From the Desk of Pastor Brandon

Good morning, Reader,

As we approach Easter, I want to encourage you to imagine Jesus' approach to the cross. 24 hours from right now Jesus would be on the cross besides two thieves taking the weight of sin upon himself for us.

But, today, would be his day to spend with his friends. Most of the day was a day of preperation for the evening meal. The room was prepared and the lamb was sacrificed at the temple. (Luke 22:8)

After the preperations, at sundown, Jesus sat down for the Passover meal with the men he had walked wtih for the past three years. They had shared in his most triumphant and most challenging moments of his ministry.

Yet, he knew they wouldn't go with him through the final hours of his journey. He knew they would scatter and he would walk alone. So, this meal with all its symbolism, meaning, and rememberance of the Exodus, was also the final time he would sit with his those closest to him and enjoy a meal.

Consider those close to you. They have been there for you in the best and worst times. They have cried and comforted you, while sharing laughs and inside jokes.

Here we are on one of the most important holidays of the year where Jesus laid all things on the line. What are you willing to lay on the line today? Will you muster up the courage to invite your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers to church with you on Sunday?

Will you risk sharing your faith and the life you have found in Christ? I realize that can be scary and at times it can feel like you are risking it all. But, isn't that what following Jesus is really all about? Risking it all for the greatest good?

Sunday is coming where all hope is restored. Who will you share that with today?

Happy Easter, Reader,

For Disciples of Jesus

Exploring the Bible

In this video, we are continuing the series on how to read the Bible. This is a wonderful series created by our friends at the BibleProject, Tim and John.

This episode focuses on the literary styles throughout the Bible. Every part of the Bible is important, but not every part of the Bible can be read the same. When we understand the literary styles found in the scriptures, we know how to read them and how to interpret them.

For Pastors and Church Leaders

Just want to share something simple with you today. As pastors and ministry leaders, there is always a need to grow in our leadership skills and abilities. However, we have to be careful that we don't lose our core in the midst of our growth. Many pastors and ministry leaders have gotten lost along the way. They have focused too much on growing their churches, building ministries, or becoming people of great influence.

Somewhere along the way, it all becomes about working for Jesus rather than being in relationship with him.

I've been working on a new university class I am teaching in a few weeks, and one of the books I chose for the course is Lead Like Jesus Revisited by Ken Blanchard. In the opening page he says something that I haven't been able to forget since I read it...

"We can't lead like Jesus without Jesus."

I am a huge advocate of growing churches and reaching people. I desperately want to see greater discipleship pipelines and leadership development among Christians, pastors, and ministry leaders.

But, at the end of the day, if we lose sight of Jesus and do not foster a deep relationship with him, then all we are doing is building organizations fulfilling their mission and vision statements.

Our call is to fulfill the Great Commission. This begins with our personal relationships with Jesus. On this Easter weekend, in the midst of all the responsiblities, services, and details you need to deal with, take time to center youself in the heart of Jesus and allow Him to refocus you.