Professor Q | Church On Purpose

Heaven, the Citizen’s Final Frontier……Or Is It?

13MarAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

One of the most heartfelt worship songs of the 21^st century is I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. If you haven’t listened to it, you should. It’s a wonderful song! Here is the first verse and the chorus.

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When you face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by You glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

As I was listening to the song, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “You don’t have to postpone this experience to Heaven. You can have this on Earth right now.” Wow! Can we really? If so, then why do we sing so many songs declaring how we can’t wait to get to Heaven? Why do we delay experiences meant for Earth?

The short and sweet is that many of us have traded the promise of the Kingdom for the empty hopes of religion. God’s intent has always been to establish His heavenly influence on Earth among and through a citizenry of people who manifest and spread His culture. If you’ve been following along with us for even just a short amount of time, you have heard this message several times. Check out our archived messages on our website, Facebook page, or YouTube channel for more on the subject.

Religion is man’s attempt at reclaiming the Kingdom. It is our best shot at understanding and fulfilling God’s intent. Unfortunately, anything we try to do in our own strength and wisdom falls short of God’s marvelous standard and intent. The hope of going to Heaven to live and stay is one of these things.

Jesus makes it quite clear during His ministry that He came to bring Heaven to Earth and not the other way around. “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). From the outset of His ministry, Jesus was laser-focused on restoring the Kingdom back to man, not taking man to the Kingdom. Yes, we will go there one day on an excursion, but make no mistake it’s not our final frontier.

We spend so much time praying to leave Earth and not enough time praying for God’s Kingdom to impact it. “Pray then like this: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matt.6:9-10). That doesn’t sound anything like some of the prayers you’ve probably heard. It’s a prayer for impact, not isolation. It’s a request for God’s government to come, not to take us to the government.

If that wasn’t enough, in John 17:15, we hear Jesus having a conversation with His Father, saying, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” That seals the deal! If Jesus didn’t pray for us to leave, but to stay, then what should our prayer and focus be? It should be on impacting the world with Heaven’s culture while we are here.

Don’t worry, your “hope in glory” isn’t going anywhere. You will go to Heaven someday, put on your white robe, walk the streets of gold, and worship around the throne. However, if that consumes our attention, then how can we fulfill the assignment we’ve been given here on Earth?

Imagine if our churches were all laser-focused like Jesus was on impacting the world with Heaven. Imagine if we were so in tune with the Holy Spirit that we knew exactly what to do to make it happen. What would our churches look like? How would we structure our ministries? How would we see our role in the world today? I’ll tell you!

Our churches would be blossoming with Heaven’s culture. There would be no lying, no stealing, no bickering, and no gossiping. There would be no adultery, fornication, or sexual immorality of any kind. Children would obey their parents. Husbands would love their wives. Wives would submit to their husbands. There would be no divorce and no incest. The moral standard would be high, our vision would be clear and the witness we set for the world would be so weird to outsiders, they would come just to see how all of this is even possible.

Sound crazy, far-fetched, or out of this world? It’s because it is, according to the world’s way of operating anyway. Church On Purpose is determined to be this kind of church. It’s why teach and preach so heavily on the importance of manifesting culture. My prayer, and I hope after reading this your prayer, is that God will renew our understanding and vision for what the church is supposed to be. When this begins to take place, we won’t be singing about how we imagine what Heaven will be like, but about how real Heaven has become on Earth.

Grace and Peace,

Professor Q

Just Say No

27FebAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

Since the inception of Church On Purpose, Coach Jonathan and I consistently and repeatedly teach this understanding of religion: Religion is man’s attempt to gain God’s attention and approval. That is to say, for God to give any care or concern for our existence, we must do something or a series of things of which He approves. It’s like a child doing whatever she can to be considered her father’s daughter and get his attention; she already is his daughter and has his attention by virtue of the relationship.

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry (Psalm 34:15).

The entire 34^th Psalm is thanks given unto God by king David for the attention God has given him. David knows because of his right relationship with God, he has God’s attention. Again, because of his right relationship with God, he has God’s I. The Gospel of the Kingdom is the only message maintaining the belief that pleasing God comes through faith in God’s gracious gift of salvation to humanity, not religious works.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

There is no religious activity a person can do to please God—no amount of praying, worshipping, service, sacrificing, or giving will get God’s attention. One either has it or he doesn’t. One is either a child of the King or not. God cannot and will not be appeased or coaxed into giving His attention.

Since this is the case, then why are so many believers that are very religious? Why are there so many added stipulations in some churches—a list of dos and don’ts that if you don’t follow them, then you somehow lose sonship or fall out of God’s good graces? The answer is simple, really. Somewhere along the way, the church lost the proper understanding of God’s intent and has slipped into religious activity, trying to get God’s attention. Unfortunately, many believe that God wants things over people; that He wants activity more than relationship.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26).

God wants a family of sons and daughters who reflect and carry out His intent, values, and culture in the earth. As always with God, His intent never changes and His purpose is never thwarted no matter what we may or may not do. So, regardless of what religion may have taught you, this was and always will be God’s intent.

Armed with this knowledge, my charge is simple: Just say, “NO” to religion. Say no to any thought, doctrine, or belief that teaches or implies that you must do something for God to accept you. It’s simply not the case.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:3-6).

God’s acceptance of and attention towards you is based on His choice to include you in His family and your choice to accept His invitation into it. Say no to religion and yes to the Kingdom.

Grace and Peace,

Professor Q

Live For Today, Not Yesterday

13FebAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” -Luke 9:59-60

For the Christmas holiday, my wife and I visited family back in Virginia. We stopped by the cemetery to visit the grave of a family member who had passed last year. When we got there, we had a little trouble locating her grave and the Holy Spirit asked me, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”

Wow! This family member passed away with their Kingdom citizenship intact and is having a good ole time in the Kingdom of Heaven with the King. We shall see her again and we’ll all return to the new Earth someday, so why were we looking for her when she wasn’t here anymore? We were looking for her here on Earth while she is there in Heaven. For that moment, we were pursuing what was in the past and had lost focus on the present. Understand me properly; reflecting on the memories and lives of loved ones is a good thing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.

I began to think what it must be like to be the individual who oversees the cemetery. Day in and day out, this person is responsible for watching over the remains of people who have moved on from this life, some as recent as a few days ago and others decades ago. Keeping up the appearance of the graves, trimming the lawn, etc. All these activities were so that people could come and visit the remains of people who were no longer with them.

In this moment, the Holy Spirit was showing me what I want to share with you in this post. Let the dead situations of yesterday remain in yesterday. You go live for today!

In Luke 9:59-60, Jesus told a man to follow Him, but this man gave the excuse of having to bury his father first. Jesus replies, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” There are a couple reasons why this man wanted to bury His father first. He was likely the first-born son and it was his responsibility to bury his father, and he likely wanted to receive his promised inheritance that was to come now that his father was dead. Regardless of the motivation, one thing is clear: Jesus knew that this man’s purpose was more important than even burying his own father!

Ouch! But, how can the dead bury the dead? I believe Jesus is referring to the spiritually dead who would rather stay stuck in the past with the dead, rather than move forward and live. Dead men don’t speak. Dead women don’t proclaim good news, only living ones do. Dead folk don’t inherit the life and responsibility of being Kingdom citizens on Earth. Jesus saw who this man was to become and sternly encouraged Him to let the past be the past. Perhaps if he went to bury his father, he wouldn’t return to follow Jesus. Perhaps family and friends would pressure him to stay. Whatever the possible outcome, Jesus knew that today was the day for this man to truly live.

Too often, we spend entirely too much time and energy trying to be where God was and not where He is. Whether it is relationships that were meant to be temporary, jobs that were supposed to be seasonal, or past situations we had no control over in the first place, we spend unnecessary time and energy trying to make something dead come alive again. We rob our present and our future by investing in the past. We tend, dress, keep, and make our homes among the dead. We revisit our mistakes, shortcomings, and failures. We blow balloons for pity parties and wallow in the grief of yesterday. We long for the good old days and what ifs. We become keepers of cemeteries in our lives.

I encourage you to come out of the cemetery. Leave the dead situations of the past there. Leave your mistakes and failures in the grave, but take the lessons with you. Let what is dead, remain dead. Go live for today! Live in the Kingdom of God. Your best days are ahead of you, not behind you. Your purpose is fulfilled in the future, not in the past. Everything God desires to do through you, requires that you live!

The new year is right around the corner, but you don’t have to wait until then to live for today. Live for today, now!

Grace and Peace,

Professor Q

The Hope of Security

21NovAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

If there is one thing that every person wants and needs in life, it is security. We want to know our future is not in jeopardy and everything we will need shall be in place. We want to know we’ll have enough food to feed our families, enough money to pay our bills, good health, a place to live, adequate resources in case of emergencies, and a long life.

For most people, we seek to obtain our security through our jobs, businesses, trying to eat right, and saving up for a rainy day, but many of us know that even our best efforts can’t stop life from laying an unexpected and staggering sucker punch. Being faithful on the job won’t prevent a layoff. Eating all the right foods won’t fully prevent a cold or cancer. And at just the right time, tragedy can strike and you are completely unprepared. It’s like my dad would always say, “Just keep getting up in the morning…”

Many of us depend on our local, state, and federal governments to provide security. Through laws passed and the fair execution of the laws, we hope that our elected and appointed officials will discharge their duties faithfully and in the best interest of the people they are sworn to serve. We want to live without threat of our leaders and public servants causing us harm. Yet, one doesn’t have to look far to see cases of bad apples, rogues, and self-centeredness that compromises the security we expect to receive from our government.

There used to be a time when people left their front doors unlocked, expected visitors, and generally felt safe in their own neighborhoods. Now, we have 300 locks on the door, a security system, a guard dog, and if anyone rings the bell that didn’t schedule an appointment, we pretend like no one is home. Why? It is because of a lack of security. We generally feel less safe and understandably so. From the constant barrage of violence and crime highlighted in the news to stereotypes reinforced to us through culture, it won’t be long before your first instinct is to suspect people of ill intent. For quite some time, our world has been spiraling down the funnel of insecurity and it stems from our distrust of one another. So, what are we to do and where can we turn to obtain the security we so desperately desire or is this simply a foregone conclusion?

Most people would tell you, “Look, this is the just the world we live in. You need to accept it and understand that you can’t change anything.” I can completely understand that perspective. When you look around, from where is hope going to come? Who among us is going to solve the problem WE have caused? A friend of mine has a saying, “If you hang around 9 broke people, what makes you think you aren’t number 10?” It’s funny every time I hear it, but the point he makes is relevant. We look to people with the same problems as us to fix them. That’s not how it works. That’s not how any of this works. Blind folk don’t lead blind folk the last time I checked. Could it be that these individuals limit their vision by their sight? Are we looking to the right people and places to solve our problems?

However, every once in a while, you’ll run into someone who has a wild optimism and an obstinate belief in a world that is polar opposite of the one we live in today and takes steps every day to make it so. No, our heads are not in the clouds, our feet are firmly planted in reality. We simply believe there is more to life than what we see. We believe in the potential for goodness within every human being. And we believe we all have the capacity to change our world.

For myself, this hope and belief come from the unchanging and unshakeable reality of the Kingdom of God. It was one verse of Scripture I’d read dozens of times before that began a revolutionary change in my life a little over 2 years ago.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. -Matthew 6:33

This is the ultimate promise of security! I have access to an infinitely powerful God with unlimited resources, has boundless love and care for my life, promises to meet all my needs and righteous desires by simply entering His Kingdom and staying rightly related to Him. The most reassuring thing about being a citizen in the Kingdom of God is that God’s provision in my life is not a product of my labor, but a product of my right relationship with the Him. My needs become His top priority. My life is now His concern. Where I live, what I drive, my family, my health, my wealth, and everything in between now becomes the responsibility of the King.

You may be wondering, like I did, if this means all my efforts become irrelevant and I can be lazy. Certainly, not. It is God who gives us the ability to create wealth (Deut. 8:18). We are called to be responsible and industrious stewards of the resources God has given us (Luke 12:48). Laziness brings poverty (Prov. 20:13). We are to use every gift, skill, talent, and ability we have to be productive in the world.

What this promise guarantees us is that no matter what economic system we are part of in the world, the outcome of our lives is determined by the commonwealth economy of Heaven. God’s commonwealth is not like capitalism where everyone must make their own way. It’s not like socialism where the wealthy are heavily taxed to take care of the poor. God’s economy is based on the personal wealth of the King; He gives all His citizens common access to His personal wealth at His discretion (Psalm 24:1, Job 1:21). The King gives His citizens resources with the responsibility of using those resources according to His will. When we are faithful with those resources, we keep the gates open for more to come to and through us, thereby, securing His provision in our lives (Matt. 25:21).

That sounds way better than everyone competing for resources. That sounds better than being a heavy tax burden on the people. That a vast improvement over stressing where the money is going to come from to pay the bills. That’s better than being filled with anxiety about my health. That’s better than fretting when crisis hits. God’s economy is never in crisis, never needs a bailout, never sees recession or depression, and is never in jeopardy of shutting down! What’s more secure than that?!?

I want to strongly encourage those of you reading this, if you aren’t already under God’s economy, to get under it! All you need to do to become a citizen in His Kingdom is repent of your sins, confess Christ to be Lord/Owner of your life from here on out, stay rightly related to Him, and there you have it! Life won’t get easier, but you will have security.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. -Romans 10:9

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Prov. 3:5-6

Grace and Peace,

Professor Q

You’re moving where???

03AugAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

That’s right! We’re moving to Omaha, Nebraska!

Your reaction may be like that of some who’ve heard the news already. You’re thinking, “Omaha??? What’s in Omaha, Nebraska? Corn fields?” Trust me, there are plenty of things in Nebraska besides corn.

Why are we going out there? Short and sweet is because God told us to. Since 2013, I knew the Lord was leading me to work with church plants, but didn’t know in what capacity. The vision of Church on Purpose confirmed and gave the next step for me and Priscilla’s vision for community and family empowerment aligned with the direction of the church, so the response to God’s invitation was clearly going to be a yes.

Who else is out there? My friend, business partner, and brother, Jonathan (Lead Pastor) and his wife Jene’ (Kingdom Kids Coordinator), along with their two children have been living there for a year; we consider them family. We also have our friend, Anthony, who is there finishing up doctoral studies. So this is essentially totally unfamiliar territory for us, but we’re not worried because God has already begun and will continue to provide new relationships to facilitate the vision He has given us.

What are we going to be doing in Omaha? We’ll be starting a brand new church! We are super excited. I’ll be serving as the Discipleship Pastor and Priscilla will be the church’s Community Connections Coordinator. I’d honestly have to share more with you over the phone or in person because this post just would not do it justice, so check out the site and let’s talk!

When are we leaving? We are set to leave at the end of August, so if you’d like to get together with Priscilla and myself, shoot either of us a text, message, email, or call. We’d definitely love to see you before we leave.

How can you support? First, join us in prayer for safe travels and for success with the plant. Be sure to download a copy of our prayer calendar on the church site to learn how you can pray for us. Second, consider sending a gift to support our transition by clicking our picture. Donations are tax-deductible and you can specify that you want it to go toward our relocation by adding the note “Rogers Move” to your contribution. Third, thanks in advance for your support!

Prof. Q

Make Room

12JunAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

Have you ever wondered if there was a way to do what you love and make a living doing it? I know I have! Truth be told, I think about it everyday. What can I do to allow myself to do what I’m called to do for the rest of my life? I think Scripture gives us a clue as to how it can be done.

Proverbs 18:16 declares, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.” (ESV) What does this mean? How does this happen? Let’s journey through Scripture. Joseph’s gift of dream interpretation brought him before Pharaoh and into his official court of advisors. Daniel’s gift of wisdom brought him into the advisory court of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. A shepherd boy by the name of David had a gift of leadership and he became King over Israel. Of course, Jesus being the ultimate gift Himself, had him in audience with Pilate shortly before his crucifixion and pricked the Roman officials heart AND now sits at the right hand of the Father.

What was the key though? Was it training? No. Was it skill? No. Was it a natural giftedness? No. Each one of these individuals had one thing in common that their success is attributed to: they made room for God. See for the believer, we understand it is God who gave the gift, God who blesses the gift, and God who allows the gift to bless us. Plain and simple: When you make room for God, He will allow your gift to make room for you.

Daniel fasted, Joseph was obedient, David had a heart for God, and Jesus, well…He did everything right, most notably taking time to pray to God and seek His will. When Daniel made room for God, he was promoted and his people were blessed while in exile. When Jospeh made room, he saved future generations of Hebrews. When David made room, the nation of Israel prospered. When Jesus made room for the Father, the Father made room for us!

Now here is the question that is staring you in the face: Are you making room for God? We might be tempted to rationalize the two hours during the week we give as plenty of “room,” but God desires and deserves more than that, right? Of course He does!

Imagine what would happen if you made more room for God. What would your life look like? What would you be doing? Would you be doing what you are doing now? Who would be blessed by the room made for you because you made room for God?

Your purpose is bigger than you think and is inextricably tied to the room you make for God. It is in the room where you find clarity. It is in the room where you find vison. It is in the room where you discover purpose. It is in the room where your passion is fueled. It is in the room, where it all begins!

Your task…go MAKE room, so room can be MADE!

Prof. Q

Vacancy Needing To Be Filled…

01JunAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

This past Sunday in worship, I was called upon to pray and I felt the urgency to pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit to fill the lives and hearts of those in the congregation. The prayer started with thanksgiving and then quickly escalated to a passionate plea for preparation for the Holy Spirit and a desperate cry for Him to come. “God remove anything from within us that is not like you. Then fill us with your Holy Spirit continually,” were the words that leapt from my heart to my tongue and into the microphone. When the prayer had concluded, I found my eyes wet with tears, my breathing heavy, and feeling inflamed with a longing for more of the Spirit of God.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8, ESV

More than anything else that this world needs is Spirit-filled followers of Christ Jesus. With so many issues facing our communities, 1000s of churches closing their doors each year, and even so many despondent Christians who feel stuck in limbo when it comes to a true relationship with God, now is as good a time as any for an invitation of the Holy Spirit into our lives! There is a vacancy that needs to be filled.

The Holy Spirit is the power and the life that inflames us with passion, strength, and courage. He is the one who stirs up the gift of God within us. He is the force that couples our gift with passion to live on purpose. It is He who teaches us, leads us, and guides us on how we can live purposeful lives that glorify God, build us up, and serves others. He is WHO we need to be all that God is created to be!

Going into uncharted territory, Church on Purpose is in desperate need for a continual filling with God’s Spirit. We need Him for guidance. We need Him for direction. We need Him for peace. We need Him for boldness. We need Him for faith. We need Him for strength. We need Him for wisdom. Pray we are continually filled with the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to those in Omaha. They need us to be!

My prayer for you is that you would be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, knowing and experiencing the power, truth and love that comes through fellowship with Him.

Grace and Peace,

Prof. Q

A Select Few…

18MayAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

Matthew 22:14 ESV

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Upon his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the religous leaders sought to corner him and Jesus, in is classic style, spoke to them in parables. At the heels of a parable he gives to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, he says these words, “many are called, but few are chosen.” This was not only an indictment against the Pharisees, but also a proclamation of who shall enter the Kingdom. Who are the chosen? Without bogging you down with theological arguments about predestination, free will, etc., the chosen can simply be understood to be those who are the children of God by faith in Christ and marked by the Holy Spirit.

As the days press on, many have offered feedback about the journey we have embarked upon. Some encouraging and supportive, some curious and indifferent, and others doubtful. All in all, we have learned to be resolved and content regardless of people’s opinions because ultimately they don’t matter anyway. (the opinions, not the people)

When you choose to be one of the few and live your purpose, you will always get feedback from the majority. Some will encourage you, some will be indifferent, and others will be doubtful. When the feedback comes, “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). When you get cornered, listen to the voice that matters, the one that is sure, the one that directs and affirms. Thank those that support you, inspire the indifferent, and ignore the doubters. Run with the select few and become all that God has called you to be! After all, life is much sweeter when it’s lived on purpose…

Grace and Peace,

Prof. Q

What’s Next?

13MayAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

Having come back from Omaha just a few days ago, the meditations, thoughts, and experiences are still fresh. The rides around town, the conversations late at night, the meals, and the experience of the city still dance around in my head. Even though reflecting is nice and how I do wish we could have stayed longer, the relevant question that stares me in the face is, “What next…?”

Honestly? The next step that the Lord has given is to prepare for growth. Up until this point, the focus has been prepare to see; prepare to see more of the vision and the opportunity. Now the focus is shifting to prepare for the growth of disciples by putting in place the necessary tools and resources to help facilitate that growth. This is where the rubber meets the proverbial road, where feet are put onto prayers, and action is taken!

Won’t you pray for us as we move forward? Visit and browse the site and as you feel lead, show some PDA.

Grace and Peace,

Prof. Q

Spying the Land…

06MayAugust 29, 2020 By Professor Q

“Follow the Holy Spirit…” That is the refrain that has been ringing in our hearts for the past few weeks. With all of the plans, conversations, rides around the city of Omaha, and connections that we have made, the place we end back up is “follow the Holy Spirit.”

Here is what we’ve come to realize, embrace, and commit to make a hallmark of Church on Purpose; we must remain open to, seek, and yield to the Spirit’s direction in everything we do. That includes the planned and the unplanned, the expected and the unexpected.

As we rode around the city, “spying the land” we attentively looked for signs, confirmation, and direction. And time after time He proved Himself faithful to lead us and guide to the right people and places. The experience has been amazing, reassuring, and filling.

Plase join us in praying for our obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Selah.

~Professor Q