How Do You Do It?

Following Jesus is supposed to be all sunshine, puppies, and living your best life now; right? Nope. Not even a little bit. It turns out that following Jesus is really hard.

This week we begin a series of conversations about what it means to follow Jesus.

In this week's edition of "Be Awesome, Don't Suck" I ponder the connection between loving our neighbor, loving ourselves, and kindness in political discussion.

When you go to church what are your expectations? Why do we even say, "go to church"? I talk about this and more on this week's podcast as we explore, "Missional Community." Join me in the conversation at Facebook, @pastordanrose and Twitter, @danielmrose

What are you supposed to do with your life? How do you know what God wants you to do? Is there a difference between a job and vocation? Take a few minutes and see if this helpful.

Sometimes it is really hard to not jump into the outrage of the week. Every once in a while I am actually able to hold back and let it marinate a bit. After the release of the John MacArthur "gospel" statement last week and letting it sit for a minute, I realized some things about the nature of the gospel. So, take a few minutes and give it a listen.

I wasn't a big fan of denominations until I got into one. It turns out that they don't entirely suck.

Jesus talks about loving your neighbor as yourself. So how do we actually do it? I think, at the heart, it's all about hospitality.

I get up on my soap box for a minute and discusses pastoral burn-out and depression. I call for the church, at large, to make some important changes. If you would like to continue the conversation connect with me on Twitter: @danielmrose If you find this podcast to be helpful please consider becoming a supporter. All proceeds will go toward publicizing the podcast, equipment, and a coffee here or there. Thanks for listening!

We as a society get bored. We might not call it that, but the reality is that we do. Why? What is with the endless scrolling of social media and the endless watching of Netflix? Please consider becoming a patron on my Anchor Page: http://anchor.fm/danielmrose Links to the studies referenced in the podcast this week: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/07-08/dull-moment.aspx http://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-30613-001

The world within which we live is chaotic. It's crazy. We try really hard to control it and everything around us. Yet, doing so is like nailing jello to the wall. Are you a control freak? I am. But there is another way.

In the opening episode of Season 2, Dan explores the question, "What is God Like? We would love to hear what you think God is like, so drop a response in the comments or hit him up on Twitter: @danielmrose

What really is the work of the pastor or an ambassador? How do you do "church"? Dan talks about three principles that he seeks to live out as a pastor and missionary in his town - "Go, Commit, Be."

Over the last two years there has been child after child dying. They been in accidents and they have taken their own lives. Our community is experiencing a weight of sorrow and grief that is almost overwhelming. In the midst of tragedy where is God? The answers that "I know" aren't helpful. They are trite. So, I am working out my own stuff in the moment. Maybe this will be helpful. Maybe it won't be. Either way, it's all I got.

When people find out I'm a pastor they always ask about "my" church. I always start by saying, "It's a little weird..." When you start out that way, the following conversation is always fun. We are a little different in what we're doing with the Antioch Movement. So, this podcast is a bit about that. Leave a comment, rating, and share this episode with folks. Thanks for listening!

After playing around with podcasting and trying to figure out the direction and the "why" of it all, we've come to this. The launch of "Be Awesome. Don't Suck." This is the pilot episode of the new format and the new direction. So, please share, comment, and rate. Connect with me on social - Twitter: @danielmrose Facebook: /therevdanrose

You seek to be an ally with those who are struggling, but the constant critique is wearing you out, remember you're enough.

What radical re-orientation in my thinking shook me from a time of darkness?

Faith is "embodied loyalty." When we come to terms with this reality all of life becomes sacred.

Love of "other" and love of enemy are rooted in the reality of all of us being created in the image of God.

What does it mean to live "in accordance with the Scriptures?"

Why does God forgive? What's in it for him?

When we become followers of Jesus life is not all roses and puppies.

Why is communion central to our worship?

Christians are fascinated with blood. Why? What’s the deal with the cross? Is it just cosmic child abuse?

Why do I stay connected with the Church? It’s broken and messy and in many ways awful. Why stay? Music couresty of bensound.com.

Seriously, why even pray? Is there any reason or purpose to it? How do you pray? Some times it just seems so meaningless.

Why do I look to the Bible as my authority? This is the question that I touch on in today’s blogcast.

The Rev talks a bit about actions not words and understanding others.

It turns out that boring same old church experience might just be awesome.

Who do you represent when you walk out your door in the morning? Who will people see?

In a cynical world the most important thing someone can do is keep their promise.

What do we mean when we pray, “your kingdom come”? Most of us haven’t even thought about it. We need a new imagination.

What happens when you start trying to to acknowledge God instead of just asking him for stuff? Here’s what happened to me...

Jesus is not a sales pitch, because all of life is sacred.

How to get out of your spiritual rut.

In the darkness we need a glimmer of light.

What good is theology? It is actually pretty useless...Wait...What?

People want ask me all the time how we raise our kids. Here are ten things we have done.

To those of you courageously saying, #MeToo, I believe you. It wasn’t your fault.

Life is hard. There are times it flat out sucks.

Check out today’s freshly tapped thought on life and God.