Jake Kaufman Stories - Latest Comments

Re: What If Church Isn’t Church At All?

Josh Knoll — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 12:29:44 -0000

SPOT ON! ... odd I was just having a conversation with my dad about being "in the church" ... it really is a very abstract idea. Thank you SO MUCH for your thoughtfulness! I am printing this out for future enjoyment. Awesome initials too! -- JK :P

Re: What If Church Isn’t Church At All?

Joe Webb — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 21:06:35 -0000

Love the raw honesty of this beautiful poem my friend. (And I say that not being sure you intended it as a poem, but it most certainly is that, and more). Every moment is sacred, every instant an opportunity for God to encounter us and become an act of worship. Shalom.

Re: SOMETIMES THE BIBLE IS FICTION …

Bordello — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:41:28 -0000

It's a parable at best. The idea of two deities "talking to each other" and wagering as to whether or not the subject of their wager will succumb is rather silly on its face. The lesson about patience is key.

Re: 15 Stories in 15 Weeks. Here We Go.

Jake Kaufman — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 23:03:29 -0000

Hey James! Sorry that I missed this comment. I hope that you've been following along. You might be interested in this story in this series: http://jkstories.com/writin...

Re: 15 Stories in 15 Weeks. Here We Go.

James Dismond — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 00:07:50 -0000

Hi, my name is James. I am currently a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the United Church of Christ. I'm loving what I have read this far. I'd love to see an article about some of the popular bible stories that tend to be used to outcast and place judgment on many of people in today's society. All my youth members will be following this blog closely. Thanks so much for writing.

Re: For Those Tired of Praying…

AngellwasHere — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 06:25:53 -0000

I absolutely love this post and needed to hear this today! I was literally just about to write a blog post on a similar topic (and still may) because it's real life and Christian's don't always like to admit it. Thank you for just telling it like it is.

Re: Why I Stopped Believing That Faith Is Black and White

Jake Kaufman — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 20:36:55 -0000

agreed.

Re: We Would Have Fired Jesus

Jason Vana — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:19:01 -0000

I've always said that if Jesus were here in the flesh right now, he wouldn't be hanging out in any of our churches. In fact, I think he would be chastising our churches for spending millions on buildings and only a fraction on helping the poor, widow, orphan, outcast.

Pastor Jesus? Good in thought, but wouldn't ever happen.

Re: Why I Stopped Believing That Faith Is Black and White

Jason Vana — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:14:24 -0000

I tend to stay out of conversations with people who have all the answers (or at least think they do) and who see faith as black and white. Any amount of time following Jesus - I mean really following Him - proves faith isn't black and white. It's messy, difficult, and not easy to understand. But then, if it were easy and neat and clean, most of us wouldn't fit.

Re: Gatekeepers, The Kingdom, and Where God Hangs Out

Penny — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 11:47:48 -0000

I agree with your words - you have great insight. Thank you for your stories.

Re: The Caitlyn Jenner Dilemma

disqus_OhfcLJnmtz — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 01:22:39 -0000

Why did God make me a single man who longs to be married, and that being said, to have sex with someone I love? (You will finally be happy when you get married and have sex with your wife)

Why did God make make me a single man who longs to have sex with 80% or more of the women I ever see (even ones I am not attracted to) ?
(You will finally be happy when you say "screw all" and have sex with as many woman as possible

Why did God make me a married man who is no longer sexually attracted to my wife?
(You will be happy when your wife puts more effort into her image and is more sexually appealing to you)

Why did God make me a married man and then allow me to have sexual desires for woman other than my wife?
(You will be happy when you have an affair)

Why did God make me a single man who desires other men?
(You will be happy when you identify as gay and live out that lifestyle)

Why did God make me a married man who securely desires other men?
(You will be happy when you get divorced, accept that you are gay and find a male partner)

Why did God give me the physical body of a man but inside I feel like a woman?
(You will be happy when you transition from a man to a woman)

THE TRUTH

YOU WILL BE FILLED WITH OVERWHELMING, INDESCRIBABLE, EVERLASTING JOY WHEN YOU MEET THE PERSON OF JESUS, BELIEVE THE GOSPEL, ARE FILLED AND TRANSFORMED BY THE OVERWHELMING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

I don't know what else to tell people. Thats the truth. All the rest of the above things leave you broken, discontent, and miserable. I love you and want you to meet the one who can fix all your brokenness. When you take your eyes off of Jesus you will grow more discontent. When you fix your gaze unceasingly at the majesty and glory of the one who lives in unapproachable light you will be content.

Re: What God Thinks About You

sarahfarish — Wed, 06 May 2015 08:08:40 -0000

You're not a Democrat?;)

Thanks so much for this post. I am preparing to speak at women's retreat on this very topic, and I love some of the points you mention that I overlooked (we're all storytellers - yes!). (Always learning:) I listened to Louie Giglio teach on Mark 12:30-31- "Love God and love others as you love yourself." He pointed out the part about "loving others as we love ourselves" - if you think God hates you - or just puts up with you - then is that how you "love others"? Putting up with them because they're depraved and annoying with nothing good to be found in them? This has weighed heavy on me as one who loves others well - or so I thought - but engages in lots of negative self talk. You reminded me that how we think of self definitely affects how we view others.

Re: Dear Comfortable Christianity

Jason Vana — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 01:14:13 -0000

Grace is so much more beautiful than rules and regulations, and brings so much more life. I see it a lot working with young people - the brokenness that the system just can't heal. That they think they aren't good enough because, let's be honest, that's what we've been fed. We're all worms and horrible and there's nothing good in us.

Jesus pointed people to the beauty in them. Grace does the same. I choose grace. Every. Single. Time.

Re: Dear Kingdom of Heaven

Jason Vana — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:07:08 -0000

Beautifully written, Jake. The rules, regulations and road maps are but a pale comparison to the true kingdom of God. It amazes me who we can talk about the kingdom of God every Sunday in our churches, and yet completely miss it when it's in our midst.

Re: Dear Comfortable Christianity

disqus_OhfcLJnmtz — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 12:22:03 -0000

Dude, I'm sorry. I remember when I was like 12 and the preacher told everyone to close their eyes and the whoever wanted to be saved should raise their hand. Then he started saying " I see one, I see another.."

I never closed my eyes. I watched. No one raised their hand. He lied.

I told my mom he lied. She asked me why I had my eyes open during the prayer. I was pissed.

I remember not getting candy cause I didnt invite my friend to Sunday school class and memorize John 3:16.

So I was like, "Screw this, this sucks" and quit.

I did a lot of heroin. My friends overdosed. I went to their funerals. I know what a the ER smells like. I know what a jail cell looks like. I know what a gun against your temple feels like.

Maybe I should've just closed my eyes when the preacher counted hands?

I came back to the church and went to Jesus collage and got degree in Jesus. I went to the other side of the world. Then church fired me cause Jesus hates guitars.

God fire bombed Sodom and Gomarrah because the angels he sent to fine 10 half decent dudes almost got anally raped. God killed some dude for picking up sticks on Sunday morning (wait or is that Saturday Jewish time or Friday evening with like the half day..lol) God had his people kill 7 other nations of people, even the women and children, even the freaking animals.

Jesus turned water to wine at a party. Jesus defended a woman caught in the act of adultery and told her to go live a perfect life. Jesus knew Peter was a coward who would deny him and also knew he would give his life preaching the gospel. Jesus was a friend to Judas all the while knowing he was a thief and a traitor.

God kills people. Jesus forgives people. The Holy Spirit raises the dead people God killed and Jesus saved.

Wrath. Death. Grace. Life.
Gospel.

God's not counting hands. God is telling people to open they eyes and see. This isn't some punk-game or some church's or pastors ego trip. This is life and death, heaven and hell.

Preach the gospel.

Wrath. Death. Grace. Life
Jesus

Re: I Am Tired and It Is Too Much (A Psalm)

Jake Kaufman — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:29:24 -0000

That line, "I will cling to you and expect everything from you" is so hard right now. I'm joining Matthias in expectation and hope.

Re: I Am Tired and It Is Too Much (A Psalm)

Jill Colorfulheart — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 23:25:55 -0000

What beautiful words of hope...Isn't God's timing amazing that we could now hear Matthias' heartfelt plea during this time of tragedy...

Re: Dear Comfortable Christianity

Jake Kaufman — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:11:09 -0000

"these are NOT unreached people groups who need evangelized - they are HUMANS made in His likeness ...sons, daughter, moms, dads, friends...who need our love and a friend."

Yes. A thousand times, yes.

Re: Dear Comfortable Christianity

sarahfarish — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 08:34:25 -0000

I've read the comments on Facebook. And, I am wondering exactly what is being "disagreed" with??? It seemed the comments that disagreed with you were general...from those who love the church. Ok, great. So what part of this blog are you disputing as untrue? That's what I would like to know. Explain why a certain sentence or belief is untrue - don't just say, "I can't agree with you, Jake," Because it's in that place..that place where we gracefully discuss, that we all win. As for me, I loved this: You danced around the hard words of Jesus – the ones about loving enemies and feeding the hungry – while championing the ones that help you grow bigger buildings and budgets.

I look back at my time "sold out" - church volunteer and goer of the century - poster child for all things church...and I see myself and others following this in token ways - often to make everyone feel better (not always, but often). Until I went to Honduras...until I met the people at Latrobe and talked with them. Until God showed me that these are NOT unreached people groups who need evangelized - they are HUMANS made in His likeness ...sons, daughter, moms, dads, friends...who need our love and a friend.

I could probably go on all day:) But, I'd love to see some of those who disagree - which is ok and even good - specifically and scripturally explain the disagreement. That's the only way we are going to gain understanding.

Re: GRACE AND MY OPINIONS

Jake Kaufman — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 08:26:28 -0000

Keep your head up, Jason! Looking forward to seeing you live out the way of Jesus.

Re: GRACE AND MY OPINIONS

Jason Vana — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 22:36:14 -0000

I've grown pretty tired of the arguments myself, and trying to defend or challenge some belief, tradition, method of ministry. I would rather live out the way of Jesus - show a new way - rather than argue about what's not working. And with God's help, I'll do just that.

Thank you for writing this! It's refreshing.

Re: The Church’s Problem With Genitals

Jake Kaufman — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 22:33:36 -0000

I hope we hear your voice, Victoria.

Re: The Church’s Problem With Genitals

Jake Kaufman — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 22:32:49 -0000

It's that side-by-side part that really matters. It's better that way.

Re: The Church’s Problem With Genitals

Victoria Andrews — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 23:41:21 -0000

Love this! You have a gift for words and for evoking beautiful imagery. For 20+ years I was told I had no place in the church as a woman besides to teach kids and help in women's ministry. It's only been in the last couple of years I have had phenomenal women (and men) come around me and convince me I can be more in the church. That God has a plan and purpose for the voice he gave me. I am excited to see the church start to shift and move on this topic. I think this is a non-salvation issue that is dividing us, which isn't the heart of God. Thank you for your words!

Re: The Church’s Problem With Genitals

Libbi Hatfield — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 15:17:52 -0000

I probably would not flourish - nor would I grow in Christ living and serving (or not serving) in that atmosphere. Being IN the will of God does not mean living UNDER a man's domineering thumb. It's more about serving side by side - each utilizing his or her own gifts. If God created us both, He must have WANTED us both - male and female - to do His will.