“Rabbi El’azarben-‘Azaryah (1st century-2nd century C.E.) said, ‘…if there is no meal there is not study of Torah, and if there is no study of Torah there is no meal.’”

We are having our second BBQ today. We are expecting around 35 people, but I suspect more will be coming up (some Redding college group peep’s are showing up from San Jose!). As I was working at the Wilder Ranch I felt like God told me to invite Alana’s boss to be the BBQer of Honor (they are Atheists). So, I made the call & Matthew is gonna’ come over; he is very excited that we found out he is a modern marvel at the BBQ, very fun stuff. Everyone who is coming is someone God has privileged us to have relationship with. Some are close to God, some far, but everyone who is coming up today has a relationship with our church. I hope they experience Him.

Basically our whole gig right now is to live life as followers of Jesus & see what happens. I have always believed: If the life of Christ is happening in your (our) life, it will happen. What is it? Just pick something from the New Testament & that’s what I mean: Love, faith, grace, sacrifice, community, freedom, repentance, baptism, following, leading, righteous anger, feeding the poor, worship, friendship, small-groups, church planting, etc. As we abide in Christ, fruit is sure to follow. Center your life on Jesus & live life out loud for the world to witness & see what happens; Acts 2:42-47 challenges me when it says, “& God added to their numbers daily.” I take from this that as they lived as followers of Jesus in community God added to their numbers. So, as the pastor of this church, I’m saying, “love everyone & let’s see whom God brings.” Instead of having church events “Today we are going to love people,” I see Jesus & the early church saying, “Everyday, moment, person, situation, & setting is a church event.” My whole life an outreach; everywhere I am, Jesus makes himself known through His church.

We’ve also been talking about our mission, which is: “Love God, Love People, make Disciples; Equip them for the work of ministry, the building up of the church, to demonstrate God’s glory in all nations.” I have been talking a lot about how it all starts by loving God & when you fall in love with God & see how much he loves you, loving people is a natural result. Too, we have been discussing what it means to Love People. I mentioned a few weeks ago how it is not our responsibility to save people, but to love them. Also, it is not our goal to love certain people, but to love all people. I am at a place where if we only loved God & loved people I would be happy. I think it’s God saying, “Sean, be content with me & know there is no higher calling than to share my love.” However, & being thankful for the breadth & depth of Scripture, our love has direction & purpose: Make disciples.

So, our BBQ is a mystery to me. Most people know we are a church; however, many don’t & that’s great for now, I hope they enjoy our community.