Dean Inserra

“Luther taught that every time you insist that I am a sinner, just so often do you call me to remember the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, upon whose shoulders, and not upon mine, lie all my sins. So, when you say that I am a sinner, you do not terrify, but comfort me immeasurably.”

—Thomas Oden, The Justification Reader (Grand Rapids: Eeerdmans, 2002), 5

It is just after midnight and I am finally home. It was a short trip, but really awesome. I am ready to see Krissie and Tommy. They are sleeping…bummer.

This morning, I heard Craig Groeschel say this: People are going to die and go to hell. When you realize that, you can do things that you used to think you couldn’t do.

Man!

I am ready for a big Sunday at the Well. We must be driven by the FACT that everyone is going to spend eternity somewhere. I cannot think of anything more important.

Matthew, Mike Park, and I had a conversation earlier trying to figure out what makes so many believers not give a crap about those who do not know Christ?

Many believers throw in a “yea, but?” People want to spend time talking about how far is to far, well what about… etc. We call those..EXCUSES. Excuses to help you not be Christlike, but to pretend like you are. Is it possible to be Christlike and not building relationships with unbelievers? Hmmmm.

How far is too far? Sin is too far. It is also Sin not to care about people who need Christ. So…go far to reach people. It is why the Church is here.

I am really looking forward to talking about Religion this Sunday. If you look at the life and ministry of Christ, Religion was one of the very things he despised the most.

Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 2:2 that he “…resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” This meant (and still means) that everything Paul lived and taught was tied to the Cross, the truth of the Gospel.

Religion always travels in the opposite direction of the Cross.

Religious people are more concerned with checklists, categories, comfort, concepts, and personal fulfillment.

The very thought of the Cross brings discomfort to the point where it is written  off (in disguise) as “elementary,” and “not deep enough.”

This is miles away from Paul who would have called the Cross the deepest of the deep.

My prayer, that the cross and resurrection of Christ would set out my priorities, lifestyle, relationships, and ministry.

Religion needs so much more, as our Savior on the cross is not enough.

“Evening Praise,” from Valley of Vision

Giver of all,
Another day is ended
and I take my place beneath
my great Redeemer’s cross,
where healing streams continually descend,
where balm is poured into every wound,
where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood,
assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin.
Yet a little while and I shall go to thy home
and be no more seen;
help me to gird up the loins of my mind,
to quicken my step,
to speed as if each moment were my last,
that my life be joy, my death glory.

I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world—
the refreshing air,
the light of the sun,
the food that renews strength,
the raiment that clothes,
the dwelling that shelters,
the sleep that gives rest,
the starry canopy of night,
the summer breeze,
the flowers’ sweetness,
the music of flowing streams,
the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.
Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort.
My cup runs over.
Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies.
Thy hand bestows blessings:
Thy power averts evil.
I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces,
the full warmth of faith,
the cheering presence of thy Spirit,
the strength of thy restraining will,
thy spiking of hell’s artillery.
Blessed be my sovereign Lord!

I wonder if people in Tallahassee would give up a lot of time and work at odd hours of the night for a family that needed help and wasn’t on Extreme Makeover Home Edition?

I thank God they are in town…but I can’t help but wonder. I think the answer is Yes. Not sure though.