Church guide

Why should ALL lives matter? Jesus knew. As the Son of God, he knew ALL lives were created by one God. We waste way too much time whining about race in this country. White Supremacy. Black Pride. White Privilege. Maybe we spend so much time focusing on outward appearance because we’ve lost touch with the God who looks beyond skin to the condition of the heart. Skin color does not make a man good or evil. What lies on the inside does. Sin and evil start in the heart. That’s where we’re ALL the same. ALL have sinned and ALL need to be saved. It’s why Jesus went to the cross. Now ALL can be saved. So the real question is, does JESUS’ life matter? Your answer to that, not the color of your skin, will determine your destiny. (If you want to check it out: Jesus in Mark 7:14-23, Romans 3:23, 10:11-13, John 3:16!)

When God looked down on this planet of selfishness, pain, and confusion, he could have just stomped it out and started over. Instead, He decided to send us what we needed: light; light to see God so we know we're not alone, light to see ourselves as we are so we'd know we're not God, and light to see others as they are so we'd have compassion and not expect them to be God. That light came in the form of a person: Jesus. He lived so we could see God and know there's another way to live. He died on the cross so those who want to live in the light can leave the darkness behind. He rose from the dead so that light can transform us into men and women of God and free us to truly love people. Of course, many choose to reject God's light to stay in the darkness. The darkness is comfortable. The darkness is easy. But every person knows in their gut there's got to be something else, something better, than the darkness around them and in them. We run around trying this way and that way and this lifestyle and that lifestyle and this relationship and that relationship. But it's still just running in the dark. Christmas is when we recognize that God loved us so much He reached into our darkness to give us light for life. '...the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.' - Matthew 4:16, when Jesus began his ministry. - Pastor Doug

When I was a junior in High School, I dated a girls who was a senior. Everybody thought she and I were THE couple. We'd sail into the sunset and live happily ever after. We dated for three years. When it ended, it wasn't pretty. But sometimes you have to stand waaaay back from something in order to see it clearly. If I would've married that girl, my life would've been a LOT different. I wouldn't be here doing what I do now. One of the issues would've been that she was a Jehovah's Witness. Her parents didn't approve of me at all. Everything we did we did behind her parents' backs. She didn't want to change, though, and even though I wasn't really living for the Lord then, I didn't want to be a Jehovah's Witness, either. So, it had to end. Yes, HAD to. In order for God to do in my life what He wanted to do, that had to go. At the time, it was painful. But now I get it. If you ever had a broken bone, you know that in order for them to set that bone back in it's right place, you'll have to endure some pain. If we really want Jesus to lead us, he might have to correct some of the relationships we've brought into our lives. They might not be EVIL, just not good for what he has planned for us. Give him some time, though, trust he knows best, endure the pain, then later you'll see it all works out for the best.

We live in a society that celebrates differences, but only differences on the outside. They demand we all be the same on the inside - think the same, talk the same, believe the same. Problem is, our society doesn't want to think about God, talk about God, or believe in God. That's why it's so messed up. Jesus died on the cross because we're messed up and rose from the dead to give us a new way of thinking, talking, and believing. To get ahold of that will make you different on the inside and a lot of people won't like that, but you won't be so messed up like they are. And your differences will be a light to those who really want to escape the mess they and the world are in. Be like everyone else and have nothing to give or be different and have Jesus and his new life to give.

It's better, but not easier. There's less pain to just do whatever everyone else is doing and say whatever everyone else is saying. "Don't question it. Just do it". But remember, we live in a world that hates God and hates Jesus. That's why it's a mess. So, when you step out to be like the crowd, ask yourself, "Do I really want to be here and do this?" You might find yourself part of the mess.

Hey, guys, don't believe all the mind-games we adults like to force on you. Sometimes YOU have to be the adult and think things through because the so-called adults in your life are too screwed up and not dealing with their own issues. It makes me sad, and angry, how messed up kids are becoming because grown-ups want to play God. Boys, you were meant to become confident, courageous men. Girls, you were meant to be secure, confident women. It's the way God intended you to be. Don't ever forget it.

What builds character and maturity, running away or standing when you'd like to run?

Wow. Dads, you are not Homer Simpson or Peter Griffin. You are one of the most important persons - if not THE most important person - in your son's life. Check this out. Be encouraged.

In case you haven't seen this. A new view.

Aaron Oszajca and Emily Switser from Catalyst Church were with us Easter Saturday and put together this video. It'll give you a good overview of what goes on here, plus a few interviews with kids and staff. Thanks, Emily and Aaron. Good stuff.

Things aren't all that complicated. WE make them complicated when we want to deny God and do things are own way.

I know this is a five year old pic, but the kids and the chaos is so US.

Aaron Oszajca and Emily Switser from Catalyst Church were with us Easter Saturday and put together this video. It'll give you a good overview of what goes on here, plus a few interviews with kids and staff. Thanks, Emily and Aaron. Good stuff.