You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love. All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Galatians 5:13-14)

Good morning, friends!

It’s another beautiful day in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Rebekah and I enjoyed an extra mug of coffee on the deck before she headed in to work, and I’m setting all other distractions aside in order to get the ball rolling on my new book (I’ll share more about the project when it begins to come together).

Today, and for the first time in many weeks, I’m posting my “regular” Wednesday Video-Blog (click on the link to view). Then, after I finished, I realized that corner of my new study looks no different from my old one, so I’ll be looking to find a more representative location for next week’s video-post.

VIDEO: From my video, I’m sure you’ll be able to tell I’m using our relocation as an opportunity to clarify and re-imagine exactly where I am and what my essential message needs to be. Interestingly, the more time I spend in scripture, the clearer the Bible’s unifying thread of continuity becomes.

It all comes down to this: If I want to live a life that’s rich with meaning and purpose, then I – as a created being – must engage an ongoing connection with the Creator. Following Jesus achieves this in the following ways:

• First, Jesus has repaired the breach that institutionalized “lostness” as the default position or status-quo for humanity.
• Second, Jesus doesn’t only make the introductions to God, Jesus facilitates and nurtures the relationship.
• Third, Jesus established The Church, and it is in the context of the community of faith that I receive the encouragement, the support, and the accountability that I need in order to grow as a Follower of the Living Way.

Please watch the video, and please share the message. Peace and blessings – DEREK