The older I get, the less I suffer angst over the specific question..."how can I get out and evangelize today?" I've wrung my hands for many years wondering if "I'm doing enough" to share the Gospel at work and off hours. Am I doing my part to reach people with the saving message of Jesus' redemption? If you keep score by the number of professions of faith, I don't show up on the radar. Even the oft quoted St. Francis of Assisi paraphrase..."Share the Gospel, and use words if necessary" hasn't always soothed my results-oriented persona.
But now, decades into my business career, I better appreciate just how many of the people I've worked with respond powerfully to the very essence of what God has to give--through me (a most assuredly imperfect vessel!).
Namely, they take keen notice of...humility, love, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, mercy--shared in large, consistent doses. For a multitude of reasons we could debate--spiritually adopting God's interpersonal skills notably differentiates us in today's culture.
Just read the instruction manual in Galatians, Chapter 5:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
These features of Christianity don't seem to get much attention in the media today--there's more about our "fundamentalism" and extremism. But Jesus' message was extreme for his time and ours--and it was fundamentally about love, and sharing that love with our neighbor.
It's a good place to start if we want to tell everyone the rest of the Gospel when they're ready.
What do you believe?
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Strategic Prayer
Last night, after a full day at work and some chores around the house, I shifted focus to human rights issues and China, the genocide debacle of Darfur, recovery of hurricane victims and the safety of missionaries in some Islamic countries (so they could work effectively to share their views freely). Then I kept up a campaign to unveil Truth to media professionals, abortion clinic workers and volunteers, as well as to House and Senate leaders. After spending additional time on decision-making at the Supreme Court and White House, there was still lots to petition with challenges troubling our family and friends before falling asleep.
I wasn't on the internet, or working the phones...I was talking to God.
God doesn't intrinsically need or rely on my prayers. But we've been given powerful--supernatural access to His Grace and Wisdom. For whatever reasons God has...our prayers are heard, considered and answered. Outcomes are God's business, but petitioning His interaction is ours--so think big as well as small. The hurts of our own children are important, but so are the intricacies of global events and public policy. Direct your prayers wherever they can make a difference!
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
2Th 3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all do not have the faith.
Jam 5:16 Confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much.
What do you believe?
I wasn't on the internet, or working the phones...I was talking to God.
God doesn't intrinsically need or rely on my prayers. But we've been given powerful--supernatural access to His Grace and Wisdom. For whatever reasons God has...our prayers are heard, considered and answered. Outcomes are God's business, but petitioning His interaction is ours--so think big as well as small. The hurts of our own children are important, but so are the intricacies of global events and public policy. Direct your prayers wherever they can make a difference!
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
2Th 3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all do not have the faith.
Jam 5:16 Confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much.
What do you believe?
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Empty Cross
Like some of you, I've attended church at a variety of denominations this past year.
Some have crosses without a figure of Jesus at the front of the sanctuary, some with the crucified figure of Jesus, and some with nothing but multimedia screens or banners.
I've encountered bible study conversations where friends question the need/appropriateness of seeing Jesus on the cross--because it confuses the reality that he defeated death and rose again. (I'm sure there are even deeper theological debates that would go over my head.)
But on Good Friday 2006 I attended a church service with a huge (15 ft?) cross and statue of the crucified Saviour. In that beautifully crafted, larger than life piece of art, there was no mistaking the exquisite price Jesus paid for my sins. An empty cross wouldn't have diluted His gift to me, but the crucified Jesus didn't deny His resurrection either.
What do you believe?
Some have crosses without a figure of Jesus at the front of the sanctuary, some with the crucified figure of Jesus, and some with nothing but multimedia screens or banners.
I've encountered bible study conversations where friends question the need/appropriateness of seeing Jesus on the cross--because it confuses the reality that he defeated death and rose again. (I'm sure there are even deeper theological debates that would go over my head.)
But on Good Friday 2006 I attended a church service with a huge (15 ft?) cross and statue of the crucified Saviour. In that beautifully crafted, larger than life piece of art, there was no mistaking the exquisite price Jesus paid for my sins. An empty cross wouldn't have diluted His gift to me, but the crucified Jesus didn't deny His resurrection either.
What do you believe?
Podcasting Preachers
If you're reading this from your computer connection, you probably have the ability to download files.
I received an mp3 player for Christmas and I've been downloading radio preacher "podcasts" on a daily basis. Oneplace.com is just one of the sites where you can fine good Christian audio.
http://www.oneplace.com/
Steve Brown (Key Life); David Moore; Allistair Begg; Greg Laurie all have free podcast subscriptions available (with donations accepted).
Even conservative talk show hosts like Laura Ingraham have commercial free versions of their daily shows.
So, whether I'm at the gym, working on the yard, or in my car, it's encouraging to listen to a sermon topic, Bible study or simply get a balanced perspective on world news.
If you're like me, you'd never be able to hear all this great content at the scheduled program times -- but download it to your computer or mp3 player, and you've got on-demand access to wonderful teaching.
What do you believe?
I received an mp3 player for Christmas and I've been downloading radio preacher "podcasts" on a daily basis. Oneplace.com is just one of the sites where you can fine good Christian audio.
http://www.oneplace.com/
Steve Brown (Key Life); David Moore; Allistair Begg; Greg Laurie all have free podcast subscriptions available (with donations accepted).
Even conservative talk show hosts like Laura Ingraham have commercial free versions of their daily shows.
So, whether I'm at the gym, working on the yard, or in my car, it's encouraging to listen to a sermon topic, Bible study or simply get a balanced perspective on world news.
If you're like me, you'd never be able to hear all this great content at the scheduled program times -- but download it to your computer or mp3 player, and you've got on-demand access to wonderful teaching.
What do you believe?
Designer Gods
Sometimes people debating the nature of God will say something like,
"Well, I'm not sure I want to believe in a God who allows this to happen..."
as though God might try harder to earn their vote or approval. Or that God might disappear altogether if His poll numbers dropped sufficiently.
Isn't it more realistic to believe that if there really is a Supreme Being (God) who created the universe -- He doesn't need our opinion? The reverse is actually how I choose to look at it - what is it about God that I don't yet understand? Fortunately, there's His revealed and inspired writings for us to explore (The Holy Bible). And to help that effort, we can pray for insight and wisdom -- which God generously provides through his Holy Spirit. It helps to mix all this with the trusted fellowship of other Believers -- at church or in Bible studies.
It's one thing to question or doubt God in our frustration - He can handle it...but it's another to try and re-create God in our own image. When we say, "I'm sure God is really more like this...because I can't picture a God who would be like that..." then we're flirting with idolatry -- following a manufactured God, rather than the Living God.
Idols are anything we place above, or make more important than God -- even our expectations for how He should do His job. It takes humility to say, "Lord, your ways are above my ways."
What do you believe?
"Well, I'm not sure I want to believe in a God who allows this to happen..."
as though God might try harder to earn their vote or approval. Or that God might disappear altogether if His poll numbers dropped sufficiently.
Isn't it more realistic to believe that if there really is a Supreme Being (God) who created the universe -- He doesn't need our opinion? The reverse is actually how I choose to look at it - what is it about God that I don't yet understand? Fortunately, there's His revealed and inspired writings for us to explore (The Holy Bible). And to help that effort, we can pray for insight and wisdom -- which God generously provides through his Holy Spirit. It helps to mix all this with the trusted fellowship of other Believers -- at church or in Bible studies.
It's one thing to question or doubt God in our frustration - He can handle it...but it's another to try and re-create God in our own image. When we say, "I'm sure God is really more like this...because I can't picture a God who would be like that..." then we're flirting with idolatry -- following a manufactured God, rather than the Living God.
Idols are anything we place above, or make more important than God -- even our expectations for how He should do His job. It takes humility to say, "Lord, your ways are above my ways."
What do you believe?
What Makes Your Worldview Christian?
Having a Christian worldview doesn't make you better or worse than anyone else, but it does define your perspective.
I like to say to my friends..."I'm having trouble seeing your point, I've got this plank in my eye..." That's a reference to Jesus admonition that we should not try to remove the 'splinter' of disagreement from our neighbor's perspective when we might actually have an entire wood plank blocking our own vision of truth. Fair enough - we've got to hear and listen to what people have to say about today's challenging list of hot button topics. And we can't assume we have all the answers--individually.
Still, it's made easier for me when I think, "now I'm going to go and see what the Bible says about that--and what Jesus taught about that." Reading the news, discussing cultural topics with friends and colleagues...I'm doing my best to keep it all in perspective--in a biblical perspective. And I hope to follow those thoughts on this blog.
What do you believe?
I like to say to my friends..."I'm having trouble seeing your point, I've got this plank in my eye..." That's a reference to Jesus admonition that we should not try to remove the 'splinter' of disagreement from our neighbor's perspective when we might actually have an entire wood plank blocking our own vision of truth. Fair enough - we've got to hear and listen to what people have to say about today's challenging list of hot button topics. And we can't assume we have all the answers--individually.
Still, it's made easier for me when I think, "now I'm going to go and see what the Bible says about that--and what Jesus taught about that." Reading the news, discussing cultural topics with friends and colleagues...I'm doing my best to keep it all in perspective--in a biblical perspective. And I hope to follow those thoughts on this blog.
What do you believe?
Seder Meal - Passover
It had been 25 years since my wife and I attended a Seder Meal during Passover.
This year, two of our dear cousins invited us to join about 30 other people at a local hotel. It was a simple banquet hall set up with six large tables.
One couple, who had obviously led many Seder meals in the past, did a great job guiding everyone through the evening, complete with bitter herbs, matzo and songs - even prayers in Hebrew.
In addition to renewed insights of what Jesus and his disciples shared during that fateful passover before his death and resurrection, we enjoyed a nice time of fellowship with these believers of the messianic tradition.
A particular item struck me as they reviewed meanings of the original passover elements. The matzo, a yeastless flatbread, was said to commemorate the quick exit made by Moses and the Hebrews to escape their Egyptian captors. The bread cooked in it's flat form thanks to the hot sun--and because there was no time to let it rise beforehand. From a Christian perspective, the matzo also has lines across it - perhaps foreshadowing the stripes of lashes which would strike Jesus' back, and when you hold a piece of the flat bread up to the light, you notice the tiny holes...and remember how his hands and feet were pierced.
All in all, the Seder experience was a welcome addition to our Holy Week observance.
As they taught us to say following the seder, "next year in Jerusalem!"
What do you believe?
This year, two of our dear cousins invited us to join about 30 other people at a local hotel. It was a simple banquet hall set up with six large tables.
One couple, who had obviously led many Seder meals in the past, did a great job guiding everyone through the evening, complete with bitter herbs, matzo and songs - even prayers in Hebrew.
In addition to renewed insights of what Jesus and his disciples shared during that fateful passover before his death and resurrection, we enjoyed a nice time of fellowship with these believers of the messianic tradition.
A particular item struck me as they reviewed meanings of the original passover elements. The matzo, a yeastless flatbread, was said to commemorate the quick exit made by Moses and the Hebrews to escape their Egyptian captors. The bread cooked in it's flat form thanks to the hot sun--and because there was no time to let it rise beforehand. From a Christian perspective, the matzo also has lines across it - perhaps foreshadowing the stripes of lashes which would strike Jesus' back, and when you hold a piece of the flat bread up to the light, you notice the tiny holes...and remember how his hands and feet were pierced.
All in all, the Seder experience was a welcome addition to our Holy Week observance.
As they taught us to say following the seder, "next year in Jerusalem!"
What do you believe?
Friday, April 14, 2006
One perspective on "Respecting Life"
I explained it to my daughter this way:
- You're my daughter and I love you, so if you were to die, or someone were to hurt you, I would be terribly upset and sad. Your mother and I would grieve any harm that came to you. We would do anything in our power to keep that from happening.
- I love you when you're inside our home, but if you go outside in the yard, I love you just as much. You're my daughter whether you're inside our house or on the other side of the door.
- When you were a very little baby, I also loved you very much--when you were in the crib, and when you were in my arms. If you start going back a day at a time, you eventually come to the day you were born. I loved you then.
- The last seconds, right before you were born, when you were on the other side of your mother's womb, I loved you. And you were still my daughter. And the day before that, and the day before that. Which day weren't you my daughter?
- There was never a moment after you were conceived that you weren't my daughter. Never a time that I loved you differently. And I would grieve any harm that came to you out in the yard, inside our home, at your birth, or in your mother's womb. Same daughter, same love.
What do you believe?
- You're my daughter and I love you, so if you were to die, or someone were to hurt you, I would be terribly upset and sad. Your mother and I would grieve any harm that came to you. We would do anything in our power to keep that from happening.
- I love you when you're inside our home, but if you go outside in the yard, I love you just as much. You're my daughter whether you're inside our house or on the other side of the door.
- When you were a very little baby, I also loved you very much--when you were in the crib, and when you were in my arms. If you start going back a day at a time, you eventually come to the day you were born. I loved you then.
- The last seconds, right before you were born, when you were on the other side of your mother's womb, I loved you. And you were still my daughter. And the day before that, and the day before that. Which day weren't you my daughter?
- There was never a moment after you were conceived that you weren't my daughter. Never a time that I loved you differently. And I would grieve any harm that came to you out in the yard, inside our home, at your birth, or in your mother's womb. Same daughter, same love.
What do you believe?
Evolution and faith in schools?
From a Christian worldview, the evolution and schools debate is pretty easy to describe.
- Since we now know that evolution is a theory, but not a science (science can produce evidence, test for repeatability, and answer for conflicting evidence), evolution should simply be taught as a theory -- rather than an unchallengable truth. Scientists usually agree that theories should be taught as theories..
- Evolutionary theorists should also be identified by that title, and not as "scientists" in school literature. Why mislead teachers and children?
- Textbooks should be updated to remove the false evolutionary claims that have stacked up and been propogated for decades, despite evidence to the contrary (e.g. "Piltdown man," and "tails and gills during the early weeks of human gestation")
- Textbooks and curriculums should simply acknowledge that there is no true "evolutionary" path demonstrated for any animal, of any kind. Instead, simply explain the scientific evidence that there is a "sudden appearance" in the fossil record of complete, finished species - and no fossil evolutionary trail of how one "kind" mutated into another. Cats have always been cats; slugs, slugs; birds, birds; reptiles, reptiles, etc.
- Have the public debate acknowledge "irreducible complexity," that the "simple cell" is actually a high-tech factory of complexity; and that no molecular biologist today actually believes a cell could come into being by chance - without the equally complex building blocks of amino acids and proteins...which need cells to produce them. A scientist would ask, "how could you generate the first cell, if you need that cell to produce the components that combine to make it?"
- Why censor experts and textbooks that disagree with evolution? We don't censor magazines and internet sites in school libraries, and yet we censor intelligent arguments about evolution...
In the end, evolution in schools isn't really about what Christians think the Bible says about it - none of the problems with evolution that I noted above require belief in God - it just points out that evolution is faulty science (actually not really "science" at all, by definition).
Let's call evolution what it really is: theory - or better yet, faith...believing in something that you can't see or prove. At least in that, evolution has a lot in common with Christianity...
What do you believe?
- Since we now know that evolution is a theory, but not a science (science can produce evidence, test for repeatability, and answer for conflicting evidence), evolution should simply be taught as a theory -- rather than an unchallengable truth. Scientists usually agree that theories should be taught as theories..
- Evolutionary theorists should also be identified by that title, and not as "scientists" in school literature. Why mislead teachers and children?
- Textbooks should be updated to remove the false evolutionary claims that have stacked up and been propogated for decades, despite evidence to the contrary (e.g. "Piltdown man," and "tails and gills during the early weeks of human gestation")
- Textbooks and curriculums should simply acknowledge that there is no true "evolutionary" path demonstrated for any animal, of any kind. Instead, simply explain the scientific evidence that there is a "sudden appearance" in the fossil record of complete, finished species - and no fossil evolutionary trail of how one "kind" mutated into another. Cats have always been cats; slugs, slugs; birds, birds; reptiles, reptiles, etc.
- Have the public debate acknowledge "irreducible complexity," that the "simple cell" is actually a high-tech factory of complexity; and that no molecular biologist today actually believes a cell could come into being by chance - without the equally complex building blocks of amino acids and proteins...which need cells to produce them. A scientist would ask, "how could you generate the first cell, if you need that cell to produce the components that combine to make it?"
- Why censor experts and textbooks that disagree with evolution? We don't censor magazines and internet sites in school libraries, and yet we censor intelligent arguments about evolution...
In the end, evolution in schools isn't really about what Christians think the Bible says about it - none of the problems with evolution that I noted above require belief in God - it just points out that evolution is faulty science (actually not really "science" at all, by definition).
Let's call evolution what it really is: theory - or better yet, faith...believing in something that you can't see or prove. At least in that, evolution has a lot in common with Christianity...
What do you believe?
How do Christians "accept Jesus?"
There are a million ways to say this, and this is just one of many.
Try sharing it with someone, in 60 seconds or less.
(Just remember, PPRR. Plan, Problem, Remedy, Receive):
“God has a Plan for your life and He loves you unconditionally—without conditions. He offers you a relationship of peace, even in restless times, and an abundantly blessed life, now and for eternity. (See Romans 5:1)
But we humans have a Problem with that plan because of sin, as Adam introduced it to the world, and as we ourselves continue with it. Sin is anything we do that is unacceptable or displeasing to God, despite his great love for us. We all sin, in spite of our desire to do better. We are unable to eliminate or rise above sin on our own, thus we risk eternal separation from the benefits of a relationship with God. (See Romans 3:23)
Fortunately, God sent Jesus to demonstrate his perfect love and to take on himself all our sins. Jesus died on the cross in our place - a substitute for our sins - a redeemer and a Remedy for our problem. (See Romans 6:23)
All that's left to do is to accept and Receive Jesus in his rightful role - the Son of God who died and rose again for our sins. Turning from sin, believing in Jesus as the way, the truth and the life seals our eternal relationship with God. (See Romans 10:9)
"Lord God, I acknowledge that I do things to displease you--that I am a sinner, but I want to turn away from this way of life to follow you. I now welcome Jesus into my life, realizing that he is the Savior of the world, having died on the cross for my sins. Please bless and guide me now and for eternity, in Jesus' name I pray, Amen!
That’s the Good News!”
What do you believe?
Try sharing it with someone, in 60 seconds or less.
(Just remember, PPRR. Plan, Problem, Remedy, Receive):
“God has a Plan for your life and He loves you unconditionally—without conditions. He offers you a relationship of peace, even in restless times, and an abundantly blessed life, now and for eternity. (See Romans 5:1)
But we humans have a Problem with that plan because of sin, as Adam introduced it to the world, and as we ourselves continue with it. Sin is anything we do that is unacceptable or displeasing to God, despite his great love for us. We all sin, in spite of our desire to do better. We are unable to eliminate or rise above sin on our own, thus we risk eternal separation from the benefits of a relationship with God. (See Romans 3:23)
Fortunately, God sent Jesus to demonstrate his perfect love and to take on himself all our sins. Jesus died on the cross in our place - a substitute for our sins - a redeemer and a Remedy for our problem. (See Romans 6:23)
All that's left to do is to accept and Receive Jesus in his rightful role - the Son of God who died and rose again for our sins. Turning from sin, believing in Jesus as the way, the truth and the life seals our eternal relationship with God. (See Romans 10:9)
"Lord God, I acknowledge that I do things to displease you--that I am a sinner, but I want to turn away from this way of life to follow you. I now welcome Jesus into my life, realizing that he is the Savior of the world, having died on the cross for my sins. Please bless and guide me now and for eternity, in Jesus' name I pray, Amen!
That’s the Good News!”
What do you believe?
Good Friday 2006
This is the third year I've attend the Good Friday noon service at my local church since moving here.
It's a spirited enactment of the passion by the junior high students, complete with soldiers, brown robed bystanders and a wooden cross.
They cleverly combine some contemporary music with participative prayers of the congregation - is it OK for me to say that I really enjoy this Good Friday service?
But the eyewitness accounts are the most moving element of the service. As the stations of the passion take place, the last supper, the betrayal, the scourging, the crucifiction...one "eye witness" steps up to the podium to share their perspective on Jesus - Peter explains his remorse over denying Jesus, a soldier his anguish over seeing a just man suffer, a woman her awe over his inclusive love for all people...
One by one, these young people get into character and remind me - in riveting fashion - that there was a lot more going on that day 2,000 years ago. There were real people watching Jesus suffer - including those who hated him and those who loved him.
There was probably a confusing rush of emotions and fear in the hours before Jesus died on the cross. But when it was all said and done, each person had to determine in their own heart what it really meant, and what Jesus meant to them. Just another thief dying on the cross? Or the Son of God who came to redeem our sins? That's still something we have to decide for ourselves.
What do you believe?
It's a spirited enactment of the passion by the junior high students, complete with soldiers, brown robed bystanders and a wooden cross.
They cleverly combine some contemporary music with participative prayers of the congregation - is it OK for me to say that I really enjoy this Good Friday service?
But the eyewitness accounts are the most moving element of the service. As the stations of the passion take place, the last supper, the betrayal, the scourging, the crucifiction...one "eye witness" steps up to the podium to share their perspective on Jesus - Peter explains his remorse over denying Jesus, a soldier his anguish over seeing a just man suffer, a woman her awe over his inclusive love for all people...
One by one, these young people get into character and remind me - in riveting fashion - that there was a lot more going on that day 2,000 years ago. There were real people watching Jesus suffer - including those who hated him and those who loved him.
There was probably a confusing rush of emotions and fear in the hours before Jesus died on the cross. But when it was all said and done, each person had to determine in their own heart what it really meant, and what Jesus meant to them. Just another thief dying on the cross? Or the Son of God who came to redeem our sins? That's still something we have to decide for ourselves.
What do you believe?
Da Vinci Code's claim: "the facts are accurate...."
Honestly, I haven't read the Da Vinci Code. Don't plan to.
Check me on this, but here's what I understand the author states in the preface pages:
"All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate." Dan Brown
Now, so far, I've run into many articles, podcasts and books that state in excruciating detail why Dan's claim is...well, not a fact.
I have no problem with someone writing a fictional page turner about Jesus (...think Ann Rice...), but...why try to claim that your fictional book is based on proven fact when it's so obviously not? For that, I'm taking a pass on the book and movie.
What do you believe?
http://www.leaderu.com/focus/davincicode.html
http://www.davincidelusion.tv/
http://www.rejesus.co.uk/davinci/index.html
Check me on this, but here's what I understand the author states in the preface pages:
"All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate." Dan Brown
Now, so far, I've run into many articles, podcasts and books that state in excruciating detail why Dan's claim is...well, not a fact.
I have no problem with someone writing a fictional page turner about Jesus (...think Ann Rice...), but...why try to claim that your fictional book is based on proven fact when it's so obviously not? For that, I'm taking a pass on the book and movie.
What do you believe?
http://www.leaderu.com/focus/davincicode.html
http://www.davincidelusion.tv/
http://www.rejesus.co.uk/davinci/index.html
Holy Week on DVD ?
My favorite religious movie of all time is Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_of_Nazareth_(film)
You can still find it on amazon.com and at Barnes and Nobles.
I watch it every Lent/Easter season and every Christmas.
Whenever I read the gospel accounts, many of the images come alive as depictions from the film. It's well worth the $25 DVD version, or a library checkout.
I've also begun watching Mel Gibson's Passion as part of my Holy Week reminder that Jesus died a horribly brutal death in my place.
Our forgiveness was purchased at a high price and the reminders of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter are great opportunities to meditate on that in prayer and great thanksgiving -- it is the Good News!
By the way...I always thought that Jesus was crucified from noon to 3 pm -- "from the 6th to the 9th hour.." However, check out Mark 15:25.
Jesus was actually crucified at the 3rd hour, about 9 am - but darkness overcame the land from the 6th to the 9th hour. Check out the accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke to see.
I'm grateful for what Jesus did to reconcile me to a full relationship with God.
What do you believe?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_of_Nazareth_(film)
You can still find it on amazon.com and at Barnes and Nobles.
I watch it every Lent/Easter season and every Christmas.
Whenever I read the gospel accounts, many of the images come alive as depictions from the film. It's well worth the $25 DVD version, or a library checkout.
I've also begun watching Mel Gibson's Passion as part of my Holy Week reminder that Jesus died a horribly brutal death in my place.
Our forgiveness was purchased at a high price and the reminders of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter are great opportunities to meditate on that in prayer and great thanksgiving -- it is the Good News!
By the way...I always thought that Jesus was crucified from noon to 3 pm -- "from the 6th to the 9th hour.." However, check out Mark 15:25.
Jesus was actually crucified at the 3rd hour, about 9 am - but darkness overcame the land from the 6th to the 9th hour. Check out the accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke to see.
I'm grateful for what Jesus did to reconcile me to a full relationship with God.
What do you believe?
Other Worldview Topics?
What other Christian worldview topics should we blog?
and...what do you believe...?
and...what do you believe...?
Isn't a "Good and Moral" Jesus Enough?
Many worldviews acknowledge that Jesus was most likely a good person with some good moral directives. He did in fact state the "golden rule" of 'Love your neighbor as yourself ' (Mark 12:31).
But they prefer not to acknowledge him as truly the Son of God, God with us, God incarnate - or as having risen from the dead after dying on the cross for the remission of sins.
So...by definition, Christianity is truly different from every other religion and moral worldview. Christians believe that Jesus is the risen Son of God. Not only a great and gifted teacher, but One with God. Not as some would say that 'we are all god, or parts of god.' We believe that Jesus is God.
And, if one were to believe the good and moral teachings of Jesus, you would have to reconcile that he also said, "The Father and I are one." (John 10:30); and his many miracles, even raising people from the dead! These accompany his good moral teachings.
And Jesus allowed his followers to worship him.
"My lord and my God!" Thomas said to him. (John 20:28)
The bible goes on to say, that "in him dwelt the fullness of deity." (Collasians 2:9)
And as a closing thought to this post, the Bible teaches this:
"Everyone who denies the Son, neither has the Father." (1st John 2:23).
Of course, there's nothing wrong with other worldviews disagreeing with, or debating Christian beliefs--that's diversity. But believing that Jesus is the Son of God is the Spiritual diversity of Christianity. It's either true or it's not -- but there is no 'shared truth' in the middle ground.
What do you believe?
But they prefer not to acknowledge him as truly the Son of God, God with us, God incarnate - or as having risen from the dead after dying on the cross for the remission of sins.
So...by definition, Christianity is truly different from every other religion and moral worldview. Christians believe that Jesus is the risen Son of God. Not only a great and gifted teacher, but One with God. Not as some would say that 'we are all god, or parts of god.' We believe that Jesus is God.
And, if one were to believe the good and moral teachings of Jesus, you would have to reconcile that he also said, "The Father and I are one." (John 10:30); and his many miracles, even raising people from the dead! These accompany his good moral teachings.
And Jesus allowed his followers to worship him.
"My lord and my God!" Thomas said to him. (John 20:28)
The bible goes on to say, that "in him dwelt the fullness of deity." (Collasians 2:9)
And as a closing thought to this post, the Bible teaches this:
"Everyone who denies the Son, neither has the Father." (1st John 2:23).
Of course, there's nothing wrong with other worldviews disagreeing with, or debating Christian beliefs--that's diversity. But believing that Jesus is the Son of God is the Spiritual diversity of Christianity. It's either true or it's not -- but there is no 'shared truth' in the middle ground.
What do you believe?
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Christianity is inclusive
I frequently hear two questions related to the Christian worldview:
1. "so then...you think all other religions are wrong?"
and
2. "so...you think you're somehow better than everyone else?"
Both miss the true inclusiveness of the Christian worldview.
First, everyone on the planet is welcome to believe in Jesus, the Son of God. No one is excluded or prevented. Every person of every worldview, religion or belief system is welcome at any time. And it's your free will to decide, there is no threat of harm or death if you do not believe.
If you choose not to believe in Jesus, you're still considered no better or worse than any other human being, including Christians -- However, Christian spiritual diversity teaches that your life would be better off believing--both in abundant blessings received here on earth, and in eternal life with God after you die. That's a free choice though, available until you die.
Answering the first question--does believing Christianity make other religions "wrong"? There's nothing wrong with comparing and debating our worldview beliefs. It's healthy. But it's disingenuous to try and reconcile every belief system as "the same truth."
If Jesus lived, died and rose again as we believe in the Bible--as the subtitute sacrifice for our sins--so that by God's Grace, we can have a relationship with God, now and for eternity, thanks to Jesus' free gift of atoning death--if that's true, then you can easily answer the question for other religions or belief systems:
1. "so then...you think all other religions are wrong?"
and
2. "so...you think you're somehow better than everyone else?"
Both miss the true inclusiveness of the Christian worldview.
First, everyone on the planet is welcome to believe in Jesus, the Son of God. No one is excluded or prevented. Every person of every worldview, religion or belief system is welcome at any time. And it's your free will to decide, there is no threat of harm or death if you do not believe.
If you choose not to believe in Jesus, you're still considered no better or worse than any other human being, including Christians -- However, Christian spiritual diversity teaches that your life would be better off believing--both in abundant blessings received here on earth, and in eternal life with God after you die. That's a free choice though, available until you die.
Answering the first question--does believing Christianity make other religions "wrong"? There's nothing wrong with comparing and debating our worldview beliefs. It's healthy. But it's disingenuous to try and reconcile every belief system as "the same truth."
If Jesus lived, died and rose again as we believe in the Bible--as the subtitute sacrifice for our sins--so that by God's Grace, we can have a relationship with God, now and for eternity, thanks to Jesus' free gift of atoning death--if that's true, then you can easily answer the question for other religions or belief systems:
- If you believe that a person "earns" their relationship with God now and qualifies for heaven based on living a "good life" then that is not the teaching of Christianity. It disagrees with Christian spiritual diversity.
- If you believe that Jesus was a "good, moral person" but did not die on the cross for our sins, and was not God incarnate, that is not the teaching of Christianity.
- If you believe there is no God, or that all is god, or all are god...that is not compatible with Christianity. It disagrees.
Answering question 2, None of these belief alternatives makes you better or worse than your Christian neighbor, since our sins are only forgiven by God because of Jesus--we are not sin-less, we are forgiven. But belief in Jesus and his teachings does tend to move people away from sin and towards what God would prefer them to do, as taught in the bible. Not because they are superior to others, but because the Holy Spirit of God leads to better ways, by Grace (by His free gift of love and blessings). And yet, even after believing in Jesus, we still sin - we're not suddenly perfect. But we are able to turn to God and ask forgiveness, in Jesus' name. (see 1st John 1:9)
Christians, by definition, do not judge others as "worse or inferior" because Jesus himself taught humility:
"Why do you look on the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
What do you believe?
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