Dream Again

The Gospel Of John

Restoration Church started January 15, 2012.  Since that time we have spent all but 4 weeks in The Gospel of John.  It has been an incredible journey so far and this Sunday we start chapter 12. We still have a little ways to go. :) 

John is a book about the life of Christ so it shouldn't come as any surprise that each week has been very challenging.  However for some it might come as a surprise. At times in our American Church Culture Jesus has been more portrayed as a softy.  Someone who is just always waiting with open arms with an encouraging word no matter what you do.  You can just keep telling Him that you love Him then live however you want.  He really doesn’t care, He just loves you so much and in the end love wins... right? 

Jesus does offer us grace and for that I am eternally thankful.  I can’t earn my salvation and that's amazing since I am in no way good enough.  Love has already won when Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead (we still have to accept that gift), but that doesn’t give us a license to live however we want.  I don’t just mean sin, I'm talking about doing what He says in all area's of our life; you know the whole making disciples thing, sharing our faith.  Making disciples was never "could you please"," if you have the time", "if it’s your personality temperament or gifting".  It was go into the entire world and make disciples.

I'm sure Jesus was a fun guy, and I'm sure he cracked jokes and was fun to be around.  But He was also very challenging.  I picture him like a great coach who knows when to be light hearted but will tell you what you need to hear to get the best out of you.  Every week when I study for Sunday God is messing me up and challenging me in different areas of my life, and that's a good thing.  I have not arrived, I haven’t finished growing and I never will.  I have enjoyed being challenged every Sunday not from my words but from the words of Christ, hopefully you have as well.  This Sunday we start John 12 I can't wait!