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Out of Hell, or Into the Kingdom?

The goal of salvation is not merely to get me out of hell; it is to get me into the Kingdom of God. Tony Wolfenbarger, Embrace The Commission

What will you ReBegin? Or what do you want to ReBegin?

I want to ReBegin my surrender to Christ and ReBegin what it means to be the church, the people of God.

The crucifixion and resurrection launched a ReBegin. But God’s ReBegin was not because he messed up! It was because we did.

Our ancestors chose to leave God’s Kingdom and join the rebellion of Satan. Ever since then, all of us have been born into the Kingdom of Darkness. The main issue in the Kingdom of Darkness is selfish pride. We believe our ways are better than God’s. We want to be our own God.

God does not need a new start; you do. I do. Humanity does. But this new start is not about me!

The goal of salvation is not merely to get me out of hell; it is to get me into the Kingdom of God.

We personalize salvation to the point that everything is about us. That is no different than when we were living in the Kingdom of Darkness. But your salvation is really about the King and His Kingdom.

Your salvation is a restoration to a Kingdom. Jesus’ message was a message about God’s Kingdom, God’s power to restore sinful people to his Kingdom and bring it to earth, through his Spirit working through them.

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God.

Acts 1:3, NIV

Jesus spent the time between his resurrection and ascension into heaven convincing people he was alive and speaking about the Kingdom of God! The apostles asked about restoring the Kingdom to Israel, but Jesus was restoring His Kingdom. The apostles focused on a worldly kingdom, but Jesus was establishing a heavenly Kingdom.

Right now, Jesus wants to overthrow the wickedness in our hearts. The world is changed not through God’s wrath, but his love and transformative power in the hearts of his people.

God’s Kingdom is upside down from the world’s kingdoms; the weak are strong. The humble are exalted. The sad are comforted. Peacemakers win. The least is the greatest. The guilty are forgiven. The goal is sacrificial love, not dominating control.

The good news of the Kingdom is that you can be forgiven of your ways and be restored to God’s ways, His Kingdom. Repent and believe. It is the all-in surrender of the lordship of your life to him!

I think the King said:

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23, NIV

Surrender to the Kingdom’s King. Rely on the King’s power. Represent the King’s interest.

What are the implications to your life, if Jesus is the King and you are in his Kingdom? Your money, time, and energy?

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The Real Meat

Fan Into Flame Weekly Prompt

In Indonesia several years ago, I was amazed by the extreme differences from one location to another. In the Jakarta metroplex, there were 28 million people. It was well-advanced, with skyscrapers everywhere and hundreds more being built. Then, a few hours away on some remote island, it was paradise, with people living in huts. It occurred to me that whether it was the man fishing for his daily food or the millions on motorcycles headed to work in the city, everyone was working for their food. At the end of the day, we are all working for our provision. Me too. It reminds me of how Jesus’ disciples worried about lunch.

Traffic among the skyscrapers of Jakarta, Indonesia
A crowd of motorcycle riders in morning traffic in Indonesia
A small fishing town on a remote Indonesian island
Homes along the water in a small Indonesian fishing town

In John 4, Jesus meets a woman by a well. His disciples had gone into the town to buy some food. Men who had been following Jesus, hearing the teaching, seeing the miracles, and learning from the Master himself. They returned to Jesus and the well with food sometime later, urging Jesus to eat. Jesus said, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” The disciples questioned among themselves, “Did someone bring him something to eat?” Jesus replied, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

Meanwhile, the woman Jesus had been talking to went to the town and told everyone about her experience with Jesus. The townspeople came out to meet Jesus. Many of them believed in him as a result.

The disciples were so concerned about the food that they seemed to miss the opportunity to tell others about Jesus. Jesus tells the disciples, “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” In this story, the real disciple was the woman. The real fisher of men was the woman.

I’m like the disciples. I wonder if I am alone. I am so concerned about making a living, my daily bread, my needs, my family’s needs, lunch, paying the bills, saving for retirement, that I am missing the fields ripe for harvest. I go to church, asking the pastor and programs to feed me, all while I am not dining with Jesus or doing the will of the One who sent me. Perhaps I am not the disciple I think I am. I have spent time with Jesus; I have learned a lot. I have even experienced some miracles, but I am more worried about what I will eat, drink, and wear than about missing the true food…the real meat!

I must become the disciple. A Christ-follower who recognizes how Jesus is working in my life and shares it with others where I live, work, learn, play, and worship. Lord Jesus, help me truly follow you. Become in me a spring of water welling up to eternal life so that I will never be thirsty or hungry again.

How is Jesus working in your life? Who will you tell about his work in your life this week? It may be the very food you need.

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Disciples Enjoy Jesus: The One Thing Needed

Disciples Enjoy Jesus – Luke 10:38-42

Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, and then she got to work. There were feet to wash, food to prepare, and a houseful of guests to look after. Her sister Mary did something different. She sat at Jesus’ feet and listened.

If Martha were in your church, you would probably call her one of your best workers. Yet Luke tells us she was “distracted with much serving.” Somewhere in the kitchen, her service turned into resentment. She finally came to Jesus and said, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” That one sentence shows what had been growing in her heart: an accusation against her sister, a doubt about Jesus’ care, and even a demand that he fix the problem her way.

Notice how gently Jesus answers. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42, ESV). He does not tell her that her service was wrong. He tells her it had crowded out the one thing she needed. Martha was fixing dinner. Mary was eating dinner.

Most of us know something about this. We love Jesus, and we serve him: at church, at work, at home, in our neighborhoods. But busy hands and a full calendar can slowly replace time with Jesus himself. When we notice that we are critical, worn out, or quick to demand that others do their part, it may not be a sign that we need to work harder. It may be a sign that we need to sit down.

Serving is good. Ephesians 2:10 says we were created in Christ Jesus for good works. But ministry takes from us, and Jesus gives to us. Service that flows out of time at his feet lasts, and service that replaces it wears us out. If you want to follow Jesus, love people, and make disciples where you live, work, learn, play, and worship, start by being with him.

Mary understood what Martha missed. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, ESV), and he also said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John 6:35, ESV). The table is set, and the best portion is sitting down with him.

A step for this week

Set aside ten to fifteen minutes a day to sit and listen to Jesus before you serve anyone. Read a few verses, tell him what is on your heart, and let him minister to you first.

If you would like a short prompt each week to help you take the next step, join us for Fan the Flame.

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Understanding Your Coachability in Christ

Am I Coachable? I – 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to feel like a “bad Christian,” isn’t it? You might find yourself struggling with the same issues, feeling divided within your own heart, or even within your community. But here’s the good news: the gospel isn’t just for the lost; it’s for you, the saved person, too. It’s a constant reminder of God’s grace, a grace that transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds you that God doesn’t call you because of your credentials or your status. Instead, He calls you in spite of them. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27, NIV). This is a powerful reminder that your worth, in God’s eyes, isn’t based on worldly standards but on His grace and your identity in him.

You might find yourself caught in the trap of seeking affirmation rather than correction. It’s a common struggle. Many come to church wanting to feel good about themselves rather than seeking the transformative power of the gospel. But remember, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6, NIV). Humility opens the door to growth and change in your life.

Consider the culture around you. It’s easy to let societal norms seep into your life and even into the church. But as a follower of Christ, you’re called to be a light in the world, not to conform to it. Romans 12:2 urges you, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation begins with being coachable, correctable, and open to God’s leading.

Reflect on your life and ask yourself, “How coachable am I?” Are you willing to let God mold and shape you, even if it means letting go of pride or stubbornness? The gospel is about correction, about realizing that your ways are not God’s ways. It’s about repentance and embracing the higher path He has for you.

In your journey, remember that God uses the lowly and the despised to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1:28-29). Your calling is not about your glory but about His. It’s about boasting in the Lord, not in your own achievements. As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

So, as you navigate the challenges of life, let Christ be magnified in you. Let His praise arise in your heart and actions. Let the Holy Spirit of God change you. Embrace the gospel’s transformative power, and let it guide you to live a life that glorifies God. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about Him. And in that truth, you find your true purpose and peace.

For more, check out this TALK.

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Embracing Authenticity in a Flawed Church

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – Should the Church be like Culture?

In your journey of faith, you may have often heard the phrase, “The church is full of hypocrites.” Perhaps you’ve even felt the sting of this accusation yourself. But let’s pause and consider on what it truly means to be part of the church, a community of believers striving to follow Christ.

You are not alone in your imperfections. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, addressed a church fraught with issues, yet he began by affirming their identity in Christ. “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Despite their struggles, Paul reminded them—and you—that your identity in Christ remains unchanged. You are sanctified, set apart for a divine purpose if you have repented of your sins and are following Jesus.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when your actions don’t always align with your beliefs. You might find yourself acting in contradiction to your faith, but remember, you are a work in progress. As the old song goes, “He’s still working on me.” God’s grace is at work in you, transforming you day by day. If you say no to your sinful desires and yes to the Spirit of God you are being transformed. That is how transformation takes place. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

In a world that often values appearance over authenticity, you are called to be genuine. The church is not a place for perfect people; it’s a sanctuary for those who recognize their need for a Savior. The condition here is to recognize and confess sin, not to simply continue in it as usual. You are invited to take off the mask of perfection and embrace the grace that God offers. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Your journey extends beyond your personal transformation; it’s about impacting the world around you. You are called to be a vessel of purification, carrying the presence of God into your community (John 2:1-2). As you live out your faith, you confirm Christ’s transformative power to those around you. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

In the face of cultural pressures, you are encouraged to stand firm in your faith (Hebrews 10:39). The world may try to shape you, but you are called to be transformed by the renewing of your mind and no longer conform to the world and cultural norms (Romans 12:2). As you wait for the Lord’s return, know that you lack nothing. God has equipped you with every spiritual gift you need to persevere.

Remember, God is faithful. He has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ. As you navigate the challenges of life, lean on His faithfulness. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Embrace your identity in Christ, live authentically, and let His grace transform you. You are set apart for a purpose, and through you, God’s love and message will impact the world where you live, work, learn, play, and worship.

For more, check out this TALK.

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Embrace Life: Go All In with Jesus

Come Out of That Grave


In the journey of faith, you are often called to go “all in” with Jesus. This means surrendering every part of your life to Him, trusting that He has a plan and purpose for you. The story of Lazarus in John 11 is a powerful reminder of this call to complete surrender and trust in Jesus.

Imagine being in the shoes of Mary and Martha, who sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. They knew Jesus loved Lazarus and believed He could heal him. Yet, when Jesus heard the news, He stayed where He was for two more days. It might have seemed like He was late, but Jesus had a greater purpose. He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4, NIV).

In your life, there may be times when it feels like Jesus is late, when your prayers seem unanswered, and your faith is tested. But remember, His timing is perfect, and His plans are for His glory and your good. Jesus wants you to trust Him fully, even when you don’t understand His ways.

When Jesus finally arrived, Martha met Him with a mixture of faith and frustration. She said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, NIV). Yet, she also expressed a glimmer of hope, saying, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (John 11:22, NIV). Jesus responded with a profound truth: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25, NIV).

his is the heart of going all in with Jesus—believing that He is the resurrection and the life. It means trusting Him with your present and your future, knowing that He holds the power over life and death. It’s about living by faith, not by sight, and allowing His life to flow through you to others.

Mary, on the other hand, approached Jesus with a heart full of dependence and desperation. She fell at His feet, expressing her grief and trust. Her posture was one of surrender, showing that she needed Jesus not just for what He could do, but for who He is.

To go all in with Jesus, you must find Him in every circumstance, believe His promises, depend on His strength, and demonstrate His love to others. It’s about hearing His voice and responding to His call, just as Lazarus did when Jesus called him out of the tomb.

Jesus is calling you to come out of the grave of your old life and into the fullness of life with Him. He wants you to take off the grave clothes of fear, doubt, and sin, and walk in the freedom and hope He offers. As you do, you will see the glory of God revealed in your life and become a living testimony of His grace and power.

Remember, Jesus paid it all, and all to Him you owe. Go all in with Him, and experience the abundant life He promises. “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25, NIV). Embrace this truth and let it transform your life.

For more, check out this TALK, or you can read the book by Dan Grider, Going All In.

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Why Outcasts Are In: Embracing Spiritual Transformation

Outcasts Are In

Imagine walking through life with a sense of certainty, only to discover that what you believed to be true was, in fact, a misunderstanding. This is a journey many of us embark on, often without realizing it. In John 9, we encounter a man blind from birth, whose story challenges us to examine our own spiritual blindness and the misconceptions we hold about God and ourselves.

As you reflect on this passage, consider the question: “Have I ever been wrong when I thought I was right?” The disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2, NIV). Their question reveals a common misconception—that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin. Jesus, however, redirects their focus, saying, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3, NIV).

This story invites you to shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on the faults of others, turn inward and recognize your own need for Jesus. The blind man’s journey to sight began with acknowledging his condition and obeying Jesus’ command to wash in the pool of Siloam. His faith, though small, was enough to transform his life. “I was blind, but now I see,” he declared (John 9:25, NIV).

In your own life, what areas of spiritual blindness might you be holding onto? Are there misconceptions about God’s character or your own worth that need to be challenged? Jesus invites you to see Him as the light of the world, illuminating the truth and dispelling darkness. “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world,” he said (John 9:5, NIV).

Going all in with Jesus requires more than just knowledge about Him; it demands a personal relationship with Him. Despite their extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, the Pharisees missed the essence of who Jesus was. Their focus on rules and self-righteousness blinded them to the grace and love that Jesus embodied. “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1, NIV).

As you journey with Christ, remember that it’s not about having all the answers but about trusting Him with your blindness and allowing His grace to transform you. Like the blind man, your testimony doesn’t need to be elaborate. Simply share what you know: “I was blind, but now I see.”

Embrace the ongoing need for Jesus in your life. His grace is not a one-time event but a continuous source of strength and transformation. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, NIV).

Today, let go of the misconceptions and embrace the truth of who Jesus is. Allow His light to guide you, and be a witness to His transformative power in your life. As you do, you’ll find that the journey from blindness to sight is one of profound grace and endless discovery.

For more, check out this TALK, or you can read the book by Dan Grider, Going All In.

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Finding Jesus: Your True Journey Starts Here

Jesus is not just a means to an end; He is the destination.

Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a vast ocean, the waves crashing against the shore, each one a reminder of the journey you are on. Life often feels like this, doesn’t it? A series of waves, some gentle, others tumultuous, each one pushing you forward or pulling you back. But in the midst of this, there is a profound truth you must hold onto: Jesus is not just a means to an end; He is the destination.

As you embark on your daily journey, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of goals, whether they be career success, financial stability, or personal happiness. You might find yourself asking, “When does the vacation begin?” Is it when you leave your house, or when you arrive at your destination? The truth is, the journey with Jesus begins the moment you invite Him into your life by repenting of your sin and believing he gave his life to save yours. He is not merely a guide to help you reach your earthly goals; He is the goal itself.

In John 6:20, Jesus reassures His disciples, saying, “It is I; do not be afraid.” In life’s storms, when the winds are strong and the waters are rough, remember that Jesus is with you. He walks on the water, demonstrating His power and His presence. He is the Creator, the one who hovered over the waters at the beginning of time (Genesis 1:2). There is no place too dark, no storm too fierce, no sin too horrible, where His Spirit cannot reach you.

Your relationship with Jesus is not about using Him to achieve your desires. Instead, it’s about seeking Him first, as Matthew 6:33 reminds us: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When you prioritize your relationship with Him, everything else falls into place. He is the peace that surpasses all understanding, the light that guides you through the darkness.

Consider the invitation Jesus extends in John 7:37-38: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” This living water is the Holy Spirit, his constant presence in your life, guiding, comforting, and empowering you. When you embrace this truth, you become a vessel through which His love and grace flow to others.

Going all in with Jesus means trusting Him, not yourself. It means recognizing that He is the destination, the source of true fulfillment and joy. As you navigate the waves of life, let His Spirit be your guide. Open your heart to His presence, and allow Him to transform you from the inside out.

Remember, Jesus is not just a part of your journey; He is the journey. Embrace Him fully and experience the life He promises. As you do, you will find that the peace and purpose you seek are found not in the destinations of this world but in the presence of the One who walks with you every step of the way.

For more, check out this TALK, or you can read the book by Dan Grider, Going All In.

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Follow Jesus: A New Diet for a New You

A New Diet

In your journey of faith, you may find yourself pondering the profound words of Jesus: “Why would Jesus say, ‘I have to eat his flesh and drink his blood?'” At first glance, this might seem perplexing, but it holds a deep spiritual truth that can transform your relationship with Christ.

Jesus uses the metaphor of food to illustrate how essential He is to your spiritual life. Just as you need physical food to sustain your body, you need Jesus to nourish your spirit. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This is an invitation to let Jesus fill every part of your being, to go all in with Him.

Consider your daily life. What competes for your attention and affection? Is it your phone, your job, sensual pleasure, or perhaps the pursuit of material success? Jesus calls you to examine these distractions and to place Him at the center of your heart. Revelation 3:15-16 warns against being lukewarm in your faith: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

To truly go all in with Jesus, you must let Him all in you. This means changing your motives and seeking Him not just for what He can do for you, but for who He is. Jesus is not merely a solution to your problems; He is the source of eternal life. John 6:27 reminds you, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”

Obedience is key. As you obey Jesus, He works in you and through you. It’s not enough to learn about Him; you must live out His teachings. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Your obedience is a testament to your faith and love for Him.

Filling yourself with Jesus means allowing Him to satisfy your deepest longings. In John 6:53-54, Jesus emphasizes, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” This is a call to immerse yourself in His presence, to let His Spirit guide and sustain you.

As you reflect on these truths, ask yourself: Are you ready to go all in with Jesus? Are you willing to let Him fill every part of your life? Remember, “to go all in with Jesus, you must let Jesus go all in you.” Embrace this journey of faith, and let His love and grace transform you from the inside out.

For more, check out this TALK, or you can read the book by Dan Grider, Going All In.

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Letting Go: Embrace a Deeper Connection with God

What Do I Want – Going All In

Imagine yourself sitting in a quiet room, reflecting on your life. You hear a question echoing in your mind: “Have you ever had to give up something you love for something you love even more?” This question challenges you to examine your priorities and the things you hold dear. It invites you to consider the possibility of a greater love, a higher calling that requires you to change what you care about.

In your faith journey, you may find yourself clinging to certain comforts, habits, or even sins that seem impossible to release. Yet, the call to “go all in” with Jesus beckons you to let go of these things for the sake of something far greater — freedom in Christ, restored relationships, and a deeper connection with God.

In John 5, Jesus encounters a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus asks him, “Do you want to get well?” Is it a question that resonates with you? Do you truly desire healing and transformation? Are you ready to stop making excuses and blaming others for your condition? Jesus invites you to realize your own state and to stop denying the areas in your life that need His healing touch, his redemption, his renewal.

Going all in requires entrusting yourself to the Father. It’s not about your ability to perform or follow rules perfectly. It’s about surrendering to the grace and power of Jesus, who can heal and restore you. Just as the paralyzed man was healed by Jesus’ command, you too can experience transformation when you entrust your life to Him.

Stop holding onto superstitions and false beliefs that you must earn God’s favor. Instead, you are called to embrace the truth that Jesus has already won God’s approval for you through His sacrifice on the cross. You are invited to rest in His grace, knowing that you cannot perform your way into His love.

As you reflect on these truths, you realize that going all in with Jesus means changing what you care about. It means shifting your focus from self-centered desires to a life centered on loving God and loving others. You are encouraged to let go of the things that hinder your relationship with Christ and to pursue the life He offers—a life of purpose, joy, and eternal significance.

In this moment, you are invited to take a step of faith. Whether it’s letting go of a grudge, an addiction, a fear, or an insecurity, you are called to trust Jesus with your whole heart. As you do, you will find that He is faithful to lead you, to heal you, and to empower you to live a life that reflects His love and grace.

So, ask yourself today: What is God calling you to give up for something you love even more? Embrace the journey of going all in with Jesus and discover the abundant life He has prepared for you.

For more, check out this TALK, or you can read the book by Dan Grider, Going All In.