Together #forSalem

Just about everyone thinks they are a good person. But simply being good enough doesn’t seem to be enough to have a life that actually works. Maybe the life we are made for isn’t just about being a good person. There’s something better and something more we can be.

Johnny Cash reads chapter 5 of Matthew (Sermon on the Mount).

God created us with an innate desire and an incredible capacity to be happy. And so we try to fulfill that desire in hundreds of ways only to come away unsatisfied. True happiness seems so fleeting and constantly fading. But Jesus offers a better way. A way to have a truly happy life that actually works.

According to Jesus and the biblical writers, some people are children of God and some are not. And those that are, are asked to obey. That sounds horribly exclusive AND like a drag... but is it? And what difference does it really make if someone is a child of God or not?

The idea that God is our “Father” can bring a huge mix of emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Often, trying to understand our relationship with God can be overwhelmingly complex. But Jesus came to redefine our view of God. He showed a better and simpler way to experience who God is.

We spend so much time and energy deciding who is “in” and who is “out.” And remarkably, our group always seems to be the group that is “in.” But Jesus brought something better… something more… something that outshines every distinction we use to divide ourselves… he brought a better way to be human.

Does a relationship with Jesus change and grow as we do the same? How does our faith mature and transform as we ask more questions and explore? We thought Monica and Aaron Fiedler would be some really good people to talk to about this whole idea, for two reasons. First, real stories might help those of you exploring what following Jesus might mean for you. Secondly, we hope to encourage those of you who already follow Jesus frame your own experiences in order to grow and share with others.

Does a relationship with Jesus change and grow as we do the same? How does our faith mature and transform as we ask more questions and explore? We thought Monica and Aaron Fiedler would be some really good people to talk to about this whole idea, for two reasons. First, real stories might help those of you exploring what following Jesus might mean for you. Secondly, we hope to encourage those of you who already follow Jesus frame your own experiences in order to grow and share with others.

Though every Christian shares the same core belief that God became human, brought his kingdom to earth now through his life, death, and resurrection… how God interacts, guides, transforms, and lives with each believer is as unique as each individual. But what is that really like? Why do people still believe in this God 2000 years after these events supposedly happened?

In this series, we want to give those of you exploring Christianity some personal examples of what it is like to follow Jesus… your chance to safely explore and listen with an open mind. And to give those who are Jesus Followers encouragement in hearing what Jesus has done in real people’s lives.