....In the End....

If you're reading this and you haven't seen the last part of Lost please don't read any further. The last episode of Lost has echoed in my mind since it went off the air. In particular the last moments of the show. This post isn't about the rights/wrongs of Losts interpretation of theology or philosophy but in particular the last scene of the show. By this time Jack finds out that he has died and is on his way to meet all of his friends who have since past and are congregating in the church to "move on" together. I guess it was the visual..the visual of friends and family ready to meet you as your prepare to enter the the gates of heaven. It was a beautiful scene. And even if you haven't seen the show...I can't help but think how touching this moment would be for you as well. I think of past family and friends who I know were passionate Christ followers and much like this short scene I look forward to seeing them again.

Living Out A Crazy Love Kinda Life....

A few weeks ago I had the chance to read "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. During my quiet time I started to wonder if I was leading a crazy love kind of life. The conviction this book brought about in my life was enough to change the way I approach my life and the lives of everyone around me. During the past few weeks I started to ask myself...."Am I truly crazy in love with God? Am I doing enough to reflect the goodness he has to offer? It was during this down time that Elaine (my wife) and I started to talk about "Crazy Love". She gave me some much needed encouragement. She reminded me that I'm a husband, father, son, employee, elder, and youth pastor. She encouraged me that not only was I leading a crazy love kind life but i was nuts to do it :) This is a journey we're taking in my small group. And while talking about crazy love we're also touching on another great book called "Jesus Freaks" by DC Talk. If you havent read them please...give it a read..if you have...please post what your thoughts were on the books.

Bill Avila

...Love Your Neighbor......

What does it mean to "love your neighbor?" This past week I was approached by a man and his wife. The man, a total stranger, said he and his wife didn't have any money for gas and wanted to know if I could help. A lot of things went through my mind. What if this guy was scamming me? How is it my fault that this guy maxed out his credit cards? I don't have the time for this. But as suddenly as those thoughts went through my head some other thoughts pushed through. What does it mean to "Love your neighbor?" What if this man is truly in need? Does God call me to "serve" only when it's convenient to me? I ended up asking this man if he could drive to the gas station. Upon arriving i pumped some gas for him and we ended up talking. He was a genuine man and his wife was a sweet woman. I was reminded of the good Samaritan. And in my reminder I couldnt help but think of the people Christ had healed in his ministry. Some turned to Christ because of his miracles, other may have turned away in spite of it. In the end, Christ did what was right. Not because it was convenient but because the right thing is what we're called to do regardless of what who we "think" is worthy of it.