Tag: Jesus

two words

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lion and lamb

As you think about Jesus, what two words would you use to describe Him? What if the character of Christ was reducible to two ingredients? John 1:14 says that Jesus was full of grace and truth. Could it be that “being like Christ” can be summarized in these two words? He was “full of grace and truth,” not 50/50, 60/40, 80/20, but 100/100. What would it be like if Jesus was full of grace and no truth? Or full of truth and no grace?

In the gospels we see Jesus living out this grace and truth in His ministry. He is both Lion and Lamb. Some were drawn to Him and repelled by Him because of His characteristics of grace and truth. If we offend EVERYBODY it is probably because we speak truth without grace. Have you known people like that? When we offend NOBODY it to probably because we are watering down truth for grace. We need both. We need 100% of both.

I do not play a guitar, but I am aware that if the strings are loose the guitar sounds awful. It the strings are too tight they can break or cause discord. The same with grace and truth; the “music” of the gospel message is when there is perfect tension between both.

TRUTH

One of the biggest complaints about Christianity is that it is a bunch of rules [do’s and don’ts]. Yet Christianity is not about what we should avoid, but about who we should embrace. If we talk about do’s and don’ts more than Jesus our view of truth is out of whack.

Truth is like a guardrail that protects us from plunging off a cliff. I remember the curvy roads as we drove through Rwanda. There were no rails on these steep jungle cliffs. We even saw a few places where people drove over. We had a lot of faith in our speedy driver. A smart driver doesn’t complain about the guardrails because they protect. The guardrails of Gods Truth are not to punish, but to protect.

It is not arrogant to believe that Jesus is the Truth [John 14:6]. It would be arrogant if we had come up with it, but we didn’t. we’re just repeating what Jesus said. It’s not arrogant to repeat what the Bible teaches. Arrogance is when we try to tailor truth to our preferences.

You may not be the most popular person for it, but be a person of truth. Tell people about Jesus and His teachings. The best way is to live it.

GRACE

The song Amazing Grace was written by John Newton. Before he wrote the song he was a captain of a passenger ship. The ships passengers were slaves. He would acquire his slaves from Africa and transport them to America were the slaves were sold like animals at the State Fair Auctions. Radically God changed his life. He went from abusing slaves to pastoring and opposing the slave trade.

Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see.

When John Newton was 82 and near death he said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” That is Truth mixed with Grace. Grace is no excuse to sin. Grace reminds us of what our sin has freed us from. It empowers us to say no to sin and hello to Christ.

I am a wretched sinner. I’m not so good after all. I do not deserve God’s love and forgiveness. I deserve much worse. God’s grace is amazing when I realize who I am and who God is. Without Truth we lack conviction [No truth = no need for salvation]. Without Grace we lack compassion [No grace = no hope for salvation]. What we need are people of truth and grace.

real questions: kill Jesus?

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Ned Anzers: Did Jesus have to die? And why did Jesus have to die?

We often forget that these questions were posed the day Jesus died (Matthew 27:37-43). That horrid Friday afternoon Jesus was taunted and mocked before his death to come down and save Himself. Yet Jesus did not come down. He died that day.

There are 2 possibilities of why Jesus didn’t save Himself, either He could not or He chose not to do it. Which you believe depends on who you think Jesus is. This is what I believe:

1.  Jesus could have saved Himself.

Jesus could have stopped His arrest (Mt.26:52-54). During His earthly ministry Jesus did chose to save Himself multiple times from death. He escape from kill-hungry mobs: throw Him off a cliff (Lk.4:28-30), stone Him (John 10:39), and strangle Him (Jn.7:30), but no one could touch Him for it was not time…He would disappear into the crowd.

2.  Jesus chose not to save Himself.

Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing that His enemies were there ready to kill Him (Mt.16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19). In fact, Jesus knew the kind of death He was going to face (Ps.22:7-18) This prophecy was given hundreds of years before there was such a thing as the Roman crucifixion.

3. Jesus chose to die as the ransom (Mt.20:28).

When we hear the word ransom we think of hostages being held captive by bank robbers or terrorists. They have a note demanding payment or the hostages will die. In the days of Jesus it was similar. Ransom was often paid to release people from slavery. All because of sin I am guilt as charged.

The verdict: sin (Rom.3:23)
The sentence: death (Rom.6:23).
The prison: hell
The Judge: God (Rom.5:8a)
The Ransom: Jesus (Rom.5:8b)

How is Jesus death a ransom? Jesus came to release us from spiritual slavery. Sin has a serious price tag. No amount of money or stockpile of good deeds can meet the demand of the ransom. Jesus death paid my ransom. A sinful man cannot die for another sinful man. But Jesus was sinless. Jesus took my place. He chose to die for those who hate Him. Sometimes we wish God would just keep out of our business, but God made our sin His business. It was something He was born to do. He lived to die. Jesus was the perfect plan to pay my ransom: God’s justice demanded a ransom (punishment for sin), and God Himself is the ransom (payment for sin).

real questions: prove it?

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Ned Anzers: God if you are real…why don’t you prove it?

If you were to draw a picture of God what would He look like? No one really knows what God looks like. Billions of people down through history have tried to paint God in the shape of an animal, as fire or water, in the stars or sun, as distant gods, inner gods, peaceful gods or fearful gods. Some even say there is no God. Almost everybody has a different view of God from each other. Wouldn’t it be nice if God decided to reveal Himself once and for all? Imagine what it would be like to see God, talk to Him, touch Him, sit down and eat with Him.

Jesus says something very amazing.

“Any one that has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:1-14) Many thousands of people saw, touched, talked and ate with Jesus. They kept record of it so that people would know that God does exist. As we read the Bible people tell us over and over again, “God does exist. We know because we met Him.”

Couldn’t these people make this stuff up? Jesus never claimed to be God, did He? In fact…

Jesus claims to be God more than once.

Jesus claimed to be equal with God got people mad (John 10:30-33). He also puts Himself on equal terms with God:

  • John 8:56-58 (Ex.3:13-14) “I AM.”—Jesus claims God’s name as His own.
  • John 8:12; 9:5 “I am the Light of the world.”
  • John 6:35, 48 “I am the Bread of Life.”
  • John 15:1 “I am the True Vine.”
  • John 10:10-11 (Ezek.34:11,14) “I am the Good Shepherd.”
  • John 11:25 “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”
  • John 14:6 “I am the Way, the True, and the Life.”

These are stunning words from Jesus, but they are also dangerous words. It would be like going into Ross Aid Stadium and saying I am a Badger fan.

Anyone can claim to be God, can’t they? Yes. Muhammad Ali said, “I have wrestled with an alligator! I tussled with a whale! I handcuffed lightning, threw thunder in jail! Only last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick. I’m so mean, I make medicine sick! I am the greatest!” Ali knew that if you are going to talk this way that you better back it up or else you will be the laughing stock of the world.

Jesus did what He said.

He controlled the weather (Luke 8:24 “stopped a storm”, handcuffed lighting and threw thunder in jail)

Impressive, but that couldn’t it have been a coincidence? Sure. Yet everyone around Jesus agreed that He did amazing things. He feed 5000 people with a boys school lunch box, He walked on water, He cured sickness, paralysis, blindness, deafness, and brought the dead to life. When Jesus walked the earth, it was as if He owned the place. Well, He did create it (John 1:1-4).

Couldn’t He have tricked people into thinking He was who He was? What Jesus did were not tricks. There was no David Copperfield or CGI. Jesus enemies could not expose Him as a fraud. Jesus did not use His power for wealth, status, or fame. In fact, Jesus was prophesied about hundreds and thousands of years before He was born (where He was born, how He would die, etc.). He fulfilled every prophecy.

Jesus did what He did to prove that God exists.

When Jesus walked the earth that He proved God is real.

innkeeper

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This is a monologue, which could be performed around Christmas time. It is about one of the least talked about characters within the Christmas story. He certainly is not the most important, but I often wonder what he must have thought of this glorious event:

Yes, sir, here are your extra towels (hands couple a set of towels).

No, I am sorry we do not have a hot tub.

Wow, what a day. This census that Caesar asked for is really good for business!(Yawn) I think I am going to head to bed.

(laying down) Oh, this feels so good! The bed is so…

[Knock, Knock]

Who could it be at this time of night? Hello?

Yes, it is late.Nice to meet you, Joseph.

No, we are all booked up. I am sorry you didn’t make any reservations. You might want to check the Motel 6 down the street…they always keep their lights on for you.

Oh, you already checked?

I understand you have traveled a really long way (from Nazareth) and that you are tired, but I am sorry we do not have any room for you here.

I see that your wife is pregnant. She looks like she is ready to pop. I am sorry, did I say that out loud?

Ok, I think I might have a place for you to spend the night, but only tonight. It is all that I got…Out back I have a cave and in that cave there is some hay and a feeding trough. You can make use of that area tonight. Don’t tell the Bethlehem safety Council, ok? I am sure it wouldn’t pass inspection. You can sleep tonight for free. Please, be quiet. Most of our guests are sleeping.

Yes, you are welcome.Good night.Hmm…what an interesting couple. What a polite man. They look so young to be having a baby.

(scratching eyes) Now my bed is calling my name. Ahh…I love this new Temper-Pedic mattress.[Knock, Knock] Cant a man sleep in peace?

Yes, how can I help you?You are shepherds. I am sorry we cannot let you in our inn. This is a civilized place. If others knew you stinky, dirty guys were here I would surely lose customers. Plus, we do not allow pets in the rooms. Your sheep would need to stay outside.

Oh, you don’t want a room. Well, fine. Why did you wake me up then?

You are looking for a baby? I don’t know of a baby…wait…I just sent a couple out back. The woman looked very pregnant.

Yes, they are from Nazareth, how did you know?

You saw angel?

Are you sure? I am sure you get a little loony after being in those fields with sheep all day and night. I am sure it gets a little lonely too. But, angels? Now, that’s funny!

Ok, ok, I guess you guys are pretty serious. The young family is out back in the cave. You can leave your sheep there too, it is a perfect place for animals. Please, keep them quiet. I wouldn’t want to be a baaaaaad host now.Good night gentlemen.

Talk about a strange night. Shepherd coming to Bethlehem because angels old them too. Crazy, shepherds!

Alright, now…Oh, that’s great. Boy, she snores really loud.

[Knock, knock]

Goodness! That’s it. This has got to stop.

(frustrated) WHAT DO YOU…want?

Oh, please forgive me your majesty’s. What can I do for you? What pretty gifts you have. No, I am sorry our royal suites are taken. I can make sure we have something available right away tomorrow!

You are not looking for a room?

You mean to tell me for 4 months you have been walking across the countryside following a star? You call yourselves wise guys? Sounds crazy if you ask me.You come to seek a baby?

Ok, follow me.

Hello, Joseph.You have a baby? Already? That was quick! I guess your wife really did have to pop. You have a son?

Congratulations.

He is so quiet.

Why are the shepherds worshipping the baby? (looks left)

Why are these wise men bowing down too? (looks back)

They are bowing down to the baby?Oh, my, oh, my…You are the One I heard about in Sunday School. It is true. At my inn! It is the LORD. You are the LORD! (worships himself)

follow the LEADER

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Remember the game you use play in elementary school Follow the Leader? It was the activity where you would follow or mimic another student in class and doing whatever they would do no matter how strange or crazy it got..

Leaders are everywhere! They are at school, church, work, TV, sports. But are they all worth following?

A leader is “One who provides guidance and direction for others.”

You follow someone or something. Who or what would that be? How would you describe their leadership? How does their leadership help you? Does their leadership hurt or hinder you? There are many leaders around us. They lead us in many different ways. Some good and some bad.

As Christians, do we need a leader to follow? Yes. As we will look at in a moment God always leads His people through the Holy Spirit. As a Christian I need Some-ONE to LEAD me.

The disciples sure felt their need for a leader when Jesus told them He would be leaving them (Jn.16:5-6). Jesus told the disciples that the Father would send them “another Comforter” that would be with them forever (Jn.14:16) and would “guide” or lead them (Jn.16:13). Isn’t it good that Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to lead us and not let us wander around aimlessly?

God has always be concerned about leading His people down through history…

How did God lead? (Ps.136:16; Ex.13:17,21) He led His people.

How long did God lead His people? (Ps.48:14) To the end, until death.

Where did God lead His people? (Ps.5:8, 25:9) He led them in truth and righteousness.

What is the character of one who follows the Lord’s Leadership? (Ps.25:9) Meek & humble, willing to follow.

The Holy Spirit is the main leader in the church and the Christina life today. since, this is the case, shouldn’t we find out more about His leadership in my life? Let’s look at some principles of the Holy Spirits LEADING…

Principle One: The Holy Spirit will always be consistent with the teachings of Christ (Jn.14:26) – The H.S. will never do anything contrary to what Jesus taught.

Example: To say you have not been led to share your faith with a friend is to contradict Christ’s words to Go and Preach the Gospel (Mk.16:15)

Principle Two: The Holy Spirit’s leading will be in agreement with the whole of God’s Word. – If it were not so we could not trust Him since He is the author of the Word (1 Pt.1:21).

Example: To say that you have been led to date a non-believer to evangelize him/her contradicts the message of 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Don’t be yoked to an unbeliever”. The H.S. would not lead in this way.

Principle Three: The Holy Spirit’s leading is known in a way He exalts Christ (Jn.16:14). –Whatever we do under the leading of the Spirit should point others to Christ (Jn.15:26).

Example: A preacher on TV says you can get rich if you pray or denies the deity of Christ cannot be led of the Spirit because his message exalts man, not Christ.

Principle Four: The Holy Spirit’s leading will be in opposition to the World and all that is worldly. – He would never led you into sin because it is His plan to keep you from it (1 Cor.2:12; Rom.8:3-4).

Example: To claim the Holy Spirit led you to a drinking party or to have intercourse with your date is not the leading of the H.S. (1 Thess.5:22)

In conclusion, there are many leaders you can follow. Some good, some bad. But none better than the Holy Spirit. Who will you seek to follow? Who will you not follow? What will that cause you to do or not do?

Good questions to ask yourself:

How will this decision/activity be consistent with the teachings of Christ?

How will this decision/activity be in agreement with the whole of God’s Word?

Will this decision/activity exalt Christ?

Will this decision/activity lead me into worldly activities?

mirror mirror on the wall

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dscn0195.jpg

Mirrors reflect an image. Sometimes not always the image you want to see.

I suppose for centuries people have looked at themselves in reflective surfaces from the pond to a windowpane. Also, I suppose those same people have been disappointed with what they saw. Almost every time I look into the mirror I see something I do not like—physical flaws, mental abnormalities, and spiritual deficiency—all tainted by sin.

I am what I reflect. If I look at the mirror thinking, “Who is the fairest of them all” and all I see is myself…my existence is full of pride.

Not everyone sees himself or herself. Many see another person in that mirror. Maybe the dad whom they adore or hate, a celebrity they admire or seen in the last issue of Cosmo, or an imagined person one substitute the real thing. The image in the mirror is tainted by what they want to be and by what they are not. Their image is full of envy, jealousy.

Both of these mirrored images still leave a man empty and unsatisfied. Each time they rush back to the mirrored glass hoping for something more beautiful, but leave more depressed.

In Genesis 1:26-27 God declares that He made man in His own image. No wonder man is so empty and unsatisfied with his or her reflection because they are not reflecting the very image they were created to be and created to see.

When I stand in front of the mirror I shouldn’t see me, you or anybody else, but the very Creator of the universe.

I am the image of God in flesh and bones. I can manifest His dominion as I live in the freeing reality that I am His image. I do not have to cosmetically beautify myself or try to be someone I am not, but I must seek to shine the image of my God.

James 1:22-25 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

sold out

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Just the other day I was shopping at Wal-Mart specifically looking for some IBC Root Beer. I love that stuff! Right out of the bottle…it’s the greatest! I hope to believe there will be IBC in heaven someday (the Inspired Beverage of Christians)! Anyway… they were sold out. Can you believe that? My day went straight down the toilet bowl.

 

Why does something sell-out? First, something tends to sells-out because it is a popular item. I have to have the “in” toy at Christmas (Tickle Me Elmo) because “everyone has one”. It is popular and I will be popular for having it. Second, it is a great deal. Girls fall for this one all the time. Buy 3 shirts get a free lip balm. I have a grandma who is obsessed with QVC because they have such great deals. Third, it is needed. I am sure if we were experiencing the black plague we would need the medicine that would cure. Fourth, it is over advertised. One night a few weeks back I got really sick and could not sleep so I put the TV on. Within 30 minutes I was ready to call and order my Chia Pet, Hand-Clapper and Total Gym. I was sold-out to the good advertisements.

 

How else does someone or something sell out? Well, for many of the same reasons above. I am a Christian therefore I am sold-out to Christ. Being sold-out to Christ has its costs, commitment and control over my life. That’s what it means to be sold out to someone or something. We will look at each of these statements below by looking at the Scriptural example.

 

SELLING OUT FOR CHRIST HAS A COST

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

“Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”

“Which ones?” the man inquired.

Jesus replied, ” `Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and `love your neighbor as yourself.’ “

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Mt.19:16-22 (the Rich Young Ruler who had everything)

 

SELLING OUT FOR CHRIST TAKES A COMMITMENT

When Jesus saw the crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow Youwherever You go.”

Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Jesus was a mover, looking for the movers)

Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Mt.8:18-23

 

SELLING OUT FOR CHRIST PUTS CHRIST IN CONTROL

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father andfollowed Him. Mt.4:18-22

 

Why should someone Sell-Out to Christ? First, He is a popular item, His disciples followed Him to His death and beyond. Second, He is a great deal, those who believe in Him have Eternal Life. Third, you need Him. Like Medicine heals physical sickness, Christ wants to heal your spiritual sickness. Finally, He is over advertised. Christians have sacrificed their lives for Him, to get His message out so others would hear and believe. Are you sold out?