I have been called a lot of things in my life. I am viewed in different ways by different people. Some positive, probably more negative. Kinda like mushrooms, some people view them as delicious and some(myself) view them as nauseating. There are many things in life that are debatable. Presidential elections, favorite sports teams, and even the character of some individuals. But as we argue and contest, there are some things that were, are, and always will be. Some topics stand as fact with no ifs, ands, or buts.
All people are bad is a "good" fact to start off with. I state this and am reminded of the one man who managed to remain pure and holy for all 33 years of his life but we will get to that in a minute. Like said, all people are bad. Fault can be found in all men and women despite the myths. When you really inspect the heart of man, you discover that no matter how clean the outside is, the inside somehow resembles the clog in a dirty sink. No debating to it, All men (except for that one) are bad.
Now to that one. The most significant facts revolve around Jesus for he is fact itself. Lets list these facts. Jesus is God. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus was born into this world as a man by a virgin to save man. Jesus died on a cross, for you and I. Jesus went to hell for you and I and defeated sin and death. Jesus came back and rose again three days after his Crucifixion. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and none gets to the father except through him (John 14:6). Those are facts. Non debatable even if the attempt is made over and over again by this world.
We need Jesus. All we need is Jesus. The fact is Jesus stands alone and we should should be kneeling before him.
For the past week or so I have been studying Idolatry and the fact that we are so engulfed in it. We whore ourselves to myths, ways, and culture of this world. Exodus 20:2-6 tells us that there is one God and we are only to serve, worship, and live for that God. This is not a new discovery. The problem is that we would rather worship the things of this world, that will pass away, than worship the one true God that will remain forever. Do we realize the wrath that awaits idolaters? I think not.
So who/what rules your life? Idols are not only hand made statues of the old testament but they are the things in our lives that we allow to compete with Jesus. I'm talking relationships, entertainment, your job, academics, and etc. Anything that you prioritize equally to or above Chris is sin and an idol. Who do you want to please more, God or the other people in your life. Are you ok with watching television shows and movies that defile the name of Christ? What do you worship and how do you worship it. We are called to have no other God's so look at you life and ask yourself, who is you number one? Is it Christ, is it a tie, or is it another part of you life?
The comparison shouldn't even be close. Who is your God and who are you serving? One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Do it now or later, you make the choice. The truth stands and his name is Jesus.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"Wow, so how'd you get that Scar again?"
And there they are, your Superbowl winning New Orleans Saints! Wow, how about that declaration? After playing in 42 previous seasons and only accumulating 2 playoff wins, the Saints have stated their status as champions boldly. Boldly, Quarterback Drew Brees shuts up all doubt. And yes, boldly, the Saints defeated the highly favored Colts.
As followers of Christ we are called to do the same. Now, I don't mean we are called to hold up the Lombardi trophy, or even play in professional sports. What I do mean, is that we are called to be BOLD.
Once upon a time I was asked the question of, "Seth, what does it mean to be bold." To be honest I was dumbfounded. I had spoken of the term "boldness", as if it had no more significance to believers than an accessory to writing. So this is my answer to the question that I will never forget. Drum roll please...... Jesus!
What do you know, the answer is Jesus. You say, "Seth, this makes no sense. How is Jesus the definition of bold and how does he make me bold?" Well, lets think about it guys. Princeton gives the definition of "Boldness" as "the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger". Now lets go over some examples people... Walking on water. Wait, not just water but stormy, sea tossed water and not walking in water but over and on top of the liquid substance. Jesus did it. I say that is pretty risky business. That's not enough, eh? How about battling and resisting temptation from Satan himself(Matthew 4). Oh I almost forget, when he realized the religious leaders were spitting on the house of God, he ran in and literally began flipping tables with the hypocrites. Bold enough? Not quite? Okay. This man predicted his on death, was the word and is the word, God in the body of a man, born of a virgin, founded the Church, made the lame walk, made the blind see, and made demons run off of a cliff. The simple fact is dictionaries have it all wrong. The definition of boldness is Jesus.
The boldest of all, was when he boldly accepted our nails in his hands and carried our cross on his back to the site of his death . You think he stopped there? No. Jesus went to hell and back. Yes, he went there for you and I, defeating death and sin, and rising from the tomb on day number 3.
You want bold, there you have it. How can you be bold? Believe it. Live it. Many of you who are reading know all of these accounts. Do you apply that knowledge? Are you walking as Christ is commanding? I can know how to speak, care, and act but if I don't do these things in the name of Jesus its all worthless. My challenge to you is to be crucified with Christ, and to be raised in new life. Live like you have new life.
How to pray for boldness? Ask for Jesus to help you become what he saved you to be. He saved you to be like him. Jesus is holy and pure. To be holy and pure is to be BOLD.
As followers of Christ we are called to do the same. Now, I don't mean we are called to hold up the Lombardi trophy, or even play in professional sports. What I do mean, is that we are called to be BOLD.
Once upon a time I was asked the question of, "Seth, what does it mean to be bold." To be honest I was dumbfounded. I had spoken of the term "boldness", as if it had no more significance to believers than an accessory to writing. So this is my answer to the question that I will never forget. Drum roll please...... Jesus!
What do you know, the answer is Jesus. You say, "Seth, this makes no sense. How is Jesus the definition of bold and how does he make me bold?" Well, lets think about it guys. Princeton gives the definition of "Boldness" as "the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger". Now lets go over some examples people... Walking on water. Wait, not just water but stormy, sea tossed water and not walking in water but over and on top of the liquid substance. Jesus did it. I say that is pretty risky business. That's not enough, eh? How about battling and resisting temptation from Satan himself(Matthew 4). Oh I almost forget, when he realized the religious leaders were spitting on the house of God, he ran in and literally began flipping tables with the hypocrites. Bold enough? Not quite? Okay. This man predicted his on death, was the word and is the word, God in the body of a man, born of a virgin, founded the Church, made the lame walk, made the blind see, and made demons run off of a cliff. The simple fact is dictionaries have it all wrong. The definition of boldness is Jesus.
The boldest of all, was when he boldly accepted our nails in his hands and carried our cross on his back to the site of his death . You think he stopped there? No. Jesus went to hell and back. Yes, he went there for you and I, defeating death and sin, and rising from the tomb on day number 3.
You want bold, there you have it. How can you be bold? Believe it. Live it. Many of you who are reading know all of these accounts. Do you apply that knowledge? Are you walking as Christ is commanding? I can know how to speak, care, and act but if I don't do these things in the name of Jesus its all worthless. My challenge to you is to be crucified with Christ, and to be raised in new life. Live like you have new life.
How to pray for boldness? Ask for Jesus to help you become what he saved you to be. He saved you to be like him. Jesus is holy and pure. To be holy and pure is to be BOLD.
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