You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.

Philippians 4:9

The other night I had a nightmare about the church. In it, friends weren’t friends and worship wasn’t worship and I lost my Bible. It was one of those dreams from which you’re glad you wake up.

The church people I know have a different dream for the church. In that dream, the church is a safe place to explore your faith, worship is worship inside and out, and Bible study is the basis for everything we say and do.

God created us and then “saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Gen 1:31) Then God gave us free will. What a combination! You never really know what we’re going to do! If we choose to follow Jesus, who are we following? What did he actually say and do? How often do we run from Christianity or run into Christianity based on rumor and assumptions?

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, a remembrance of Jesus’ celebrated entrance into Jerusalem. The people who crowded the streets welcomed him with expectations mostly based on rumor and assumptions. Then biblically there’s a long week ahead, full of betrayal and agony and death. Then next Sunday is Easter! Rise again. Rise above. Live!

It’s a challenging week in the Christian calendar; like a crazy dream, it’s hard to make sense of it all.

Be challenged! Spend some time reading about Holy Week.

What was Jesus’ dream?