ADVANCE

Things were falling apart on many fronts. Mike's marriage and business were in trouble. Their dreams had become painful knots that no one could remember tying. Now the landlords needed to be paid for a few months of back rent and there were other bills stacking up. Everyone had been understanding, but it was time to make some decisions about the coffee shop. It was time to close. Phone calls and cancelations. Then something different.

Mike called to cancel Glenn, a friend and favorite local musician booked to play on a Friday. That phone call turned into a bright ray of light in an ever darkening room. Glenn wanted to help. Actually, he would not be kept from doing so. More phone calls. This time the mission had changed from apology and explanation to mission and hope. The final night would no longer only be a difficult evening to reflect, it would be a party. A celebration focused on lowering the stack of bills and the renovation of Mike's heart.

Jesus loves a great party. That night Jesus had a great time. Two other local coffee shops closed for the night and sent their staff to run the ship so Mike could be a host. Donations, music, and finally a prayer to God from us all.

It was a night to remember. It was a night that we all joined in a movement that is breaking out all over the world and is as old as time. A movement that shakes the gates of hell.

We believe in the Advancing Kingdom of Heaven. God's movement is to bring heaven into the world. This present power is an advancing force. We believe the day is coming when Jesus will return and judge the world, bringing an end to brokeness and restoring all things to God's original intent. He will continue to reclaim this world and rule forever. The earth's groaning will cease, and God will dwell with us here in a restored creation. On that day we will beat swords into tools for cultivating the earth, the wolf will lie down with the lamb, there will be no more death, and God will wipe away all our tears. Our relationships with God, others, ourselves, and creation will be whole. All will flourish as God intends. We believe that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the advancing body of Christ. We believe that heaven is not simply something we are waiting for at death but is a reality we are called to join with God to bring into the world now.