Contrast in photography is the visual ratio of different tones in an image. This difference is what creates the textures, highlights, shadows, colors and clarity in a photograph. Similarly, when we choose to put on Christ, He becomes the contrast to the darkness around us, helping others see Him with detail and clarity.

The Remix. This series has been a collection of conversations meant to help us learn what God really said about certain subjects like suffering, greed, happiness, & the ways God works. Our goal is to acknowledge that sometimes what we say, doesn’t quite match what God said. God’s Word is the one we want to believe the most.

God Works in Mysterious Ways. One of the definitions of the word “Mystery” is “a person or thing whose identity or nature is puzzling or unknown.” Many people feel this is a good description for God. We even say that “God works in mysterious ways” especially when tragedy strikes. But what does God say about Himself? What if God never said that?

God Wants You Happy. Cue Pherrell’s hit song, “Happy.” If we are willing to be honest, the idea of “God wants you happy” normally means whatever makes me happy must be right. Whatever makes me unhappy must be wrong. But that is faulty theology. So does God want me to be happy? Let’s look at it!

Money is the Root of All Evil. Money is amoral; it's not good, nor is it bad. It's all about the person who handles the money. When we allow money to have the wrong priority in our lives, managing our heart's posture with money improperly, we then find ourselves in all sorts of trouble. What we grip tightly with our hands, creates a death-grip on our hearts.

Ever heard the phrase, ‘God never gives you more than you can handle’? It’s a nice cliche and fits well in a tweet, But the problem is that God never said that. When we face trials and temptations, we often feel like we are in over our heads and we cannot handle it. What do we do when we are in that place? Let’s look at what God did say, and find some truth to handle these challenges.

Unchurched. Jesus was known as a “friend of sinners.” Jesus didn’t come to make insiders of faith more comfortable, but rather He commissions us to go invite the outsiders to experience His life. We are the message and our we get to help others, far away from God, find God. We want to create a church everyone can belong before they believe.

I cannot tell you how many times I've heard people say, "I love Jesus; I just don't like the church or Christians." There is something special about the local church - it's not perfect, but the church is a partnership. Jesus said that the world would know we belong to Him, not from our social work nor our gospel evangelism around the world, but because of our love for each other. And when it comes to loving our neighbor, that includes other followers of Jesus.

Difficult People. Ever have to work or go to school with people that were difficult? Anytime we forget how we want to be treated or struggle with comparison, we can easily see people as difficult to be around. Jesus teaches us how to honor others, even the difficult ones.

Generations. James Baldwin once said, “Kids are not always good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” God designed the family, in such a way, they would have a built-in guide to a deep relationship with Him. Sometimes that can feel overwhelming for adults, but Jesus is our pattern. Like any picture puzzle, it’s best to start with the corners.