plan G

A man once asked me the question of all questions, “If you were to die today where would you go?” I didn’t have a smart answer. I was curious, but though to myself, “Could anybody really know the answer to that question?”

How do I get to heaven? Many have tried to answer this question in many different ways:

• You got to do a bunch of good deeds [hope to make the Cosmic curve for the class].
• Do as you please [aka: heaven on earth]. This is the only life you got.
• God is a God of love and wouldn’t send anybody to hell.
• You got to have faith.
• You got to follow the teachings of Buddha, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, or Jesus.

Yet these many ways do not answer the question. They just lead to more questions: How good is good enough? If this is heaven on earth, why is there so much suffering, sin and temptation? Why wouldn’t a loving God judge sin? Faith in what? How do we know which guy? What is your plan get to heaven?

PLAN A: By Being Sinlessly Perfect

If our eternity rested on our perfect performance we would all be doomed. We have all committed errors and made foul plays. This is called sin. You are not perfect. You cannot bat 1.000. Sorry to burst your bubble but you are not good enough [Rom.3:23 “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory].

God is perfect. Our sin causes us to miss the mark of His glorious perfection.

The problem is that you and I are born sinners. You are born needy. You cry for attention. Ask any baby who desires the attention. You did not have to take sin lessons. We are educated as selfish little sinsner straight from the womb. And I have been sinning habitually ever since.

When people say that they are a “good person” or share their list of “good deeds” [i.e. help the poor, generosity] or compare themselves with “bad people” [i.e. Hitler or Bin Laden]…they are just sugar coating  the reality of their sinfulness [Prov.14:12 “There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death.”]. PLAN A: I CANNOT CHECK

PLAN B: By Paying the Price for our Sin

Trying to be a good boy or girl only ends in disappointment and frustration because we can never quite match up. It ends in death [Rom.6:23 “For the wages of our sin is death…”]. This is more than physical death, but also eternal separation from God. Notice this spectrum of goodness [Evil being murders, rapists, and abusers / God being absolute perfection]:

First on the specturm is Mother Teresa [MT]. She is known for her compassion for orphans in Calcutta. Under “Christian” in the dictionary would be her picture. Some would say she is the best of all Christians, yet in her biographies she admits struggling with many sins. Second, Billy Graham [BG], the long known evangelist who was used by God to bring many into God’s kingdom. He preached to more people than anybody in history. Yet he publically admits his fall into sin. Then there is me [JH]. I cant even be in the same category with MT & BG. Just ask my mom or wife and they will let you know what kind of sin I am!! Where would you put your initials?

Mother Teresa, Billy Graham and I are in serious trouble. We cannot match up to God’s standard. We fall way short. This applies not only us, but you too. It doesn’t matter if your parents are Christians, if your grandma prays, if you go to Africa to help AIDS children, if you go to church every time the doors are open, you will still fall short.

There is a giant chasm that separates you and me from God [cf. Bridge to Life]. It is like trying to throw a stone from where you are to the North Pole. Some might throw farther than you, but we all still fall way short. Our sin creates a separation [Is.59:2 “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore.”]. We cannot pay the debt load for our sin. It cost too much. PLAN B: I CANNOT CHECK

PLAN G: By Trusting in the One who did

Since Plans A & B fail what other option do we have? How about Plan G? Plan G = God’s Grace. Grace us unmerited favor or a gift from God that you do not deserve. I do not deserve God’s grace even on my best day. No one deserves it. This is why it is called grace [Rom.6:23b “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”].

What does God’s grace look like? Because of His love He sent His Son to die on the cross for your sin [all your junk, funk errors, strike outs and foul plays]. His grace can at a gruesome cost; execution on a cross. Jesus did the work of Plan A & B before He went to the cross. He did what we could not do. He did it for you. The work is done. The cross bridges the separation. It is a homerun game willing deal.

Religion = DO. Do this and don’t do that. It doesn’t work.

Relationship with Christ = DONE. It is finished on the cross. [Jn.19:30]

From the moment we receive God’s grace there are many things we receive: Forgiveness, Christ’s Righteousness, acceptance into His family, reconciliation, redemption, and so much more.

How do I get God’s grace?

Admit. Admit that you have fail with Plan A & B. That you do not measure up to God’s standard. That your sin separates you from Him. See yourself as God sees you. Recognize the chasm between you and him.

Believe. Believe that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sin. It is not about understanding everything. It is about trust.

Receive. Let Jesus come in. Open the lid of your heart and let Him come in. Let Him change you from the inside out.

PLAN G: I CAN CHECK, DONE

GODcast

Don't knock the Speedo

One of my passions is a love to fish. As a child ever summer we would spend weeks at our cottage on Lake Alma in the northwood’s of Wisconsin [as you can see in my Speedo-lishous picture above]. My dad taught me how to fish for bass, bluegills crappies and anything that swims. Any chance I get I go out fishing. You know, fishing is a biblical sport? Fishing should be your passion too!

Thousands of years ago Jesus set forth a strategy for His followers and it looks something like this. In Matthew 4:18-20, Jesus makes a very bold invitation [like asking a girl on a date], “Let’s go fishing.”  Jesus was just walking around the Sea of Galilee. There were about 30 little villages that surrounded this lake, which made their living off the lake. It was the center of thousands of people’s lives. And Jesus approaches two stinky fishermen and says, “Follow Me, and I will make you into something you are not [Fishers of Men].” And the amazing thing is they left their nets and followed Him.

The Fishing Manual for Followers of Christ:

Followers Fish. It is as simple as that. A follower of Christ fishes for other people. If you are not fishing you are not following. Jesus was fired up about fishing. From the first to the last words to His followers he lived, breath, ate and expected His followers to fish [cf. Mt. 4 & 28]. It is interesting He had fishermen as some of His followers.

Fishermen are interesting people. They are passionate, focus, patient, they always tell stories, and they love taking newbie’s fishing.

I am thankful for Mike who fished for me as a young man. Without someone fishing for me I would not know Christ. Who fished for you. Mike was an average Joe. He wasn’t a pastor. He wasn’t super spiritual. Pastors or super spiritual are not the only ones who fish, but also everyone is a fisherman for men.

It is easy to get so wrapped up in the here-and-now that we forget to fish and impact those around us with the story of the Good News. Stop thinking about the now and think eternal. The only things you can take to heaven are followers; people you fish.

Followers Fish Where the Fish are. You got to get out of the Lazy-boy to catch fish. Don’t wait until people come to you. Go out to meet unbelievers where they are. I find the best time to fish right before the weather gets bad or when it is raining cats and dogs outside. Followers fish in all kinds of elements. Sometimes fishing is dirty, stinky, slimy and uncomfortable [where’s the Purel?]. Followers don’t care because Christ is worth the cost.

Followers Fish with Fervency. Sometimes when fishing you do not get hits; the line breaks or the big one gets away. Followers keep on fishing no matter the results. It is not about patience, but persistence [not pushy]. People think fishing is boring or lame because it is a lot of sitting and waiting. Let me tell you: that’s not fishing, that’s laziness. Fishermen go after the fish with fervency.

Followers have Fish Stories to Tell. I have a dozen or more fish stories to tell. Like the time I caught a 20-inch bass without looking, or the time my Gramps caught an 18-pound Musky on 4-pound test-line while fishing for bluegills, or the time I saw a Musky bigger than my canoe oar. Believers have fish stories too. If not, you have been around the Marina too much.

Followers Fish with a Guide. I know all the hotspots on Lake Alma because my dad taught me where they are. My father was my guide. Good fishermen follow a guide. As believers our guide is God. He directs us where to fish. He equips us [John 16:13]. The Holy Spirit works within you to fish.

Followers Fish, Not Catch. Jesus did not say we are to be catchers of men. That job is up to God. We fish, He catches. The Guide does the catching we follow the Guides instructions. Fishing is hard work. It is uncomfortable at times. But the benefits and rewards are out of this world. Literally. Are you fishing for men?

How do you fish? There is no one-way to fish. Some fish with nets, others fly fish, some us real bait and others use plastic worms. This is the same with being a fisher of men. Principles for Fishing: It starts with prayer, then going to unbelieving friends/family, and it ends with relying on your Guide. Share your story of coming to Christ and how He has changed you [BC & AD]. I find that to be the most impactful.

a lazy boy

It is easy to find ourselves in the “comfort zone” [do do do do...do do do do... // insert Twilight Zone music here]. Most people do not want to be uncomfortable. If given a choice they would choose comfort over discomfort. When it comes to comfort the one thing that illustrates comfort the best is—the La-Z-Boy. La-Z-Boy is synonymous with comfort. The inventor of this chair was a genius. You just sit down and its cushiness swallows you up.

We live in a world that embraces comfort like a god. We go to the spa and treat ourselves to a massage, facial or pedicure. We like to veg on the couch, munch on chips, X-box our socks off, and binge on relaxation. We love comfortable shoes, comfy clothes, furniture, car and more. We pad our selves with friends and people that will bring us comfort. We desire to go to college or have a lofty career so that in the future we will be financial comfortable.

Do you realize that God got uncomfortable for you and me? He sent His Son Jesus Christ to live a very uncomfortable life on earth, to die an uncomfortable death, to conquer death and rise again so that we might live forever with Him in comfort. I don’t think Jesus spent His life on earth looking for a La-Z-Boy…

1. Jesus challenges us to follow Him, which might be uncomfortable for some. Mark 1:17 “Guys. Follow Me and I will make you…” These guys were everyday normal guys. They had jobs, families, friends and lives. They might have thought that if we follow Jesus He will make our life better, richer, famous, or more comfortable. He said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” These guys were fishing for fish. Why would they need to fish for men? What He was saying is if you follow me I will show you what life is all about. “Get out of your boat, follow Me, and get comfortably uncomfortable fishing for the lives of other people.”

Jesus says that if you follow Him it will be uncomfortable at times by saying some uncomfortable things, “I am sending you out like sheep among the wolves” (Mt.10:16) and “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Mt.28:19) He wasn’t saying, “Go sit in your comfy chair and wait for Me.” We will all choose a the comfort that matters: some a life of eternal comfort (heaven), others eternal discomfort (hell) [note: dot on paper representing a fraction of eternity]. It is all about choosing Jesus.

2. Jesus says you are not really following, if you are not fishing. When you sign up to follow Christ it is a lifetime commitment to fish for Christ [like when you say “I DO” at the marriage ceremony]. In Luke 9:57-62, we see that Jesus is all about committed followers. He shows us how we must count the cost ahead of time (vs.57-58), pay the price during hardship (vs.59-60), and finish the course to the end (vs.61-62)

3. Jesus knows that being fishers of men is not natural to most followers. That’s why He sends His Holy Spirit to supernaturally help us. Once you have been changed by the power of God, you cannot help but tell others about it. When the Packers won the Super Bowl over a decade ago, I couldn’t stop talking about it. I didn’t stay on my La-Z-Boy after the game. I got up and got the good news out there!!

4. God has strategically placed you as fishers of men. Not everyone will respond with excitement like you do as you share the good news, but Jesus says spread the seed (Mt.13:3-8, note the 4 soils: some reject, some listen and forget, some accept). Sow wherever you are. Don’t follow the way of many Christians who get sucked into the subculture of comfort. I would rather trade a life of temporary discomfort for Christ than an eternity of discomfort without Him. Don’t be a LAZYBOY.

What if I got uncomfortable at school? Home? Work? What if I lived like Jesus? What if I lived for eternal comfort and temporary discomfort? Remember, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to live a very uncomfortable life on earth, to die an uncomfortable death, to conquer death and rise again so that we might live forever with Him in eternal comfort.

this is it: MJ version

The title of my blog is, “we got IT good.”

So what is IT anyway?

Being a child of the 80’s of course I was a fan on Michael Jackson. I would hum his tunes, practice the moonwalk (but couldn’t figure out that anti-gravity move), and was enamored by his story. Most agree he was a music and dance genius. There was a fascinating mystery surrounding his life. From a five-year-old boy he was a star. He had record-breaking fame, wealth that is unfathomable, but tainted by private scandalous and outrageous debt. His private life was a mystery, but his following very public. He was idolized icon.

In March, MJ announced that he was launching a final tour, THIS IS IT. I wonder if THIS IS IT is more of a question than a statement? Rather than this is it! Could the king of pop think, “This is it?”

This is IT: the GOSPEL.

What is the gospel?

Put simply, the gospel means “good news”- which IT is! The gospel is good news because IT is God-centered not people-centered. Salvation is a gift from God that is freely received purely by faith. If our eternal life was achieved by good works or obeying the Ten Commandments, it wouldn’t be good news at all! Why? Because that’s like someone offering a gift, then asking you to pay for it. Also, if we tried to get into heaven by our own good deeds, we all would fall short. The gospel is the message of freedom and salvation.

The basis of the gospel.

The basis of the gospel is the cross of Jesus Christ. Without His death there would be no good news! God the Father poured out His wrath for all of mankind’s sin on His own Son. When Jesus died, the penalty of death for your sin and mine was paid completely. He died in our place. This fact is the foundation of Christianity. Because He died we will never die! Because He rose from the dead we will live forever! The only requirement for receiving this eternal life is complete faith in Christ.

Do you believe Jesus is IT?