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My Reading List for Class - Join me on my journey.

Jake Rasmussen — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:06:19 +0000

I thought I would post my reading list this semester for my seminary class. It is Pastoral Counseling taught locally. I’m exited for sure. If you would like, pick a book or two and join me in this journey!

Adams, Jay E. How to Help People Change: The Four-Step Biblical Process. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 1986.

Anderson, Neil T., Zuehlke, Terry E., & Zuehlke, Julianne S. Christ Centered Therapy: The

Practical Integration of Theology and Psychology. (2000) Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan.

Benner, David G. Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model, 2^nd ed.

(1992)Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Young, Mark E. Learning the Art of Helping: Building Blocks and Techniques [with DVD], 4^th

ed. (2008) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall

Dryden, Windy, DiGuiseppe, Raymond & Neenan, Michael. (2003) A Primer on Rational

Emotive Behavior Therapy, 2d ed. Champaign, IL: Research Press.

Allen, Jon G. (1999). Coping With Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding. Washington, DC:

American Psychological Association.

Allendar, Dan B. (1990). The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual

Abuse (Rev.). Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress.

Atkinson, Donald R., Morten, George & Sue, Derald Wing. (1998). Counseling American

Minorities (5^th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.

Backus, William & Chapian, Marie. (2000). Telling Yourself the Truth. Minneapolis, MN:

Bethany House.

Clinebell, Howard. (1984). Basic Types of Pastoral Care & Counseling. Nashville, TN:

Abingdon Press.

Clinton, Tim & Sibcy, Gary. (2002). Attachments: Why You Love, Feel and Act the Way You Do.

Brentwood, TN: Integrity.

Clinton, Timothy & Ohlschlager, George, Eds. (2002). Competent Christian Counseling for the

21^st Century. Colorado Springs, CO: Water Brook.

Collins, Gary R. (2001). The Biblical Basis of Christian Counseling for People Helpers: Relating

the Basic Teachings of Scripture to People’s Problems. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress.

Corey, Gerald. (2001). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Belmont, CA:

Brooks/Cole.

Crabb, Larry. (1988). Real Change is Possible-If You’re Willing to Start from the Inside-Out.

Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress.

Egan, Gerard. (2002). The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management and Opportunity- Development Approach to Helping, 7^th ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Glasser, William. (1998). Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom. New York,

NY: HarperCollins.

Glasser, William. (2000). Counseling With Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy. New

York, NY: HarperCollins.

Harley, Willard F. Jr. (1994). His Needs Her Needs: Building an Affair-proof Marriage. Grand

Rapids, MI: Revell.

Herman, Judith. (1997). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence from Domestic Abuse

to Political Terror. New York, NY: Basic Books.

Icenogle, Gareth Weldon. (1994). Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry: An

Integrational Approach. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

James, Richard K. & Gilliland, Burl E. (2003). Theories and Strategies in Counseling &

Psychotherapies, (5^th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Jones, Stanton L. & Butman, Richard E. (1991). Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive

Christian Appraisal. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.

Kottler, Jeffrey A. & Brown, Robert W. (2000). Introduction to Therapeutic Counseling: Voices

from the Field (4^th ed.). Belmond, CA: Brooks/Cole.

McGee, Robert S. (1998). The Search for Significance. Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group.

McMinn, Mark R. & Phillips, Timothy R. (Eds.). (2001). Care for the Soul. Downers Grove, IL:

InterVarsity Press.

McMinn, Mark R. (1996). Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling.

Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Miller, William R. (1999). Integrating Spirituality Into Treatment: Resources for Practitioners.

Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Moreland, J. P. & Ciocci, David M. (1993). Christian Perspective On Being Human: A

Multidisciplinary Approach to Integration. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.

Parrott, Les. (2000). Helping the Struggling Adolescent: A Guide to Thirty-Six Common

Problems for Counselors, Pastors, and Youth Workers. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Richards, P. Scott & Bergin, Allen E. (Eds.) (2000). Handbook of Psychotherapy and Religious

Diversity. Washington DC: American Psychological Association.

Sue, Derald Wing & Sue, David. (1999). Counseling the Culturally Different: Theory and

Practice (3^rd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.

Wright, Norman H. (1992). The Premarital Counseling Handbook. Chicago, IL: Moody.

Wright, Norman H. (1995). Marriage Counseling: A Practical Guide for Pastors and

Counselors. Ventura, CA: Regal Books.

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My Greatest Desire for Epic Church is…

Jake Rasmussen — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 22:35:40 +0000

My greatest desire isn’t to see Epic Church become great; rather to be used by Jesus in a movement to see the Gospel transform the lives of all people within our city.

We are in part 2 of our Membership Series at Epic Church titled: Growing a Movement. As I have prepared for this series it is totally humbling as I notice all my short comings as it relates to growing a movement which would transform my city and the nations. This week is about Giving Ourselves Away. It sounds good. I mean it is a great title for a sermon but making it become reality is going to be HARD work. But by the grace of God I pray the Holy Spirit will use those connected to Epic Church to transform their communities by enabling them to give themselves away.

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Personality Style

Jake Rasmussen — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:36:33 +0000

Someone sent me a link to take a Personality Style Profile. http://www.personalitystyle.com/

I enjoy these things SO much that I want to encourage you to take the same test and you can post your results here as a comment or create an email and email me the results. I would love to get to know you better.

Here is my results, do you think this is me?

Your Personality Style Preview:

Relationships play a key role in Jake’s life, he tends to be a very trusting individual, he enjoys making new friends and developing new relationships. He often finds himself involved in many things at once and loves social functions. Jake enjoys encouraging those around him. People see him as a person who frequently inspires others.

A very creative person, Jake is often willing to seek out new solutions to problems. He is self motivated and will often work at a fast pace to accomplish his goals. Jake likes new challenges and he is usually able to make decisions easily, even under pressure.

Jake takes a flexible approach in his dealings with others and he is willing to pursue different avenues to maintain good relationships. While he is patient and will not usually rush, Jake is not afraid to actively seek new solutions if previous methods do not fit the current situation.

Jake is uninhibited in trying new things and prefers going by his feelings rather than just the facts. He is not afraid to try things, and may even do things in unique or unproven ways. Jake prefers to let others handle much of the detail work associated with his endeavors, preferring to focus on the creative and innovative aspect of the task.

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Saturday Reflection

Jake Rasmussen — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 04:47:14 +0000

Church Planting is hard work. Period. The “existing” church has a lot to be thankful for. Mainly structure and support. In church planting we are blazing new roads. Many times without the support of mature Godly men and women around you. The summer has been tough at Epic Church. Attendance has been low with many on vacations at different times, plus the factor that Epic Church is a young generation church many have summer plans.

Tonight I started a series called: Identity. Though then hoopla of summer struggles I have found it it refreshing and necessary to refocus my thoughts and energy on who I am in Jesus. This extends out of the words of Paul the Apostle. “Therefore the old has gone and the new has come.”

We are all creations of God but when we move from creations to children the miraculous occurs. The old falls away and the new comes forth.

Have you been made new? Do you celebrate this fact? My prayer is this week we would experience the joy of our salvation though being made new.

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Behind the Scenes of Identity - A New Series at Epic

Jake Rasmussen — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:57:26 +0000

Here is a sneak peak behind the new series we are starting tonight at Epic Church called Identity. This series stems really from a personal reflection at who am I in Christ. I forget all too often who I am in Jesus and where my value comes from. So, peak at my musings as I studied this week for tonight’s sermon.

-Jake

Identity.

When we understand who we are we have power. The power in understanding outselves and what we were created for allows us to live our lives better.

We have been created in the image of the living God. He has given us more worth then we give ourselves.

When we rest in the fact that our identity is given to us and not earned we have so much freedom.

“Don’t worry about what they say, we know what you really are like.”

I am made in the image of God.

I am the inheritor of Gods Kingdom.

I am the Bride of Christ.

I am a Child of God.

Galatians 3:26-27 (NIV)
²⁶You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, ²⁷for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:29 (NIV)
²⁹If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

I am an Alien.

I am Royalty.

Galatians 3:29 (NIV)
²⁹If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 8:17 (NIV)
¹⁷Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Old is Gone.

1 Corinthians 5:13 (NIV)
¹³God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NIV)
¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The Identity of Christ’s Followers:

Romans 3:24 – We are justified. (declared “not guilty” of sin)

Romans 8:1 – No condemnation awaits us.

Romans 8:2 – We are set free from the law of sin and death.

1 Corinthians 1:2 – We are sanctified and made acceptable in Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:30 – We are righteous and holy in Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:22 – We will be made alive at the resurrection.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – We are a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:21 – We receive God’s righteousness.

Galatians 3:28 – We are one in Christ with all other believers.

Ephesians 1:3 – We are blessed with every spiritual blessing Christ.

Ephesians 1:4 = We are holy, blameless, and covered with God’s love.

Ephesians 1:5,6 – We are adopted as God’s children.

Ephesians 1:7 – Our sins are taken away, and we are forgiven.

Ephesians 1:10,11 – We will be brought under Christ’s headship.

Ephesians 1:13 – We are marked as belonging to God by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:6 – We have been raised up to sit with Christ in glory.

Ephesians 2:10 – We are God’s work of art.

Ephesians 2:13– We have been brought near to God.

Ephesians 3:6 – We share in the promise in Christ.

Ephesians 3:12 – We can come with freedom and confidence into God’s presence.

Ephesians 5:29,30 – We are member of Christ’s body, the church.

Colossians 2:10 – We have been given fullness in Christ.

Colossians 2:11 – We are set free from our sinful nature.

2 Timothy 2:10 – We will have eternal glory.

People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates. Thomas Szasz

In an act of kindness, Actor Kirk Douglas pulled over to the side of the road to pick up a Sailor on leave who was hitchhiking. When the Sailor recognized him, he said to Mr. Douglas, “Hey, man, do you know who you are?”

That’s a great question that everyone of us should ask ourselves from time to time and when we do, we should listen for God’s answer.

Isaiah 43:4 NIV “you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.”

It seems that this college student needed a small two-hour course to fill out his schedule. The only one that fit was in Wildlife Zoology. He had some reservations as he heard the course was tough and the teacher a bit different. But, it seemed like the only choice so he signed up.

After one week and one chapter the professor had a test for the class. He passed it out and it was a sheet of paper divided into squares and in each square was a carefully drawn picture of some bird legs. Not bodies, not feet—just different birds’ legs. The test simply asked them to identify the birds from the pictures of their legs.

Well, he was absolutely floored. He didn’t have a clue. The student sat and stared at the test and got madder and madder. Finally, reaching the boiling point, he stomped up to the front of the classroom and threw the test on the teacher’s desk and exclaimed, “This is the worst test I have ever seen and this is the dumbest course I have ever taken.” The teacher looked up at him and said, “Young man, you just flunked the test.” Then the teacher picked up the paper, saw that the student hadn’t even put his name on the paper, and said, “By the way, young man, what’s your name?” At this the student bent over, pulled up his pants, revealed his legs and said, “You identify me.”

God’s changes are complete. Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same anymore. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated—we are re-created (new creations), living in vital union with Christ (Col. 2:6-7). At conversion we are not merely turning over a new leaf; we are beginning a new life under a new Master.

Paul said that from now on “we regard no one from a worldly point of view” (2 Cor. 5:16). That is, we simply do not judge them by what we see. If we looked at Jesus in this way, we would see only an idealistic Carpenter, murdered by wicked and selfish men. But we look at Jesus 884through the eyes of faith! In the Cross we do not see defeat, but victory! Though we do not see Jesus with our physical eyes, we recognize Him as the living God, our Savior and our Lord

32. How to Be Reconciled to God

Identity: The way we see others.

2 Corinthians 5:16 (NIV)
¹⁶So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

2 Corinthians 5:16 (NLT)
¹⁶So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!

2 Corinthians 5:16 (MSG)
¹⁶Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore.

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Which Is More Important?

Jake Rasmussen — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:55:48 +0000

Reading a little bit of the Old Testament today at my office (Starbucks) I had a thought. I wish it was unique to me but I am sure someone smarter than I came up with it.

As I was reading Joshua, thinking about what God did for his people during the Exodus then again what God did for his people with Joshua and Caleb as they crossed the river Jordan.

Is God concerned more about you being prepared (with resources) or you being holy?

I know many people around me who are struggling to make ends meet. They are trying to plan ahead in their lives on how to provide for their family. They are rushing to shortcut God by saying, “I don’t have the right education” or “I can never get that job because I don’t have the experience in that area.”

Look, God has shown up in amazing ways throughout history. He has used people to advance his Kingdom who we would have never chosen.

Get over yourselves! Focus on removing the sin in your lives. Turn control of your future over to Jesus and allow him to use you to advance his Kingdom. Yes, study hard and get good grades, go back to school, but remember as I did reading Joshua today that God cares about clean hearts more than get cares about advanced degrees.

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Day 2 - California

Jake Rasmussen — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:19:25 +0000

Our drive was great Sunday. It was so much fun to be with just my family. Do you ever have those moments in life where you just “know” you are doing what God has called you to do? Well, I had one of those moments yesterday.
It was shortly after we had arrived in Southern California. We unpacked at the hotel, which is pretty nice for $45 a night (good pick JenBean). We then loaded back up and drive to the beach. It was amazing! We found a great parking spot and then walked to the beach.
Madison was totally in love with the water and sand. Riley didn’t know really what to do with this giant sand box and really didn’t want much to do with the water. It was pretty scary for a 3 year old.
Anyway with my beautiful wife hanging with my sand loving son and me holding the sweet hand of my 7 year old with every wave, I had a moment when time stood still. I mean it was as if I had left earth. It was the best feeling. All of Team Rasmussen was laughing, smiling and enjoy what God had created.
Do you ever have those moments in life? Just a moment when you know this is what you were created for? I had one! I hope I have many more.
I am created to be a follower of Jesus and to be deeply in love with Him and his Word. I am created to be the best husband in the whole world to Jennifer. Although I fail at this calling often I desire to be a better husband each day. I have messed up for sure as a husband but with grace of God and a wife who desires to see me as a man of God I have new beginnings all the time. And for this post I am ending with my role as a father. I LOVE this role and i don’t want to mess it up.
Ok time to finish my reading in Habakkuk. Trying to read the book each day for the next month.

Then off to Disneyland!

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Christians Can Have A Voice

Jake Rasmussen — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:58:08 +0000

Followers of Jesus Christ are able to have a voice in their community. I feel there is this big misconception that followers of Jesus are supposed to be quiet and not have a voice on things which plague our communities. It is ok for you to be a Christian and have an opinion on issues. And it is even ok if your thoughts don’t align with other Christians or the main stream media. This does not make you any less of a Christian. And if you are like me you think better by blurting out your thoughts and allowing others to help steer you.

As a word of caution, as you share you opinion, share it with compassion and grace. Attacking one another never helps. There is much happening within my city which needs strong Christ centered voices. ie Taxation, Law Enforcement, Breaking the Law, Healthcare, and much more.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up as it fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

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Struggling With God’s Choices

Jake Rasmussen — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 06:21:46 +0000

My wife, Jennifer, was waiting all day for an update on the status of Kate McRae. The update came around 11pm this evening. It was heart breaking to Jennifer and myself.

Kate is 6 years old, just like my daughter. She has a great smile, blonde hair, blue eyes. When I see picture of Kate I think of my daughter. Kate is in a battle for her life. She is battling cancer. Please read her story and follower her progress here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

More than just reading and following her progress please being to pray for her. Please pray AMAZING prayers. Our God is big enough to heal and take away any cancer.

I had a tough moment tonight when I heard the news that the tumor in her brain was still there after this aggressive treatment. God has the power to heal this little girl. And healing this girl and taking the cancer out of her little body would bring great glory to his name. Why hasn’t he done it yet?

I know a pastor shouldn’t be asking these types of questions. But, here I am being honest with my thoughts. I mean God is all about bringing glory and fame to his name. To make his son known among the nations. Why doesn’t he take the cancer out of this little girl’s body? If he did there would be no medical answer for it. It would be a God thing. Plus the suffering/pain would end for Kate and for her family and those around her.

I know some of you who are going to read this are going to try to give “pat” answers like: “God is still in control. And God has a plan. And everything happens for a reason.” Sure those are great answers but really, does that help the situation. As a Pastor I have said those words before. I was hoping to bring about some peace and comfort. But in reality I think that if God really had a plan and if things really happen for a reason then God would heal this little girl to bring fame to himself.

My faith is strong and unwavering. It is just moments like these where I understand there is a God and I am not him. Please join me in praying for complete healing for Kate McRae and that God would bring complete glory to himself through her life.

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The Power of Monday’s

Jake Rasmussen — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:19:03 +0000

I am a secret fan of Monday’s. As a pastor most of the time Mondays are really hard. We are coming down from a high or even focusing on a low. Let me explain that a bit.

A high would mean that attendance was high on Sunday, or it was a good offering, or even spiritually - Jesus did something amazing. Salvation was professed, or sin was accounted for.

A low would mean that attendance was low, the sermon was flat, not that many people pitched in to help with various projects. Repentance was preached but no one responded to the call of God. Well, for whatever reason it was a low.

But, Monday! Monday is a new day. It is wide open to possibilities! Great things can happen and so can bad things. You can meet new people, creditors can call, you can get into a car accident, God can show you something new from his Word.

Whatever the case, I am a secret fan of Monday. The possibilities are numerous. My plan for this Monday is to go with the flow. To be responsive to God’s Spirit when he calls.

What is your plan for this Monday?

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From Sunday

Jake Rasmussen — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:07:32 +0000

Small Group Expectations

Worshiping. Gathering. Serving.

Give a summary of a previous small group experience either at Epic Church or elsewhere.

Share a few of your thoughts about the next statement:

“Small Groups at Epic Church are for both the believer and unbeliever.”

Name two of your expectations for your small group.

What is one thing you will bring to your small group?

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A Definition of Church

Jake Rasmussen — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:03:03 +0000

The church is a group of transformed follower of Jesus, who perceive themselves to be the Body of Christ in their local community and to the nations, and live as such.

This is a definition of church. Help me interact with it and let me know what you think about this.

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New Experiences

Jake Rasmussen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:52:43 +0000

I really like hanging around people like Allan Karr, Alan Hirsch, Sean Benesh, Michael Frost and such. But at the same time I really hate it because they JACK UP my way of thinking. I am an out of the box thinker but they system I am in is so IN the BOX. So, just when I get comfortable in my box I rub shoulders with these men and they make me ask the question, “Am what I am doing and how I am doing it the most biblical and most effective way of doing it?”

I am in San Francisco for a few days taking a seminary class. The class is called Intro to Church Planting. Really it should be titled something like, How to Be a Missionary in Your Culture. This isn’t a class about best practices but rather a class on theology of church and how we fit into it. This first day we have heard from the professor and from a guest speaker who just came back from an amazing experience in Thailand and Burma.

The Western church is not getting it done here in the west and if you think you can argue this point… you cant. I mean if we take Hirsch’s example in his book “The Forgotten Ways” we seem to do church for only 12% of the population in the US. And even if we do church the way we know it REALLY WELL we will still only do it for 12% of the population. So, here we are planting more church for 12% of the population.

My question is what does a church look like for the other 82% of the population. Or for even another 12% of the population and do I have what it takes to reach them? How can I be a part of seeing Jesus become the savior to the people I love so much, the people of Tucson Arizona?

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Prayer Is An Amazing Thing

Jake Rasmussen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:17:33 +0000

It is something that cannot be fully understood. To an outsider it looks as if we are talking to thin air. If we are praying in “our head” (as my 6year old daughter says) we often think, “Are we going nuts, talking to ourselves?”

I am preaching a series on Prayer at Epic Church. I am taking some of my conversations with my daughter about prayer and preaching about them. This week I am preaching about, “Praying Like Jesus Prayed”.

Can I be honest here? Ok. Even though I am a pastor I mess up. Sometimes I mess up big time and others they are small enough that no one really notices. But, when I mess up and yell at the crazy driver in “the other car” my daughter is quick to point out. “Daddy, Jesus loves that person too. You really should be nicer to them.”

She is 100% correct. Well, when it comes to prayer and me teaching my daughter how to pray and the importance of prayer she insightfully asks, “Daddy, how did Jesus pray?” And my theologian of a daughter also cocks her head and asks, “If Jesus was God then why did he pray?”

These are the questions I am wrestling with as I prepare this weeks sermon on prayer. I hope you are seeking your Father in Heaven this week though prayer. Drop me a line if you have any insight into these questions or even how you have dealt with them with your kids.

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I signed the Manhattan Declaration

Jake Rasmussen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:45:24 +0000

I have signed The Manhattan Declaration, have you?

Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family.

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

the sanctity of human life

the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife

the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Here is a Southern Baptist Seminary President and member of the Gospel Collation on why he signed his name to the declaration.

I am of personal conviction it is so much better to state what I am for instead of making a case about something I am against. This declaration is just that. It brings about the convictions of Bible believing followers of Jesus into the culture of today. I am laboring in my city to see her a better place. To see her made good though the obedience of followers of Jesus. And to that end I have placed my name on this declaration. And not only do followers of Jesus value this three things covered by the declaration but so do many others in my generation. It is time to take a stand and declare we value the family.

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I used the word moron this morning

Jake Rasmussen — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:44:34 +0000

Genesis 1:27

27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

rmale and female he created them.

It is my belief that God created all men with the same worth and value. God values each of us the same. And we see from the book John:

John 3:16

16 “For hGod so loved ithe world,9 jthat he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not kperish but have eternal life.

We know that each person is loved and valued the same from God. I fully believe this and I ask God often, though I am sure not often enough, to allow me to have the mind and heart of Christ and that I would see creation as God sees his creation.

I made a poor decision this morning while preaching at Epic Church. I made the choice to call Christians who try to do their own plans and try to pawn them off as “God is leading me” yet it is in direct contradiction to the Bible, Morons. I should not have called anyone a moron. Everyone no matter what the believe still have value. No one is more valuable to the Father than any other and we should not try to assume otherwise.

Yes, I said if you are saying God is speaking to you yet it in contradiction to the Word of God you are a moron. Here is the transcript starting in the 39^th minute:

Starting in min 39:00 of the sermon, I am speaking:

“Why Mormons are heretical and demonic influences and that allah is a demon. As you look at this and you grab at and look at their doctrine please pray in light that they are very powerful spirits, they are gods with a lowercase g.”

“They were created by God and have fallen and belong to Satan. They are very powerful and you need to guard your heart and you need to guard your mind. Read them and contrast them with what we know to be true. Seek wise council. God does not contradict himself.”

“If you say, “Well the Holy Spirit is telling me there really isn’t the Holy Spirit, there really isn’t Jesus and there really isn’t God. He’s not going to go against his word. It’s not going to happen.”

39:50

“That’s a whole another sermon for another time. For all your people who say that, “God is leading me”. Well show me your verse. I don’t have one I just feel it. Well you’re a moron. Quit eating BK late at night. The problems with this is that modelism denies the relationships within the Trinity.”

Then in the 42^nd minute of my sermon I used the word, “moron”, again. I said that I would sound like a moron to some when asked about who send me I just reply, “I AM.” Here is the transcript from this:

42:50

“There is yet one God and he is the Lord. He is I AM. That’s pretty flippin’ sweet if you think about it. “How are you to describe me” “God how should I describe you?” “Just say I AM.” I’m going to sound like a moron that you’re God and I AM” I AM is God.”

As a preacher of God’s Word and a herold of the King I should be wise in the way I chose my words. The word, moron, is not up lifting even harsh. I should have not have called Christians “morons” who misuse the calling of the Holy Spirit. And I should not have called myself a moron for trying to describe God to others as saying that God calls himself, “I AM”.

I have a lot to learn as a communicator of God’s Word. I will write more late but please forgive me for using the hard word moron in these contexts.

You can listen to my sermon this morning here. http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2423642

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Questions to have a friend ask you

Jake Rasmussen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:54:59 +0000

I believe if we as followers of Jesus are going to be a part of making our city good we also need to do our part to stay focused on the mission. The mission is to glorify our Father in heaven. Yesterday I wrote about our need to connect with another, same sex, friend for the purpose of being ourselves. Everyone needs this. I need this so bad.

A number of you contacted me and shared how you want this kind of person in your life and that I am lucky to have a person like this. Let me be honest, I am just finding this again. You see a couple of years ago my dear friend moved to pursue Jesus in another area of the country. It damaged me for sure. Then just this year another dude I was close with moved away too. And let me tell you it SUCKED!

I have not wanted to let another friend in close to me just for the fear that they would move away. But, let me tell you I needed to push past this self made fear and pursue authentic relationships where I am asking other men the hard questions and men are asking me the hard questions in return.

I came across this as a guide for time together with a trusted friend. A friend who is concerned with you becoming more like Jesus. You take time and each answer these questions and then seek Jesus in prayer for each other. Hope this helps you in some way.

Neil Cole:

1. What is the condition of your soul?

2. What sin do you need to confess?

3. What have you held back from God that you need to surrender?

4. Is there anything that has dampened your zeal for Christ?

5. Who have you talked with about Christ this week?

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So much…

Jake Rasmussen — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:05:29 +0000

So much is going on in my life right now I can’t really verbalize it all. But, one thing I do know is that Jesus is up to something in my life. He is doing a work in my life.

As the scriptures say, ” ¹⁷ Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.” http://ref.ly/Pr27.17

I had an outstanding time today with a friend. You see all too often we forget to have meaningful relationships. Relationships were we can just talk openly and honestly. Where we can confess sin. Where we don’t have to have it all together. That was one of those meetings today for me.

If you don’t have someone, of the same sex, where you can put all walls and facades down and away; I encourage you to ask Jesus for such a friend.

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Porn and Lust

Jake Rasmussen — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:30:38 +0000

I have been doing a ton of research for tomorrow’s sermon. In all honesty I was looking forward to Epic Church’s Porn Sunday. I was thinking it would be fun to talk about something so taboo. But in all reality porn and lust are destroying, yes DESTROYING, the life Jesus has created for us. We think we know best. We think we can “handle” our sin. You know what - we don’t handle sin, sin handles us. It is only by the power of Jesus that we are able to flee from sin. Not because we remove it from our lives but because Jesus takes it away.

Isn’t that the Gospel message? Not that we did anything, but that because of a deep unfathomable love Jesus has taken all of the crap of our lives and lives everywhere upon himself so that we may experience freedom.

Enough is Enough. Lust and Porn are so entrenched in our culture. I can’t even begin to think how or where to start to reverse the tide, but I tell you this - my life will be focused on Jesus and I will fight to the death for my purity. Purity with Jesus. Purity in my marriage. Purity in my relationships. I must allow Jesus to work within me and though me.

What are you going to do?

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OUR FOCUS: Is Jesus. Part 1 of 3

Jake Rasmussen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:13:00 +0000

The next three posts will focus on what Epic Church, and our lives for that matter, must focus.

Focus 1 - Our Focus Must Be On Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 12)

Epic Church must focus on Jesus Christ. As I prepare my sermons to the church I love so much I always ask myself this question, “How will this sermon glorify Jesus and allow Him to be the focus of our time together?” (John 17) This too is the focus of all decisions regarding all things Epic Church and all things Team Rasmussen. To be honest, sometimes I feel like I fail, just being honest. Without a doubt, if Jesus is not the focus of our lives and church, we will fail. And fail BIG TIME.

It sounds kind of silly to write a post or even say out loud that Jesus must be the focus of our church. I mean it should go without saying. Right? Well, one would think so. It would be like a baseball game without a hot dog, or a church planter without a Mac, chili without beans. You get the point, just sounds totally ridiculous.

I see all sorts of churches put their focus on something other than Jesus. At times in my life have been focused on other things rather than Jesus. Some churches put their focus on doing good things, giving a lot of money, building the best worship service, having the coolest artwork, having the best music and the list can go on and on. But, we must - let me say it another way; WE MUST have Jesus as our central focus in all we do. (Matthew 6:33)

This does not negate the need for other things to compliment our focus but they must not be the driving force behind what we do. It must be Jesus.

The message of the Gospel and person of Jesus will permeate all we do as Epic Church. Jesus lived a perfect life, died a gruesome death, fulfilled scripture, has given us hope, a future, a purpose, a heaven, and the list could go on and on. (1Cor 15) Because of Jesus we have Epic Church. Because of Jesus we have a story.

What does it look like for a church to be focused on Jesus? (Acts)
I have been asking this question for months. What does Epic Church look like when it is focused entirely on Jesus Christ?

For Epic Church when we focus on Jesus we will see radical life-change and authentic community. (Acts)

Look out for number two tomorrow.

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