His Passion For You by Pastor Karena Lout

  

“But God is so rich in mercy and He loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by His grace when you believed.

And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift to God.”

Ephesians 2:4-8

I didn’t grow up a believer so I always thought Easter was only about coloring, hiding eggs and eating candy. I admit, as an adult, I still enjoy coloring eggs and eating chocolate but now that I have a relationship with Jesus, there is so much more meaning. During Passion Week, I like to return to the place where I first met Jesus. At 18 years old, I walked into this little Baptist church across from my high school. I was scared, depressed and lonely. The way the pastor talked about Jesus gripped me. (On a side note, that pastor would end up being my amazing father in law.) Jesus met me that day, rescued me from a dark pit, looked me in my eyes and told me how much He loved me. I found a love I was looking for my whole life. I don’t ever want to minimize or forget the sacrifice He paid so that I could be in relationship with Him.

As Pastor Brent shared last Saturday night, love demands a choice and Jesus chose the cross and chose YOU. It was His passion to be in relationship with you that He willingly chose to endure the cross. He didn’t just save you from something; He saved you “for” eternal union with Him. Jesus is so worthy of all our love and affection. Take time to return to the “why” this week. I assure you, you will fall more deeply in love with Him.

Love,

Karena

God wants His kids back! by Pastoral Staff

Last weekend the BF pastoral team opened up our hearts and shared our ongoing vision with you. If you were unable to be there, you can listen right now! http://blazingfire.podbean.com/e/our-vision-to-advance-blazing-fire-elders-and-pastors/

We are only able to see as far as the Lord shows us, but what we do see is tremendously exciting! We are alive at a pivitol time in Kingdom history. God is waking up the hearts of his children and we are part of a generational move of God's Spirit (one that will capture not only our hearts, but the hearts of generations to come).

We celebrate all that Papa God has led us through and we eagerly anticipate what is awaiting us. What we do know is God wants His kids back and we are alive to bring his love out to the streets everywhere we go.

""'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on and bring them here.' The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded--and there's still room.' The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full!'"
Luke 14:21-23 (The Message Bible)

God has been challening us to lay down all judgments in our hearts towards others so that we can be the ones he entrusts souls to. In it's place we are invited into a move of high grace and extreme love.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for trusting us and going on this adventure together!

Much Love,
Pastors Brent, Suzanne, Todd, Karena, Russ & Susan
(in the order pictured above)