A week ago yesterday, I spoke at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, led by Louie Giglio, who has become a dear friend in recent years. I love this church, and the grace and truth of Jesus is so obviously at work in the people and leaders there.
I did a Q&A with my friend Todd Peterson, who I first knew as the kicker for Nanci’s and my beloved Seattle Seahawks back in the 90s. Todd has since led The Seed Company and co-led Illuminations, the amazing cooperative ministry that has united the world of Bible translators.
Todd and I have shared the platform together at Illuminations and Pro Athletes Outreach, and this time at Passion City he interviewed me about giving, generosity, and stewardship, related to my book The Treasure Principle. I’ve received many texts and emails from people who were at the services, and who God spoke to, and I’m deeply grateful.
Passion shared a clip from the message, when I talked about Nanci and our giving together. It was pretty emotional for me, but was reposted repeatedly by many people and groups, and I was stunned by the number of texts and emails I received from those who were seeing it in a variety of places, including Instagram, Facebook and other social media.
I say this in my updated version of my book The Law of Rewards:
That unforgettable Monday morning in 2022, when I held Nanci’s hand as she exited her body and entered the presence of Jesus, I could picture Christ’s outstretched arms and hear his loving words, “Well done.” I could imagine her broad smile as he hugged her. Home at last! And I thought of all the people from all over the world she would then meet and get to know and love—those we had the privilege of helping through our giving, and who thereby received the gospel, food, clothes, clean water, medicines, Bibles, and good books. Sometimes I feel like part of me went to Heaven with Nanci. That’s not only because of our deep love for each other, but because she and I partnered together to invest in people for eternity. I so look forward not only to seeing old friends but to having Nanci introduce me to these new friends we invested in before we ever met them!
Here’s my full message at Passion City:
Finally, you might want to take a few minutes to explore what Passion City Church is all about. Some of this may serve as a model for what you would like your own church to be. Whether you are starting a church or seeking by God’s grace to reform an existing church, consider these core characteristics that the people of Passion City seek to put into practice:
Glory of God. Radical Grace. Extravagant Worship.
We are a Jesus Church. A small tribe of His followers connected by our common faith and a deep desire to see our city [and the world] come to know His power and beauty. We are not perfect. But Jesus is. Thankfully, we are a Jesus Church.
Here’s what Passion City says under “Know what we Believe,” also stating “Jesus is our Lead Story”:
1. Knowable Truth
We believe in the accuracy, truth, authority and power of the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God.
2. One God
We believe in a personal God who has revealed Himself as One. God exists in three persons–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–each distinct, yet all of One essence.
3. Uniqueness of Christ
We believe Jesus Christ to be the virgin born Son of God who lived in flesh, died for the sins of the world, was buried, rose again, and ascended to the Father according to the Scriptures.
4. Grace Life
We believe that the death of Jesus Christ was the final and complete sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Salvation is obtained by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. All who repent of their sins and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are born again into eternal life as children of God.
5. Indwelling Power
We believe that life on earth is to be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, enabling them to live distinctive lives in the life and power of Christ, making famous the Father in heaven.
6. God’s People
We believe that those who have placed their faith in Christ are knit together in one Body, the Church, a distinctive community of faith expressed in local clusters, engaging culture on every front with God’s hope and love … a Church for which Christ will personally return.
7. The Knowledge of the Holy
Created by and for God, we seek to passionately pursue an intimate relationship with God in response to His great love for us. To know God is the ultimate treasure of the soul.
8. Whole Life Worship
More than outward forms, theologically informed worship must encompass our entire existence, whereby in all circumstances our words and actions bring glory to God.
9. His Renown
We echo and affirm the Westminster confession: “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” All things exist for the glory of God.
10. Community of Faith
The worldwide Body of Christ functions best in localized communities of believers. Thus we seek to plant churches that amplify His fame, strengthen the lives of people and repair communities so that all people can know the healing power and grace of the Savior.
