CHRISTIANITY: Complex or Ridiculously Basic?

When we hear words like "ridiculous" or "basic" we rarely associate them with Christianity. Contrary to that notion, we have no problem connecting the word "complexity" to Christianity. Sometimes it just doesn't seem like an exact science. And looking at it from varying points of view, at times, makes absolutely no logical sense.

From God: So you mean to say an unseen Father being from out of nowhere created everything, allowed it to fall apart and will eventually redeem it all back to Himself.

From Jesus: So you mean to say God left His throne, was born to only a virgin, became a man, ministered loving grace to the hurting and was falsely accused. Then He suddenly died a horrible death on a rugged cross at the hands of people who cared nothing for Him, on the 3rd day rose from the dead, ascended back into heaven and with open acceptance can live within our hearts.

From the Holy Spirit: So you mean to say the person of God in the form of a Spirit was sent from heaven by Jesus, came with the purpose to comfort us, lead us into all truth, convict us of sin toward salvation, give us spiritual gifts, infuse us with Godly power and restrain evil in the world.

Again, we can go on and on about preaching, fellowship, eternity, the Church, sin, heaven, @#!*% , and the fear of God. All of these share the varying array of complexities involved within Christianity; but thanks to individuals like Francis Chan, we all can have somewhat of a better understanding in realizing that Christianity can be ridiculously basic. Actually it's all about the presentation, heart and focus involved in relating to others its truth. Below is a link to a select group of videos from Francis that do that very thing here.

1.) Once you've clicked on the link above, the BASICSeries youtube channel will appear.

2.) Then play the trailer in order to get a general understanding of what's being explained.

3.) After the trailer is over, scroll down and locate the featured playlist on the right of your screen.

4.) Instead of the prescribed order listed, start from the bottom and go upward. Listed below is the arrangement desired for better understanding. The videos will go on continuously, based on how many are in that certain section. Instead of scrolling back all the time, just click on the 45 videos button and click on see all 45 videos in order to go back to the home page.

     a.) fear God
     b.) follow Jesus 
     c.) Holy Spirit
     d.) fellowship
     e.) teaching
     f.) prayer
     g.) communion

We're All Excons!

Dan Stevers can clearly be seen as a leading minister. Really though, he's not a Charles Stanley, Rick Warren or T.D. Jakes. No, you may not see him directly picking up a microphone speaking/preaching to hundreds at your next leadership conference. Nor will you hear melodious worship come from his vocals in song on your city's leading Gospel or contemporary Christian music (CCM) radio station. He's not some recognized television or radio preacher with a massive church attendance of 1,000s. But Dan is still definitely a minister, a leading one at that.

He ministers in multiple churches, conferences and events without ever stepping one foot in their buildings. He's ministering even now, all over the world. Simply put, Dan Stevers is a Christian video maker with astonding production skills. Some refer to him as, "a stunning visual effects artist." Many have been passionately touched, strongly impacted, and even truly saved by his videos---in other words, ministered to. 

One of his latest works is a video clip called The Cell. It captures the inner struggle we all face in relation to the stronghold of sin. Yes, I understand that Jesus has made us free from sin's power.

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36) NKJV

But the devil (that's right; the devil) doesn't want you to accept that freedom, the freedom that is indeed and definite. The freedom that gives you another option, a way out from sin. You don't have to stay in your prison cell; I don't have to stay in mine. We can both come out from the cells of addiction, lying, homosexuality, greed, hatred, jealousy, rage, depression, pornography, doubt, fear, and any other bondage.

"We're all bond by something, and we are all prisoners. But God is pushing for all of us to become excons."

Like the board game Monopoly, we all have a get-out-of-jail-free card which is offered to us. But we must go before God to receive it, and continually follow His lead to properly use it---staying out of jail. Surprisingly, even if we happen to go back in, the offer still stands.

Stevers' video above will show the ministry of this scenario in a clearer depiction. Check it out...

Also, check his entire ministry out at this link: http://www.danstevers.com/ 

Robin's Photogenic Expression

I just had the delightful privilege of being shot by Robin Ewing. No, there were no bullets involved, this was a photoshoot. By far, this was my best photography experience to date. For a guy who doesn't really consider himself as being photogenic, Robin brought a lot out of me. She has a mastery skill-level with working with outdoor lighting, fashion, location, backgrounds, textiles, and textures.

More importantly, Robin loves Jesus and is a born again Christian! She is a 40's admirer and caters toward unique antigue looks of the past but with a modern twist. She is caught up in the realization that beauty can be found in anything, anywhere. God has revealed so much to her over the years about the importance of seeing life through His eyes and not just hers. She's not a photographer on the side but this is one of her primary passions. If you're in or near the city of Atlanta and need a phenomenal photographer, who'll make you feel like family, Robin is the one.

You can reach her at http://www.robinewingphotography.com/