the question: “do you have a relationship with jesus christ?”

the answer: ” why yes, i go to church, read my bible and pray every night!”

i am saddened by this answer. many people believe (and largely in part because this is what they have been taught there entire life) that just because I do ___________, then i am ok. This is a very dangerous place to be. here’s why…

when we humans  try to hitch on the the fact that “we can do something so great to get us into heaven” we are mistaken… salvation is given by God alone. ephesians 2:8-9 says that it is BY GRACE that we are saved THROUGH FAITH, and it is NOT OF YOURSELVES- it is GOD’S GIFT- NOT FROM WORKS, so that no one can boast.

now that scripture is pretty clear… it also makes salvation much sweeter in my opinion.. the mere fact that God saw me in complete and utter lifelessness– dead in my trespasses– nothing going for myself.. the fact that this was my condition, and he allowed his grace to shine on me regardless… oh my. can you see why grace is so amazing? i do. and when i think about how he lifted me out… my response is absolute worship and adoration. see thats the thing… you cant forget about grace like that. you cant be granted that kind of grace and just go on being who you were. that sort of grace changes a person for good. i would love to ask a person about their relationship with christ and have them tell me… “i had an encounter with jesus, and i havent been the same since… every part of my life just wants to praise him and it just makes my insides feel like they are about to explode!!” well… thats how i feel right now…. thank you God for Jesus…and thank you Jesus for giving me what i didnt deserve. my life is yours.

may i ask you…

do you have a relationship with Jesus?

today my mother and father in law brought me a bible commentary book for my birthday.. its an amazing gift. she always writes inside the cover of any book she gives..its just her “thing” i guess.. i love it. today my father-in-law wrote me a message in my book… this is quite uncommon for Al, but everyone who knows him know that he is a man of few words so when he speaks… you listen… no advice has ever been as warming and comforting and scary and amazing… he wrote “shane, always preach the Word, do not add or subtract from it. be especially careful not to preach based on the tradition of the fathers, col 2:8 1 peter 1:21″ i know these are bible passages, he didnt make them up… but he used them to remind me of something. stay true to the word of God regardless of where i’m at. people deserve the truth… God’s truth. and as a minster of the gospel i am accountable if i dont deliver that truth.

this has been a great day.. so many birthday wishes… i am so blessed to be married to Becky, and to be the father of 3 amazing kids Chloe, Coda, Lily… you guys are truly a gift from God.