Imagine spending years of your life getting to know someone only for them to leave you with no plan b. Not only did they leave, but they were crucified on a cross before your very eyes. Hung on a tree for all humanity. Overwhelmed with sorrow and guilt you try to pick your life back up. One day your friend returns to you with a request. “Go out and make disciples” Confused you begin to struggle with the “truth.” How are you to tell others what you have seen without them thinking you are crazy? Your friend implores you, tells you have been chosen. What if the disciples had said “no?” Jesus had no plan B. We each are commissioned to spread the gospel: All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. ~ Matthew 28:16-20 You see Jesus had no other plan, no other options but for us to spread his word. It was not only up to the disciples that lived over two-thousand years ago. It is up to each one of us today to share his message as well. Every Christian is asked to carry on Jesus’ message to the world. It can be as simple as a conversation with a neighbor over the dinner table, […]

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People that read the bible, whether daily or just occasionally start to become familiar with certain verses. Verses shared from the pulpit as well as your Instagram feed. These verses detail of Jesus’ and his reign over the earth. Ever want a better understanding of the power behind the verses? Joey Shaw is the international field office director at Austin Stone Community Church in Texas. In his recently released book, All Authority he takes the reader on a journey. A journey that explores scripture in ways only someone living in servitude to God could lead us on. Does Jesus have all authority? Not a typical question to ask perhaps, but does he? Sure we know he is the King of kings, the Christ, our Savior, but under what authority? These are the types of questions we must ask ourselves if we want a true understanding of our relationship with Jesus. This is a strength is not an iron fist beat you over the head kind of way. But yet, an authority that holds himself above all through his undying love for each one of us. Everybody who follows Jesus will encounter a myriad of “authorities” that directly challenge the authority of Christ. These other “authorities” may be parents, teachers, bosses, presidents, institutions, religions, or ideologies. In order to stay firm in devotion to Jesus, we must believe that He has supreme authority over all. Not partial authority, not most authority—all authority. Jesus commissioned his people to go and make disciples of the world. This commission is still as relevant […]

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