One of the most maligned and misunderstood terms is the word Christian. Many people say they are Christian, yet their actions and beliefs are all different. Possibly the only point of agreement is their belief in Jesus Christ and who He is, although there is disagreement about Jesus' identity even among those who claim to be Christians.
Why do you suppose there are so many opinions about Jesus Christ and what it means to be a Christian? This diversity probably exists because we depend on our ideas and not on the scriptures. Therefore, we have as many ideas as there are people, each having varied experiences and each under the influence of some religious teaching or lack thereof. If we come to understand that religion is human efforts to reach God by doing various activities or works to please Him, and get His attention, then, yes, there are a variety of religions and explanations of what Christianity is. So what is it really?
Suppose we could agree on one idea of who Jesus Christ is and what it means to be a Christian. I want to suggest a way to do that is to acknowledge that being called a Christian is a statement of relationship, not a religious term, but a covenant relationship with Christ. You see, Christ made a great exchange, an agreement with us that made such a relationship possible. He exchanged His robe of righteousness, left His heavenly domain and all that was His for the salvation of our humanity and all it entails. He offered us His own life for ours, His gracious offer still stands.
Why would God allow His Son to do such a thing and how do I know this happened? The scriptures tell us Jesus came to make the way to His Father possible through His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is called "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". Christ's death was the Father's plan from the beginning. When we understand this, we realize He was not murdered, as some say, rather He gave up His life. If you are curious at all about this exchange and the relationship Jesus wants to have with you, quit listening to other peoples' version of who Jesus is and read it for yourself in the Bible. You will need to put on "spiritual glasses" to understand these things. To get a clear view of this truth, pray that God's Holy Spirit will show you what you long to understand. Your very longing is a precious gift from God. So come, meet Christ, the way the Father has made to heaven, (John 14:6). Right now is a great time to do that. Doma
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Control Issue
So we think we have control of our lives? Think again! And, do we really want total control of it if, indeed, it is possible? I don't think so. We would then bear the ultimate responsibility for all that happens to us. Are we prepared to do that? Just think of all the people and circumstances over which we really have no say. To even think we have such control is very naive indeed! Perhaps you have read statements like, "I am the captain of my fate". Oh, really? Shout that to the winds of a tornado coming toward your home.
What is a person to do since there is so much we cannot manipulate, plan for or make happen? Well, we can intentionally make Jesus the LORD of our lives every day. He would then have absolute control. He does anyway, but acknowledging Him as our Sovereign LORD, the one who calls the shots in our life's game plan, makes so much sense. There will be less striving, less struggling and worrying if we would just let go and let God be our Authority instead of ourselves.
It was imperative to receive Jesus as Savior once we came to realize our sinful state and what Jesus Christ did to pay the price for our iniquities. While we grasp tightly to the free gift of salvation, we want to keep control of our life, our future. To receive Him as the authority of our lives is not easy. It involves giving up our vise-like grip over all areas of our life on a daily basis. Rebellion and the "I do it myself" attitude of a child shows up in us when we even think of surrendering our lives to anyone else, even the LORD God.
In the big picture of life, it only makes perfect sense to ask God, the Mighty One, to take the wheel, to be in charge. Only He knows us perfectly and He holds our future. So, if you have not asked Jesus to be the Authority over your life today, now is the perfect time! Doma
What is a person to do since there is so much we cannot manipulate, plan for or make happen? Well, we can intentionally make Jesus the LORD of our lives every day. He would then have absolute control. He does anyway, but acknowledging Him as our Sovereign LORD, the one who calls the shots in our life's game plan, makes so much sense. There will be less striving, less struggling and worrying if we would just let go and let God be our Authority instead of ourselves.
It was imperative to receive Jesus as Savior once we came to realize our sinful state and what Jesus Christ did to pay the price for our iniquities. While we grasp tightly to the free gift of salvation, we want to keep control of our life, our future. To receive Him as the authority of our lives is not easy. It involves giving up our vise-like grip over all areas of our life on a daily basis. Rebellion and the "I do it myself" attitude of a child shows up in us when we even think of surrendering our lives to anyone else, even the LORD God.
In the big picture of life, it only makes perfect sense to ask God, the Mighty One, to take the wheel, to be in charge. Only He knows us perfectly and He holds our future. So, if you have not asked Jesus to be the Authority over your life today, now is the perfect time! Doma
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