which is essentially your profession of faith as a Christian, personal- ly and publically through baptism, and finally, transformation. Your life should look different after coming to Christ; that happens in community and includes reproducing repro- ducers. Living full comes through biblical relationships – foremost with Christ, but also with others.” We sit in silence for a moment as I mull over the implications of a generation of Christians who really hone in on reproducing reproducers. It reminds me of Jack Wyrtzen’s famous statement,
I smile in agreement, and Jay continues his train of thought. “It encourages me that Jesus sees that very depth of my life and loves me the same – and there’s nothing I can do about it. It gives me the humble confidence to know that I don’t need to search for approval and acceptance when I am walking into a room. I’m already in a place of approval and acceptance.” He references Psalm 139, where the Psalmist talks in awe and wonder about how God hems us in behind and before, and He knows us completely. Jay exclaims, “I feel you, Psalmist! I get you! Our minds just can’t comprehend the width and height of God’s love for us. He knows our garbage – past, present, and even what’s to come – and loves us still.” Jay mentions how the only things close to this kind of dedication on earth are wedding vows, because marriage is designed to be a picture of Christ’s perfect love for the church. “It’s like the story of Hosea,” he exclaims, voice rising with passion and excitement. “God pursues us even when we aren’t pursuing Him. We turn our backs on Him over and over again...” A pause, and his voice grows thoughtful again, and then, “... But God.” I remain quiet – he’s reeled me in with this story. It’s personal. Jay isn’t the only one who has expe- rienced a ‘but God.’ It’s you. It’s me. “I wouldn’t be – shouldn’t be – in my life, my position, if not for a ‘but God.’ I mean, come on, sis. You knowmy story. My momwas a drug addict who gave birth to me on a street corner. That day
"God pursues us even when we aren’t pursuing Him. We turn our backs on Him over and over again..."
“It is the responsibility of every generation to reach their generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The world would be a totally different place if students were inspired to practically live that out. It’s also a challenge to me, personally. Taking a sip of my coffee, I bring it back around to the topic at hand. “So, the idea of living full… I feel like those kinds of biblical relationships really fit with our theme at the Bible Institute this year, Fully Known. How do you think that plays into your ministry? What does being fully known mean to your students as they prepare to reproduce reproducers?” “Hmm… it’s been said,” he begins, “that to be loved and not known is superficial. To be known and not loved is what we all fear, but to be fully known and fully loved? That’s our deepest desire.” That infectious chuckle bursts forth again, and he says, “And I’m not talking about the G-rated version! That’s easy to love. I mean the deepest, darkest, grittiest version that we’re afraid to show even our closest friends. That’s the one.”
That phrase sticks out to me, so I ask him – how does he inspire students to live a life as radical as that? Jay’s voice takes on a reflective tone, and he says, “Before anything, we have to remember that the gospel moves at the speed of relationships. Once a relationship’s established, it has to do with encouraging students to take their next step with Jesus.” He continues on, saying, “First, there’s salvation – understanding that you’re a sinner in need of rescue, and trusting that Jesus paid for those sins when He died on the cross and rose from the grave – then comes identification,
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