“THE REAL DEAL…” (Following Jesus 101) Rev. Gregory Alan Haage AuthorHouse™ 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200 Bloomington, IN 47403 www.authorhouse.com Phone: 1-800-839-8640 ©2008 Rev. Gregory Alan Haage. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author. First published by AuthorHouse 5/28/2008 ISBN: 978-1-4343-5217-0 (sc) Printed in the United States of America Bloomington, Indiana This book is printed on acid-free paper. Dedication and Special thanks: First and foremost, to the One who gives us life, breath, love and all “good things.” To you, Lord Jesus. For your Spirit, your written word and the eternal life that you’ve provided, for all who ask for it: I thank you. We follow you with truth and freedom. To Denise: my wife, lover, roommate, best friend and life long confi dant. Next to salvation, you are hands down His fi nest blessing to me and I’m forever grateful to Him for you. To our children: my son and trusted friend, Jonathan and to Piper, my daughter and bundle of joy. Mom and I are so proud of both of you. Your own relationship with the Lord is continuously evolving. We pray that you rest in Him, as we have. To my Mom: for your support, input and all the kitchen table talks. To C.T.O.: for being led by the Spirit to get me “back on track.” To Bisch and Paul: Lifelong friends are rare—thanks for being mine. And to Heidi and Alan Winter, Bret Haage, Frank and Carol Masserano, Dan and Renae Peterson, Dan and Jessie L’Heureux, Grant and Michelle Hill, Mark and Miggs Hill, Kelly and Rita Sellers, Craig and Jane Olson, Paris and Vicki Pasch, Derek and Pat Vandermerwe, Pat Evers, Percy and Mary Gutierrez, Chuck and Linda Peterson, and the rest of my family, close friends and fellow ministers who helped in this project by praying for me, encouraging me to keep writing and fi nancially helped me put the ink to the paper—you know who you are. We pray His best for you. To Richard Stacks: for the great front cover photo. To Sandra Antis: for permission to use the artwork of your husband, Harry. And to Sam Rangel for the UP FRONT logo. iii In memory of my dad…Bill Haage. v I consider myself very fortunate to have had a wonderful dad. He demonstrated to me parental kindness, loving fi rmness, compassion and humility. His commitment to the Lord, my mom, their marriage, me, as well as, my brother and sister, is forever ingrained. He taught me responsibility and showed me gentleness. He also had one of the best singing voices I’ve ever heard and having done years of recording studio work, I’ve been exposed to some of the best. (He was always the featured soloist at his church) My dad exemplifi ed integrity all throughout my life. He gave me a good picture of what my heavenly Father is like: strong, loving, merciful, protective, faithful, patient and generous. I miss him a lot. I’m thankful for challenging me with the question: “Son, do you want to be “right” or effective?” (“Right” meaning, in my own eyes) We who call ourselves “followers of Jesus” must reach people not repel them. My dad was wise. vii Contents Chapter One SURRENDERING AND PUSHING “RESET” .................................................1 (Making the big decision) Chapter Two REMODELING ..................................................................................................13 (Renewing the mind) Chapter Three MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE ..................................................................................19 (Finding a “perfect” church) Chapter Four BURYING YOURSELF .....................................................................................59 (Water baptism) Chapter Five “POWER—DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!” ...................................65 (The baptism with the Holy Spirit) Chapter Six THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN AND PROTECTION ...................................71 (The tithe) Chapter Seven THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT .......................................................................83 (Healing: questions, answers, controversies and mysteries) Chapter Eight ONCE SAVED—ALWAYS SAVED? ..............................................................117 (Eternal security vs. personal apostasy) Chapter Nine “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH” ............................................137 (God’s design for passion and intimacy) Chapter Ten THE “WINE” QUESTION .............................................................................153 (Abstinence—Temperance—Excess) Chapter Eleven #1 MILITARY STRATEGY ............................................................................169 (Know your enemy) Chapter Twelve JESUS IS GOD, SPARKY! ..............................................................................177 (The Deity of Christ) Chapter Thirteen WHOOSH KABOOM—WHERE’D THEY GO? .........................................185 (The Rapture and the Second Coming) ix Forewords: “We who call ourselves “Christians” are often found arguing over our beliefs. Reading “The Real Deal” was very refreshing, as Greg Haage does a great job of providing clear and understandable insights that will help those who have struggled with some of today’s more volatile issues. Greg has truly expressed his passion for those in the church, as well as, a rare sensitivity for those observing the church from outside its “stained glass windows” along with compassion for those who’ve been wounded by its teachings and leaders. His tender yet piercing style makes this an enjoyable read as he opens up the exciting aspects of God’s Word that have caused some to question and some to go to extremes. Personally, as a Pastor, I fi nd Greg’s insights quite helpful in bringing a very much-needed balance to today’s communicating of the Gospel and he delivers this in a very contemporary, palatable literary style. You’ll never regret spending time learning and applying this “balanced” look, that is conveyed in Greg’s exhaustive study of our Christian faith, different Bible translations and the original texts. Allow “The Real Deal” to aid your walk with the Lord—as I have—so it can have true substance and not just be a mere religious episode.” Pastor Paris Pasch Christ’s Family Church Hastings, Minnesota “Greg Haage has proven himself to be a faithful servant of our Lord and His church. Greg’s study of the scriptures refl ects a practical and straightforward approach to Christian discipleship. As a pastor, he has done an exhaustive search of the original Greek and Hebrew texts and has included those word studies in this book, not as an apologist but rather a “tour guide” to the literal translations. He is a man of many talents, especially gifted in music, leading others in worship and counseling. He is a relentless warrior for the cause of Christ, even when there are paths less demanding and sometimes less painful. “The Real Deal” will challenge you to “come back to the cross,” whenever you may have compromised and allowed its claims upon you to lessen, to pick it up again with a grateful heart and follow Him, as well as, encourage others who haven’t yet made their decision.” Rev. Frank Masserano General Secretary International Ministerial Fellowship “Greg Haage is a very committed Christian and has a hunger for the Word of God. His life is ever changing according to what he has studied and the fruit of that is evident in his life, his family and his writings. I know him to be a man of strong convictions, moral character and I truly believe he is a genuine support to people, complementing the word of the Lord, turning to the Bible to be his guide. He is open to the Spirit to use him in many ways and has demonstrated that with the completion of “The Real Deal.” I know that God will use Greg’s book and ministry to reach those that are badly bruised, to speak the hope and mercy of the Savior to them, for there are many wounded who need healing in their souls. xi In this “labor of love” book, he is gentle in prodding people to the higher walk with the Lord being well used in one-on-one discipleship. Greg both formulates and communicates very well and always gets to “the heart of the matter.” He is patient in listening to others yet speaks with authority in addressing things like legalism and “religiosity.” He’s done us all a great service by including the original words and their meanings, with the multitude of scriptures he has examined. Actual texts, concordance and expository dictionary words along with his Spirit led insights, will make you really understand what it means to follow Jesus. I believe it’s a much-needed “cutting edge” work for both the seeker and the disciple. It’s a wealth of knowledge in one book.” Rev. Alan Winter FRONTLINE MISSIONS Atlanta, GA. xii PREFACE: (To those who have been traditionally taught and denominationally trained) Here we are: Eight years into the new millennium. We live in an ever-increasing, technologically evolving, fast paced, computerized, oftentimes stressful world. There are many diversions, disruptions and distractions available to us. Many don’t take the time to rest or seek out the deeper things of life because of the “day timer,” job(s), investments, lawn care, etc. Americans are pre-occupied with “stuff” and “activities.” Right? One of the greatest enjoyments in life, for me, satisfi es both the rest part and the deeper things of life “seeking” part, namely spending time in the Bible. Reading the Word, especially the New Testament (the Gospel of John being my favorite) has now become my work, passion, ministry and “calling.” To read, study and communicate it, correctly. If I can use an automobile metaphor, it’s God’s “owners manual.” Looking for God to speak to you? A “now” word? A heavenly directive? Here it is… “Follow the instructions and you’ll be alright.” “The Real Deal” shares my thoughts on the main focus of the Bible, Jesus, the Messiah, and what it means to follow Him, as a disciple.