“The other” is an endless pursuit of unattainable righteousness in our daily living. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out numerous Transformative Behaviors – actions that don’t make us righteous per se, but that can transform our heart. Like honesty, forgiveness, repentance, and sacrifice.  Gospel living is remembering that Jesus is concerned about the heart (Mt 23:25).

Gospel living, then, is following Jesus’ practical behaviors of life, not for the purpose of earning God’s approval or to be “a good Christian,” or to ensure a good moral life, but to willingly and actively afford the Spirit of God opportunity to transform your heart…to make it “more righteous,” while we rest securely IN Jesus for our approval (righteousness) from God.

One of the greatest  challenges of the Gospel Life is to recognize when we are leaning on our own “righteous” actions for God or Man’s approval (or to avoid their disapproval), and forgetting our need for a Savior and his interest in our behavior as it relates to the heart. Gospel Living, has much to do with analyzing the heart behind our behavior! Questions might go something like this:

What does this or that action or attitude say about my heart?

Why did I say that? Harder still, Why did I think that? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why do I wear these clothes? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why won’t I be seen with him/her? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why must I present myself as all together? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why do I act like someone else in those circumstances? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why do I see someone else’s sin as greater than mine? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why am I afraid? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why am controlling? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why do I see someone else’s sin as lesser than mine? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why am I selfish or angry or lying or lusting? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Why do I eat too much, talk too much, sleep too much? What’s going on in my heart to drive that?

Gospel Living doesn’t essentially seek to change behaviors, but to transform the heart. If your just trying to behave, be a good Christian, stay out of trouble, or please God with your life – that’s not Gospel Living. Gospel Living is a life that results in a transforming heart. Jesus saves us and then tells us how to live and what to do to change our hearts.

Follow Jesus. Be transformed. Live the Gospel!

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. —Romans 3:21-22

Springing from our text and series on Jesus’ mountainside sermon (Mt 5–7), we looked specifically at 5:17–20 where Jesus essentially calls his followers to greater righteousness, while simultaneously reminding them that righteousness (approval from God) can be found only in Him!

That’s quite a tension, and we’ll continue to unpack that tension this Sunday.

In the meantime, we have settled the matter of eternity for those who believe: Those who have trusted Christ (the only One who has fully met the requirements of the Law, and therefore approved by God) CAN BE, through faith, 100% certain of their place with God forever. Why? Because of our reasonable success in living righteously? Absolutely not — we have plenty of work to do there — but because of Jesus’ righteousness alone.

We are eternally secure in Christ by faith!

Well then, why would we continue to strive to live righteously? And why try if we cannot reach an acceptable righteousness on our own? What could possibly motivate us, if we’ve already gained God’s approval in Jesus? Well…see ya Sunday!

~mike

Father, bless the church today. Make yourself known to the men and to the women today in the midst of whatever circumstances they have. If there is difficulty give them joy, if there is comfort give them joy! Give us certainty Lord in our hearts that you are present, that you are strong and that you are good. Change our hearts to be a bit more like yours today. Thank you God.

So, through the 40 Days, we invite you to join us in an extra measure of heart-work. Add, develop or improve a spiritual discipline in your life. Maybe a new habit affording you an opportunity to experience God more honestly and deeply. Refer to the 40 Day Trifold we prepared (partially replicated to the right) which is full of 40 Day ideas, links and opportunities.  Consider prayer, scripture, serving and reading.

I will be attempting to provide some online community and interaction throughout the 40 Days which you can join by subscribing to my blog (above) and by following me on Twitter (right).  Join us every Tuesday morning at 6:30am for prayer at either of two locations, and finally, we are suggesting a book by Francis Chan that provides a simple yet Biblical look at the Holy Spirit – the counselor and comforter whom Jesus sent.

We’re not suggesting you do everything – just consider what simple action, step or initiative God might have for you and commit to it. You won’t regret it…

Yet, once I am certain that I am actually awake, I still struggle to believe the surrounding realities.

I find my self pleasantly overwhelmed with the memories of Vista’s first half-decade. The story of Vista is one full of ups and of downs, of success and of failure, of joy and of pain. Vista is the story of life and of loss. The story of Vista has been anything but boring, nor has it been a saunter through a rose garden.

The story of Istanbul (that’s how my iPad auto-corrected my misspelling of Vista!) Anyway…the story of VISTA has been nothing short of what Jesus promises those who follow: Troubled, yet rich.

“In this world you will have trouble…”–John 16:33. “I come that they may have life. And have it to the full”–John 10:10. It has been troubling at times. Not just for me, not just organizationally, but most significantly in the real lives of the people who are Vista. We’ve been through disappointment, unemployment, loss, prison, divorce, sickness and death…and we’re in the middle of all of that even now. For the church, “trouble” isn’t an imaginary scary monster that we hope and pray stays under the bed…it’s a reality we battle every day.

The fullness of life comes in the way Jesus meets us in those troubles and the way a Jesus-following community of God comes together to care and to pray and to persevere–-to laugh and to cry. Together we have walked the crooked, rocky paths together with an eternal perspective and purpose that brings a joy, a peace and a purpose that supersedes the circumstances and transcends our personal struggles and challenges, and our pleasures and breakthroughs.

On what other platform would the real, true gospel of Jesus expand, than on the truths and realities of life? For Jesus to meet us in our denial, for God to comfort us in our fantasies, for the Holy Spirit to arrive in our dreams is to make the Trinity a myth, a religious crutch, a facade.

But when Jesus shows up in the truth, when God engages us in our darkest moments, when the Spirit speaks peace and joy into the deepest waters of our soul…then the Trinity is real. Then our outreach is sincere. Then our friendships are genuine. Then our ministry is rich. Then God inhabits our prayers and our praises. And then…only then…does God show up for our hurting, our lost, our lonely friends in our eyes, our words, and our deeds.

Vista has embraced the Truth head on—the truth about our lives, and the truth about God. And the truth is that the outcomes are inexplicable. How is it that God would see fit to expand his rule and reign in and through such unworthy subjects? How is it that us cracked pots (2 Cor 4) would be filled with such treasure? How is it that we have enjoyed the blessings of the children in Cambodia, the churches in Kenya, the new site in Worthington?

How is it that the invisible God has made himself more known in our soul? Why in the midst of all of life do we experience more peace, joy and hope? Why has our faith been tried, tested and secured? Who are we? Why has Vista come to where it is? Why have we become who we’ve become? Why have we been blessed in such ways?

Because God loves us.That’s all! Because Jesus loves us. He really does. Why? Because he loves us. That’s God.

I’m shaking my head again…

~mike

This  coming Sunday morning we will spend time “telling of the mighty deeds of the Lord,”(Ps 78) during services, so come prepared with your stories of encouragement to share.  (You can also add to the growing number of stories here: Web, Facebook, Twitter.) And more importantly, we will remember the challenge we face as a church to embrace the real work that began as soon as the caravan of trucks circled in salute on their way out of the TWHS parking lot at 9:45pm Sunday night.

It is critical that we put equal energy into the follow-up and search for those who need others in the journey they began or are continuing as a result of God’s move in their heart this weekend. We need each other, there is no doubt, and some folks really have nobody…but us/you.

Like the excitment and fun of the day the new puppy dog arrives, the next day begins the real work. It would be flat wrong to play with the puppy, but never feed her; to teach the puppy tricks, but never clean up after her; to run with the puppy, but never provide a place to rest.

Last weekend we enjoyed the loving-kindnesses and favor of God. He trusted us with his greatest love…his creation…precious people. He trusted us to share about him clearly and unashamedly. He trusted us to be honest and vulnerable (like Jesus) to our guests. He trusted us to express the joy and the purpose found only in him. He trusted us to serve and love those who are lost, lonely and hurting.

We did all those things as best we could, and God graciously brought an audience to receive, to be refreshed, to be honored, and to participate in the celebration of Jesus. It is amazing that he would do that, but he did. And what a joy it was! Like 180 new puppies to a child…it was an overwhelming joy!

And now Jesus’ challenge to us shifts…to the work we so often and too often forget or avoid…loving, serving, building, restoring, comforting, praying for those whose hearts have been touched, whose wounds have been re-opened, whose needs seem overwhelming…

But this time is crucial, more crucial than any segment of the Program, and it doesn’t simply include those whom you invited that came. What about the ones who didn’t come? Are we only interested in them as a potential attendee? Or did we, in either case, open a dialogue…carve a path…for building a relationship? We did!

What’s your next step with each person you reached out to? Make it normal; make it relational; make it simple. But for heaven’s sake take it!

It’s a sobering thought…that through us, God might reach the hearts of some who don’t currently know him. It’s a pretentious thought…that through us, God might reach the hearts of some who don’t currently know him!

But that’s what he does, he works through us. And those are the marching orders Jesus left with us: “Go and make disciples…”

Fortunately…thankfully…Jesus ends that thought in Matthew 28 with these words: “Surely I am with you always.” I’m counting on that…for all of us…as we encourage and invite others to join us this weekend…and for those participating in and supporting the Program…and for those searching for the time and the courage to attend…

I’m praying even now for the Father to strengthen you and draw others to himself…

I’m writing with hopes of continuing to stir your heart for others and to increase our urgency in the final week…

You understand, of course, that the lost, least and lonely live among us, in many cases unnoticed. People don’t typically advertise their hurts, disappointments and discouragements because it’s often accompanied by guilt or shame or a desire to appear strong and all together (like everyone else, of course). Like you and I do at times, we tell ourselves that our challenges and predicaments are silly, or weak, or embarrassing.

But we cannot afford to be fooled by hardened exteriors or the easy, “I’m fine!” The reality is that life is hard — that’s universal.

Isaiah 61:1 …the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…

We operate from this foundational truth: People need to know (sometimes for the first time, sometimes as a reminder) that God loves them and that there is a space in the human heart that only Jesus can get to.

Yes, our Christmas programs are a big deal, but they are a relatively simple and easy invite. And if you’ve been there before you know that the impact can be big too, yet in a non-threatening, winsome and simply authentic way.

God is moving in people’s lives and hearts — we don’t do that part. We are simply called to notice what He may be up to and to help someone take the next step. 2 Tim 2:25 reminds me of what God does…not me:

…in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…

Be praying. Be ready. Be faith-filled. Be active. And watch God!

Note: If you have, thanks! If you haven’t signed up to serve at one of the programs, we still need Pre-service Parking Attendants for Friday and Saturday, and Welcoming for Saturday and Sunday. Email Jen your preference and program. And remember that every Vista regular attender is a “greeter” whenever you are around!

P.S. I’m not sure which program Mr. Enberg will be attending…

Press on!
mike

Years ago (people say “years ago” to suggest a distant past when they were less mature) I was invited to visit and tour the Southwest side Youth For Christ (YFC) location near Hilltop on West Broad Street. That particular area doesn’t enjoy a sparkling reputation…its kinda rough down there…at least as far as the “North Side” understands it.

I hadn’t been in that area before…never had a reason. So, as I drove in, it was unfamiliar. Unfamiliar is anxiety-provoking no matter what the situation. The West Side reputation helped me to bypass anxiety directly for irrational concerns. Those concerns deteriorated into fearfulness as soon as I inadvertently turned down a dead end street in search of a parking place. I wished I’d not recently washed my SUV as it glinted and attracted attention, and as I adroitly executed a 9-point turn between the cars parked on both sides of the narrow street, I simultaneously jabbed at my door lock button. The sound of all four doors electrically locking in unison certainly communicated what all those that had stopped to watch already knew I was trying not to show: I’m scared of you. Like I said, sometimes I make myself sick.

It was an awesome visit. the sorts of contributions YFC is making to that community and the young people there is beautiful. I met some wonderful people that had found some meaning and hope for their lives. By the third time I visited, I was comfortable parking anywhere there was space, greeted whomever was walking by, and struck up a conversation with someone i recognized from the first visit…we were both walking across the street to the YFC building. I came away with a new perspective and another layer of hardness gracefully dissolved from my heart.

The Vista 3:27 Project (Proverbs 3:27) has similar objectives. Partnership and opportunities to be involved in community service and ministry are more often about growing in faith, compassion and God-heartedness than about gaining a reward, allaying guilt or simply doing your part.

Most folks are compelled at some point in life to help others. But most folks are also anxious about new things, unfamiliar territories, and strangers. Add to those apprehensions a general conclusion that we have too little to offer, or little clue about what to offer. The good news is that no one who follows Jesus need be concerned about any of those dynamics, excuses, anxieties. In Jesus, we have been given “everything we need for life and godliness,” and as we add action and obedience to our faith, we will be kept from being “ineffective and unproductive…” (2 Peter 1:3-8)

During Sunday’s message we talked about how when Peter (Acts 3) simply offered one word and one hand that God showed up miraculously. There are lot’s of folks in our spheres of influence, work places, neighborhoods and lives who need God. What might Jesus do for them through your simple, even awkward, word or unskilled hand? It’s not about what we have to offer, but about what God can do with our meager efforts. All we need is a bit of faith and a small step of action. Go ahead, step.

As the different elements are systematically placed and poured into the bucket, it appears to be a demonstration about how, through sound time managing and hard work, you can always fit more than you might imagine into your day, week, month…and life. Whether that is true or healthy is another matter, but the point of the demonstration simply and profoundly turns in the end: If you don’t put the big rocks in first…the important things in life…you won’t likely ever fit them in.

Our family uses forms of that concept often, “Hey, let’s get the big rocks in first.” “Is that a big rock or a small rock?” “We may have too many big rocks. We’re going to have to re-evaluate our priorities.” We say it often, and it helps a lot: Big Rocks. We don’t say, “Big Boulders.” We don’t use the phrases, “Big Blocks,” “Big Things,” “Big Apples,” etc. Only, “Big Rocks.” We don’t substitute words like bricks, chunks or logs in place of rocks. You could…it wouldn’t damage the illustration…we just don’t. Rocks works fabulously well.

Having just completed a sermon series essentially covering four of the important teachings of the Apostles, it was a useful reference, “To keep the gospel message pure and simple, make sure to always remember these four “Big Rocks”: Mission of God: Reconciliation (2 Cor 5), Character of God: Inclusive Mercy (Luke 4, Is 61, Jesus) , the Son of God: Forgiveness (John 3:16-17), and the Kingdom of God: Faith(Mark 1, Rom 1, Heb 11).

It’s worth your time to find the video of Stephen Covey on the Net using the Big Rocks illustration. Simply Google, “covey big rocks first“. Just make sure you use the word “rocks.” Don’t mistakenly substitute words like I did Sunday morning. That would produce undesirable Google results.