The Inaccuracy of Hebrews 11

For many years growing up I have heard countless Pastors and teachers, including myself, make reference to Hebrews 11 as the "Hall of Faith Chapter", bringing the meaning that the men and women mentioned in Hebrews 11 are extraordinary faith-journeyers that made the TOP FOLLOWERS of JESUS.

This inaccuracy does nothing but stunt the growth of followers of Christ.

When we think of people that are in the Hall of Fame or have received a Purple Heart we begin to place these individuals in a category of unreachable.  These men and women are great to look at but truly a goal in which is surmountable.

The danger of doing this to the men and women mentioned on Hebrews 11 has the possibility of stunting our growth as followers, encouraging us to live a lukewarm life.  Why?  You see if we hold the ones who are mentioned in Hebrews as standouts we set a minimal bar for us to reach.  Meaning that God is okay with where we are and although it is cool that Noah, Abraham, Rahab, etc did these wonderful things; we do not have to.

I tell the reader of this blog, THIS IS NOT TRUE!

These men and women of Hebrews 11 were a pure example of what it looks like to live by faith.  It was never intended to place these individuals on some pedestal. Doing that would make them idols and we know how God feels about idolatry.

So how do I do it?
Since, God is the giver of faith, faith is not something we have to work at to get.  Your faith grows in the small choices to obey and surrender each day that will lead you to begin to do things in which you thought you could never do....all for HIS glory!

In HIS Peace!

Title Change...

Okay, for the past 17 years I have been able to call myself a Youth Pastor.  Over the years it has been funny to hear some of the replies of this comment:
"Oh, a Youth Pastor!"
"Okay, so when are you going to be a real Pastor."
"What does that mean?"
Honestly one time before I spoke to a group of people they introduced me as,
"...John Barnes a Youth Pastor, going to school to learn to be a Pastor."

Whatever perspective people had of me, ends today!   Labels are overrated and usually end up driving us to meet someone else's perception of what they think we should be/do.

From now on I am known as John Barnes, redeemed sinner!
When embracing John Barnes, redeemed sinner, at least I will be able to give definition to the title instead of others defining it for me.

In all reality, I walk away knowing that it has been a fun ride and God has richly blessed us with students, parents and leaders that have totally transformed us into who we are.  I am forever thankful.

In His peace and love,


John Barnes
redeemed sinner

Another HUGE Day

Do you believe that our God is huge?

Do you believe that the same God who split the RED SEA in the Old Testament for the reason of rescuing the Israelites from the hands of slavery is still involved in miracles today?

If you don't, let me share simple story within pictures with captions...

Ava at in Haiti (2009)

Ava at Coder Elementary (2011)

God is huge.

God is still actively involved in miracles.

God wants to use you and me!

12 Years

Happy Anniversary to the most beautiful woman in the entire world.

As I sit back and rethink the way I felt 12 years ago in anticipation of the "wedding day" that was before us, I thought that I could never love Christi more than I did that day.  I thought the intense emotions that were running through my soul could never increase.  But oh was I wrong...

The emotion that I had 12 years ago was based upon an intense feeling.  Over the past 12 years this feeling was planted in a fertile soil that has bloomed into a true love that is perpetually blossoming in the uniqueness of who God has created us to be as a couple.  

Because of the uniqueness of the last 12 years, Christi and I have learned that
Love is patient when we are impatient,
Love is kind when we are unkind,
Love isn't envious when we are,
Love doesn't boast when we do,
Love is not proud but humble.

Simply put, God is Love!  Christi, the way you have chosen to love me is a true picture of that love.

Christi I love you very much!  Happy Anniversary beautiful!

My heart rejoices and is in anguish at the same time!

This was a boy who was found outside of Heartline Mission in Port au Prince yesterday morning.  His mom/caretaker had left him on the side of the road.  Fortunately Beth found him and brought him to Heartline.  My heart rejoices for this little boy but at the same time is in anguish for the ones that are never found!  

There may be doors opening to help this little boy...please begin to pray with us on these doors being opened and the softening of a donor's heart in giving towards building an orphanage for these little kids.