LifeChangeCommunity

Sweet

Being at the front end of a church start is brand new territory for me. I used to hear church planters tell their stories and inwardly say "Good for you...but that's not for me." The myriad of detail is enough to make a grown make cry.  Part is exhilarating.  Part is frustrating.  Part is faith building.  And for all of it...I am SO profoundly thankful! 

I was one of those who had concluded second chances, acts of grace, restoration by God were meant for others--not for me.  I had concluded that I had gone too far; or, had certainly stayed too long away.  I had concluded that I was too far for God's reach and touch. 

And I was wrong. 

So, even when I am mired in the detail, like an old truck, slogging forward on a country, rain-soaked road, up to the axle in mud...I am still thankful.  And today was one of those forward momentum days. 

I see God at work, as a He helps us find a worship leader, as He builds new friendships between ministry partners, as He directs us to the very place He wants our church to meet.  I see Him work in the hearts of our little Tuesday night Bible study.  I see Him work in my character, in my faith, in my perspective, in my strength.  

For a guy that had once been/felt so far away...I feel my Lord's closeness today. 

And I have to tell you:  It's sweet!

Living Your Real Identity

Because we all start very far from God (all of us), our reliance on God's grace is fully necessary.  Left to ourselves, we are not worthy, nor capable, of becoming 'right' with God.  Such 'right-ness' is accomplished only through Jesus, who died for our sins, thus removing all that stood in the way of our relationship with God.  He gave Himself, and complete forgiveness, as a gift.  That's why it's called grace.

Humility is required to admit our sinful attitudes, actions and character AND ask for Jesus Christ to forgive us and assume leadership of our life.  Prideful people don't admit sin, nor do they ask for help.

Stay with me here.   We have a relationship with God soley by His grace and our humble acceptance of it.

Now, once we are forgiven, God adopts us as a son or daughter into His family.  Very cool.

Then what?  Here is where it gets tricky, a bit (well, in a lot of ways, but I'm gonna address one right now).  We remain super thankful for forgiveness and maintain a constant humility because we didn't deserve it.

YET...we really are a son or daughter of the King of the Universe.  Think that through for a moment.  This is a staggering idea.  Full-on sinners, who trust in God's gift of grace (paid for by the life, death and blood of Jesus),  who humbly trust the leadership of Jesus Christ (who proved He is God by raising from the dead)....are NOW a Son or Daughter of GOD!!!

Truly remarkable.

As a humble man or woman, how is it then, that we should live?  How do we embrace this identity with confidence that God is for us and has accepted us into His family--with all the privileges such a relationship affords?   How is it then, that we no longer live in the shame and guilt of our cruddy past, but fully enjoy the new life of adoption and redemption?

With a humble, confident, thankful spirit, we refuse to be taunted by memories from our past, refuse to be beaten back by those who 'remember us when...', refuse to believe that our relationship with God is now somehow dependent upon any future good works.

It is extreme gratitude that drives us to understand God and His love for us.  It is humble joy that drives us to learn more about the relationship we have started with the Lord.  It is love for Him that drives our desire for obedient faith.

And when we fail?  Still a son.  Still a daughter.  Still loved by God the King of the Universe.  We confidently begin again.  We humbly thank Him for understanding our humanity and weaknesses and tendencies toward sin...AND WE BEGIN AGAIN

...and AGAIN

...and AGAIN

(and here is a bit of inside the church secret information from a 30 year church veteran)...EVERYONE who claims Christ as Forgiver and Leader must live like this (love Him, trust Him, seek to understand and grow in our relationship with Him, obey Him...).

And when (not if) all those who claim to be Christian, fall short...just like you and me...they begin again, and again, and again.

Not beaten down by failure.  No need to quit or run from FATHER.  But as a child of the king of the Universe, all of us humbly and confidently begin again.

THIS is living our identity.  We are His kids.  He loves us outrageously.  We have the most remarkable opportunity, in a safe relationship, to grow in our identity, to become all God intends and to enjoy a personally loving relationship with the God who created us.

It's all pretty fabulous!! 

soon....

Prayers for the launch of Life Change Community Church...

My spiritual vitality and focus

Clarity in communicating the vision

That the Lord will draw leaders and supportive men and women to the adventure

The right place to begin gathering

The community Christmas Service in December (yes, we can pray this early)

Daily Lift...a brand new way

Hey...thanks for dropping by.  I imagine you are looking for a new 'Daily Lift' video.  For nearly 400 days running, you were able to find a brand new 3-6 minute video intended to inspire, lift, and encourage your heart.  Every day...a lift.

I'm going to start back at the beginning of my presence on 'the web.'   I started with a blog.  I know, I know...in an age of Twitter and Facebook et al, a blog seems passe' and a bit long.

I don't intend to write long blogs, but hopefully thoughtful, Biblically sound, provocative (that is, provoked to think) and encouraging.  These may be daily...maybe not.  I'll announce new blog postings on my facebook and on my twitter account brad_scot_johnson

Soon, these blog postings will be found on a new site (under construction) for the church that will begin January 2010.

Praying God uses the words of my lips and the meditations of my heart for His good purposes.

Life Change Community Church

Beginning a church for broken people, populated by broken people, with no resources...yep, this HAS to be God.

If God wants another place to 'show up,' He's got a great opportunity. 

More to come about Life Change Community Church---beginning January 2010.

welcome to church (but oh what a different kind)

Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and Girls – Welcome!
Believers and Seekers
And Those who have nowhere else to turn – Welcome!
Beggars and Bankers
Prostitutes and Professors – Welcome!
Red, Brown, Yellow, Black, White
All precious in His sight – Welcome!
Politicians and Electricians
Beauticians and Physicians – Welcome!
Republicans and Democrats
If you’re Skinny; if you’re Fat – Welcome!
Those of you who own a FAX
If you cheat on income tax – Welcome!
Those of you who look so good
shiny hubcap, polished hood;
Those of you who’ve had a crash:
Banged and battered, maimed and mashed – Welcome!
Pro-Life, Pro-Choice
Pro-fane, Pro-vocative – Welcome!
Decrepit, divorced
Hopeless and Helpless – Welcome!
Adulterers and Athletes and Alcoholics
Victors and Victims – Welcome!
Sinners and Saints
Those who Sing and those who Paint – Welcome!
Hippies and Homosexuals and Handymen
Heroine Addicts and Hypocrites – Welcome!

Welcome to the Throne of Grace
God wants all to seek His face
None are worthy in this place
Bathe in His Amazing Grace.

©Copyrighted Material.  Use by permission.

Thoughts on Life Change Community Church

Come as you are…You don’t have to dress up.  You don’t have to be any particular age.  We couldn’t care less who you voted for in the last election.  And please, don’t feel the need to pretend about anything.  Life Change Community Church is a place where God meets seeking people who are far from perfect.  That means anyone is welcome, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.  So learn at your own pace.  Ask questions.  Seek.  We believe you will find what you are looking for.  You’ll learn how to relate to God.  You’ll experience Christian community.  And here’s the big thing—you will change.  Join us as we seek God together.  Just come as you are.

COMING JANUARY 2010

Daily Lift Suspended

Because of ongoing technical challenges, until I can resolve the issues through Apple, with my camera and the process, the Daily Lift is temporarily suspended.

I don't anticipate a 'long fix,' so please keep checking back.

It's with appreciation that I have humbly been allowed to bring you nearly 400 of these.  Stay Tuned.

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