Pretty Much Jesus

If you knew there was something better out there, would you want it? Of course you would. From barbeque to gummy bears to the meaning of life itself, we have a built-in longing to find the best. While most of our longings are clouded with uncertainty and subjectivity, there is one search that is settled once and for all--and it's not even close. There is a search that is paramount, and God has made it crystal clear where the supremacy lies. 

Alien, Mar Attacks, Men in Black, Independence Day....why are imaginations of alien invasions often terrifying scorched-earth scenarios? Would it possible to imagine someone beyond this world, far superior in mind and power, who invades our world with peace and kindness? Not only is it possible, it's already happened--and it's better than you think. 

If we could communicate with another civilization beyond our own, what would we say? How would we say it? What would we want to convey about ourselves and our little world? This is exactly what scientists and astronomers did in 1974, using the Arecibo Telescope. But the more important questions are: If God could communicate to us, what would He say? How would he say it? And what would He want to convey to about Himself and His Kingdom? The answers to these questions are where you will find clarity for 2023.  For more information about the Arecibo Telescope and the 1974 message click HERE. 

In 1974, Phillipe Petit wowed the world the day he walked a high-wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. His show in the sky was inspiring, albeit illegal, because of the freedom and joy he expressed in the midst of possible death and certain detainment. It's not a perfect example, but his story is in some way (not in every way) a picture of a life of faith in Jesus. In this world, we are surrounded by danger and troubles of all kinds. Yet, the apostle Peter shares words with a suffering church that reveal a secret to enduring joy in the midst of trials (1 Peter 1). 

Part 3 of 3 of a series on the story from Mark 6 and Matthew 14. The only thing scarier than being on a boat in a storm is being OUT of the boat in a storm. Yet, this is where we find power in the name of Jesus to walk forward even in the midst of trouble. Fix your eyes on Him. 

Boat life is pretty awesome--until it's not. Thankfully Jesus can walk on water, and not just literally. Enjoy Part 2 of 3 on Matthew 14 and Mark 6!

Being alone is often thought of as a bad thing, and for good reason. But Jesus shows us why it can be really, really good to be alone. Matthew 14:23

Do you got spirit? Better yet, do you have THE Spirit? (Romans 8:9-11; John 16:13-15)

Have you ever heard it said? Maybe you've said it before: the picture just doesn't do it justice. How true it is when we experience something too marvelous for words--or pictures. And while pictures don't capture the fullness of an experience, they are helpful tools enticing us to experience the fullness for ourselves. In some sense, this is what it means to be the light of the world, to represent something greater than yourself. Jesus is the fullness of Life that everyone should come to know. ( Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 3:15 )

A quick recap of the vision of Pretty Much Jesus + what it means to "be an Andrew." 

This recent rescue will absolutely blow your mind. And it's a good reminder about another mind-blowing rescue story. If you like Greece and/or soccer balls, you might like this one. ****Galatians 4:4-5, Romans 5:8. 

There is a way to peace and gratitude, but it's counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. It involves perspective. It's a perspective you can get if you happen to go to the moon. But the good news is you don't have to go to the moon to get it. You just gotta walk outside tonight and look up! The moon and stars are more than celestial night lights. They are beacons pointing us to our one hope: Jesus. 

99 years ago, an unusual victory occurred that hadn't happened before--or since. This is the story about a horse race--and it is wild! And like anything else, it all points back to Jesus. 

"Almost" and "not even close" have very different effects on our soul. And you might be tempted to opt for almost rather than not even close. The rich young ruler in Mark 10 was caught in between the two. And Jesus showed him, and us, the unlikely advantage of embracing the "not even close." That is where the Savior waits.   

Some tunnels are longer than others--i.e. the two-mile tunnel in Whittier, AK! Hear the story of my experience with this tunnel and how it is a allegory for long, difficult season in our lives. Plus, learn from Psalm 13 how to process these seasons and endure them well, and of course how Jesus is the key to endurance. 

Exciting new for the Pretty Much Jesus Podcast + and encouraging message--no doubt! Have you ever been chased by cows? I have...and you bet there is something powerful to learn of Jesus in it. 

These days it seems everyone is looking for the secret sauce to life. The thing that will transform us into the best version of ourselves. The thing that will give us clarity, peace, and confidence in the world. Perhaps the secret sauce has been there all along, right in the pages of the best-selling book of all time, which tells us about the greatest life every lived--the life of Jesus, the Son of God. 

New York City. Italian food. Frank Sinatra. Jesus. 

A story about a moose and how Jesus changes how we pray!

Every year the cherry blossoms of Washington D.C. put on a spectacular display of natural beauty. But there is something even more beautiful that takes places just days before. This inconspicuous event is a picture of Jesus and it is the best news for you today.