Here we get into the details about faith and life

Station Identification

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

The FCC requires that every television and radio station identify itself hourly with its call letters and city. The idea is that there are so many signals coming over the airwaves in America, that the listener should be able to identify the source of the broadcast. Often the stations will add a tag to that identification, so you know what to expect. “The Party” is going to serve different music than “The Valley’s Best Country.” We probably wouldn’t expect any music on “The Fan” or “All News and Talk.”

Acts 11:26 tells us, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Christians. Christ-like. At Antioch. After that, the culture had an expectation when they heard that identification. Christians. In Rome. In Corinth. In Philippi. In Ephesus.

They expected commitment, passion, generosity, hospitality.

I’m not sure that expectation still holds. Think for a moment of the words most often used to describe Christians these days. Usually, it’s intolerant. Self-righteous. Fake.

Perhaps that’s because the way we identify ourselves has changed. It makes us uncomfortable to suggest that we’re as depraved as everyone else, that it’s only the amazing work of the Holy Spirit bringing us new life that separates us. And that was a gift.

How would the perception of Christianity change, how would we change if humble … serving … compassionate became our identifiers?

Where do our thoughts, actions and motives originate?

How are we best known?

What if we took a few moments throughout the day to consider our own “station identification”?

Is It Urgent Yet?

By Paula

Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. John 4:35

Last Monday, my husband noticed there was a headlight out on our Honda, and he made a mental note to fix it. Wednesday after church, another member pointed out that we had a headlight out. Yep, we know. We’re going to get it fixed. Friday evening, I was stopped by the police because I had a headlight out.

Guess what we did Saturday? Replaced the headlight. It took twelve dollars and about five minutes. Why didn’t we do it Monday, then?

Because it wasn’t urgent. Yet. (The police officer introduced extra urgency into the situation.)

How many people do we know who wish they had taken better care of themselves or find themselves at retirement age wishing they had saved more money?

They knew they should. They would agree it’s a good thing, the right thing to do.

But it wasn’t urgent. Yet.

We often have that same lack of urgency in other areas of our lives. Attitudes that God wants us to outgrow. Conversations we need to have. Changes we need to make. Challenges we need to rise up to.

We know it. We intend to do it. Really.

It’s just not urgent. Yet.

Everyone at the Well

By Paula

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” John 4:7
One of the most famous women in Scripture is anonymous. Notorious perhaps, but still anonymous. I think it’s so that we identify with her more easily. You see, her story is everyone’s story. At least, I see my story in hers. I’m guessing you do, too.
I often get so caught up in my immediate needs and situations that I miss Jesus right in front of me. (v. 10)

And then, while Jesus stands ready to offer exactly what I need, I’d rather argue. (v. 11)

I like the comfort of tradition, sometimes even at the expense of real intimacy with Jesus. (v. 12)

I have sins I think Jesus doesn’t know about. (v. 17-18)

But when He confronts me with those sins, I change the subject. (v.20)

I have some muddled ideas about what real worship is, but I’m usually pretty confident my way is right. (v. 22)

I’m also quick to try to impress Jesus with what I know. (v. 25)

But I’m also stunned and amazed that Jesus takes and interest in me … personally. (v. 9)

Because of that, my life has never been the same. Come and meet this Man who knows everything about me. I’m sure He is the Christ.

Good Friday

By Paula

Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. Mark 15:25

He was wounded because I sinned.
He was bruised because I rebelled.
The chastisement that earned my peace with God was upon Him.
By His stripes I am made whole.

I am exactly like a sheep that gets off track at every opportunity.

But rather than punish me…
God laid that sentence on Jesus Christ.

Good Friday is a difficult day.
It requires that I face the awful price my sin required.

But then Sunday comes.

And I see the face of the Savior who volunteered to pay that price.

No Fine Print

By Paula

And whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37

Have you ever entered a contest? Or maybe tried to cash in on a rebate or a special offer? If so, you’ve probably seen text like this.

If you are an individual legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and are 18 or older at the time of entry, you are eligible to enter the Sweepstakes. Our employees, their immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren), and our affiliates, advisors or advertising/promotion agencies (and their immediate family members) are not eligible to enter the Sweepstakes.

After promising us “all you have to do is …” we get hit with fine print or a jumble of legalese spoken at twice the normal speed and half the volume. What gives?

Contest sponsors work with their legal departments to ensure they aren’t on the hook for extra prizes, or cheated. Let’s be honest. The contest or offer is ultimately for their benefit, not ours.

But because we are so familiar with these types of propositions, when Jesus makes His amazing offer– whoever comes to me I will never cast out– we are skeptical. It’s too simple. Too easy.

Too good to be true.

There are no conditions. There are no eligibility requirements. No age limits. No residency restrictions. He doesn’t restrict Himself to the first 5000 or even 5 million. He doesn’t even give us forms to fill out.

We know there has to be a catch. There has to be some fine print. He can’t be serious. Anybody? Yes. Everybody? Yes. Doesn’t He understand that some people will take advantage of Him? Yes. The offer is too important to rescind, though.

See, unlike contests and rebates, it’s not about increasing His brand or widening His influence. It’s a wide-open promise. The only condition, coming to Him, rests with us.

So, are you in?