Motivated by His immeasurable love for us, God acted on our behalf through Jesus Christ when He was nailed to the cross to settle our sin debt. Never before has anyone shown deeper love for humankind than when God did this for us. Simply put, God demonstrated his love for us not through words, but through action.
We all need to be loved unconditionally by God, though few of us actually accept His love. What's holding you back from receiving this great gift of love? As we approach the Christmas holiday, remember that we are celebrating the birth of our Lord, who lived with the purpose of dying for us. Don't underestimate God, and don't take my word for it, find out for yourself that God loves you, man.
What the Hell?
Yes, sadly it is true what all of those guys are telling you on the street corners and across the social media network. Hell is real and real people have the opportunity to go there. Scary stuff? Well, it should be. Whether or not you like the approach of those warning you, it won't matter because you are the one God intends to hold accountable. On that day, you'll not be able to blame me or anyone else for not trusting Him. I wrote a song a long time ago called "Scapegoat." It was a warning to people that you'd have no excuse for not believing in God.
The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans (who, by the way, were comfortable and wealthy in their day much as we Americans have become): "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
Bottom line: you don't believe in God, it's your own fault and you will be held accountable.
The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans (who, by the way, were comfortable and wealthy in their day much as we Americans have become): "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
Bottom line: you don't believe in God, it's your own fault and you will be held accountable.
No Other Way
Because of what Jesus said to his disciples during his ministry, Christians believe that there is no other way to the Father except through a relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter how nice it would be, Christians cannot accept the notion that all religions provide a means to salvation. First, not all religions teach the need for salvation. Second, there is no other religion in the world that has a redeemer. To say that there are many ways to find God is a statement that honors people more than God.
If God acted through Jesus Christ to redeem people from their broken condition by suffering and dying on a cross, why whould he also provide many other means that do not include suffering or sacrifice? Christianity is the only religion that demonstrates love from God. Perhaps many people are not familiar or comfortable with a God who is willing to love them at great cost.
If God acted through Jesus Christ to redeem people from their broken condition by suffering and dying on a cross, why whould he also provide many other means that do not include suffering or sacrifice? Christianity is the only religion that demonstrates love from God. Perhaps many people are not familiar or comfortable with a God who is willing to love them at great cost.
Stumbling Drunk
Alcohol has always been a great elixer for the weariness, happiness, and sadness in life. Sadly, many of us have overused alcohol; some of us becoming dependent upon it. During the height of alcohol abuse, relationships begin to deteriorate as we slip into depression, anger, and frequent mood swings. Consider the words of Paul the apostle: "Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit."
It's not news that alcohol provides diminishing returns. We've been getting drunk for centuries, always hoping to be filled with the kind of peace that only God can provide. So let's get drunk on the spirit God provides. Counter to alcohol, God's spirit will fill you, improve your relationships, and give you a peace that transcends all understanding. Cheers.
It's not news that alcohol provides diminishing returns. We've been getting drunk for centuries, always hoping to be filled with the kind of peace that only God can provide. So let's get drunk on the spirit God provides. Counter to alcohol, God's spirit will fill you, improve your relationships, and give you a peace that transcends all understanding. Cheers.
Jesus' Identity Revealed
In the opening pages of the New Testament, the person of Jesus is described as the long-awaited Messiah. The story that follows is an incredible account of one man's eye-witness experience of the man who claimed to be God's own son. Jesus performed miraculous healings, foretold future events, and even allowed people to worship him. His story is retold by 3 other men in the New Testament: Mark, Luke, and John. Regardless of your religious background, Jesus is a man worth considering.
I'll leave you with these thoughts:
If God wanted to reveal himself to the world and show that he truly loves us, in what way would he make the most lasting impression?
If God wants us to believe that Jesus is truly his own son, what kind of proof would you need in order to believe?
I'll leave you with these thoughts:
If God wanted to reveal himself to the world and show that he truly loves us, in what way would he make the most lasting impression?
If God wants us to believe that Jesus is truly his own son, what kind of proof would you need in order to believe?
Mind Your Own Jesus
There's a reason Jesus calls us to have a personal relationship with him. He's able to have individual interest and love for each of us. After all, he is God. Anyway, don't get hung up on everyone else's experience with him. Chances are each of us is having a wonderfully unique relationship with him. Another warning sign that you're missing out: when you find that you're more interested in doing things for him rather than doing things with him. Watch out for the big-time guilt-trippers out there, Jesus isn't concerned about condemning you, he wants to save you.
Check out Matthew 7 and John 3 for insight into his real character and interest in you.
Check out Matthew 7 and John 3 for insight into his real character and interest in you.
Improve Your Listening Skills
Sometimes it can be frustrating when listening to preachy people who seem to have an answer for all of our truly deep questions. In fact, I'm not surprised to hear that someone is offended by another's quick answers or solutions when our problems aren't simple. Few people have the patience to wait until a friend is finished speaking before giving the easy answer to thier problem. The truth is, most of us seize the "opportunity" to give advice before the other has finished speaking.
Most people have problems which may have taken years to develop and they may take years to eventually resolve some of them. Don't miss an opportunity to listen and love when your friend is sharing their heart with you. You may be part of the solution by being a loving listener.
Jesus' character was referenced by the apostle Paul when he encouraged us to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)
Most people have problems which may have taken years to develop and they may take years to eventually resolve some of them. Don't miss an opportunity to listen and love when your friend is sharing their heart with you. You may be part of the solution by being a loving listener.
Jesus' character was referenced by the apostle Paul when he encouraged us to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)
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