Thursday, January 26, 2017
We are not a bunch of frightened, powerless sinners...
As a child I loved the stories of heroes in the Bible. Samson, David, Peter,Stephen, and Paul. They were courageous, they did battle with evil, they lived lives of great passion, and they changed the world. I wanted to be like them. And I believed I could. Still do.
But as I listen to some Christians -- and even some leaders -- today, I wonder if we have lost something very valuable. It seems as if some of think we are not any different than anyone else.
It is as if Christians see themselves as broken, sinful, weak, and scared to death.
Sinners. Well of course, but we are different. Our sins do not define us and we are not what we were, or what we would be without Jesus. The Holy Spirit is transforming us. We are showing more fruits of the Spirit. Broken, but most of us have been put back together again in Christ. And if not yet healed, we are on the way.
We are the alcoholics made sober, the mean made sweet, and the sexually immoral made pure. We are forgiven. That is the power and attraction of Jesus. He changes lives. We are not like the world.
Weak. Not hardly. Christians make up the most powerful army in the world. Nothing can stand against us. Not even the gates of hell.
Faith and prayer can move mountains. That is power like no other. Because our God is like no other.
Afraid. No we are not. Scripture is full of reminders that we are to be courageous. We are not afraid or terrified or anxious. We are strong and we are brave because the Lord is with us. We give him our worries and our fears and we follow him.
Into the teeth of hell and a world dominated by evil. We fight, we stay faithful, and we finish the race.
We make other followers of Jesus.
So church... stop whining and whimpering and hiding.
We have what will change the world. It changed us. We are better, stronger, and braver.
God takes sinful, weak cowards and turns them into forgiven followers who are strong and courageous.
Live up to your calling.
Be a Jesus hero.
God, thank you for Jesus who changes us to be holy. We commit to renounce fear and to be strong in you. We give ourselves to you and to call others to a life of hope, joy, peace, and purpose. For Jesus.
But as I listen to some Christians -- and even some leaders -- today, I wonder if we have lost something very valuable. It seems as if some of think we are not any different than anyone else.
It is as if Christians see themselves as broken, sinful, weak, and scared to death.
Sinners. Well of course, but we are different. Our sins do not define us and we are not what we were, or what we would be without Jesus. The Holy Spirit is transforming us. We are showing more fruits of the Spirit. Broken, but most of us have been put back together again in Christ. And if not yet healed, we are on the way.
We are the alcoholics made sober, the mean made sweet, and the sexually immoral made pure. We are forgiven. That is the power and attraction of Jesus. He changes lives. We are not like the world.
Weak. Not hardly. Christians make up the most powerful army in the world. Nothing can stand against us. Not even the gates of hell.
Faith and prayer can move mountains. That is power like no other. Because our God is like no other.
Afraid. No we are not. Scripture is full of reminders that we are to be courageous. We are not afraid or terrified or anxious. We are strong and we are brave because the Lord is with us. We give him our worries and our fears and we follow him.
Into the teeth of hell and a world dominated by evil. We fight, we stay faithful, and we finish the race.
We make other followers of Jesus.
So church... stop whining and whimpering and hiding.
We have what will change the world. It changed us. We are better, stronger, and braver.
God takes sinful, weak cowards and turns them into forgiven followers who are strong and courageous.
Live up to your calling.
Be a Jesus hero.
God, thank you for Jesus who changes us to be holy. We commit to renounce fear and to be strong in you. We give ourselves to you and to call others to a life of hope, joy, peace, and purpose. For Jesus.
