Red Letter Day 04: "It Is Finished" Follow Up

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step.

With your Bible read John 19:28-30 and Revelation 3:1-2.

In John 19:28-30, Jesus’ final words were “It is finished”, indicating He had completed the task God sent Him to do. Just like Jesus had a specific task during His life, each one of us has specific things God has called us to do in our lives.

• What tasks or purposes do you feel God has called you to complete? What have you already completed for Him?

• As long as we are still living, we can be sure God’s work in us and through us is not yet complete. We all have unfinished business. What is the unfinished business in your life?

• What is holding you back from completing your unfinished business?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-12, Galatians 5:22-26, Philippians 1:3-6 and Acts 20:22-24.

These passages give us the blueprint on how to finish strong and complete our unfinished business.

• What do these passages say to you about finishing strong? 

• Describe a time when you finished strong. What did you learn from that accomplishment? 

• A lot of people start, but few finish. Why do you think it is so hard for most of us to stay the course? 

• Do people in today’s world have trouble keeping their commitments? Why do you think that is? 

• What is one thing you can do right now to help you finish strong? How will you take that next step?

• What are some specific ways your friends and family can help you take your next step?

next steps

Here are some specific things you can do this week to help you work towards completing your unfinished business:

One of the best ways to uncover the tasks God has called you to do is to talk it over with a mature believer or someone you look up to. Identify who that person is for you. Spend time this week talking to that person. Ask them to help you process how to complete your unfinished business.

Earlier, you identified the unfinished business in your life and considered your next step toward finishing strong. Write this step down and keep it in a prominent place where you will see it often and be reminded of your unfinished business. Ask someone to hold you accountable until this step is complete. Once you have completed this step, ask God and others to help you identify the next task and to continue to hold you to it.

Use these prayer tips to guide your time with God this week to expand your conversations both in person and online:

• Ask God to reveal what your unfinished business is and how you can complete it.

• Commit to focusing on your task and finishing strong. Seek God’s help and guidance as you identify your unfinished business.

• Ask God to show you what your next step should be as you complete the work God has called you to do.

• Ask God to remove the distractions in your life that are keeping you from taking your next step.

• Ask God to strengthen you to finish all of the tasks He has called you to do.

g-ram

Red Letter Day 03: "I Thirst" Follow Up

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step.

With your Bible read John 19:28-30.

These verses describe Jesus’ moment of death while hanging on the cross. Just before His death, Jesus said, “I am thirsty,” and He was given one last drink to quench His thirst.

• What types of things are you hungry and thirsty for? Do you hunger and thirst for God, or for something else? Explain. 

• What kinds of circumstances or situations tend to cause you to lose your hunger and thirst for God? 

• In what ways has your relationship with God brought you fulfillment and satisfaction?

Read John 4:1-42.

This passage tells the story of the Samaritan woman who asked Jesus to give her a drink. Jesus responded by meeting her need and satisfying her thirst, even though Jews were not supposed to associate with Samaritans.

• What side of need are you on? Are you “needed” or “needy”? Explain. 

• What are some things you can do that will make you able to help when you run into others who have needs?

• Describe a time when you helped meet someone else’s needs. In what ways did your act of kindness bring you satisfaction?

• Do you know anyone with some specific needs? What are those needs? What can you do to help meet some of those needs?

• What immediate needs do you have that others could help you with? 

next steps

Here are some specific things you can do this week to help you quench your thirst for God by helping someone else in need:

Earlier, you identified the immediate needs of someone you know. This week, do something to help that person get those needs met. If their needs are greater than you can meet on your own, consider asking your family to help you.

One reason we don’t help others like we should is that we’re not in a position where we can: spiritually, mentally, physically, or financially. Earlier, you listed some things you could do to help you help others, meeting needs as you encounter them. Act on those things this week. Start by making a plan.

Use these prayer tips to talk it over with God and to expand your conversations both in person and online:

• Ask God to make you hunger and thirst for Him.

• In prayer, confess any areas of your life that are causing you to lose your thirst for God. Ask Him to change these areas, and to show you what you can do.

• Tell God what your needs are. Ask Him to comfort you and to help you get your needs met.

• Ask God to send you opportunities to help others in need. Ask Him to give you whatever you’ll need to help meet those needs.

• Pray for the needs of your friends, your family, your co-workers. Ask God to supply ways to meet those needs.

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Red Letter Day 02: Father Forgive Them Follow Up

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step.

With your Bible read Luke 23:33-34.

This passage tells about Jesus being taken to die on the cross. One of Jesus’ final actions was to ask God to forgive the very people who were killing him.

• What has someone forgiven you of that you are most grateful for? 

• Before you knew Christ as your Savior, how did you treat others who wronged you? Do you treat them differently now? 

• Describe a time when another person hurt your feelings and you had a hard time forgiving them. How did that bitterness and resentment affect your life? 

• How has withholding forgiveness poisoned your relationships? 

• God is so willing to forgive us. Why are we sometimes unwilling to forgive others? 

• In what ways has God shown you mercy by forgiving your sins? How has that forgiveness impacted your life?

Read Matthew 18:21-35.

This parable told by Jesus describes a servant who couldn’t repay a debt that he owed to his king. The king forgave his debt, but later when that same servant refused to forgive someone who was in debt to him, the king sent the servant to prison to be tortured.

• Describe a time when you forgave someone who hurt you. How did your act of forgiveness impact your life and the lives of others?

• How is it possible for us to forgive the wrongs others have done to us? Why is important that we forgive? 

• What does forgiveness look like in your life right now? What are some things you can do to develop an ongoing attitude of forgiveness? 

• What are some practical ways you can show mercy this week to someone who has wronged you? 

• Who are the people you haven’t forgiven that you would commit to pray for regularly?

next steps

Here are some specific things you can do this week to help you begin to show mercy and forgiveness towards others and break the bondage of bitterness.

If someone has hurt you, begin the process of forgiving that person. Ask God to soften your heart so that you can forgive. Think about an appropriate time to share with that person that you have forgiven them. Don’t rush through the process of forgiving. Take enough time to be sure you’re sincere.

Spend some time this week asking God to help you turn away from bitterness, and ask Him to help you become a forgiver instead. Read the following scriptures this week as you pray for those you need to forgive:

Matthew 6:9-15, Romans 12:19-21, Luke 6:27-37, Luke 11:4 and Luke 7:47-48.

Use these prayer tips to talk it over with God and to expand your conversations both in person and online:

• Thank God for the power of forgiveness that you have experienced in your own life.

• Ask God to remove any bitterness you have. Ask Him to give you a heart of forgiveness in its place.

• Pray for any people who have hurt you. Ask God to help you begin the process of forgiving them.

• Ask God to help you treat others with mercy and forgiveness. Ask Him to help you and guide you.

• Ask God to help you receive and understand His complete forgiveness..

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Red Letter Day 01: Why Have You Forsaken Me? Follow Up

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step.

With your Bible read Matthew 27:37-46.

This passage of Scripture describes some of Jesus’ final moments as He was crucified on the cross. As He was tortured and ridiculed while hanging on the cross, Jesus cries out to God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

• Describe your current level of trust in God. What types of events or situations help you build your trust in God? 

• Why do you think it is so hard to trust God when we are in the midst of difficulties and so easy to trust Him when life is good? 

• Describe a time when you felt completely alone or abandoned by God. How did God ultimately show you that you were not alone? 

• We have all experienced tragedies and difficult situations that have caused us to ask the question, “Why, God?” What are some of the “why” questions you have asked?

Read Isaiah 55:8-9, Mark 10:18, Romans 8:31-33, and Proverbs 3:5-6.

These verses show us that God is good, God is for us, and God is with us when we endure times of difficulty we don’t understand.

• How have you experienced God’s goodness while enduring tough times? 

• What are some of the frustrations or questions you are currently struggling with? How can you change your “why” to “what” in each of these areas? 

• How have the tragedies and trials you have experienced throughout your life ultimately shaped you into the person you are today? What did they teach you about God? • What types of things do you think God is trying to tell you through the difficulties you’re facing right now?

next steps

Here are some specific things you can do this week to help you better understand why we endure difficult times and how you can build your trust in God.

We all know someone who is currently going through difficult times. Do something this week to help comfort that person and show them that God has not abandoned them. Pray for them throughout the week. Ask God to comfort them and show Himself to them during their difficult time.

Go deeper into the Bible during this series.

Use these prayer tips to talk it over with God and to expand your conversations both in person and online:

• In prayer, confess those areas of your life where you feel abandoned by God. Ask Him for His comfort.

• Commit to God in prayer that you will strive to grow your trust in Him, especially during tough times.

• Thank God for all the times He has shown His love to you during difficult circumstances. Praise Him.

• Pray and ask God to show you “what” instead of “why” when it comes to enduring things in your life you don’t understand.

• Pray for someone you know who’s dealing with a tragedy or going through hard times. Ask God to comfort them.

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When Does It Matter?

Well, 'Tis the season for reflections on Lent, Easter & on what Jesus set in motion.

I have thought often about the night in the Garden of Gethsemane. I understand the disciples falling asleep. I have at least some grasp on the idea that Jesus was very badly stressed. I believe that he was probably scared. All these things I can understand and relate to; they reflect my humanity very well. What I struggle with and marvel at, time and again is the conclusion that Jesus came to. Deeply stressed and horribly frightened he says: "not my will, but yours be done."

That sentence changed history. That sentence is still changing history.

"Not *my* will, but yours" is the meaning of following Jesus Christ. If you want his name, the relationship with him; if you want to be a follower or a disciple then that phrase must be your theme as well.

We think of Jesus saying that in an adrenaline pumping scenario where all history and the world is at stake. I think to myself, perhaps I could rise to that occasion as well. When all of history is hanging on my choice, when all humanity is watching, maybe I could occupy the hero's seat.

But the truth is that question must have been asked and answered throughout Jesus' life repeatedly. He must have answered it when no one was watching, when nothing seemed to be on the line. That question must have been the baseline in deciding his weekly schedule & priorities. That question must be have guided him in his spending choices. That question must have been so familiar to him that it was an everyday event.

For me when I get highly motivated I think to myself, perhaps I could risk my life, perhaps I could die for "that" (all that God stuff) in a moment of intense emotion, devotion and adrenaline. What I do not like to do is live everyday like that. Give me a moment of glory but not a lifetime of mundane interactions.

Is the call really supposed to make me continually think about things (everything) not first from my own perspective? Should it manifest in all areas of my life?

If yes, then that would necessarily, fundamentally change my life and the living of it.

YES! That's it exactly! A fundamental shift in all of my living.

So when making choices about where I live, who I date, when I go on vacation, when I sacrifice, what I call sacrifice, why I do what I do, all must change to follow the Jesus practice: not my will, but yours be done.

That will cause inconvenience. Yes.
That might bring about sacrifice. Yes.
I might have to change some of my personal plans. Yes.
I might have to think about my priorities and what comes first. Yes.
Maybe my service to God is of central importance and not just a set of happy coincidences when I am not too busy. Yes.

Prepare for this Easter by considering Lent more closely. What if I gave my will up and replaced it with God's, what would that look like?

Not my will, but yours be done.

Don't Give Up!


- g-ram

Secret Life Weapon

Whatever you resist, persists -because it keeps your attention. You can't keep saying "I'm not going to lust" because all you remain thinking about is lust.

Instead REFOCUS on something else to defeat a temptation. Fully put your mind on a completely unrelated topic. Linger in a new thought field.

I find that worship music really helps, as does reciting key scriptures.

Read through a favourite passage of scripture.

Change your physical location.

Do something active.

Alerting a trusted friend that you are in a mental lockdown can really help too.

We need each other.

Stay Alert and Don't Give Up!


- g-ram

Orthodoxy of Rob Bell

So this is a little awkward. I lost the address & name of the guy who wrote this. But I thought it was a very helpful, interesting read. So if that bothers you, then just pretend this never happened. :)


I told the USA TODAY reporter that Rob Bell’s newly released Love Wins is a fine book and that I basically agree with his theology. I knew that the book was being widely criticized for having crossed the theological bridge from evangelical orthodoxy into universalism. Not true, I told the reporter. Rob Bell is calling us away from a stingy orthodoxy to a generous orthodoxy.

Let me say it clearly: I am not a universalist. I believe hell as a condition in the afterlife is real, and that it will be occupied. I think Rob believes that too. But he is a creative communicator who likes to prod, and even tease us a bit theologically. Suppose, he likes to say, we go up to someone and tell them that God loves them and sent Jesus to die for their sins. Accept Jesus right now, we say, because if ten minutes from now you die without accepting this offer God will punish you forever in the fires of hell. What kind of God are we presenting to the person? Suppose we told someone that their human father has a wonderful gift for them, offered out of love for them—and then we add that, by the way, if they reject the gift that same father will torment them as long as they live. What would we think of such a father? Good question, I think.

If I were given the assignment of writing a careful theological essay on “The Eschatology of Rob Bell,” I would begin by laying out the basics of C. S. Lewis’s perspective on heaven and hell. Lewis held that we are created for a relationship with God as human beings who bear the divine image. When we rebel against God and commit ourselves to evil ways, we move further away from this positive relationship with God—and, thereby, further and further away from our humanity. Our ultimate destiny, then, if we do not change directions, is to cease to be human: we end up as monsters who have chosen to live in an outer darkness, removed from God and from other humans.

So, here is Rob Bell: people who refuse a “vital connection with the living God” are given over to a “kind of life [that] is less and less connected with God” (Love Wins, 66). And this is no mere theoretical state of affairs, “because it is absolutely vital that we acknowledge that love, grace and humanity can be rejected” (my italics)—and if so, “God gives us what we want, and if that’s hell, we can have it” (72).

And I certainly do believe that some folks choose that hell. The Hitler types. The man who kidnaps young girls and sells them into sexual slavery. They are well on their way to hell, to becoming inhuman monsters. To be sure, as the hymn rightly reminds us: “The vilest offender who truly believes/ that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.” But for those who persist in their wicked ways, eternal separation is the natural outcome of all the choices they have made along the way.

In a book I wrote several years ago defending the basics of a Calvinist perspective, I told about an elderly rabbi friend who struck me as a very godly person. He would often write to tell me that he was praying for me and my family. When he died, I said, I held out the hope that when he saw Jesus he would acknowledge that it was Him all along, and that Jesus would welcome him into the heavenly realm.

Some folks zeroed in on that one story to condemn me as a heretic. I find their attitude puzzling. Maybe they think that folks like Rob Bell and me go too far in the direction of leniency, but what about folks who go in the other direction? I just received an angry email from someone who pulled a comment out of something I wrote a few years ago in Christianity Today. A prominent evangelical had criticized those of us who have been in a sustained dialogue with Catholics for giving the impression that a person can be saved without having the right theology about justification by faith. My response to that: of course a person can be saved without having the right theology of justification by faith. A straightforward question: Did Mother Teresa go to hell? My guess is that she was a little confused about justification by faith alone. If you think that means she went to hell, I have only one response: shame on you.

Why don’t folks who criticize Rob Bell for wanting to let too many people in also go after people like that who want to keep too many people out? Why are we rougher on salvific generosity than on salvific stinginess?

In August 2006, Newsweek did an extensive report on an interview with Billy Graham. Graham made it clear that he is still firmly confident that Jesus is the only way to salvation. When asked, though, about the destiny of “good Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or secular people,” Billy had this to say: “Those are decisions only the Lord will make. It would be foolish for me to speculate on who will be there and who won’t … I don’t want to speculate about all that. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the whole world, and I think he loves everybody regardless of what label they have.”

Billy Graham is no universalist. But he has come to a theology of salvific generosity, a perspective that he combines with a passionate proclamation of the message that Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. For me—and I am convinced for Rob Bell—it doesn’t get any better than that!


- g-ram