This blog can be summed up in one sentence, so here goes. Jesus SAVES, programs don't!
Lately I have been convicted that instead of sharing Jesus with people, I have been sharing programs. Programs don't save!
Take for example an unbeliever at work. He says, "so you attend East Valley Bible Churh." To which my quick reply is "yes!" and then I dive into what areas of ministry I am involved in at EVBC. He was not asking me to explain what attending a service would be like or what ministries I am in. Yes, his statement "so I hear you attend East Valley Bible Church", does allow for conversation, but as a believer the answer that needs to be given is: Yes, I attend East Valley Bible Church, let me tell you about Jesus who is at the core of our church and the reason we have the ministries I am involved in.
Programs and ministries get people in to hear and learn about Jesus, but programs don't save! Jesus does!
Believer - are you taking the opportunity to tell your unbelieving friends about Jesus or are you stuck in a rut of telling them about programs that provide fun and friends but not salvation?
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Security Checkpoint
Do you find comfort in the title you are given, the sport or instrument you play, or in the grades you achieve?
Where do you find your security? In a job? In a girlfriend/boyfriend, husband or wife? In how many friends you have?
Too many people define their life by what they achieve here. Their job, their grades, their relationships. TOTAL FOOLISHNESS!
I challenge you to think radically, friends! What if the worldly item you place your security in was gone? What if you got in a car accident and could never be the athlete you currently are; what if the person you love and care for died? Would your world fall apart? Would you be shaken or would you be in total despair?
If your security is not in Christ and Christ along, my prayer is the Lord would open your eyes to your idolatry and focus your eyes on him, true security. The Lord is my strong tower!
Where do you find your security? In a job? In a girlfriend/boyfriend, husband or wife? In how many friends you have?
Too many people define their life by what they achieve here. Their job, their grades, their relationships. TOTAL FOOLISHNESS!
I challenge you to think radically, friends! What if the worldly item you place your security in was gone? What if you got in a car accident and could never be the athlete you currently are; what if the person you love and care for died? Would your world fall apart? Would you be shaken or would you be in total despair?
If your security is not in Christ and Christ along, my prayer is the Lord would open your eyes to your idolatry and focus your eyes on him, true security. The Lord is my strong tower!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Update: A Slight Problem
God has done great things!
Last Thursday after the anxious wreck of a blog I wrote, I opened my Bible and began studying Philippians 4. Why Philippians 4 you might ask. It was by the providence of God that I began studying Philippians a couple of weeks ago and last Thursday I was on Chapter 4. Stopping at verse 7 I realized that my anxiousness about school was more than just anxiouness; it was worry. Worried about not having the full 15 credits I want to take and that all the classes I need to register for are full. Worried about not having the exact funding for the next two years and fretting about having to take out a student loan. Anxious to go back to part-time work, yet again worried about finances. God's word opened my eyes to my sinfulness and complete lack of trust in His wisdom, His timing, His power, and His sovereignty.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Meditating on God's word calmed my anxiety and made me realize that God is in full control. He has the reigns and I am thankful for that!! Thank you God for making peace with me, a sinner by sending your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins.
Last Thursday after the anxious wreck of a blog I wrote, I opened my Bible and began studying Philippians 4. Why Philippians 4 you might ask. It was by the providence of God that I began studying Philippians a couple of weeks ago and last Thursday I was on Chapter 4. Stopping at verse 7 I realized that my anxiousness about school was more than just anxiouness; it was worry. Worried about not having the full 15 credits I want to take and that all the classes I need to register for are full. Worried about not having the exact funding for the next two years and fretting about having to take out a student loan. Anxious to go back to part-time work, yet again worried about finances. God's word opened my eyes to my sinfulness and complete lack of trust in His wisdom, His timing, His power, and His sovereignty.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4: 6-7
Meditating on God's word calmed my anxiety and made me realize that God is in full control. He has the reigns and I am thankful for that!! Thank you God for making peace with me, a sinner by sending your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
A Slight Problem
As I glanced at the calendar today I noticed something...exactly one month from now I will be getting for school that begins the following day; getting my backpack ready, clothes laid out, pencils sharpened...YA RIGHT!!! I am a little overwhelmed because I'm only signed up for 9 of 15 credits and simply can't get a good schedule. Also I have started thinking aloud, "Where has the summer gone?"
With only 30 days of summer remaining...Off to make the best of it!!
With only 30 days of summer remaining...Off to make the best of it!!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Ready to Go
Warning: Reading this blog can have harmful effects on the way that you view Brian. Just remember that he is a depraved human saved by God's grace.
Let me give you some background information to help jusify my actions....Three summers ago I took a week and a half long trip to California with some friends. There were both formal and casual events that we attended and to my recollection there were many more casual functions than formal. However, when preparing to leave for the trip I thought we would be in more formal settings. To make a long story short I ended up wearing my casual clothes for days in a row. Looking at pictures from that trip, people will say to me "Wow, you must only own one outfit!"
To this day packing for a retreat, vacation, or a simple three day weekend I am reminded of the horror of my California trip. The thought lingers in my mind, "What if I go to this place or that place, then I better pack some more!"
Tonight as I was packing to leave for California I thought I could conquer my fear of packing too little, but I caved in. Besides what I am wearing tomorrow I packed 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of pants, 3 t-shirts, 1 button up shirt, 1 pair of boardshorts, 1 sweatshirt, 1 pair of flip-flops, and 1 pair of tennis shoes. And to think that list doesn't even include boxers, socks, or toiletries! Then in the backpack I have my Bible, four books, my iPod, digital camera, and writing journal. I should probably tell you that this is only a 3 day trip. I am looking for a cure to my sickness, but I know that I might just have to deal with it.
With practically the entire house in my suitcase...it is off to Cali for some cool weather and ocean breeze.
Let me give you some background information to help jusify my actions....Three summers ago I took a week and a half long trip to California with some friends. There were both formal and casual events that we attended and to my recollection there were many more casual functions than formal. However, when preparing to leave for the trip I thought we would be in more formal settings. To make a long story short I ended up wearing my casual clothes for days in a row. Looking at pictures from that trip, people will say to me "Wow, you must only own one outfit!"
To this day packing for a retreat, vacation, or a simple three day weekend I am reminded of the horror of my California trip. The thought lingers in my mind, "What if I go to this place or that place, then I better pack some more!"
Tonight as I was packing to leave for California I thought I could conquer my fear of packing too little, but I caved in. Besides what I am wearing tomorrow I packed 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of pants, 3 t-shirts, 1 button up shirt, 1 pair of boardshorts, 1 sweatshirt, 1 pair of flip-flops, and 1 pair of tennis shoes. And to think that list doesn't even include boxers, socks, or toiletries! Then in the backpack I have my Bible, four books, my iPod, digital camera, and writing journal. I should probably tell you that this is only a 3 day trip. I am looking for a cure to my sickness, but I know that I might just have to deal with it.
With practically the entire house in my suitcase...it is off to Cali for some cool weather and ocean breeze.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
My First Blog
I decided that I should finally try this whole blog thing out. The purpose of my writing madness will be to explain the many experiences of being sanctified. My biggest desire is to glorify God in this dark, yet very useful place called cyberspace.
Besides studying God's word I enjoy studying economics, business, politics. Besides writing about the radical transformation God has caused in my life, I desire to write about movies, economics, societal issues, and books I am reading.
My prayer is that this blog will:
- Encourage others to think deeper
- Encourage others to know that they are not alone in their pursuit of God
Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 which he lavised upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)
This is redemption - that Christ would die for me.
Besides studying God's word I enjoy studying economics, business, politics. Besides writing about the radical transformation God has caused in my life, I desire to write about movies, economics, societal issues, and books I am reading.
My prayer is that this blog will:
- Encourage others to think deeper
- Encourage others to know that they are not alone in their pursuit of God
Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 which he lavised upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)
This is redemption - that Christ would die for me.
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