View from the window at the library...

...went to the library on this windy morning. Found a great over-sized chair right next to the window and began to read John Chapter 3. My wife and I have been working our way through the Gospel of John together. As I was reading, I came to vs. 8 and have found myself camped out there for the last hour...So, I decided to blog about it.

Here is what is says..."The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the spirit."

Here's a little background info. Jesus is talking to a pharisee by the name of Nicodemus, a teacher in the synagogue who doesn't understand the Gospel yet. He is using this magnificent analogy to show the mysterious power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who have been born again. As I read vs. 8 over and over again, I began to look out the window and as a result of doing so, this rich analogy came to life for me...

When we see the wind blow...Well, I can't even say "see" because we can't "see" wind, we can only see the affects of wind(ie..tree branches dancing in the sky as my video depicts). ---> So, as the wind blows, though we have never "seen" wind we know its there because we can hear it, see the affects of it and feel it. When we become "born again," God's spirit lives inside of us and though we have never "seen" it, we know its there because we can hear it(in our speech), see the affects of it (in our actions) and feel it(in our hearts). Though there is mystery in the operation of the Holy Spirit in new birth, just as there is mystery in the operation of the wind, when we get to heaven God will "break it down" to us so that it will forever and continuously "be broke."

Marvel in that with me...

Storytelling...A Lost Art!?!?!

...this morning as I was about to get out of bed and head over to the library, I grabbed the remote, began switching through the stations and one of my favorite movies was on: "Enemy of the State." 1998 spy-thriller film directed by Tony Scott about a group of rogue NSA agents who kill a Congressman in a politically-motivated murder, and then try to cover up the murder by destroying evidence and intimidating witnesses. The film stars Will Smith and Gene Hackman.

Despite the fact that I have seen this movies probably 5 times in its entirety, and probably 10 times in it partiality I found myself compelled. Finally, I had to turn it off because I could feel myself doing what I seem to do so often...Feeling obligated to watch the movie again in its entirety to relive the outcome.

What is it that draws us to movies and other forms of media? The story...

I am currently reading a book called: "Storytelling: Imagination and Faith." Its challenging preachers, teachers and parents to go back to the "first" ways that God spoke through his prophets and son...Storytelling!

It challenges us that not only should we tell the sacred stories of the canonized bible but also tap our own human stories. The Author: William Bausch says, "...all human stories have meaning underneath the meaning that evoke subtle or overt responses from us...all stories are ultimately theological"

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the first generation Christians found themselves dry and lacking the presence of God. So what did they do? They sat around the table and began to ask the original witnesses the stories of Jesus. I would have loved to have been around that table to hear those stories from the mouth of Matthew, Mark Luke and John... That's how our faith began. Through Stories.

Let's not allow the power of storytelling to be lost...

"The approach to truth for our generation starts from Life (stories) rather than dogma (Doctrine)" John Robinson.

Facebook Message from a Student

Here's a Facebook message from one of our middle schoolers...

"Trey, Guess what?? I am preforming my first sermon in my life. You inspired me to live my dream to become a pastor just like you. Just wanted to tell you..."

It's things like this that makes youth ministry so fulfilling...

^{1 Timothy 4:12 "12} Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. "

From Cuddies to Cuties!!!

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was on my way home on the school bus and me and my friends were sitting in the back playing truth or dare. I chose dare that round and was challenged to kiss the girl that was sitting in the seat across from me. I was in middle school at the time and was more concerned about basketball then I was girls. In fact I was in the "Girls have cuddies" stage. Well, that is until I kissed this girl on the back of the bus. It lasted like a 1/2 a second but it felt like forever. My heart began to pitter-patter like never before and it was at that moment that I realized..."Maybe girls don't have cuddies!"

That's what I consider romance to be. That thing that makes your heart go pitter patter when you are around the opposite sex. Lets face it, we live in a romance crazy society where teenagers and adults feel like they have to have romance NOW and if they don't something must be wrong with them.

Why is it that teenagers feel this romantic tension? I think it is 2 fold.
#1. Because everywhere we look we see and hear romance. Every popular TV show, movie and song on the radio.
#2. Because God created us to be romantic beings. BUT, we have taken the concept of romance and pushed it to the extreme.

I was talking to a few of our middle schoolers recently about the issue of romance and dating, and after our conversation I became excited about the 4 week series that starts this Sunday that we are doing entitled, "The Teenage Dream." We hope to challenge students to look at romance and relationships through the eyes of the creator of romance and relationships. GOD!

The Social Network: A story of Success or Failure?

So, I watched "The Social Network" this morning for the first time. I have been meaning to see this movie for the last couple of months now but never had the time.

First off, I thought it was very well written and acted in. I liked the movie because it didn't feel like a biographical picture. I'm sure there were some slightly fictional parts added for enjoyment, but for the most part it seemed to be believable. It was easy to follow, and though I am not willing to say it will be the best movie of the year, I can say that it deserves to be in the conversation.

With that being said, when I ask myself the 4 questions that I challenge our middle schoolers to ask when watching, reading or listening to media, I became a little bit disturbed. Here are the 4 questions and my answers.
**(Remember, I am assuming that the actions portrayed in the movie "The Social Network" are TRUE)**

1. What is the Story? How through deceit, distortion and betrayal Mark Zuckerberg founded the Billion dollar internet social network known as FACEBOOK.

2. What is true in the story? There is an never ending dissatisfaction in the heart of those who have what the world considers to be success, when it comes at the price of hurting others. (In the movie there seemed to be a unhappiness in the portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg. Almost like he was searching for something that money couldn't buy.)

3. What is False in the story? That deceit, distortion and betrayal brings success in life.

4. Where does God's word apply? I think there are many ways God's word can apply.

Here are two ways that come to mind. Matthew 16:26 says, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" Not only can our actions affect those around us, but it also affects our souls. Is gaining the things of this world worth our souls?

John 1:4 "In Him (Jesus) there (is) life, and the life (is) the light of men." and John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father but by me."Money and notoriety do not give light, nor does it give life. Jesus Christ alone does.

The answer is not to STOP watching movies or media (I would hate that), but the answer is to be able to respond to it.

Just food for thought...

Photos

Redeemer Theological Seminary
Graduation
Dallas, Texas
(May 2014)

Irving Bible Church
Youth Service
Irving, TX
February, 2014












Merge AM teaching series
Irving Bible Church
Irving, TX
(November, 2011)







Launch of Merge AM.
Irving Bible Church
Irving, TX
(August, 2011)







Cowboy's Rest Christian Camp
Elko, Nevada
(July, 2011)





Cowboy's Rest Christian Camp
Elko, Nevada
(July, 2011)








San Antonio IBC Mission Trip
(June, 2011)









Trip to Africa (Nov. 2010)
Yei, Sudan






Preaching at UPC
Yei, Sudan







Hanging out with the youth at Primary School
Yei, Sudan










IBC Middle School Ministry





Sky Ranch Van, TX
Middle School Retreat 2010

About me...

I am a Husband (married to the love of my life), a Father of two, Seminary Graduate Lead Pastor and Church Planter. But above all of those things I am a follower of Christ, seeking to look more and more like Him everyday. Trey Grant-The Journey is my opportunity to share the journey that God is taking me on, and the things He is showing me along the way. Thanks for reading!

Trey Grant

trey@thewellchurchkeller.org
www.thewellchurchkeller.org