4 things every 'non-church go-er' should know about going to church for Easter.

Easter Sunday, you go to church.  Everyone does. Even the person who hates church will suck it up for one hour on Easter Sunday. Its just what we do. I think it shows that America still cares about Jesus, even when we pretend not to. 

If you are one of those rare birds who avoid church on Easter, I totally understand.  However, there is no football, everyones March Madness bracket is completely ruined, so what else are you going to be doing...?

From a youth pastor to all you who aren't regular attendee's, you should know a couple of things...

(Note, I use "we" a lot like. I simply mean, we who regularly choose to hang out at church)


1. We couldn't be more excited that you came today!
            Everything we do, comes down to you.
 From planning songs, to sending out cards in the mail, and making sure that we have interactive messages and worship, to free coffee in the lobby. 
The countless hours and volunteers spent prepping what goes on the screens during the service and how to take care of the little children... 
Its all about you.  
If there is anything we can do in order to explain who Jesus is and what He did, we will.  
It's because we believe in Gospel, we believe in transforming lives. Not because we think we know better, but simple because, we have all been in a season of life that we needed someone to come along side us and say, 'no matter what is going on in your life, Jesus will always Love you, and I Love you too. Welcome to our broken community.'



2. We don't care about your money.
          Yes, we pass around offering baskets. Truth of the matter is it takes money to keep the lights on.  It takes money to involve the community. It takes money to run youth programs, and children's programs, etc.  But if you are just going to Easter service to please your mom or grandma and wanting to get out as soon as possible to go home for easter dinner, pass the bucket! God has all the money in the world. I'm not worried about it. Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate Jesus!


3. Ask.
        You have heard it before: There are no dumb questions.
        This is especially true in a church. Ask someone, ask anyone.
 "Where do I sit?" "Do I keep my kids with me?" "Why is it dark when there is music?" "Are we suppose to stand when we sing?"   
        Truth be told, Christians do a lot of weird things that we don't realize are weird. So, if/when something seems, uuhhh, weird, it probably is. Don't be afraid to ask the people around you.



4. Consider coming back.
          That's the goal we have here today.  We want you to know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and if you're anything like me, it takes some time and guidance to understand what that means. So, next week, clear your schedule, we would love to see you again!

Titanic! The Desire For Desperation.

               Like most of you, I don't dream.

                    Well thats not true, according to many studies including this one, everyone dreams.
That being said, I don't remember my dreams.

            Last night, I remembered my dream. I was on Titanic hanging out with Leonardo DiCaprio, we were watching Kate Winslet go on her very tippy-tip toes on the dance floor. I look around and see everyone enjoying themselves. Looking to a hopeful future. Enjoying life assuming tomorrow was going to be more of the same.

The next thing I remember was running around the ship trying to find a lifeboat, of which there were only 16, and as we all know, they just take up deck space anyway.

            But I wasn't concerned with trying to find a boat for myself, but instead I was trying to find people and talk to them, knowing that they are all going to die (except the 700 that made it in a lifeboat), I had to speak to them, for just one second. I had one message that I said over and over and over; "Do you know Jesus Christ?"

            I was in an alarmed state. Trying to get everyone, every single person, to understand the gospel. This was their last chance, their only chance. To know Him.

            What if we lived life like this? Knowing that there is a chance every single person you meet needs to know the creator before its to late. The culture is continuing to sink, there is no time left, life can be over in seconds, there is a huge sense of urgency for spreading the good news of the gospel.

          The dream continues...

          The people who quickly accept Christ join me, grabbing people who are crying and hysterical, forcing Jesus upon them knowing that in the end those who accept this message will be eternally grateful.

          I stopped. Things go in slow motion for the next scene.  Laying next to Jack and Rose as we look into the inevitable fact that we are all going down. I look around and see hundreds of people drowning. People I didn't talk to sooner. People I didn't reach out to. People I didn't even try to shake hands with. I recognize some from the earlier dance floor. I had the time to talk to them, I was just too scared, and now its too late.

It felt like the last scene in Schindler's List.

I never want to end my life having this sense of regret. Knowing I could have done more.
                         I hope you feel the same.

Lord Jesus,
      I pray that you give us a desire for desperation. A deep sense of urgency. A passion to share the wonderful news of Jesus Christ and the cross before its too late. Help us to step out of fear and step into love, for sharing your gospel is the most loving thing a person can do.
                                                                                               Amen