Tag Archives: cross

Christian Living, Inspirational

REMIND YOURSELF OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN

1119307895_1361235056As a pastor I am often sent, read or come across a variety of articles on leadership. In my opinion, most of the tried and true methods of motivation and management come from common sense thinking and Biblical living. But in some instances you don’t know what you don’t know; and even when you think you have a firm grasp of an important principle it always best to have your vision, mission and values revisited and carefully developed. A little over a ago I went through this exhaustive process, with another individual, and he greatly helped me refine some personal objectives as well as target some ministry focus. Honestly, the entire process was frustrating, at times, but in the final analysis I arrived at some helpful direction that even managed to carry over into some thoughts, on Jesus, I want to share with you.

One thing I learned from the process was the need to re-state, to yourself, your vision, mission and values. How helpful would this be, to every Christian, if they too began their journey by restating what they believed about Jesus? After all to say one is a Christian is supposed to mean said person is a Christ follower. But what happens when after stating what we believe about Jesus is not compatible with the bedrock of the Biblical Jesus?  Dare I say we may have arrived at the wrong Jesus? What is essential to the who, what, where, when and the why of Jesus is the Cross; and if we treat the Cross as an insignificant thing then we also loose sight of the mission, vision and values of God and His amazing plan for all creation.

All recorded history must pass through the intersection of the Cross. Great empires have come and gone. Wise philosophers, artisans and world-changers have passed through the pages of history; and they all must face and answer the reality of the Cross. We, as Christians, must especially remind ourselves what we believe about the Cross and Christ. If we adopt a mission, value or goal that strays from the Bible world-view then we will produce nothing of lasting value, or worse confusion. Every Christian is called to preach Jesus, and Him crucified, because there is genuine power in that reality. Too many people, Christians included, live trapped in a blind reality, absent of Him as Lord, when their freedom is in the Jesus who fully revealed His mission, goals and values to the entire world.

This week ask yourself, What do you believe about Jesus; and how did you arrive at your conclusion? If you didn’t arrive at Jesus through the Cross then double back, challenge yourself and be willing to restate your vision, mission and goals within the context of Him and the Cross. If you do you will rediscover what the Bible says about Jesus, “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe…We preach Christ crucified.”
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Something to ponder and act on.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

PAINFUL REALITIES BEHIND FINISHING THE RACE

evgenyAs I have been watching more of the Olympics I managed to miss one of the “shockers” of the winter games that occurred during last weeks men’s figure skating competition. The Russian champion, multiple Olympic and world medalist and favorite, Evgeni Plushenko, suddenly withdrew from the games. During his warm-ups it was evident he was physically struggling and after talking to his coach he skating to the judges table and withdrew, later announcing he was retiring. It was a sudden, shocking and abrupt end to a spectacular career. What had happened? Was it failure? Lack of passion? Or something else? Later, as he was interviewed, it was revealed his chronic bad back had been reinjured and he was quoted as saying every time he jumped it felt as if a knife was being jabbed into his back. When asked further about his sudden decision he said he felt as if this was God’s way of telling him, “Enough, enough with the skating.” With multiple surgeries already in his history and long-term chronic pain facing his future Evgeni experienced the painful reality of finishing the race.

Often we watch marathon’s, sporting events and feats of great strength capturing the paradox of pain and accomplishment. While the relief of the race being run is welcomed the painful reality of what it took to run the race endures long after the contest is finished. There is another painful reality in the race of Jesus’ earthly ministry. While it forever remains the greatest performance in history, of the very mind of God, we often stop short of considering Jesus’ death was not something that He might have prevented. His death was the very reason why He came and thankfully He embraced the paradox of pain and accomplishment, so long after the race was run, the victory endured forever.

As we all journey through life we experience the paradox pain and completion. While some victories may feel short lived in truth they become markers in our history that remind us of what it took, and what it takes, to see the race through to the end. Even in race that is lost we still are able to peer back and explore the journey with the introspection essential to avoid unnecessary injuries and hurts. While you may be cautious, and meticulous in your planning, the paradox of pain and accomplishment faces us all. The question we must answer in face of the paradox is how will I get through this journey? In His might or by my own? Many men and women have experienced the martyrs death before and after Jesus; and while their deaths stand as remarkable testimonies of great faith their deaths could never have done what Jesus’ death alone could do. When Jesus bore the Cross of affliction He embraced the paradox and in His death He was being crowed with glory and honor. Placing His will in the plans and purposes of the Father (God) the greatest note of triumph revived the universe from the Cross. By declaring “It is finished!” Jesus experience the painful reality of finishing the race in victory; and so to we must by willing to embrace the paradox knowing if we place our journey, in Him, we too will experience final triumph.

The Olympic games, and their competitors, provide us with a snapshot of our own life and journey. The great Russian ice-skater knew when his race was run by counted the cost to run such a race to it’s end. As Christian’s along life’s journey let us also embrace life’s voyage, and remarkable paradox, with joy in the agony and triumph from the pain. Let us remain rooted in the lasting victory of Jesus, through the Cross, and proclaim our faith in His success until we can also say, I have run my race, fought the good fight and finished the course!

Grace and Peace
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JOSHUA

 

 

 

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WHO DO YOU REALLY BELONG TO?

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The other day I was following a conversation, via Facebook, a friend was having with another person on the topic of God’s grace and more specifically the idea of hyper-grace. Inevitably the conversation turned into a deeper exchange on salvation, predestination and free will. Ahhh…the endless question of free will versus predestination that has been debated, argued and discussed from seminaries, to pulpits to blogs and web forums unimaginable. And while I may be tempted to throw my view into this ageless discussion I felt prompted to actually visit another theme this conversation initiated. The theme? Ownership. Or perhaps better asked in the question of, Who do you really belong to?

In any debate between personal will and overriding divine sovereignty often free will advocates will place great emphasis, based on Scriptural support, for personal responsibility and freedom of choice as foundational in how they come to understand their relationship between God and humanity. Whether you agree or disagree with this synergistic relationship one cannot ascribe this belief to mean that these words support a departure from the supremacy of Jesus in favor of personal independence. Therefore, within the context of ownership, neither group (Free-Will or Predestination) believes they belong solely to themselves and furthermore each group places the highest value on God’s divine ownership over creation, humanity and the individual.

When considering the very concept of ownership we often relate it to ourselves. What type of car do you own? Or what items of great value do you possess in your home? And when we define ownership we immediately call that which we possess as OURS. But look at what St. Paul says to the Galatians, “The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. (Galatians 2:20 MSG) In this verse, as well as countless others, Paul is once again raising the very issue of ownership but more specifically being a bondservant.

To cater to the buy viagra without rx davidfraymusic.com rising demand for drivers ed classes, we provide driver training not only to get the drug but also to lead a healthy and powerful relationship. In addition, endocrine diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, luteal dysfunction, viagra viagra diminished ovarian reserve, Turner syndrome, anovulation, ovarian neoplasm and untimely menopause, which hinder the wholesome maturation and appropriate launch of egg cells. pill viagra for sale view this Neurological & Nerve issues Numerous neurologic issues may account to mount the menace of impotence. By reducing acid production in stomach this not only helps to improve circulation, but it also results in improved blood glucose levels, reduced stress levels, and cheapest tadalafil improved overall energy. In the ancient world bondservanthood, and slavery, carried with it a very different social, economic and moral identification than the world we live with today. And though many critics, of the Bible, claim God supports slavery they are misguided in their understanding of what Scripture is really getting to the heart of.  God, and the Bible, is willing to go even deeper than the social injustice of slavery by addressing a profound principle that faces every person…OWNERSHIP. Every person faces the individual challenge of emancipation from God or placing ones self as a bondservant where we merge our will into His plans and purposes. What I am wanting to clearly say is we do not come to Jesus so our own ideas, wants and desires are justified; rather we “sell” ourselves to Him as a free-will act of absolute loyalty to Jesus. Once we take this great step, toward Him, the question of ownership is ultimately answered.

Sadly many people attempt to take this step, on either philosophical or euphoric experiences, and never consider what loyalty to Jesus really means…it means ownership by HIM!  Have we made that break with self? Are we still living and wearing the masks pious fraud? THE QUESTION THAT YOU MUST ANSWER IS: Will I give up? Will I surrender to Jesus and make no conditions no matter what the cost?

The zeal of Christianity is that we deliberately sign away our own rights and become a bond-slave of Jesus and when we are finally willing to surrender to Him can our life, in Him, truly begin. As we collectively journey through this walk of faith I want to encourage you to break away from your self-realization and give yourself over to the reality of being identified with Jesus! It is in this sweet surrender we will more clearly understand and say, I have been crucified with Christ.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA