FIrst of All, What is the Red Letter Challenge?

Well, it is a 40 Day Challenge to help people live more like Jesus. Sadly, when people think of Jesus-followers it is a far cry from who Jesus actually is. After all that Jesus has done for us, we cannot be content with the picture and representation that we are sharing. We must change the story and perception of who Jesus is. Don’t you think that if people truly met the real Jesus, they would really fall in love with Him?

So how do we change the story that we are telling?

We go back to Christ’s words. You know, those red letters in your Bible. It turns out he had a lot to say to His followers about what we are called to do and how we are called to live. The RLC is unique because it takes Christ’s literal words and gives you practical daily challenges based on those words. The RLC will give you targets to shoot for to help you measure how you are practically following after Him. Jesus followers want to be the best Jesus followers that we can be, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us!

Do you have what it takes to really follow Jesus? To truly do what He said?

I believe you do!

The RLC will help you:

1) Have a deeper relationship with Jesus.

2) Receive God’s forgiveness in your life and give grace to others.

3) Give you a greater heart of service.

4) Help you become more generous.

5) Give you confidence to speak about what Jesus has done in your life.

READY TO TAKE THE CHALLENGE?

Okay, you are ready for the Challenge, but how does it work? What’s this going to look like? You start with a workbook that will be distributed at church on Sunday, January 19. The first five days will serve as an introduction. From there, on each of the following 35 days, you will see a quote directly from the mouth of Jesus. The quotation will be followed by a devotion, one or more companion Bible readings, and a Challenge of how you might live out those specific words on that day. Some will be very specific and others will be very broad. Each day you will be encouraged to complete the Challenge.

The rhythm of a follower, or a disciple, of Jesus is to be both a hearer and a doer of what God says. That’s why for each day there’s a corresponding Bible story or passage as well as a Challenge for how to implement Christ’s words into your life. Too many followers of Jesus read the Bible but never put those words into practice. Likewise, there are many who do good works but aren’t sure why they are doing them.

Putting God’s words into practice is much more effective when you are not alone. Many times it is hard to do what God asks. Some of the days you might feel like you want to give up. That’s why I suggest bringing someone along with you in this Challenge. Pick someone you trust. Do the Challenge with this person and use each other as accountability partners. Or even better, grab a few friends and invite them to come alongside you on this journey.

In addition, we will give you lots of support through our church! Each Sunday for 6 weeks, beginning January 19, you will hear a message about each of the five major principles that Jesus calls His followers to embody. Plus, you will be hearing from others during our Sunday morning Bible class on how they are doing each week in response to their Challenge.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to accept The Red Letter Challenge!

Pastor Tieman