Note: I wrote this in 30 minutes during a sauna session. No editing. Please excuse any grammatical or punctual errors or typos.

Also, you might be surprised by my findings. Make sure to read through the end.

To my 2:3 Ministries Family,

We talked a few weeks ago about what can happen between fellow Christians and how we should always approach each other with gentleness and respect. Let’s remember that as we rap below!

We don’t bash or talk down about anyone.

This is mere conversation centered on learning and keeping ourselves centered on Christ.

As a shepherd I do have a responsibility to guard and guide our 2:3 flock.

Yesterday at the gym people were asking, “Theo, did you see that commercial on the Super Bowl! Wasn’t that sweet!?

Genuinely and politely while speaking the truth in love, I was like, “At first glance yes. But there’s something odd about this movement.” 🤔

So I did a lot of research for you.

It was amazing that Jesus was shared on national platform televised to millions. It’s incredible that people put in a lot of effort to raise $110 million dollars to get those :30-:60 second clips to air. However, what they decided to share is quite interesting and confusing.

Not sure why they chose this route and the next question is, what route are they choosing from here?!

Most importantly, is this The Jesus from the Bible!?!?

On one hand we rejoice when the name of Jesus is proclaimed (Phil 1:18). But on the other hand the Bible makes it clear we must rejoice only when the True Jesus (both Divine & Human) is proclaimed. (John 8:19)

A fake gospel won’t take root. Only the real One does!

Pause.

It’s not about over analyzing or over stressing, this is about practicing Holy Spirit discernment. We’ve been talking about understanding His presence within us. Many Christians felt a heart pounding after seeing the commercial. He’s guiding us somewhere, into all truth, helping us remember everything He teaches. (John 16:13-15)

I’ve learned it’s best to first just ask questions. Let me get your gears turning…

✅ Why did they take the story of washing feet from John 13 out of context? That story is about Jesus washing his disciples feet regarding serving one another, so that others (outside the church) will know we are His disciples (by the way we love each other inside the church). *Notice when you read further on what Jesus says to Judas and Peter about betrayal and giving up our life for Him.

✅ Why didn’t they just share Jesus himself washing His disciples feet? Would that offend people? Why steer away from that?

✅ Why is their website so vague & confusing?

✅ Why can’t we find the true Gospel message anywhere on their site? (Confession, repentance, atonement, resurrection, ascension, etc.)

Look at this search for repentance directly from their site:

✅ Why not just share that “Jesus saves us?” Why not show the passion clip of Him brutally dying for us? Why not say, “He washed His disciples feet and he’ll wash yours too!”

✅ Why use people as the example? We don’t need to point to ourselves. We need to point to Jesus!

✅ Why try to make him more relatable and palatable to culture? We don’t need Jesus to get us. We need Him to change us!

✅ Finally, what happens with ambiguous and confusing material and messages? They only leave people more confused. I’m not sure right now an atheist or a believer gets what their message is. We are warned in 2 Peter what happens when people are tricked into following Christ with the soft Gospel. Eventually, they’ll hear His harsh sayings and commands to deny ourselves. Then usually the response is anger and resentment and fleeing from the church. (2 Peter 2:10)

But here’s the thing: we watch. I’m sure confident Christians will approach with recommendations. Perhaps they’ll make changes.

And after reviewing their site I did find some good things:

#1. They direct people to a program called Alpha. I don’t know much about this program, but a few reputable people have told me it’s a good way to get some barriers broken down for people who don’t fully believe in God.

#2. They direct people to the Bible App for a devotion/plan they created. I read through the entire thing. They point people to scripture. We know the Word pierces and changes because it’s a double edged sword that’s both alive & active.

But they say things in their devotions that just don’t directly line up with scripture. For example, one line in their reference to the Sermon on the Mount is: “Like a good teacher, Jesus didn’t spell out the answer but he left enough breadcrumbs for us to follow the trail.”

Thats not true. He spells out the answers clearly! He provides full-out clarity about heaven & hell, who goes where depending on the choices we make now, and how life is not about us while we’re on this earth. (Luke 9:23)

All in all l, here are some of my final takeaways:

✔️ It’s questionable that they spent so much money on an advertisement. Not sure a one-and-done ad is going to do much.

✔️ It’s questionable that their stories on their website are so strangely & vaguely worded. Not sure why their heart is so hesitant to be boldly Christian.

✔️ It’s questionable that when they had the opportunity for a captive audience on national television, they chose to depict what they did. There’s so many ways they could’ve went!

✔️ It’s questionable that they’re so focused on the humanity of Christ, and aren’t specific about his divinity as a son of God, and why he came on this earth to fulfill God’s redemptive plan for humanity to save us from our sins.

Now, they do say this in small print on their “about us” page when asked about who they believe Jesus is:

“It wouldn’t be hard to guess that many of those backing the campaign believe that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. He Gets Us is an initiative of Come Near Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to sharing the life and love of Jesus, that believes Jesus was human and divine, he rose from the dead, and more. No matter who you are and what you believe, we’re glad you’re here.”

But then they say this when asked if they’re affiliated with a particular religion:

“It’s about Jesus, so it’s certainly affiliated with Christianity, but our point is that the story of Jesus doesn’t belong to anyone. It has something to offer to everyone — inviting Christians, non-Christians, and those who aren’t sure what they believe to consider Jesus. The example of his life can inspire all of us to pursue unconditional love for ourselves and for others, and that can encourage us to learn more about Jesus and his mission.”

Notice the selective language. 🤷🏻‍♂️

✔️ My final takeaway: after going through their entire site, I would not be able to consciously consider this a Christian website. They seem to be attempting to create something new. In the least bit, as of right now, on this date February 13, 2024, I would not be able to consider this a Christian evangelical website.

I find it a #Godincident that we just talked about how to handle conflict in the body, and for the last three weeks we’ve even made notes at church about the story of Jesus washing His disciples feet. Was the Holy Spirit preparing us?

I also know that some people get overwhelmed with new information to think about. Remember, this isn’t combat training. This is about awareness and reflection and growth in our knowledge and understanding. “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

God will use all things for good according to His purposes.

This sure did get people talking! Maybe the founders are very slick and maybe the He Gets Us tactic is gonna work! None of us know for sure. God is sovereign and he will get a lot of people whenever he wants!

We’ll continue to do our part. If this gets a conversation with someone going, then we’ll get them to the Gospel message of the One who transforms, frees, redeems, cleanses, loves, and judges-Jesus-as soon as possible.

Remember, I am nobody. I don’t know diddly squat. These are just my thoughts. Never take my word for it. Take His!

God Bless,

Coach Theo