with the rally. He is a great guy with great heart that is focused on reaching students for Christ. Mitch did an awesome job speaking Thursday night at U4R. He also has a heart for students and it can be seen in his ministry. We had great support from adults in our church and I am so thankful for them. You are such a blessing. I am so proud on my youth!!! You as well are a great blessing. I truly believe that I have the best youth group in the world. To Cheyenne, Katie, Whitney, Jamiee, Caitlyn, Vance, and Patty I want to say thank you. Wow!! You did an awesome job. You are great leaders with great hearts. I love each one of my youth.

Even though the rally maybe over the results have just started. Lives were changed in those two nights and because of that other lives will change. I am so excited to see what the future holds but my and our focus has to be on the present. We have to minister to students now and reach them with the gospel. We have started something great because we have allowed God to work through us. It God who is doing the great thing.

Let's continue the fight church! Let's reach students for Christ and let's change our community because we are willing to fight for the cause. Take time to worship and seek God. Our time is short and we must use our gifts and talents now. I am praying for revival and I ask that your pray with me. Revival that burns deep into the soul. God bless my friends.

Your Proud Youth Pastor,
John