Photo Essay: Life at Life Church

It’s been a September to remember at the church I love…

Love The Team You Lead

Passion. Integrity. Grit.

Just some of the reasons I love this crew from the church that I love.

Over the past eight years of this church planting adventure in the High Five State, we’ve been privileged to work alongside some wonderful talent.

But I’ll take passion, integrity and grit over talent any day.

Amber and I have sacrificed everything + poured our lives into this labor of love — Life Church — and we are HONORED to have this team on board!

C’mon gang, let’s go storm the gates of hell with water pistols!

“Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, being one body and one spirit…” (Ephesians 4:3)

They Were On Fire

I’ve always been fascinated by the lives of the earliest Christians who lived two thousand years ago. 

Under the crush of Roman occupation, a new movement was birthed: men and women who worshiped the risen Messiah. 

This wave of radical acceptance and grace-filled lives swept the world and changed human history.

In 1947, J.B. Phillips wrote this description of the Christian movement: 

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“The great difference between present-day Christianity and that of which we read in these letters is that to us it is primarily a performance, to them it was a real experience. We are apt to reduce the Christian religion to a code, or at best a rule of heart and life. To these men it is quite plainly the invasion of their lives by a new quality of life altogether.

They do not hesitate to describe this as Christ ʻliving inʼ them. These early Christians were on fire with the conviction that they had become, through Christ, literally sons of God; they were pioneers of a new humanity, founders of a new Kingdom. They still speak to us across the centuries. Perhaps if we believed what they believed, we might achieve what they achieved..”

— J.B. Phillips

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The earliest followers experienced the powerful aftermath of Jesus’ empty tomb: thousands of people turning to Jesus as their Master and Forgiver, radical life-change, and rumblings throughout society about this God-man who now lives. 

In addition to keeping the Jewish Sabbath, these first followers of Christ added the observance of the first day of the week - the day that Jesus rose from death to life.  This is why most Christians worship on Sunday mornings. 

According to premiere Christian historian Justo Gonzalez, the earliest communion services did not center on Christ’s passion - they were not quiet, introspective, reflective services.  

Instead, Christians worshiped weekly in loud celebration, understanding that the tomb was empty, death could not hold Jesus, and He was ushering in a new age of victory.  Yes, every Sunday was a party for One! 

It was much later - centuries later - before the focus of Christian worship shifted towards the death of Jesus.  In the earliest Christian community, the breaking of bread took place “with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46).

May we embrace this same infectious enthusiasm first demonstrated by the earliest Christ followers. 

May we worship Jesus Christ with great passion, may we love others with scandalous grace, and may we be outward-focused in our church communities. 

An empty tomb provokes nothing less.

Outdoor Baptisms

Outdoor Baptisms at Life Church, Aug 22, 2021 /// LifeChurchMichigan.com

Spontaneous Baptisms

"We were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

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Spontaneous Baptisms, Cookie Monster Visits, Life Kids Volunteer Luncheon...

This is how we change the world!

#TogetherWeWin

Craziest + Most Chaotic LIVE Bible Study EVER

While doing this morning’s Digital Daily Bible Study:

- My children let the Guinea Pigs loose

- Weiner Dog vs Piggie

- 3-yr-old demands I get him dressed live on camera...

- plus the hip-hop stylings of Levi and Alysia at the very end! 😂

#ThisIsRealLife

#ThereWasAnAttemptToTeachTheBible

MY FATHER’S DAY PRAYER

“Righteousness guards the man of integrity.” (Proverbs 13:6, NIV)

“Righteousness is like a shield of protection, guarding those who keep their integrity.” (Proverbs 13:6, TPT)

My greatest prayer for my children — beyond them discovering a saving knowledge and true faith in Jesus Christ — is that they would grow to become men and women brimming with honor and integrity.

The pathway to integrity begins at home and extends through the local church. This past year, the Lord has graciously allowed Amber Herron and I opportunities to suffer well in front of our children and model taking the high road (1 Peter 1:2).

What can feel like an extended season of burdens and curses to Amber and I is in reality a God-ordained blessing for the sanctification of our children, primarily our older three.

Jesus taught us to bless those who curse you and love your enemies.

Not *like* your enemies; *love* your enemies.

While turning the other cheek doesn’t feel good in my flesh, it honors God and inspires people to be walking in the Spirit.

That’s my heart for my children this Father’s Day: that God’s grace would continue to be poured out upon Team Herron, enabling us to continue taking the harder and nobler path of integrity and honor.

Jesus never fought back. Christ didn’t curse those who hurt Him or withdraw from those who misunderstood Him; Jesus literally *prayed for* His accusers.

Integrity teaches us that your greatest display of strength is in holding your tongue and not fighting back.

By God’s enduring grace, I pray I can be that kind of man for my family.

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Photo Essay: My Wife Joins Me On-Stage at Life Church