Christmas Scream

In a world where we all crave to "belong", we try so hard to find "our spot". Some people take on the persona of those they want to be accepted by...others change their clothing style, haircuts, the way they talk, the music they listen to, even the food they eat...just to "fit in." In our vain attempts to find "our place", we often become less of who we really are, so that others will accept us...ironic isn't it? Perhaps that is why one of the coolest messages that Christmas screams to us is that "you belong!" God loved us enough that He reached down to each of us, through His Son Jesus, to let us know personally that we are invited. He could have sat up in His heavenlies, kickin back on His throne, watching us peons try to figure this thing out...and maybe, just maybe some of us may "do good enough" to make it into His presence. But instead, He came to earth as one of us, to show us the way. A personal invitation, if you will. In the flesh, He humbled Himself, not only in teaching us personally about the Kingdom of God...but He also made a way for everyone to get there! The bible says "there is no greater love than this, that a person lay down His life for another". Think about it...God sacrificed Himself...so that we can be with Him...because we belong. We were designed by God to spend eternity in relationship with Him. In His great love He layed down His life in the flesh and died, paying the price for each of us. The bible says, "the wages of sin is death"...and Jesus made sure we didn't have to pay that price! God chose to submit to His own penalty, on our behalf, because we belong with Him...not apart from Him. Now the only choice for each of us is...do you trust enough to enter into a relationship with the God who loves you and has made a way. The key to belonging is being willing to belong. The key to finding your place is trusting the One who knows the way. We each have that choice, to take our rightful place... because of Jesus. And that wonderful truth...the fantastic story of the baby in a manger...is where it all begins. And that is worth celebrating! For the bible also says, "that God wills that no one should perish, but would have eternal life". So God's heart is evident in His words and His actions...that we all belong! We belong in eternal relationship with the One who is Love. We belong eternally in a place where there is no more sin, pain, tears or brokenness. We belong at the table...we belong to the family...we have a place. As a hand fits perfectly into the sand, so you fit perfectly in your place that God has prepared for you, in His Kingdom. At ECHO, we hope to create an environment that makes room for everyone...because you "belong." That's God's heart...and it should be ours as well. This isn't just a Christmas thing...it should be an everyday thing...because you do belong...and we are so glad for that!

Merry Jesus Birthday...where your story begins...

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude
ECHO

Thankfully Knowing

We love Thanksgiving in my house, don't you? Lots and lots of great food...turkey...stuffing...cranberry...carrots...yams...mashed potato...gravy...salads...pies...ice cream...hot cider...ahhhh good stuff! Lots of family and friends too...that makes it even better. We usually open up our home to whomever wants to join us. Having lived in a college town, often people can't get home for Thanksgiving...now we live 2,500 miles from relatives so we can relate, so now we welcome whoever would like to join in the feast...the more the merrier. Then top it all off with lots and lots of football. Oh ya, just relax, laugh, tell stories and watch football till we slowly...drift off...to that "oh I ate too much"...nap...zzzzzzzzz. That's our Thanksgiving...sound familiar? Yep...its probably a lot like yours too. It seems that's the typical modern American Thanksgiving (barring a few minor variables). Yet the first Thanksgiving was quite different really. We seem to depict it as if it was almost like what we do today...except with a few Indians and pilgrims thrown in...but it wasn't. In 1621 life in America was very different. No grocery stores. No Walmart Super Centers with an abundance of cheap, affordable food. No wealth to speak of. No cities or established communities anywhere near what we have today. Life in 1621 was about survival. People farmed and hunted to survive. Remember people came to America to escape religious and government persecution. They desired freedom...and were willing to risk it all to have a shot at it. Not a guarantee of it...just a shot at it. Thankfully, for us, they succeeded. But for this first group of settlers, having enough of a harvest to survive the harsh winter was a big deal. Without it they die and the dream ends. But with the help of local Indians teaching them techniques to grow crops in this new land, along with the resources these settlers brought from Europe... together, the harvest was plentiful. Not plentiful, as in cook it all up and eat too much, till you fall asleep on the couch. But plentiful as in store the food after its been gathered...and be careful, even very moderate in using it properly...to ensure you make it through the winter. In fact, history tells us, this first Thanksgiving was not so much a "feast" of gluttonous proportions, as it was a day of quiet, thankful, worship to God. Most of the day was in prayerful solitude. These pilgrims knew without God's provision and protection they wouldn't survive. The cold, harsh winter would take its toll if their harvest wasn't sufficient. Their hearts were overwhelmed with gratitude. It wasn't a wild, loud party of celebrating till you puke. It was a day of prayer, worship and hearts of gratitude toward God...that happened to end in a meal...a modest meal...a meal of Thanksgiving. At ECHO, we know how easy it is look at history through the eyes of our current culture, and sometimes miss the essence of the moment. Isn't it weird how "our" Thanksgiving is a day of eat till you drop, over abundance...with a token prayer of thanksgiving thrown in. While the pilgrims Thanksgiving was a day of reflection, prayer and quiet gratefulness...with a moderate meal added in to seal the deal. Somehow we miss that part of "thanksgiving day". In America we do the same with most holidays. We can often miss the significance of Christmas, the 4th of July, Easter...and yes even Thanksgiving. Other cultures have faced the same dementia. The biblical era Hebrews often had celebrations to commemorate very significant things, usually tied to God and their nations history...yet often the scriptures tell us of their absent mindedness. Often the rituals of celebration had lost their meaning...and the party became the focus, rather than the celebration being about the significance and meaning they were reminded of in that moment...or holiday...or ritual. Unfortunately, we too often...do the same...I suppose its part of the human condition...this type of memory loss. But at ECHO, we hope to intentionally re-focus our minds and hearts on the foundational things God has done...and appropriately celebrate them! It's good to celebrate authentically. But not good to celebrate simply for the sake of the party. In that is a distinct hollowness...one that God would hope we would avoid. At ECHO, we hope to encourage all of us to avoid it also...because if we do...there is a lot to be thankful for!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude
ECHO

WWJV (What Would Jesus Vote)?

It is almost "Election Day" again, and they say our destiny rests in the hands of millions of "we the people".  Yet I wonder?  You see I was recently reading an interesting article the other day about Russia and the Communist Stalin era. It was accompanied by a photo of a government building with a statue of Stalin as seen through a bullet ridden window. A cool photo...which is also very symbolic of a broken political system. While it may have begun with good intentions...it reaped far more destruction than benefit...as history has revealed. I say this to lead into a topic this blog is not intended to be "about"...politics. In particular, American politics. Very specifically, how Christians should respond in the midst of American politics. Now let's be honest we have very different views as believers on how Christians should live out their political opinions. On one hand, the conservative, traditional, more fundamentalist side would project itself as the 'republican' side of Christianity. On the other hand, some would suggest the more "open minded" believer would be 'democratic'. Many in the emergent, postmodern movements of Christendom would backlash versus the 'republican' stereo type by simply being 'democratic' as an alternative reaction "against" the abuses of the 'republican right' concepts prevalent in American culture. Now politics is interesting to discuss and debate, but let's face it...American politics is very corrupt and manipulative. Most citizens don't really "know" what they are voting on...and don't have the time to research and vote wisely. Most vote based on "sound bites" and "image". A majority of voters in America (which is usually less than half of the population by the way) make major decisions without really "knowing"...unless seeing commercials and tabloids equals "knowing" to you? Now, I'm not being "anti" American here...I'm just being humbly honest...America is an imperfect thing, run by imperfect people, swayed all too easily by the wrong things. In my life time, especially during the last 20+ years, since the early 90's when it specifically got worse...there has been an escalation in impropriety in campaigns. It used to be accepted protocol for instance, that a former President "would never" criticize a sitting President. This protocol was done in the spirit of respecting the office and the country as a whole. Today that protocol is out the window...and we are not better for it. Losing "respect" for authority, even those we disagree with, is not healthy...nor biblical. It also used to be off limits for anyone to go after a candidates family...spouse... and especially their kids. That "respect" has been off the table for a long time, and I would suggest, that many a good candidate has "not" run for office based on the crap their family would have to go through...and that does not strengthen America...it weakens us as a country and as a culture. We live in an era when rumors, gossip, half truths and flat out lies get floated in the media to undermine opponents. Every campaign does it. Every party does it. The bigger the campaign, the bigger the sh** that flies. Then the pattern is...the candidate of the party that is the "source of crap flying"...will step up publicly and proclaim the "high road" of condemning "whoever" says such things and declare those things as inappropriate. But as both parties have learned, it's a win-win when this is done. You get to float "rumor, lies, and half truths" into the public discussion...while also looking noble by saying, "I do not condone this type of politics". You undermine your opponent while also making yourself look noble and "above the fray". This tactic has accelerated over the last 20 years, and its too bad. What's worse is, it works. It works, because most people vote on these "sound bites" even if they are fabricated... twisted...or half truths. Both Democrats and Republicans do it...so I'm not taking sides here...but it stinks. The integrity of American politics on a "marketing & journalistic" level is so below the belt...it lacks integrity, respect & honor. No wonder other countries are losing more and more respect for us...we don't even respect our own! OK, politics is a messy subject...and I haven't even gotten into the money behind the scenes that manipulates both parties agendas...and has polluted the judgement of far too many "public servants?" Let's face it, most politicians live far better lifestyles than you and me...most Senators, Congressmen & Governors are millionaires plus. So let's not pretend "money" isn't in play here. So as followers of Jesus what do we do? Is Jesus a Republican dude? Is Jesus some kind of Democratic guy? Maybe He's a Libertarian or Green Party or Independent? As followers of Jesus our agenda should be the Kingdom of God. God says we belong to His Kingdom...not of this world. So if the "King" lives in our hearts...and we "serve Him"...then His rule trumps all else! I would suggest that American Freedom is a far cry from the Freedom Jesus provides. American freedom has degenerated into a freedom without responsibility...a "do as you please, you can't stop me" kind of freedom. I would suggest that God's definition is very different, and if we serve Him then we better filter our "American Freedom" through God's Kingdom's Freedom. God makes it clear that freedom has responsibility attached to it. We are all given a "free will", the right to choose, even a right to choose selfishly or wrongly or even to our own detriment. But freedom is not absent from responsibility. The choice is clear biblically, you choose your own way, and you are responsible...you choose God's way, and He is responsible. But either way, someone is responsible. Now God chose to be responsible because of His desire for relationship with us, and after all He is the Ruler of His Kingdom, so all who choose to walk in His Kingdom ways are under the covering of His authority. Of course not all choose God's ways...they'd rather go with "their ways"...in that opinion...in that choice...in that freedom... comes a responsibility (good or bad). I would suggest that as citizens of the Kingdom of God then we should look at who we vote for, or what agenda's we support, in light of God's Kingdom. What does He say is consistent with His Kingdom. It will not be one party over another. I've lived long enough to know that as polluted as our government and political systems are, it would be hard to find any one candidate that is totally in sync with God's Kingdom 100%...but I'm running them through that filter anyway. Because God's ideals are more important than any candidates or party. As a follower of Jesus we should honestly look at the issues at hand in light of God's Kingdom... prayerfully consider complex issues like poverty, abortion, war, capitalism, taxes, global warming, education, law enforcement, the economy etc... in light of God's values...not your own. As subjects of God's Kingdom, we should align ourselves with Godly principles...not our party...nor our favorite candidate. It's a sad failure of many followers of Jesus to not honestly assess their politics in light of God's Kingdom. This is hard, and often complex. For instance it's easy to say God hates war because "killing is sin"...but what about the many biblical accounts of how God used war to rid evil and expand righteousness. Many love the passive, peace keeping images of Jesus...but forget that in the end of time, Jesus leads an army to defend His people versus the armies of the world that attack. History ends in an epic battle that Jesus is in!!! The issue of war is complicated, its emotional, and yes we don't have enough info to really know most of the facts (as common citizens we are usually in the dark dependent on sound bite media)...but its not as simplistic as "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" Is war right or wrong? Biblically, the answer is "sometimes yes and sometimes no". History would say the same as we look back in hind sight. There is a lot of biblical and prayerful reflection in seeking the heart of God on this matter and many others. Is capitalism "at all costs" biblical? In America it is, but isn't it also got a strong propensity towards selfishness and greed? How much is enough? Should we take advantage to get ahead? When are we as American's comfortable enough? Is the goal even comfort? The bible would suggest it all belongs to God, and we have the responsibility to steward it well. We are asked by God to use it appropriately, within a Kingdom concept...not necessarily a western capitalistic concept. Are we building our kingdom or God's Kingdom? Perhaps that is a better core question to ask. Global Warming? Interesting fact, while earth has risen a fraction of a degree over the last 20 years, Mars has risen by over 9 degrees, so apparently our green house gases are raising the temperature on Mars too? (I say, sarcastically) Actually, sun spot activity is the likely culprit in Mars case, but on earth? First off the science is all over the place on whether its happening or not. Some say we actually have just ended a warming phase, and now may enter another cooling cycle, some go as far as saying "ice age". That's funny because in the 70's that was what we were taught, that we were entering an ice age, because the earths temperatures were dropping. Now in the 90's and new millennium we're warming again, perhaps only to enter another ice age to come? Once again, few of us "know enough" to get beyond media soundbites...but the core question really is...are we being responsible? God clearly gave us this planet...He said it was for our pleasure & provision. The resources here are for our use...but when is the use of those resources wasteful? That really is the question...once again a question of stewardship or "responsibility". I really don't have a horse in this race, but I do have to constantly ask my self...to filter my opinions through God's opinions...or else I'm floating down the wrong river. Are people wasteful?...yep. Are people irresponsible?...yep. Are people selfish?...yep. What would God's Kingdom suggest we do with all that? Are we to become "like god" and try and control it all somehow in a feeble attempt to preserve whatever "we think" is necessary...or are we to preserve Kingdom values in how we steward what God has given us? I suggest that is the real question. Don't get me wrong, God cares about our human condition very much, but His ways are not like our ways...and the key as followers of Jesus, is not one party or another...not one candidate over another...they are all flawed...but if His people really pray, and consider Kingdom values honestly, then we can function as we should as citizens of the Kingdom of God first...who also happen to be Americans. If we get that backward, we'll continue to see the cracks of a broken political system grow and more and more get wounded in the process. Let's be honest, even American politics is broken whenever it strays from God's ways. We should never set aside God's Kingdom in favor of our own or our favorite parties. As followers of Jesus we should lean on His Truth, His Way and His Wisdom. At ECHO we are not a Republican thing...nor a Democratic thing...we are a Kingdom of God thing. The Kingdom of God is at hand, Jesus said, so as we learn to be as close to Him... learning His ways, values and principles...while trusting His rulership...we can learn to expand His Kingdom (rather than our own). Join us as we learn to honestly filter our life (even our politics) through the Kingdom of God...so that there may be more of Jesus and less of "us" in our culture. Discussing it all is challenging... opinions are ingrained in most of us...but challenging each other to go deeper than "our" opinion to God's Kingdom's ways...now, that's really where truth is discovered. Now I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in a lie...swayed by the latest tabloid or soundbite...as some kind of fool...I want the truth...and that's found only within the context of God's Kingdom. Can we challenge each other more based on God's opinion...rather than our own? At ECHO we desire to do just that. It's a wild, fun, crazy, messy ride...but one worth living.

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude
ECHO

Paradox

Paradox. Two things that don't seem to go together. They seem out of place when united. They don't fit when in the same sentence or thought. We see them if life all the time. It creates a tension. It gets our attention. We notice that there is a disconnect here. It troubles us. It confuses us. It gets our eye or ear for all the wrong reasons. I think we see paradox often in how God's love is spoken of...and in how we depict Him. God is defined as Love...yet is often depicted as a cruel ruler, sitting on His throne, watching the innocent suffer. He is described as a Father who treasures His children. Yet, He is often seen as the One in whom you'd better please...or you're toast...quite literally, burnt toast! God is powerful. Yes, He rules the universe He created. Yes, He made the rules & systems we try to live within. Yes, He holds our very breath... even our eternity in His hands. But why, oh why, have we reduced Him to tyrant? The bible says, "His loving kindness leads us to repentance". Not that our fear of Him, leads us to repentance. Yet, we often use fear as a weapon to draw people into God's arms? Huh? What are we thinking? We see God's loving kindness displayed most perfectly in Jesus. He didn't come as a King to rule, though He had the authority to do so. He came as a child, who would grow into a servant, a man who would ultimately lay down His own life for those He loves. Loving kindness in action. He treated the outcast, the sinner, and the overlooked with the utmost respect and dignity. He loved first. Shouldn't we? At ECHO we see Jesus loving kindness as our model...our heart to emulate. Repentance is a word we don't like. It implies guilt doesn't it? It says I did something wrong and I need to admit it. Man, I hate when that happens. But why? Is it because I am afraid of a God I have let down? Am I afraid of a God that's ticked off at me? Or perhaps, if I take a close look at God's heart, I see a kind heart, one that desires to be in relationship with me, in spite of my mess. If I look closely, I will see a heart in Jesus that desires to forgive. A heart that makes "repentance" easy. One that simply says, "turn from that...and come towards Me...I love you!" Our heart at ECHO is to point people towards that invitation...to come close to the God that oozes loving kindness...and makes turning from our own ways...so much easier. That is God's heart...and Jesus was exhibit #1... may His people be exhibit #2!

be God's!
Brian O 
Lead Pastor dude
ECHO
Tyler, Texas

Strong Love

Your Love Is Strong

lyric by Jon Foreman (Switchfoot)

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Our God in heaven
Hallowed be
Thy name above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us wicked sinners
Lead us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons

be God's!

Brian O

ECHO

Lead Pastor dude

Friends Community Church

Tyler, Texas

The Spam Gospel?

I once visited Austin, Minnesota to visit a friend, and lo and behold I discovered the Spam Factory was there! What an interesting surprise. I knew of Spam...yes, even tasted it...but to now be in the shadows of the actual factory that produces the product...now that was something. What I discovered, was much like the old Oscar Meyer Wiener Mobile...Spam had its own vehicle...a box truck...shaped appropriately like a can of Spam. How cool is that? Interesting the promotional ideas companies come up with. Some brilliant. Some not so much. The Spam truck was cool...as was the factory. I remember being at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2006 and seeing a Harley looking t-shirt that read "Austin, Minnesota, where all good hogs go to die", Spam Factory 2006. That was brilliant...I wanted one. They were only available at the Spam Factory. They were all sold out. Bummer! In spite of the brilliance of Spam's Sturgis t-shirt, and the Spam Mobile...it still doesn't change the biggest question. "What exactly is 'in' Spam?" In spite of the brilliance of the external marketing that peaked my interest...eventually I had to deal with... "what in the heck is this stuff?" and "Would I dare buy it and eat it?" It reminds me of how we often live in church circles and perhaps how we tend live as humans in general. We know that what's "inside" is of the most importance...yet we often gravitate to the "external". In church, the environment for people to experience God and to experience love from others in a godly way, is clearly the mandate scripturally. Yet we spend more time and energy and resources on "how things look". Most churches are mostly focused on where they are located...is it a high traffic area...is it in the "right" part of town...does it look impressive...etc? Most churches worry more about how long the service is...the style of music...the performance of said music...the length of sermon time...the lighting...the videos...the techie stuff to look cool...even stuff like coffee...artwork...dress codes etc...? The assumption is "if" we position ourselves properly and look good enough and perform well enough...people will pour in the doors. Huh? We are so driven by this external focus, we often miss whats most important, the internal. Do we spend as much time, energy and resources on cooperating with God's Spirit to have a spiritual environment where people can genuinely gather and experience God in community? Do we spend as much time, energy and resources on considering how we may be able to create an environment where people can actually connect relationally in an authentic way...so that the love of God may actually flow from one person to another? How often do we focus on and consider these "core" internal things that should drive our churches? I believe if people experienced an authentic encounter with God...and were surrounded by godly loving people that really would journey with them through life...I believe you could not keep people away from that church! Even if it was in an old dusty warehouse somewhere...people would be looking for that place! People would be enthusiastically bringing there friends and work associates and neighbors! Not bringing them because they hope they will be impressed by the "show" or the "building"...but because they knew the environment had so much God stuff going on that there was a good chance their friend may experience God and His love through His people gathering. Funny, we as individuals, tend to gravitate to the same thing. It seems we like to focus on the "external" aspects of who we are (or seem to be)...way more than we focus on the "internal" aspects of who "we really are". Its a human tendency I suppose. Its this thing in us to gravitate towards "performance" over "being". Its easier to look good, dress right, drive the right car and develop "status" ...than it is to be kind, forgiving, generous, sacrificial in serving others needs over your own and other godly qualities. The bible says that it is the "Spirit of God working in us" that produces these godly qualities...not what we do by self will. Yet we gravitate to what "we can do"...perform to impress or attract. As churches we do the same thing. Its easier to have an impressive building or put on a good "Sunday show" than it is to cooperate with God's Spirit in loving others in an authentic way. Its easier to have a tight hour and a half performance with God stuff sprinkled in...than it is to experience God's Spirit touching lives in a deeply personal way. Its easier to serve coffee, have a greeter open the door with a smile, and shake hands after the second song...than it is to actually share your life with another and journey with them through the messiness of life, as you build authentic relationship together. Why do we gravitate to the "external" so easily? Why do I do it too? Is it to avoid dealing with the "internal"? Is it because we feel like we can control the external? Is it because we fear surrendering the "internal" into God's control? Maybe we'd rather depend on us more than God? We hate trying to perform and be good enough...yet we tend to go that direction...as individuals...and as churches. At FRIENDS we realize how easy it is to "do church"...actually, to "do the mechanics of church"...yet often miss the core, essential, internal things that God desires His church...His people...to be. We gather to explore...and experience God together. We gather to share life...to really share life with each other. This requires patience, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, acceptance, and love. All things people crave. All things God desires His people to share. These are the internal things that drive people deeper into relationships with God...and with His people. Without it we may as well being selling Spam...cool factory building...cool truck... nothing of substance on the inside. Once people discover that...they won't be back for more. At FRIENDS, we hope to be a people of substance...godly substance...not settling for performance based church. But allowing God's Spirit to build within us something that truly is life transforming for us...and those we come in contact with! Trusting and cooperating with God's Spirit to do within us and through us...what we could not do on our own. Join with us on this journey...its a harder road...but well worth it...for everyone concerned :)

.

be God's!

Brian O
ECHO

Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

See What Love Has Done

Window In The Skies

The shackles are undone
The bullets quit the gun
The heat that's in the sun
Will keep us when there's none
The rule has been disproved
The stone it has been moved
The grave is now a groove
All debts are removed

Oh can't you see what love has done?
Oh can't you see what love has done?
Oh can't you see what love has done?
What it's done to me?

Love makes strange enemies
Makes love where love may please
The soul and its striptease
Hate brought to its knees
The sky over our head
We can reach it from our bed
You let me in your heart
And out of my head, head

Oh can't you see what love has done?
Oh can't you see what love has done?
Oh can't you see what love has done?
What it's done to me?

Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Please don't ever let me out of you

I've got no shame, oh no, oh no

Oh can't you see what love has done?
Oh can't you see?
Oh can't you see what love has done?
What it's doing to me?

I know I hurt you and I made you cry
Did everything but murder you and I
But love left a window in the skies
And to love I rhapsodize
To every broken heart
For every heart that cries
Love left a window in the skies
And to love I rhapsodize

Oh can't you see what love has done?
Oh can't you see?
Oh can't you see what love has done?
What it's doing to me?

lyrics by U2

be God's!

Brian O
ECHO

Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Jesus As He Is...

We live in a world where many things are being “revised”. We often hear of “revisionist history” where historical events are “re-told” with a new “slant” or “agenda” attached. It’s kinda like a fisherman’s fishing story where the fish keeps getting bigger & bigger with every telling. The story gets embellished with more and more incredible feats of super human fishing prowess and sensationalism. It makes for a good story, but not for a good report on what really happened. Our culture has many revisionist tendency’s within our generation where history, politics, science, WW2, the Holocaust, and even our Constitution are being redefined. Unfortunately each comes with a bias. It’s kind of like a counseling session with a married couple on the rocks. If you speak to one person you are swayed to their point of view. When you talk to the other person, you are often swayed back towards the others view. If you keep talking to them “one at a time” you will most likely bounce back & forth in the view point you are holding to. That is why a good counselor may begin with speaking to the parties alone, at first. But they will always bring both people into the same room for the same conversation in order to get a better picture of what’s really going on. For the most part, the “truth” is usually somewhere in between the two extremes…that’s usually where the reality you are dealing with lives…and then you can begin to tackle the issues at hand. Now history, for example, is not an opinion poll…it is factual. Of course we all can pick and choose the “facts” that support our view point…just like a fighting couple can. But in order to discover the truth of any thing, including God, we need to avoid the trap of “redefining”, based on our preferences, viewpoints or bias. Culturally this happens on the news, in politics, in the classroom and in life in general, all the time. But when it comes to Jesus…it is dangerous to “redefine” Him. He is who He says He is. Jesus has been redefined more than once in history and all it does is sway people away from the reality of who He really is. Humorously, in the news recently, it became a “talking point” to say “Jesus was a Community Organizer”. Well, actually He wasn’t. Jesus never “organized” a community anything. He was not on the PTA, He never opened a Soup Kitchen, He didn’t start loan programs for the underprivileged, He didn’t work for the Tyler Food Bank, He wasn’t a Coach for the local softball team. He was the deliverer of the Kingdom of God as seen in the actions of a compassionate, humble, powerful servant to the broken. He was about transforming lives…not organizing communities. Yet we all know in this case, a political agenda “stretched” Jesus into some kind of “community organizer role”…which is clearly not who He was as defined in the bible. Religions have done the same thing…Mormons would say Jesus is the brother of Lucifer…Muslims would say He was a prophet…Jews would say He was trouble maker, some even might say He was a blasphemer of their God…Hindu’s would say He was one who gained “christ consciousness”…Buddhists claim He is an enlighten one. Some people may say He was just a good man. Some would say He was some kind of delusional, crazy guy who “thought he was god”. Others may think He was a scheming liar with some devious agenda. Yet in the end, we need to clear the air some, in order to get a glimpse of who Jesus really was…IF we really want to explore this history changing character. Both biblical and historical evidence points to overwhelming evidence that Jesus indeed did exist and impacted His followers to such a degree they were willing to die for His cause. Their spreading of His message has lasted for 2,000 years and has impacted billions of people. A ragtag bunch of 12 fishermen & farmers, shook up the world…including the mighty Roman Empire. That is historical, biblical and scientific fact. The evidence is overwhelming…in spite of revisionist attempts to minimize those facts. Does that make Jesus God? No, not necessarily, but it does point out that He is probably worth checking out some…especially, if He is who He says He is. Did Jesus say He was God or did His followers just cook up this scheme for some reason? Some ask this question. Fair enough. The bible says Jesus claimed to be God. Clearly the Jewish religious leaders believed He claimed to be God…because that was why they crucified Him. Jewish historical writings, and Roman history tells us that much. Clearly His followers believed He was who He claimed to be, to the point of martyrdom. History shows us that “not one” of Jesus followers ever denied He was God…even to save his butt from torture and death. Believe you me…if any one of them had just said, “oh man…we were just BS-ing you guys…none of that’s true…we just did it for the power or money or…?” If that happened, surely somewhere in Jewish, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, European or Middle Eastern history it would have been recorded and made known…but it hasn’t. Does that make Jesus God…no, not necessarily…but its another reason to make Jesus worth checking out some. Well, what if the bible was manipulated to make it appear Jesus was who it says He was? Well, first off, the bible has been more researched scientifically, archaeologically, and linguistically more than ANY book in human history. We know it pretty well and have multiple written copies closer to the time of Jesus life than ANY of the world’s most reputed books. We have more copies of ancient texts of the bible, closer to the time of Jesus, than we do of Homer’s “Iliad and the Odyssey” for example. We know the places and people groups of the bible did exist and the historical events listed overwhelming “did occur”. The entire Old Testament, has been written and passed from generation to generation within Judaism for thousands of years…so when Jesus refers to the Old Testament writings and prophets, it is well documented what they said, and the accuracy of what He was referring to. It is important to note that the Old Testament is part of the bible, yet the Jewish people do not believe Jesus is the Messiah their scriptures had foretold…so they are not biased “for” Jesus…perhaps it could even be said, they are more likely, as a people, to be biased “away” from Jesus. Yet those very Old Testament scriptures also point towards Jesus and the accuracy of His claims. The scriptures are a worthy source to investigate in our search for the real Jesus. We know this from biblical research as well as historical research from other cultures…Assyrian, Babylonian, Roman, Egyptian, Greek & Jewish history for example. We have evidence that the people, places and events in the bible did exist and were real. Does that make Jesus God? No not necessarily, but it does point to that fact, that the bible is worth exploring if you really want to define Jesus as He really is. It is important to realize that the Jewish people have hundreds of prophecy’s that they claim refer to their Messiah. They are in the Old Testament written hundreds and even thousands of years before Jesus was born. They were NOT written after Jesus was born. The Jewish people still hold to those scriptures. That is further evidence something incredible happened with this dude named Jesus. It is mathematically impossible to “accidentally” fulfill even 10 of these prophecies, statisticians say. Many are impossible to “make happen”…like what your family lineage is, or where you are born. But Jesus fulfilled them all. The odds are so astronomical of that happening, it has to be a miracle of Godly proportions. Does that make Jesus God? No…but we’re getting pretty darn close. It definitely would call for a very close examination, if you want to really know who He really was. Any sincere searcher of truth would have to admit…”hmmm, something’s going on here”. Now, probably the biggest “kicker” here in this exploration of the real Jesus is the claim He rose from the dead after He was crucified. Some write that off as a fairy tale of religious proportions…but history tells us something very different. First Jesus was crucified because “he claimed to be God”…that is important to remember. The Jewish people rallied around their religious leaders who claimed Jesus was a blasphemer for such a claim. During Jesus trial and upon His death, all His followers ran and hid from those very same religious leaders fearing that they could be next. Then 3 days after Jesus died and was buried, something happened. Now history says that the tomb had a multi ton stone rolled in front of the cave tomb opening, cut into solid stone. It was guarded by Roman soldiers to “prevent Jesus body from being stolen”, because they had heard claims that He may rise from the dead in 3 days. These soldiers risked death if they abandoned their post, or fell asleep in their duties. That was the Roman way of that time. Yet something happened. As Jesus followers cowered in fear hiding, a couple brave women went to attend to the body with the usual burial spices, as was their tradition. When they arrived, the stone was rolled back…and Jesus body was gone. He then appeared to them and asked them to tell the “hiding disciples” that He was risen from the dead. It should be interesting to note, that in this time of Jewish culture, the testimony of a woman was considered worthless…so if you were “making this story up”…that detail would be seen as an invalidating error. Yet shortly after being told by the women, that Jesus rose…and the “hiding ones” doubted He had…something happened. Jesus appeared to them, and over several weeks, He appeared to over 500 people. Suddenly, all these cowering followers of Jesus, were willing to risk death and appear on roof tops proclaiming the message that Jesus had indeed proven He was God, and had proven His power over sin AND death! Not one follower of Jesus ever recanted. Most died horrible, martyrs deaths…yet not one denied the claim. And this bunch of “cowards” spread the message of the Kingdom of God as taught by Jesus throughout the Middle East & the Roman Empire. Something definitely happened! The affects of this bunch of people not only changed the mightiest Empire in that era, the Roman Empire, but multiple Empires since, and billions of people to this day. Why? Cause, no one has done the public death…resurrection deal…before. Whoa, now we're in uncharted territory...no one has pulled that one off before! Does that make Jesus God? Hey, it's worth at least a serious look, don't cha think? With an honest heart, Friends wants to journey with you as you explore this person named Jesus. We want to create a safe environment where you can ask those questions and explore Jesus “as He really is” on your journey for Truth. The same Jesus that history, archeology, linguistics and multiple cultural evidences reinforce…this Jesus who is God in the flesh. That, my friends…is worth exploring. Because if He was and is…then that’s a deal changer…for each of us! And that is worth exploring…

Be God’s!

Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Fingerprints

Wow, is there a few too many CSI shows on TV or what? Now I enjoy watching them as much as the next guy (or gal)...but how many are there? There must be at least a half dozen of them! I'm half expecting CSI Tyler, Texas any day now! The "Crime Scene Investigation" thing is pretty cool. It's interesting to watch the clues come together to each episode's crime. The science of gathering evidence is very fascinating...amazing really. I suppose most of us didn't know the intricate details involved. It's really cool how they find DNA or fingerprints in the most unusual ways and rarely are these "clues" not present. This type of evidence is unique and points to a specific person every time, usually the one responsible. I suppose that's why we are so fascinated with CSI shows, even if there are way too many of them on TV. I believe, in a spiritual sense, God has left some clues for us as well. When we encounter certain things, we know deep down in our soul that it resonates of God. It's a moment when us humans realize we just stepped into a "God thing"...something bigger than us. Something mysterious, yet tangible somehow. The Bible says we have been created in "God's image"...His DNA is in us, so to speak. Whether one, believes in God or not, is inconsequential, because deep within the human spirit, deep within our soul, there is a God deposit of some sort. That's why we often see the "fingerprints of God" in people regardless of whether or not they are believers. When we see these "fingerprints", these God things in nature or in other people, our souls DNA chimes in...it feels so right...it satisfies. We want more of it, don't we? As I look at the bible a few Godly fingerprints come to mind, for example. The most obvious is love. "God is love", the bible says. Perfect love is God. When we see love in action or experience it within us...ohhhh it feels so right! Cause God made us to crave it & recognize it when we encounter it. Another example that comes to mind is the "give first" mentality. We hate that self serving thing...that selfish thing...that ego-pride thing we often see, don't we? But when we encounter people who give first, with no strings attached...well that generous, thoughtful heart seems so right on, doesn't it? Well it should, it's a Godly quality...He is a give first type of God...it's got His fingerprints all over it! He gives each of us countless blessings...before we have responded to Him in any way. He gave us life, regardless of how we choose to live it out. In fact, Jesus died on the cross to pave the way for each of us, while "we were yet sinners", the bible says. "God gave His only Son...so that whomever should believe would not perish, but have eternal life" John 3:16 reminds us. Another God print in us, is the desire for "truth". We all crave it don't we? We want the truth. We seek after the truth. We don't want lies... deception...half truths...we want the truth. When people are truthful, wow how we love that! The bible says the "truth will set us free". Most of us would agree, even when that truth hurts some. Jesus said He is the "truth", that's how much God is into truth...once again His fingerprints are all over that...and we love it when we encounter truth don't we! Beauty...awe...wonder...ahhh we love these things don't we? God seems to speak to us deep within our souls through these things doesn't He? When we experience these moments, we hear God whisper, and its very cool, isn't it? Creativity...how we admire it. We love to create in our own way. We love to see others create. We love to see whats been created by human hands or in the wonders of nature. But that sense we have deep down...when we see an awesome sunset...an incredible flower...a soaring eagle...a cute, cuddly, giggling baby...a fascinating painting...an interesting sculpture...hear a heart felt song...read a poem that connects... discover an incredible invention...Wow, we love it! It's got a taste of heaven doesn't it? It's got God's fingerprints all over it! That's so cool! At Friends, we hope to be people that discovers more & more of God's fingerprints in the world around us and in the people around us. We believe God reveals Himself in these things, and in so many more "fingerprints". This is just a few random thoughts on a handful of common "fingerprints" God has left all around us. We believe they resonate within each of us, because of that Godly DNA deposited deep within every person...that "created in God's image" stuff. When we encounter these "clues"... these "fingerprints"...we have a sense of where they come from...who's responsible for them! I believe it's God's way of drawing us toward Himself...and recognizing what He has deposited within our world and in people. It's clues designed to point us toward Him...and He's left them very intentionally. He's crazy about you...He loves you & I so much...so we might as well get used to it! Join us, as we take time to listen...take time to observe...take time to notice...take time to feel...take time to experience... these "fingerprints of God" all around us, each and every day...in each and every person...in more situations than we often recognize...in the hope we all grow closer to the God that's responsible for them and get a glimpse of His heart of love for each of us! Now that's something worth looking for!

be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

What if it "is" as it "was"...?

In Canada there is this interesting sculpture of an upside down church. It's pretty well known, and though I do not necessarily know the artists intent with this piece of art...I know it brings several thoughts to my mind...how about yours? It first brought me back to the time just after Jesus walked the earth...when a group of ragtag fishermen & farmers (for the most part), along with a few hundred fellow followers of Jesus...turned the world upside down! When you think about it, it really is quite amazing. Here we are 2,000 years later, and the message this bunch spread of God's Kingdom, has reached close to 90% of the world's population...now that's amazing! Even within a few hundred years after Jesus, the world's most powerful Empire was dramatically changed for all of history to see...The Roman Empire! History, archeology, and science shows us that the most powerful Empire in the world, was radically altered by this rag tag bunch sharing the message of God's Kingdom as taught by Jesus. They say, it literally turned the world upside down! That's not just amazing...it's downright miraculous! It would seem to have God's fingerprints all over it...because nothing else seems to be a reasonable explanation for this phenomena. Now here we are 2,000 years later, and I wonder... "What if...?" What if our churches got back to the simplicity and passion of those early years? Obviously God was doing something there, why have we strayed so far from it? What if the love we expressed through our churches was so overwhelming evident & real, that people were drawn to it? What if churches used their resources like the early churches did? Would more people see Jesus in that? Would more people see "grace with skin on" in how we live and function with each other...and with them? Maybe, this time, we need our churches to be turned upside! 2,000 years ago the followers of Jesus flipped the world on its head. Perhaps now its time for God to stir us, to flip ourselves on our own heads? Perhaps we have focused so much on marketing, programs & fancy buildings...not realizing that our appearances do not transform lives. In fact, some of those things appear very "unattractive" to the very people we hope to reach. But "what if" we cared more about people than buildings & programs. What if authentic relationships (as messy as they often are) were more important than our "image" and "appearances"? What if we used our resources much like the early followers of Jesus did? The New Testament shows us 3 main areas that financial resources & possessions were used by the early followers of Jesus: to support those who taught the scriptures (i.e. pastors); meet the needs of those within the church family; and also meet the needs of the community around them (i.e. orphans, widows, the poor, the fatherless, the sick, the imprisoned, the downtrodden etc...) Today we do seem to support our pastors (to a degree, depending on the church); yet rarely are we known to take care of the needs within our church families, and the greater community we live in. If we do, it is a very small percentage of our budgets...far less than say our "marketing" or "building funds" would suggest...and there is something seriously wrong with that picture isn't it? Perhaps this is why the early followers of Jesus caught the attention of those around them..."see how much they love each other" the bible says. When is the last time you heard that type of comment about a church or Christian? At FRIENDS, we believe it's time to turn the "church" upside down, and shake out some of the crap that has been weighing us down...even hampering our ability to become the people God has designed us to be. We are called to "re-present Jesus" to our world...we are the "body", the picture of Jesus that people see. It is a huge responsibility, that needs to be free from personal agendas, wrong motives, distorted concepts and self serving methods...it's time to re-examine what God has originally called His followers to be... individually...and collectively as church families. We need to allow Him to flip us upside down, and shake it out of us, if necessary. What if we allowed that to happen? What if we became more like those crazy, passionate, Jesus loving freaks of the early church? What if we radically dared to loved people...no matter who or what... the way Jesus does? What if we actually became the kind of people that oozed Jesus likeness to the point...that people were actually drawn into the Kingdom? What if it "is" now...as it "was" then? How it is supposed to be...


be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

OK Monet

Is that the hills under your fingernail

The tempest and the hurricane

The clouds to come beneath your breath

Did you introduce the night to day

Orion with the Milky way

And all the stars on your rolodex

Well you carve and you smash,

what you paint you call trash

Man you must have something to say

Sweat falls to the plate,

the burden to create

All your colors washed, inspiration lost

Yeah, sure, OK, Monet

There's nothing new in the world (ha, na, na, na,)

There's nothing new in the world (hey...)

Was that the roses knocking at your door

Asking how tall that they should grow

Well, if it was give them my best

Is that a lightning bolt back in your coat

A fist of hail for rainy days

A tidal wave in your coffee cup

Well you reach down deep,

and find nothing unique

Truth is getting so hard to paint

Just chasing the wind,

no place to begin

Mister, you're not the first

Try working with dirt

Yeah sure OK Monet

There's nothing new in the world (ha, na, na, na,)

There's nothing new in the world (hey...)

Another empty canvas

Tuesday Howling Wolf is on the LP

But even he can't prime this poets pump

The agony and the ecstasy

The tension and the sweet release

Did you know you were looking for Me

There's nothing new in the world (ha, na, na, na)

There's nothing new in the world (hey...)

lyrics by The Dime Store Prophets

be God's!

Brian O
ECHO

Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

The Why?

Have you ever been around young kids...especially pre-schoolers or early grade school kids? They do something that many of us have forgotten to do. They do something that we often don't like...yet it is so healthy. They do something that we often discourage, yet, I believe Jesus would encourage. You see, Jesus said that we needed to become like little children to enter into the Kingdom of God. Perhaps this is one area he was referring to. I'm speaking of young kids tendency to ask "why?" What a great word! They ask it over and over...and we sometimes answer...but mostly we don't. Unfortunately, we teach them that their "why" questions are not important...or at least not worth our time to answer. What a shame. The older we get, it seems we ask less "why" questions...we seem to acclimate to our surroundings and "go with the flow", so to speak. Whether at home, at work, at church or in our culture...we often do stuff without ever asking why? Which begs a big question...Why? What a shame we have stopped asking this important question. Why questions, when honestly pursued, will often take you to the core...the central truth... the foundation...if you dare to ask of it...and if you dare explore its depths. Often in church circles we do stuff...lots of stuff...lots of churchy stuff...lots of "good" stuff" even...but we never ask why? Shouldn't we? If, as followers of Jesus...Who is Truth...shouldn't we be the biggest askers of "why"? Shouldn't we be the biggest pursuers of "truth"? Unfortunately we often are not... because we fail to ask...why? For example...when asked, why do churches even exist...some would say "to worship God". Now, though this is partially correct, wouldn't a "why" fit in well here? Why is church conducive to worshipping God? Why is church necessary in the worshipping God equation? Why is that the method of choice? Another common answer to why churches exist, some would say, "is to go into all the world and preach the gospel" (known as the "Great Commission" in church circles). Wouldn't this be a good place to ask, "why"? Why do we need to "go"? Why do we need to preach the gospel, and what is "the gospel" by the way, that we are preaching? Though both of these common answers are partially correct...they are not. A simple "why" will take you deeper...to the "foundation" as to why we do these things at all. Why do we worship God together? Why is the Great Commission a big deal? And are these 2 things the "most important" thing followers of Jesus are about? Dare I say..."no!" Why, do I say that? Simple...Jesus was asked very directly what was "most important"...and he answered very directly...and simply...Jesus said "everything" (as in all things...as in even church things...as in life things...as in every single thing!) ..."everything" hung on this (as in hanging like a picture on a nail...i.e. "completely dependent on") ...Everything hung on this..."love God with your whole heart, mind and flesh...and love others as you love yourself". If you ask "why" long enough...and dig deep enough...you'll end up at this central... foundational truth...that EVERYTHING HANGS ON! Why do we gather to worship together? Because we are created to love God AND love each other...and gathering together is very conducive to doing just that. (it should be noted that "if" your gathering together is "not" conducive to worshipping God and loving each other well...then some serious adjustments need to happen...it may begin with a "why" not question?) Gathering ALONE...seperately...may allow you to worship God...but it hinders the second half of Jesus emphasis...the loving people part. Can we gather in mass and not love each other well? Sure...many churches do...sadly, they are missing a key component of what Jesus calls His "church" (His people) to be. But being alone ensures you fail on the loving people thing...cause their ain't no people around for you to love on! Why is the Great Commission so important? Because if you really do love God with all you got...His love will grow in you and you'll naturally want to share that love with others. As you love them, the Great Commission happens...its a natural flow out from your life, as you love God and allow His love to flow through you to others. So what's the danger of not asking "why"? Well, you may gather...or not gather in worship...without fully understanding why. Too many gather because "you should" without knowing "why". Knowing "why" gives you greater motivation...and a more natural flow into worship... rather than it becoming some stale ritual you do, because you are "supposed to". The same can happen with the Great Commission. Too many "do" the preaching the gospel thing...without living it. The result...people are repelled by the gospel...not attracted to it. Without love as its motivation, even evangelism and outreach, can become an exercise in ritual...without the heart to it that Jesus intended. People sniff it out quickly too. People know when you really care and love them...and when they are some project for you...some notch in your church belt...somebody you need for your agenda. May God forgive us for not asking "why". May God forgive us for doing so much churchy stuff...without even knowing why...without even having Jesus heart at the core of what we live. At FRIENDS, our challenge is to become a group of Jesus followers who will always ask "why"...and not be afraid of the answer. If the answer takes us nowhere...then perhaps what we're doing is not rooted in Jesus truth. If that's so, then we need to adjust. If we ask "why" and it takes us back to what Jesus said "it all hangs on"...then we know we are on the right track... motivated by whats right...God's love for us, flowing through us, to those around us...and in that, the Kingdom of God will be expanded...because we dared to ask "why?"


be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

The Fine Art of Missing the Point

Sometimes I wonder if we miss the point. It seems quite common in our culture to focus on the "less significant" detail and miss the "big point". I wonder if we do that at Easter too. Usually Easter is a time we focus on Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and then rising from the dead in victory 3 days later. Quite a powerful story indeed. Lets face it...that rising from the dead thing hasn't been pulled off by any other great religious leader or philosopher. So that alone should cause us to pay attention. And for some we do...well at least one day a year...Easter. What makes Easter difficult...is not the eggs, candy and bunny thing...but our tendency to focus on the Friday. Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. It conjours up horrible images ala Passion of the Christ. In reality the Passion doesn't show it as bad as it was...the bible says Jesus was beaten so bad you couldn't tell He was a human! Wow, now that's bad. Horrible really. And most of us weigh heavy the consequence of our sins and the cost Jesus paid. We must really suck bad for Jesus to have to innocently take that on. The guilt, shame & heaviness breaks us. The images horrify us. But are we missing the main point here? Is Easter about this horror? Is it about how much we suck and how much Jesus had to pay...because of our selfishness and sin? Is Easter just a final victory lap by God after all we put Him through? Now don't get me wrong...Jesus dying our sins is a huge thing...and His victory over sin and death sealed the deal...but is there something bigger in play here? I'd like to suggest this. This ancient story of betrayal, sin, torture, death and victory is way more than we often think...it is about God's deep desire for us to be in relationship with Him. God craves relationship with us. He knew our sin destroys relationship with Him...and each other. He knew we can't live sinless. Damaged relationships were a part of the imperfect human condition, God knew that. And it tore the very people God loves away from Him...bit by bit...sin by sin...slowly...selfishly. God's deep love for us is "why" He went to the extreme tactic of sending Jesus, knowing full well the death He awaited. He knew sin had to be dealt with for relationships to have an opportunity to be restored. The "Good News" is not that Jesus died for our sins...but that everyone has the opportunity to have relationship with God! It is available to all. God desires us so much that He actually took away any barrier that would keep us away from Him. The opportunity for relationship is available...if you want it. That's the Good News! That's what we often don't share...enough. That's what we often don't make clear...enough. That's what makes Easter such a great celebration. At FRIENDS we rejoice in the Good News, and simply want to proclaim, "God's crazy about you!" Jesus said, "There is no greater love than this, that a man would lay his life down for another." Enough said! Enough done! Now that's the point!

be God's!
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas

Easter Amnesty Into Your Destiny

Amnesty is Granted

by Sammy Hagar

Love's an hourglass

Goes out wide, comes in closer

Time ticks away, it drips away

Leaving empty, sanded shoulders

But who said that love would last forever

I'm growing tired of feeling like I do

All those simple little secrets

Have come between us

And they're pushing me away

And I feel comfort in the distance

And you said that love would last forever

I'm growing tired of feeling like I do

Oh yeah

And there's a time, there's a place

A change of heart, about face

It's about love, it's about forgiveness

It's about our destiny

Tell me now, tell me like it is

No one has to give

Amnesty is granted

And what's done is done for everyone

Come on baby I want to start again

Right now

Amnesty is granted

And I think a lot

Yeah, I've been thinking a lot

I've been thinking about you baby

Lord knows I've been thinking a lot

I've been thinking love should last forever

Been growing tired of feeling like I do

Oh yeah

A change of heart, about face

It's about love, it's about forgiveness

It's about our destiny, Oh

Tell me now, tell me like it is

'Cause no one has to give

Amnesty is granted

And what's done is done for everyone

Come on baby I want to start again

Right now

Amnesty is granted

Come on

Amnesty is granted

Oh baby, come on

Amnesty is granted

Yeah

     All relationships, at one time or another, hit a spot...a place of coldness perhaps...a place of doubt...a place of pain...a place of failure...a place that can seem like you cannot escape?  It is in that time, that place, that we get tired of feeling that way.  It's been said that "when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change" transformation begins.  Easter weekend can be one of those times.  As the song says "I'm growing tired of feeling like I do...And there's a time, there's a place...A change of heart, about face...It's about love, it's about forgiveness...It's about our destiny."  That sums up the opportunity of this Easter season...the opportunity Jesus provides.  To "repent" means to turn, go in the opposite direction, an about face, a change of heart.  Jesus death and resurrection, is His love in action.  Forgiveness in action.  His invitation to each of us to walk with Him...into our destiny...an eternal destiny!  A place where sin & death cannot and does not win.  Love wins!  As the song says "amnesty has been granted".  What's "amnesty"?  It's defined as, "a general pardon for offenses, especially against a government or ruler, often granted before any trial or conviction."  That's the beauty of Easter...our King, our ruler Jesus took the punishment for all our failures...and gave amnesty to us in its place.  Because amnesty has been given...all who recieve it inherit a destiny of eternal life...victory over sin & death.  A message loudly proclaimed that Easter morning! 

     But what about my selfishness...my greed...my lust...my anger...the dark things of my soul? This Easter, FRIENDS wants to remind you...Amnesty has been granted...Love wins! 

be God's
Brian O
ECHO
Lead Pastor dude
Friends Community Church
Tyler, Texas