Zach Zehnder's Blog, page 8
October 16, 2023
052: Steven Robertson Technology’s Impact on Gen Z, How We Get the 8-Second Attention Span Wrong, and How Aliens Can Help Us Understand Gen Z
Steven Robertson has learned through working with youth for decades what it is that makes our youth today unique and what the church needs to do to reach them. He insists that mentoring Gen Z is easier than ever; they already have the information they want. They just crave your experience and application in a mentoring relationship. Based on his book Aliens Among Us, Robertson breaks down the ten surprising truths about Gen Z today.
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Aliens Among Us: Ten Surprising Truths about Gen Z by Steven Robertson
Key insights from the episode:
What has fueled my life is making a young person’s life better. – Steven Roberston
Technology is the reason that many generations flip. – Steven Robertson
Generations and the Technologies That Flipped ThemGreatest Generation (age 120-97) – Radio and telephoneSilent generation (age 96-77) – ElectricityBoomers (age 76-58) – MicrowaveGen X (age 57-43) – Personal computerMillennials (age 42-28) – InternetGen Z (age 27-12) – SmartphoneGen Alpha (0-12) – AI.
There’s so much content vying for Gen Zers attention. They’ve learned how to filter whether something is worth their time or not within a few seconds. – Steven Robertson
When the kingdom lands, this is a generation that goes after it completely. – Steven Robertson
52% of the world’s population are under 30. – Steven Robertson
Gen Z wants to be the CEO of their life. – Steven Robertson
Gratitude is a muscle that is underdeveloped in Gen Z. – Steven Robertson
Gen Z is the only generation that is mentored by their peers. – Steven Robertson
Gen Z needs application brought to the knowledge that they are inundated with. – Steven Robertson
Information is no longer the important commodity. – Steven Robertson
A G.P.S. (Guide Position by the Side), or mentoring, is the way that produces the most fruit. – Steven Robertson
We live in a subscription model world: access over ownership. – Steven Robertson
Gen Z has information, but they lack understanding. – Steven
Steven Robertson’s Challenge: Get into a mentoring relationship.
Watch the entire season for free:
We’ll be uploading every episode of season one of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here
The post 052: Steven Robertson Technology’s Impact on Gen Z, How We Get the 8-Second Attention Span Wrong, and How Aliens Can Help Us Understand Gen Z appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 9, 2023
051: Aaron and Hannah Barnett on What Gen Z Wants Most, Why Gen Z is Valuable to Ministry, and How Millennials Can Mentor Gen Z
Aaron and Hannah are one dynamic duo determined to change the world. They don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. The Barnett’s are walking that walk alongside anyone who has a passion for Jesus. With a heart for Gen Z, they are committed to showing others how to discover the wrong they were meant to make right.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources that challenge all people to be greater followers of Jesus. Part of being a great disciple of Jesus is knowing how you are gifted AND putting that gift to work. So, how are you gifted?
Spend 15 minutes taking our brand-new FREE spiritual gift test at www.spiritualgifts.me. After taking the test, email us at hello@redletterchallenge.com and let us know what your top spiritual gift is and how you will put that gift into practice this week!
Hannah G. Barnett Instagram page
Aaron R. Barnett Instagram page
Key insights from the episode:
God uses the most unlikely people to bring his kingdom. – Hannah Barnett
Every generation has a strength and a shadow side. – Hannah Barnett
Gen Z is extremely action-oriented. – Hannah Barnett
Gen Z needs permission from the local church to create. – Aaron Barnett
We want to build bridges between generations. – Aaron Barnett
Gen Z is dealing with a new world: a fast pace of life, gender confusion, racial tension, and school shootings are new for this generation. How can we be empathetic? – Zach Zehnder
There is something so powerful about being in relationship with young people. – Hannah Barnett
I’ve been deeply marked by people being authentic. – Aaron Barnett
Aaron and Hannah Barnett’s Challenge: Invite a young leader to the table and implement one of their ideas.
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:
We’ll be uploading every episode of season one of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here
The post 051: Aaron and Hannah Barnett on What Gen Z Wants Most, Why Gen Z is Valuable to Ministry, and How Millennials Can Mentor Gen Z appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 3, 2023
050: Jemar Tisby on the History of Racism, How Race, Religion, and Politics Are All Tied Together, and Developing a Plan to Fight Racism
When it comes to racial injustice, people often get caught up in the tangle of the diagnosis when what we need to pursue collectively is an antidote. Jemar Tisby is after a plan for racial reconciliation that goes beyond who did what. When the work becomes about people, everybody wins.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. Pastors and church leaders, we create 40-day challenges that have helped more than 1000 churches produce greater disciples. Not only this, but our resources grow small groups by more than 40%. If you are a pastor or church leader, not only can you find out more at this link, but you can also request a FREE 40-day challenge mailed to your door there.
As you plan for the end of this Fall or even the start of the New Year, we’d love to partner with you and we have some amazing deals with our ready-to-go church packs. But, first, if you’re a pastor, get a FREE copy on us.
Resources mentioned in the episode: The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
How to Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby
Key insights from the episode:
Race is a big part of history, no matter what you study. – Jemar Tisby
The applications, stories, and references in sermons were out of my cultural context. – Jemar Tisby
When studying racism, the root determines the fruit. – Jemar Tisby
Racism, religion, and politics are all tied together. You can study them separately, but they are mutually constitutive. – Jemar Tisby
At the heart of all this justice work is people. – Jemar Tisby
The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan. – Jemar Tisby
Jemar Tisby’s challenge: Go back and read the I Have a Dream speech.
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:
We’ll be uploading every episode of season one of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here
The post 050: Jemar Tisby on the History of Racism, How Race, Religion, and Politics Are All Tied Together, and Developing a Plan to Fight Racism appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 25, 2023
049: Clayton Greene on the Importance of Advent, What Habits Disciples Practice, and Why Turkey Must be Served on Thanksgiving
Clayton Greene is passionate about helping people develop good habits and holiday celebrations that foster a relationship with Jesus. With the use of products like Advent Blocks, GratiKube, and the Sabbath Box, he is offering practical tools that help churches and individuals in their discipleship.
Every pastor knows small groups are important, yet a lot aren’t too happy with where their small groups are right now. You can grow your small groups right now. That’s right. We have helped more than 800 churches grow their small groups, and it’s not as hard as you think. Our super-simple, easily-doable 5-step guide to grow your small group strategy is found by clicking on this link.
Resources mentioned in the episode: Episode 47 Jay Kim Red Letter Disciple Podcast
Key insights from the episode:
There’s a cultural Christmas, and then there’s a Christian Christmas. – Clayton Greene
Through Advent blocks, children will learn the whole story of the Bible. – Clayton Greene
Stopping to mark holidays is really important. – Clayton Greene
It’s necessary to incorporate into the family something analog, something that has a physical dimension to it. – Clayton Greene
A Sabbath box cues spiritual practice. – Clayton Greene
The location where you put your Bible will affect how much you read it. – Clayton Greene
Prepare for Christmas ahead of time so you are intentionally celebrating. – Clayton Greene
Clayton Greene’s challenge: Prepare for Christmas now.
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:
We’ll be uploading every episode of season one of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here
The post 049: Clayton Greene on the Importance of Advent, What Habits Disciples Practice, and Why Turkey Must be Served on Thanksgiving appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 18, 2023
048: Flame on Writing a Book vs. Writing a Rap Song, How Extra Nos Changed His Life, and Why Deconstruction Can’t Have the Last Word
Flame is back with a brand new book on an age-old truth. His new book, Extra Nos, tells the story of how that phrase, meaning outside of us, changed him from the inside out. His mission is to share that message of grace through the written word or song.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. Pastors and church leaders, we create 40-day challenges that have helped more than 1000 churches produce greater disciples. Not only this, but our resources grow small groups by more than 40%. If you are a pastor or church leader, not only can you find out more at this link, but you can also request a FREE 40-day challenge mailed to your door there.
As you plan for the end of this Fall or even the start of the New Year, we’d love to partner with you and we have some amazing deals with our ready-to-go church packs. But, first, get a FREE copy on us.
Episode 13 of Red Letter Disciple with Flame
Audiobook of Extra Nos by FLAME
Key insights from the episode:
Everyone is doing theology, whether they know it or not. – FLAME
At various points in life, we all wonder, what’s up, God? Are we good? Did I do something wrong? – FLAME
At seminary, I found an expression of Christianity rooted in the ancient church. – FLAME
God adds layers of grace, peace and assurance through the sacraments. – FLAME
We’re secure in what Jesus has accomplished for us. – FLAME
We can go to the church and receive a gift each and every week. – Pastor Chris
I get comfort from the phrase “I don’t know.” – FLAME
When I was a kid, everything was black and white. The older I get, the more gray I see. – FLAME
God has hidden himself in our hands and feet. – FLAME
You can deconstruct in a healthy way, revisiting the early saints and church. – FLAME
Flame’s Challenge of the week: Practice resting.
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:
We’ll be uploading every episode of season one of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here
The post 048: Flame on Writing a Book vs. Writing a Rap Song, How Extra Nos Changed His Life, and Why Deconstruction Can’t Have the Last Word appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 7, 2023
Bible vs. Barbie: Where to Find Answers to Hard Questions
The summer has turned pink.
Barbie, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, has captured the nation this summer. After I began to wonder if going to the movie theater would be lumped into the same category of long-lost nostalgic memory as Blockbuster video, Barbie has broken multiple box office records and people are talking about it. There have been nearly 7 million social media posts about Barbie this year, translating to hundreds of millions of post views. You don’t have to see it to know what I am talking about. It’s hard to escape it. Even if you haven’t (and won’t) seen it, you know people who have, especially if you are under 40. In fact, the most prominent demographic is Gen Z.
So far, 47% of those seeing the movie are between 13 and 22 years old. Even with a PG-13 rating, many are even younger than that. Of that, 66% are female. Statistics show that many Christian parents are going with their kids to see Barbie.
Barbie brings up important conversations. It asks questions that should be discussed as a family. And like good Christians should do when confronted with tricky questions, parents are rushing to their Bible or Bible app and doing a keyword search on things like beauty, women’s roles, marriage, parenting, and men’s roles. Here is where I get concerned. If this is how you search for truth, you will not find it.
The reason is, the Bible doesn’t have a lovely verse you can share on Instagram that will detail everything we need to understand about God’s design for gender roles, identity, and feminism. At best, you will be left scratching your head in confusion at the verses that do show up. At worst, you will feel that Biblical teachings are outdated, irrelevant, or flat-out wrong about our modern issues. That doesn’t mean the truth is not there.
But you will find the wrong answers if you ask the wrong questions.
It won’t be the first time.
A HistoryIn the 1800s, church-going, faithful Christian people in the United States got very confused on an issue we have no problem answering now as a nation. Part of the problem was that they were asking the wrong question.
Christians were asking, “What verses in the Bible say slavery is bad?” Pastors couldn’t pinpoint an exact, clear, definitive verse about slavery. They looked for a specific message that spelled out precisely what people should do about slavery, and they couldn’t find any. Things went from bad to worse quickly because people wanted a black-and-white statement that was so clear, no one could misinterpret it. But they only looked at particular verses instead of the Biblical message as a whole. No one found the wording that fit their liking.
Make no mistake, it is the clear message of the Bible that all people should be treated with value and respect. But because some verses detailed how to treat slaves, many pastors even made a case FOR slavery based on those verses. As a nation, we are still recovering from that confusion. The problem all started with the wrong question. When we face complicated situations, let’s ask the right questions.
Rather than asking, “What verses in the Bible say slavery is bad?” a better question would have been, “What does the Bible teach about full humanity of all people, regardless of race?” When we stop reading the Bible as a whole and cannot understand its overarching message, we will miss the answers we so desperately seek. We can’t blame Barbie for presenting Mattel’s version of female empowerment. Barbie is just asking questions.
I’m right there with you in this confusion. I want to open the Bible and have it detailed out (preferably in bullet points) precisely what it means for me to be a woman. What is expected of me, what career I should be doing, how I divide up responsibility with my spouse, an exact budget for me to follow, and how I parent my kids. Oh, and by the way, I also want it to be a five to ten-minute read I can do with my coffee in my PJs before I go on to something else.
But my life is not a five-minute read, and neither is yours. The story of humanity on Earth and the Savior of that world is a life-long study. It needs to be taken seriously because, like it or not, we have been put here on this Earth with billions of other human beings, and God doesn’t want to keep us in a little pink bubble. (No pun intended!)
I’m not advocating for seeing or not seeing a movie. I am advocating for humble Christian engagement in a culture that’s desperate for answers. We ought to interact with the world: enjoy it, improve it, build cities, and help each other. God made that mandate clear to Adam and Eve; He continued to make it clear throughout the Old Testament. He loves this world so much that He came down and lived among us and then reinforced it when He sent us out into the world. The picture of heaven in Revelation is a city! And guess what is in cities??? People!
The TruthOur culture is crying out for answers. It asks good, challenging questions, and Christians fail to answer them well. But they are all right there, in the Bible. We need to ask the right questions to get a foundation to stand on. I like to start with this: What does the Bible teach about the full humanity of all people?
Here is what I found.
There is a Grand Designer of this world, meaning there was a grand design. There is an absolute, concrete place we can land on for what should be and what shouldn’t be. (Genesis 1:1)You were made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26-27)God is the ultimate authority. We will never fully understand His ways, so there will be things about God I don’t understand. (Psalm 8:4-8)All of us have messed it up. There is not one perfect person. (Romans 3:23)You are the object of the love of God. (John 3:16)Jesus is the sacrifice for the whole world. (1 John 2:2)People have different backgrounds, gifts, talents, roles, and responsibilities. It is God who determines these things. (Daniel 4:17)Christians need to take a stand and support marginalized people. Like Jesus and the prophets, we need to stand against greed, the love of money, and all forms of prejudice. The prophets and Jesus condemned those who oppressed the poor, orphans, and widows. (Amos 5:12; Mark 12:40)We can be upset at brokenness. When problems like generational trauma get passed down, crises upset our world, and suffering goes ignored, we can be justifiably upset. God makes it OK for us to cry “No!” to the crappy stuff in our lives because we know how things ought to be.
The reason that many Christians in the 1800s got off the rails concerning slavery was that they weren’t looking at the message of the entire Bible FIRST. When we start asking specific questions regarding what people should and shouldn’t do without considering the Bible’s message, we will get just as divided and lost as the churches of the Civil War.
The overarching message of the Bible is that God made things right, but everything went terribly wrong. Jesus came and set it right again. Sin is a debt that was paid for by Jesus. You are freely forgiven because of that. There is nothing else you can do to earn that salvation.
So What Does This Mean For Me?Our response is to love people by supporting the marginalized and offering biblical truth for those who are struggling. I will do what I can to show every person that they are worthy human beings and have essential roles to play.
Maybe you aren’t going to dress up in pink and grab your popcorn. Fine! Or perhaps you grew up playing with Barbies and bought advanced tickets to relive your childhood. Either way, you don’t need a movie to tell you that things have changed in our world. People are wrestling with some big questions. Director Greta Gerwig references Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden as a comparison to Barbie and Ken. I can’t help but think that if she’s searching the Bible for truth, is anyone there to explain it to her? Our culture is asking some challenging questions. Are we, as a church, ready to answer them?
The post Bible vs. Barbie: Where to Find Answers to Hard Questions appeared first on Red Letter Living.
August 22, 2023
047: Jay Kim On How to Stay Analog in a Digital World, What it’s Like Being a Disciple in Silicon Valley, and The Number One Antidote to Discontentment
Located smack dab in the middle of Silicon Valley, Jay Kim remains convinced that what people need is not just innovation but a restoration of analog. In an age where we all want to control our experiences, Kim stands firmly on the need for church, uncurated gatherings, and authentic relationships.
Go deeper into leading yourself (and your church) to building the habits of Jesus, we’d love to introduce you to the 40-Day Being Challenge.
Many Christians today aren’t great at maintaining the habits of Jesus.
Even the most “mature” Christians struggle with opening up in community, prioritizing prayer, and seeking regular solitude. But that doesn’t have to be your story.
The Being Challenge guides you through 40 days of practical, simple-to-understand challenges to help you learn, develop, and grow in the five keystone habits of Jesus.
You can learn more about the challenge here!
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age by Jay Kim
Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age by Jay Kim
The Social Dilemma Documentary
Your Undivided Attention Podcast by Tristan Harris
Key insights from the episode:
The church is not primarily content; it’s a people to whom you belong. – Jay Kim
The wonderful thing about in-person gatherings is you cannot curate the experience. – Jay Kim
Every moment of boredom, calm, or idleness was fair game for the smartphone. – Jay Kim
Our addictions overcome and overwhelm our knowledge. – Jay Kim
The pursuit of pleasure is like running on a hedonic treadmill. – Jay Kim
If life is centered on pursuing more, you will always be empty. – Jay Kim
Love, joy, and peace are the antidotes to discontentment. – Jay Kim
Most people think social media is free; if it’s free to you, then you are the product. – Jay Kim
Jay Kim’s Challenge: Live a listening life.
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We did an extensive study of everything that Jesus commanded of us and located 5 key targets into which Jesus invites His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! Not only will you get results back immediately, but you will also be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:
We’ll be uploading every episode of season one of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here
The post 047: Jay Kim On How to Stay Analog in a Digital World, What it’s Like Being a Disciple in Silicon Valley, and The Number One Antidote to Discontentment appeared first on Red Letter Living.
August 15, 2023
046: Brad Lomenick on His Role Leading Catalyst Conference, How Humility, Hunger, and Hustle Drive Young Leaders, and the Sure Fire Way to Add to Your Influence
Brad Lomenick has a heart for the next generation of leaders and is excited about what they will do. But the lack of drive concerns him as he shoulders the responsibility of figuring out how to motivate the next generation. From leading the Catalyst Conference to pioneering influence among young leaders, Lomenick believes true leadership consists of humility, hunger, and hustling.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. At its core, Red Letter Living creates resources to challenge all people to be greater disciples of Jesus. One of our integral FREE resources is a Red Letter Challenge Assessment. It only takes 7-10 minutes to complete.
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. So we extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the following steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Resources mentioned in the episode:The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials For Becoming a Change Maker by Brad Lomenick
H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle. By Brad Lomenick
Key insights from the episode:
The average 20-year-old will have 15-20 assignments in your lifetime. – Brad Lomenick
Callings can change; assignments WILL change. – Brad Lomenick
A hungry leader has a constant posture of learning. – Brad Lomenick
“Be yourself” is a good thought but a dangerous lifestyle. – Brad Lomenick
I’m concerned about the hustle factor among young leaders. – Brad Lomenick
Those leading the next generation must figure out how to motivate and inspire young leaders. – Brad Lomenick
If you are a ‘value-adder,’ you’ll create influence. – Brad Lomenick
A networker is transactional, but a connector is a value-adder. – Brad Lomenick
Trust is the greatest currency. – Brad Lomenick
Brad Lomenick’s Challenge: When God prompts, act.
Lead yourself (and your church) to be more like Jesus.
For so many Christians, the discipleship process isn’t very clear.
They know they need to go to church, pray, not sin, and maybe attend a small group. While these are great things, they don’t outline a clear path leading people to live more like Jesus.
We’d love to introduce you to the 40-Day Red Letter Challenge.
When you and your church take the challenge, you’ll have a clear 40-day discipleship path that will help you master five key areas of discipleship.
You can learn more about the challenge here!
We’ll be uploading every episode of season one of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here
The post 046: Brad Lomenick on His Role Leading Catalyst Conference, How Humility, Hunger, and Hustle Drive Young Leaders, and the Sure Fire Way to Add to Your Influence appeared first on Red Letter Living.
August 10, 2023
The Greatest Fake-Out Fade-Out of All-Time
The Fake-Out Fade-Out is a wonderful technique that some artists use to create emotion, add a surprise, and build an ending. Another term for this device is a false ending. It happens when a song or film comes to an expected end, goes completely silent, and then bursts back on without warning for a grand finale.
One famous music group that used this technique is the Beatles in their song Hello, Goodbye. Other artists that have tricked their audience with Fake-Out Fade-Outs are Bryan Adams in (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, Natasha Bedingfield’s song Unwritten, or the highly acclaimed SpongeBob SquarePants Movie! The Fake-Out Fade-Out works well because that happened in THE STORY.
The Fake-Out
The best Fake-Out Fade-Out was Good Friday. Jesus’s death on the cross faked everyone out.
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:45, 50-54
Here are the reasons Jesus had to fake-out everyone for three days.
1) The third day is essential to God. Creation gives us this clue. There are two three-day sections in creation. On the third day, plants and livestock are made of the first set of three. At the end of the second set of three, animals and humans are made on the sixth day. God made the environment hospitable first and then introduced a new creation. This contradicts the idea that plants, animals, and people have had to adapt as their environment changes. Instead, through creation, God says, “I will make it ideal for you first, and then put you in. You were in my mind the whole time I was making the elements of the Earth. If things go wrong, it was not how I originally made them.”
2) Three days is referenced many other times in the Old Testament. Listed below are just a small sampling of those references:
Abraham’s test on the third day.God came down to Moses after three days. Jonah was in the whale for three days. The prophet Hosea tells the Israelites that on the third day, God will redeem them.Lazarus was dead for three days.3) It seals the reality of the loss. It proves Jesus was dead. There was no coming back from that. Three days were the test to make sure someone was dead.
4) Jesus predicted it 21 times in the gospels. We know that the disciples and Jesus’s followers were not anticipating Jesus’s death because of their reactions. Sadness, fear, and grief are responses to unmet expectations. I don’t think they just missed the multiple times Jesus warned them of his death. Instead, they explained it away. And in doing so, they were shocked at the cross. The fade-out faked them out.
The Fade-OutTo fundamentally change, you need a liminal period. A liminal space is the place during a transitional period. This can be physical (a stage curtain or drive-through window), emotional (a death or breakup), or symbolic/metaphorical (a choice or decision to be made.) Jesus was in a liminal period for three days. In the events of Good Friday, you can observe all three elements of Jesus’s liminal period: the physical, the emotional, and the symbolic.
Physical: Jesus physically died, and His body was buried.
Emotional: Jesus’s heart was broken on the cross. The abandonment from God the Father
was more than He could bear. He called out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” That separation destroyed him.
Symbolic: Jesus’s death wasn’t the death of one man or even one God. It was the death of
every single person who ever walked the Earth. The punishment of every one of us was on Him. But the crucifixion was more than symbolic; it was a substitutionary death for the entire world.
Here’s what terrifies me about all this; life continued on Saturday. The next day, markets opened, and streets bustled. People woke up, ate breakfast, went to work, argued, took baths, kissed, and laughed. It was like any other day.
The Silent Saturday Before EasterImagine a jet plane full of people with one pilot. And then that pilot dies, and no one is flying the plane anymore. It soars through the air in the same direction the pilot leaves it. Now, peek inside the plane: people sleeping with eye masks, some working on their laptops, a newlywed couple on their way to their honeymoon, a young mother holding her sleeping infant, a teenager eating snacks, a man watching a movie. They are all clueless that they are headed for death because nothing immediately changed about their circumstances. The reality was: everything has changed, but everything stays the same. They are slowly fading out, and they don’t even know it.
The sky darkened when Jesus died, but people thought it was fake because Saturday morning the sun came up again. On Good Friday, the curtain ripped in two, but a temporary replacement was hung the next day. After Jesus took His last breath, the Earth shook to its core, but farmers returned to their fields the next morning. What a relief, they thought. Nothing is permanently changed, it was just a little fake-out. But their fade-out had begun.
Like the disciples when Jesus warned them of His upcoming death, after Jesus died everyone explained away the unexplainable and then went about their business.
That’s what scares me, the fact that you won’t know it right away. Death results from a million little choices you made along the journey. Each little angry, selfish action you make contributes to where you end up.
That comment you made that ruined a friendship forever.The move you make that changed your children’s lives for the worse.The final bill that drives you to bankruptcy.The final argument you have with your dad before you never speak to each other again.The bitter silence that finally shoves you over the brink and into a divorce.The unbearable truth is we are all fading out of this life. You are off track, like a plane without a pilot headed slightly off its path. Over time, that tiny insignificant difference widens into a chasm so big you can’t get back on course.
God told Eve that the day she ate the fruit, she would die. THE DAY. But when she ate it, she didn’t die, did she? God wasn’t lying when He warned that day she would die. He was right. At that moment, everything changed, and yet everything stayed the same. Death came the moment she ate the fruit. It was just a matter of time.
The Bible mentions eight times that people wanted to kill Jesus before He died. This crucifixion wasn’t out of the blue. It was fanaticized about, planned, discussed, attempted, failed, reorganized, and set into place. The world was without a pilot when it happened, coasting to its death.
The Grand FinaleYou need a transformation or your fade-out is permanent. You need to be saved from the million decisions that got you to the point of no return. Someone had to know how to go back to where it all started.
You don’t just need a new outcome. You have to go back and change the journey you took to get to where you are. Someone needs to retrace your steps and change every little selfish decision, irreparable heartbreak, and painful knife twist. That’s the only way to fix all this hurt. And that is what Jesus did.
Jesus died, faked out everyone, and survived the fade-out. The devil never saw it coming. Sunday is our hope after a dark and silent Saturday.
That is what Easter Sunday is all about: retracing and rewriting the story we all should have had. It’s not a new life but a new retelling. It is a grand retelling of a story that ended in tragedy and faded to black.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:5-6b
Jesus salvages the scraps of your life’s beautiful moments. He takes those pieces and makes you whole. It all was possible the morning He rose from the grave. And it is coming again at His second return. It will all come to pass.
Sit still and wait. Resist the temptation to get up and run out when the screen fades to black, the song ends, and life stops. The fade-out happened, but so did the fake-out.
The grand ending in history is coming.
The post The Greatest Fake-Out Fade-Out of All-Time appeared first on Red Letter Living.
August 8, 2023
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
To help you better understand more about your spiritual gifts, below we offer a FREE spiritual gift test as well as brief descriptions of each spiritual gift.
What are spiritual gifts?A spiritual gift is an “extra ability” given by the Holy Spirit to accomplish a ministry. Every Christian has at least one gift, and it’s possible to have several gifts, although one may be dominant. All the gifts should operate in love for the glory of God and the advancement of the church. The main purpose of a spiritual gift is to be used for the advancement of God’s church in this world. While many of the spiritual gifts could also be considered talents or gifts that could be used in a secular setting as well, we are particularly interested in using these gifts to edify and build up the church.
Every one of us has a spiritual gift, not one of us has every spiritual gift.Ephesians 4:12-13 explain that all of us have a role in the church. The Apostle Paul says that those in church leadership are called, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
If the church is ever going to live up to the fullest expression of Jesus then every single person in the church needs to discover and put to use their spiritual gift(s).
So, let’s do this!
So, how do I know what my spiritual gifts are?If you’ve not yet taken the Red Letter Spiritual Gift Test please take the quick test at www.spiritualgifts.me. The entire 130-question test only takes about 15 minutes to complete and you will be emailed your results.
Spiritual gift tests as well as honest conversations with others that know you well go hand-in-hand to help you discover your unique spiritual gifts.
The majority of spiritual gifts are from Bible verses like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Biblical scholars agree that these lists are not exhaustive. 19 of the 26 spiritual gifts we test for can be found in those three lists from the New Testament.
In addition to those, especially due to the nature of frequency of how often these show up in the Bible, we have included craftsmanship, prayer, missionary, and music as four additional spiritual gifts that are often used to edify the body of Christ.
Then, finally, with the wisdom of much godly counsel, I have added three gifts that are regular functions of many churches in the digital and technological world we live in today: Production, Next Generation, and Communication/Marketing.
So, take the test now at www.spiritualgifts.me and then come back and find quick descriptions of your top three spiritual gifts.
How do I understand more about my spiritual gifts?Here are quick descriptions of each spiritual gift as well as companion Bible readings that go along with them. They are listed in alphabetical order. Thanks to Tyndale, Holy Cross Lutheran, and C. Peter Wagner for providing many of these descriptions.
AdministrationThe ability to help steer the church, or a ministry, toward the successful completion of God-given goals, with skills in planning, organization, and supervision.
ApostleshipA person sent to new places with the gospel. You may have heard of missionaries going to different countries to help spread the Word; they could be described as apostles. An apostle can also provide leadership to other churches or ministries and offer advice on spiritual matters.
Communication/MarketingThe unique ability to take a message, project, or event and communicate it effectively to a broad audience using a variety of medium. This person may have gifts in graphic design, editing software, and online tools to be able to maximize the impact.
CraftsmanshipA person who has a trade or craft that they can use for the good of the church. Typically this person enjoys serving with their hands to meet tangible needs and may be described as a “handy” person.
DiscernmentThe wisdom to recognize truth from untruth by correctly evaluating whether a behavior or teaching is from God or another, ungodly source.
EncouragementCompetence in offering encouragement, comfort, and support to help someone be all that God wants them to be.
EvangelismThe ability to successfully communicate the message of the gospel, especially to nonbelievers. They are able to do it in a winsome fashion that men and women become not just believers but followers of Jesus.
FaithPeople with this gift have possess extraordinary confidence in the power and promises of God that they can stand strong in their belief, no matter what may try to shake them. They can also stand up for the church and for their faith in such a way as to defend and move it forward.
GivingThose who have this gift are particularly willing and able to share what resources they have with pleasure, and without the need to see them returned.
Healing/MiraclesA capability used by God to restore others, be that physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. They serve as human intermediaries through whom God performs powerful acts that are perceived by others to have altered the ordinary course of nature.
HospitalityA natural ability to make people—even strangers—feel welcome in one’s own home or church as a means to disciple or serve them.
Interpreting TonguesThe supernatural ability to interpret and make known to the public another language that has not been learned. This interpretation is done for the mutual edification of the church.
KnowledgeThis is the gift of someone who actively pursues knowledge of the Bible. This person may also enjoy analyzing biblical data. They have the ability to discover, accumulate, analyze and clarify information and ideas that are pertinent to the growth and well-being of those in the church.
LeadershipThis aptitude marks a person who is able to stand before a church or a ministry of the church, to direct the body with care and attention, and to motivate them toward achieving the church’s goals.
MercyThis is the defining trait of a person with great sensitivity for those who are suffering. It manifests itself in offering compassion, empathy, and encouragement, for both Christians and non-Christians. That compassion often translates into giving practical help to someone in need.
MissionaryA person with this gift has a heart to share the Gospel in another culture. They work well with colleagues of different racial, cultural, religious, and sociopolitical backgrounds. They are typically willing to sacrifice the comforts of their own environment in order to reach those in another community, culture, or even country.
MusicThis person is able to express their personal faith, provide inspiration and comfort through their music ability. This could come in the form of a musical instrument, singing, or both. When they are involved in music, it provides encouragement, joy, and inspiration to others.
Next GenerationThis person is passionate about reaching the younger generations, students, and/or kids with the Gospel.
PastoringThe Spirit-given ability to nurture and care for God’s people. Many times, this will include being able to use God’s Word to guide others into Christian maturity. This gift could be but is not limited to the office of pastor.
Prayer/IntercessionThe ability to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to prayers to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian. They possess a gift of empathy towards others and believe in the power of God answering prayers.
ProductionThose who have this gift love utilizing technology to bring forth the Gospel in modern ways. They are not intimidated by cameras, computers, lights or cables, but rather see the potential in using these tools for excellent purposes to help grow the church.
ProphecyThe ability to speak the message of God to others. This sometimes involves foresight or visions of what is to come. This skill should be used only to offer encouragement or warning.
Serving/HelpingSomeone with this gift is able to support or assist members of the body of Christ so that they may be free to minister to others. A talent for identifying tasks needed for the body of Christ and using available resources to get the job done.
Speaking in TonguesThe supernatural ability to speak in another language (one that has not been learned) a message from God.
Teaching/PreachingThe skill to teach from the Bible and communicate it effectively for the understanding and spiritual growth of others.
WisdomThe gift of being able to sort through facts and data to discover what needs to be done for individuals or the church. A person with this gift is often sought out for counsel and advice.
The post Discover Your Spiritual Gifts appeared first on Red Letter Living.
