It would have been really rough to be Adam and Eve.  I wouldn’t trade shoes with them for anything.  They knew perfection.  They saw God, and walked with him.  They knew what it was like to not worry or think bad thoughts.  In the garden, Adam never lusted after another man’s wife, and Eve never wished she could take back the mean things she said about her husband.  Things were just right…just the way God intended.  Why would that be rough?  Why wouldn’t I want to know what that’s like?  Because they also knew the depth of sin, and what it was like to be without God.  Every day they woke up and stood on the outside of Eden, looking back and wishing things could be different.  It must have been the most horrible feeling, knowing perfection first hand and knowing they would never make it back in.  I wouldn’t trade places with them for anything.

Truth be told, we’re all a like Adam and Eve.  There is a part of us that somehow knows that the world isn’t meant to be like this.  That there is something more out there, that God wants things to be different.  God created us with this longing…for a relationship with him.  When sin entered, things broke.  Most importantly, our relationship with God broke.  BUT (I love adding the BUT), it didn’t stay this way.  Jesus came and took away the power of sin over us, and we now can be restored to God.

You see, God is going to make all things like they once were.  He sent Jesus to come and make a way to have a restored relationship with him.  Eventually, the earth we know is going away and a new sinless earth will take it’s place.  God even says in Revelation 21:5 that he is “making all things new”.  That’s good news for us.  That means that no matter how bad things are, they will get better for those that love and follow Christ.

When I get down, and wonder how things could get any worse…it’s helpful to remember that God is in the business of making all things new.  My relationship with him can be fully restored!

This Sunday (11.01.09) we’ll be learning more about how God is in the business of restoring people and relationships to him.

peace

Romans 5:6-11

Yesterday’s message was on the power of Christ, and our ability to live free from sin.  Regardless of how long you’ve followed Christ, it’s a message we all need to hear.

This week, we’ll be talking about release.  God wants to not only release us from sin, but release us to live lives of consequence for him.  This happens through the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is my belief that as we begin to let God change us, we are released to change the world.

The video you see below is from Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, GA.  The ministry highlighted here is Compassion International, Carolyn and I have been sponsors for nearly 10 years.  As we were growing in our faith, we were touched by this ministry through our friend Becky.  We knew that God had released us to minister to others, and we wanted to be a part changing the world elsewhere.

Get a kleenex box and watch the video.  Seriously, get the kleenex now.

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Have you ever offered something to someone that they didn’t want?  Recently, I was shopping at our local grocery store (Aldi) and I was taking my cart back to the rack near the entrance.  As I approached, I saw a guy looking for a quarter in his pocket.  If you’ve ever shopped at Aldi before, you know that the carts have a little slot for a quarter.  In order to get a cart, you put the quarter in.  Assuming you return the cart back to the rack, you can get your quarter back.  Carolyn and I like to try and find someone to give the cart to so that we can do something nice for someone, saving them a quarter.

As a approached the man, I offered my cart to him.  He told me that he didn’t want it and would just look for a quarter in his pocket.  Knowing he was having a tough time locating a quarter, I again offered the cart.  He insisted that he was fine, and didn’t need my help.  I left the cart at his side (my quarter still in it), and walked back to my car.  As I was driving out of the parking lot, I saw the man still digging in his pocket, struggling to locate a quarter for a cart.  Right next to him, the answer to his question remained.  He simply refused to accept the gift.

There are so many times that I feel like that man.  I’m too proud to accept help, or too blind to see that I need it.  Spiritually speaking, I pretty much think I have things under control most of the time.  Unfortunately, it’s during those times that I need help most.  I’m blinded by whatever currently ails me, and I can’t see that I need to be rescued from myself.

This week, think about what being “rescued” means.  Do you feel like you need to be rescued?  If so, what do you need to be rescued from?  What would that look like for you?

Romans 6:5-14

There are just as many blogs out there as there are people.  So, I’ve got to ask, why read this one?  Especially, when there are so many quality people out there saying smart and insightful things.  Well, it is my hope that you’ll read this blog to find out something about EpicLife Church and who we are.  The intent is to provide weekly thoughts and reflections of what is going on at EpicLife church, and give you a peek at what is on tap for the next week!  I’ll ask you to take it in, relax, and enjoy the journey…

We like to talk, write, share stories, share life. This is our blog page. As we get closer to our launch, keep checking back to hear our thoughts and ramblings. And yes, sometimes we may even have a little insight. Oh, and please interact with us. More than anything, we’d love to hear from you on this page!