Plugged In?

Our two verses for the week are:

Romans 8:6

2nd Corinthians 10:5

Our passage we are memorizing until the end of August is:

2nd Corinthians 4

This morning something interesting happened that hit me pretty profoundly. I walked over to my work area, and prepared for my morning writing session after my quiet time and sat down at my Macbook. Something was odd though. I had left my computer plugged in all night, yet as my fingers started to grace the keyboard, immediately I was notified that my battery had drained to 20% of it's power. Quite perplexed, I searched the root of the issue. Following the power adaptor to the source, I was quick to realize that the adaptor was not actually plugged into the wall. See, I had thought it was, but, nope. No chance. It was then that it hit me. How many times does that mimic our faith? How many times do we think we have it figured out, that we're completely plugged in, only to assess the situation and find our battery at 20%? See, Christianity truly is cliche after cliche, almost forming a check-list. Not that our faith is built off of legalism, but simply that if we continue to do certain things, our faith is able to sustain abundance. So what are these things that, should we stay plugged into, change our life?

Accountability

Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching." (ESV)

Prayer

1st Thessalonians 5:17

"Pray without ceasing" (ESV)

Daily Scripture Reading

2nd Timothy 3:16

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (ESV)

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (ESV)

Faith

Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those that seek him." (ESV)

Works

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (ESV)

Love

1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."

Mark 12:30-31

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself..." (ESV)

I am, by no means, claiming this list is extensive. It simply goes to show that the word of God makes it very obviously how to live a spirit-filled abundant life! Simply following through with what he calls us to is the thing that so drastically changes our world! So...

1. Go figure it out! What from this list does your life need more of?

2. GO APPLY IT!

Much love!

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Shine Out.

Morning friends! God call us not to timidity, but to SHINE! We live in hope, only because it has been imparted to us through God's mercy and love. Let us continually strive to allow this hope, this peace, this love that we have been given to be seen in our lives. For we truly are a vapor. Here for a second. A millisecond in light of an eternity with Christ; so let us not think of ourselves, live for ourselves, breathe for ourselves. Our life must only be an outpouring of love to those we encounter, as his life was for us. So shine my friends. Shine, shine, shine.

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Ephesians 5:8

"for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light."

Philippians 2:14-15

"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,"

Matthew 5:16

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Go and shine. We don't have any excuse good enough not to. 

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Everyone Should Believe!

2nd Corinthians 4:2

"But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning, or to tamper with God's word. But by the open statement of the truth, we would commend ourselves to EVERYONE'S conscious, in the sight of God."

Paul says that simply by putting forward the truth, in the way we live our lives, that EVERYONE should believe in the gospel. In verse three, he does indeed mention that our gospel is, at times, veiled. Yet, what can we do today, to present the gospel to those around us with our actions? Faith is all about movement! About stepping out. Actions speak louder than words. So go. Go!

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Encouragement

Friends! 

It seems I have forgotten to set my alarm in time to wake up, have my quiet time, and publish a post before I must leave to help run a VBS! There is time at the VBS for me to have my quiet time, but no computer for a post. SO with that, I simply wanted to leave some encouragement! Yesterday I spent a good amount of the day letting 2nd Corinthians 4:1-3 run through my head. And no lie, it's a tough set of verses! Don't get so discouraged that you quit! EVER! With the time we are allotting for extended passages, a little quicker than one verse every other day will suffice! You can do it! And don't forget, the purpose of the ETC Revolution is not to create hundreds a Christians with immense head knowledge! It's allowing the scriptures we put in our mind to develop our thoughts! Let your mind truly dwell on the scriptures you are all studying! I found it truly hard to even desire to sin yesterday when I was reciting "But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways..." Let your thoughts of Christ rule above all of this glorious day which HE has graciously given us! 

P.S.-TL's! Don't forget about Wednesday E-Grams! Thanks so much for all of them on Monday!

-Much Love!

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Doing good, Suffering, Renewal

I've been in 1 Peter for a long time. Which to me has been a journey. 1 Peter is a book anyone could read through in half an hour, but to truly delve into it's truths I've been in it every morning for over a week and a half. Check this progression of verses out!

1 Peter 2:15

"For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." (ESV)

1 Peter 3:13

"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?" (ESV)

1 Peter 4:16

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." (ESV)

1 Peter 5:9-10

"Resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (ESV)

Fantastic. Peter literally just taught me how to live my life. Do good. It's the will of God. Keep doing good, and be so zealous for good that it seems as if no one could harm you. Yet, if you do suffer, glorify him! Here, to me, it's important to mention that even through suffering, Christ imparts his peace onto us! Check out Paul and Silas, or Philippians chapter 4! Lastly, endure suffering, for Christ suffered for you. After Christ has ridden the storm with you, he will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish, but AFTER the storm. So expect and pray for days marked bad by the world, but marked alive through Christ. For when the fire has past, you will find yourself restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established. In that, we revel. 

Much love,

Matt Allen 

The verses for the week are:

2nd Corinthians 10:5

Romans 8:6

The extended passage we are working on is:

2nd Corinthians 4

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

LAUNCH!!

Morning all!

The day is here, the time is come! For those of you who aren't aware, the true purpose behind this blog is to incorporate it into a scripture memorization ministry in which participants commit to memorizing 2 verses a week, and one extended passage a month! After two weeks of personal commitment, participants that would like to be a team leader are encouraged to go build their own family groups whom they lead and shepherd through the memorization as well! The verses for the weeks are:

2nd Corinthians 10:5

Romans 8:6

And we'll be working on:

2nd Corinthians 4

Until the end of August! Team leaders, don't forget to send Kaity and I an E-Gram on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays simply stating which scriptures you have spent time memorizing, any prayer requests, and what God is teaching you in your quiet times! If you would like to be a TL, and aren't one yet, email mattallen.etcrevolution@yahoo.com, with a brief bio, and why you would like to be a TL! Read up! Pray up! Hide God's word deep in your heart, and watch what he does! Be ready to give a reason, to demolish arguments, and change your thought life! Get pumped!

Much love!

-Matt Allen

Rejoice!

Sometimes in the midst of all of our persecution as Christians, and our light seems to fade in our own eyes, we just need some encouragement to keep us going strong and steady to the course. Not only just from our friends or family, but from our amazing God, the Lord of the entire universe, through His word!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Philippians 3:1

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

As this revolution begins, always remember that even though memorizing the scripture can be challenging to you, REJOICE! How amazing is it to know that if we just spend time in pure study in His word, we can hide His word in our hearts, and actually use the 'sword,' the Bible, that God has given us with the Armor of God!

Don't lose heart guys! Keep pressing on, and never cease to sing! Rejoice! Be glad!
Show God's love through your compassionate heart!
Never cease to give your all, everything you have, and just surrender it to Him!

Much love and God Bless!
-Matt

Prepare For ACTION!

How often do we sit, motionless, in our houses wondering where God is in our country? In our city? In our home? Whether in the middle of a storm of our life, or a desert of our spirituality, we often wonder exactly that. "Where is God?"

What are we doing? 

Contrary to seeker-churches, and a lot of feel-good theology, our faith is one of works and action! Our faith is one of suffering for Christ's sake, for he suffered for ours. Our faith is one of movement, of service, of servanthood. We are not here to see how long we can be dragged through this race, but how many we can lead to the finish line.

1 Peter 1:13

"Therefore, preparing you minds for action, and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (ESV)

James 2:18

"But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show mw you faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (ESV)

Philippians 2:12

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (ESV)

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (ESV)

Our faith is one of action. Anything that has been created has a PURPOSE. Ephesians 2:10 just told us ours. It doesn't work any other way. What can you DO today to increase your faith? Get out of your comfort zone. DO. ACT. GO. 

Go DO something this second that will stretch your comfort zone for God a little. Right this second. When you've done it, email your ACTION to mattallen.etcrevolution@yahoo.com stating how you allowed God to use you!

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

The ETC Revolution. Read up my friends.

As I drive home from an awesome two days of friends and Jesus in the metroplex, I want to further describe the vision God has laid on my heart for this ministry. You have to understand. This blog, as any, can stand alone. If you enjoy the thoughts God has laid on my heart, then by all means please continue to read on a daily basis!

Yet, the ETC is truly about a movement. We launch on a smaller, state wide scale with 15-20 leaders on Monday the 27th of July. Leaders commit to the memorization of two verses a week, and one extended passage a month found and promoted here on the ETC site. Each leader undergoes a 2 week training period simply commiting themselves to the memorization. Once the two week training period is over, team leaders form, lead, and shepherd family groups of peers and believers in their area whom also commit to the memorization found here on the site. Family groups hold weekly ETC Sessions for accountability, friendship, prayer, and to recite scripture.

I see these family groups being used in youth groups. On football teams. In campus ministries, and families. I see them before school starts, after practice ends, and during band practices.

WHY Every Thought Captive?

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you."

I truly believe that the average daily Christian struggle can be overcome by allowing the words of God to be implanted in our head, and then hit our heart. If we don't know what he says, we can't DO what he says. The ETC Revolution was formed around the heartbeat of the following verses:

Psalms 119:11

Proverbs 23:7

Romans 8:6

2nd Corinthians 10:5- Check them out!

The Revolution is one of thoughts. For as a man thinketh, so is he. We are seeking more team leaders, more family members, and more people to be a part! I'm so excited to see what God does as his people put his word into their hearts. He is changing lives, one family group at a time. Come play a part.

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Thoughts of The Revolution on the Road

God always has a plan. Always. There are no mistakes. And that to me, is increasingly encouraging. Having left with Kaity this morning at 7:30 am, almost without a plan, I was curious to see what the day held. I had very recently learned the immensity of the "metroplex", which I had once thought was a much smaller area. Wrong. The students from Super Summer I was interested in ministering to all live on opposite ends though, so I learned quickly. ETC Team Leader Brooke Allen , whom I was planning on hanging out with informed me that she wouldn't be able to hang out... As I was already driving up there! Haha, it did work out okay though, as ETC Team Leaders Matt McNeal, Kaleb Sanders and my Super Summer daughter Katelyn Cucera were both on the NE side of Dallas. We grabbed a quick lunch at Sonic at Firewheel, and then sat down at the park for a quick study in the word! It was encouraging as we shared the good, bad, and ugly of life since leaving a spiritual dreamworld several days before. God really allowed me to minister to each person as they had need. Katelyn left the mall to run errands, while the rest of us drove to Terrell, Texas where I played a worship set with Matt McNeal. I met an awesome kid named Penguin, who I know is going to do amazing things for God in the coming days. Lastly, Kaity and I drove an hour back to the Arlington area where we met up with ETC Team Leader Chase McCaskill. I've actually been with Chase since about 10:00 or so, and it's been a blast! Just a bit ago we were dissecting 2nd Corinthians 4, and something just JUMPED off the page. (I've read 2nd Corinthians 4 over and over again, and it never ceases to amaze me... 2nd Corinthians 4 is, in fact, the extended passage that ETC TL's will commit to upon our state-wide Leadership Launch, Monday the 27th!) 

2nd Corinthians 4:10

"always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested on our bodies."

How often we forsake his gift. How often we lose sight of the sacrifice. Step on the cross instead of picking ours up. Are we dying to sin, or dying IN sin? Do we know the difference? Where have we thrown our morals to? CARRY HIS DEATH, THAT HIS LIFE MAY SHINE THROUGH. 

I'm so passionate about our vision to change the world through changing thoughts. If you area set up for our TL launch, get pumped. If you want to know what all of this is about, feel free to email mattallen.etcrevolution@yahoo.com to learn how you can pair with the ETC Revolution to impact your hometown, your football team, your youth group, or your home! Praying for you!

-Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

ETC Roadtrip?... Oh, 2 am impulses.

Hebrews 11:8

"By faith Abraham , when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, OBEYED AND WENT, even though he did not know where he was going." (NIV)

So... It's 2 am. I was supposed to be on schedule for work today, or so I thought. I wasn't. I have also been supposed to visit the Mansfield area to hang out with the guys from The Community at Lakeridge. (By the way, if you are anywhere near the Mansfield area, those guys are absolutely fantastic and I always suggest those interested to check them out.) Continuing... I thought to myself: "Hey! Let's go up to the Metroplex tomorrow and throw some worship stuff together for TCAL!" I thought this so randomly, remembering that I hadn't been scheduled today, so the trip would be easier to take before they fix the schedule. So, I called Brian Swiggart of TCAL, and found out that himself, and the Paul Mints will be out on a quick vacation.

"Still go!"-God

"What?! Why?"-Matt

"The last two things I made sure you did changed your life forever. Go."-God

"You're crazy, and it's not practical!"-Kaity

"Neither were the last two things God made sure I did, but he rewarded me so abundantly for them! LET'S GO!!!"-Matt

"Dang. I just read 1 Peter 1 this morning about preparing for action. Ahhh."-Kaity

This is the question I'm still asking myself... "Why are we going?" Kaity and I are pumped though! We don't have too much of a set plan whatsoever yet! We're really interested in ministering to some ETC Team Leaders in the metroplex area, and I'm most likely going to start looking around for work since I'm locating to the metroplex area as soon as God provides a way there! I did just look at a map though, and was previously unaware as to how dang big the metroplex is... And it does seem like the students we want to go visit aren't exactly right next to each other... By faith, we OBEY AND GO! Here we come!

In the meanwhile, Team Leaders keep getting pumped for our state-wide launch this upcoming Monday! Make sure we're in contact over the next couple days before we get started, and I'll try to plan another leadership conference call soon! Two verses a week, and one extended passage a month! Changing thoughts changes actions, changing actions changes lives, and changing lives changes the world! Here we go!

-Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

When We Don't See Him

I can't tell you how many times I have seen people walk away from their faith, or get discouraged because they simply couldn't "feel" God. Don't hear me as perfect, for I am not. In fact in the roller coaster of Christianity, I have felt like the man from the "Footprints" poem that I know we're all aware of. Yet, as I continue to seek, continue to grow I know that I know that I know God is real. More than this, he is solid rock. Our strong tower. Our Abba Father. What is going on in these times when we feel at a hiatus in our connection to God? When we feel like we don't know what he is doing, or even where he is at?

1 Peter 1:8-9

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with your glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (ESV)

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus Calms The Storm

If I were a disciple, I think my initial opinion after Christ's question at the end of this chapter would have been: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I HAVE NO FAITH?" At first glance, the distress of the disciples seems very well thought out. They were in the middle of the sea, in a giant storm and Jesus was no where to be found. I can't tell you how many times I've been in that boat. In that storm? I know you've been there too. We see the waves crashing up on the side. The wind blowing over our mast. The lighting illuminating our fears. The thunder booming.  And... where is our God? Sleeping. And I have little faith? Yet. Look at the first thing Christ says at the beginning of the passage...

"Let us go across to the other side"

Oh, I of little faith! Of course I will make it to the other side, for it is what Christ has said! My storm is meaningless when Christ has already promised me that he will bring me through it! What Christ says happens! And he says: 

"I am the Good Shepherd"

"I make all things new"

"Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you!"

"No on can snatch you from my Father's hand."

"LET'S GO TO THE OTHER SIDE!"

Isaiah 50:10

"Who among you fears the Lord, and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the darkness, who has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God." (ESV)

Faith is not about the seen, but the unseen. For when the lights are out, the count is down, the odds are against us; that is when we rise up. THAT is when we trust on our God. THAT is faith. For we are constantly in and out of storms. Know. Know, precious child of God, that he has already determined how he will save you from it. 

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Eternal Us

So I went and picked up this new wide margin Bible inspired by the beast you see to the right, belonging to ETC Revolution TL Katherine Ellis. Literally this Bible I picked up is changing the way I look at scripture. If I see an empty easel, I paint. If an empty notebook, I write. If a quiet guitar, I play. Well now my Bible has page after page of empty 2-inch margins, and I must go fill them! There is no cross references, study sections, or giant paraphrases. I've got to do all the work, and I'm ecstatic. Here's some connections I've made recently...

Romans 8:24-25

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes in what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

NOTHING we see can ever save us. Don't count on it.

2nd Corinthians 4:16-19

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an ETERNAL weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are ETERNAL" (ESV)

Things that are unseen are also eternal! Anything finite already has an ending day in sight! Here's where it all ties together. Get pumped.

1 Peter 1:23

"since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of IMPERISHABLE, through the living and abiding word of God;"

This is where I get excited! We are ETERNAL!!! We are eternal, "born of imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God" If we are eternal, why do we struggle dwelling on the seen? The temporary? The fading? Challenge yourself today to look at things through Christ's eyes. To see the eternal. The unseen. Nothing else above Christ matters. Nothing. Where is your perspective? "For this world is fading and soon to pass, and only what's done for Christ will last"

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

A movement. A revolution. Changing thoughts changes actions. Changing actions changes lives.

I am so pumped about the revolution that we, as God's people are going to play a part of! I hope you all as team leaders that I have spoken with are pumped for our launch this upcoming Monday, July 27th! I wanted to further share with anyone reading this the vision that Christ has laid on my heart through his word. God used speaker Afshin Ziafat, Brad Davidson, and Jordan Clark of Far From Ordinary, and the Bible of a girl nicknamed Boj to really convict me of scripture memory. Over the past several days, God has placed a few scriptures on my heart that have birthed this movement. This revolution. 

1. Psalms 119:11

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (ESV)

If. Than. Negate the first positive,  then inverse the second half of the verse: "I have not stored up your word in my heart, that I might sin against you." How many songs do we know every word to from beginning to end? Is not God's word so much more precious than these?

2. Romans 8:6 

"For to set the mind on flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (ESV)

Life is not what happens to us, only with what we make of what happens. I am convinced that if Christ were to fulfill the top of our priorities list 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that it would be impossible for us to be stressed. Because his true peace surpasses all understanding. Let us, in all things, consider our life simply constant communication with the Father. As we seek his will, and keep him first, EVERYTHING else simply falls into place.

3. Proverbs 23:7

"As a man thinketh, so is he." (KJV)

Our thoughts determine our actions. Today I told a good friend I was about to do something that may upset him, but asked him to to react. Then I punched him hard in the thigh. At that point he had a couple options:

a. Angrily, punch me back.

b. Not respond with an action, but in his mind make a note of how angry he was that I hit him.

c. Take a deep breath, and realize that what happened, happened. No anger would change it. 

    forgive as Christ forgave.

All three start with the mind. All three different thought processes lead to different actions. Thoughts determine emotions, not the other way around.

4. 2 Corinthians 10:5

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

This is the heartbeat of the ETC Revolution. ETC being, Every Thought Captive. So many "Christians" are washed here and there because they don't know their faith! They don't know what they stand for, and fall victim to temptation of the world. Here at the ETC Revolution we are all about raising a generation of leaders. I truly believe that the average every day struggles of Christians could be reverted and destroyed simply by hiding God's word so deep in our hearts that none can retract it. So here is what we propose. Finding networks of leaders who build home groups to commit to scripture memory. Two verses a week, and one extended passage a month found here on the site. Don't get me wrong. All of God's word is good, and we encourage you to memorize as much of it as possible. We, at the ETC Revolution simply beleive there is something powerful about hundreds and thousands of people memorizing, praying over, and reading the same scripture on a daily basis. Our leadership training launch will be on Monday, July 27th. We're pumped. We're excited. We're ready to see God do amazing things, and be humbled we get to play a part. If you are interested in how you can play a part, how to become a team leader of the ETC Revolution, or simply want more information, email me at mattallen.etcrevolution@yahoo.com. In the meanwhile, get ready to see God do some BIG things.

Changing thoughts changes actions, changing actions changes lives, and changing lives changes the world. That is the ETC Revolution.

Beta Run With TL Leaders: 2nd Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 4

Treasures in Jars of Clay

 ¹Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ²Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. ³And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

 ⁷But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. ¹²So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

 ¹³It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. ¹⁵All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

 ¹⁶Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.¹⁸So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.