Jesus, Protests and Politics...
Revolution seems to be in vogue these days. Protests, demonstrations, candidate speeches, and riots are all over the television. My attention is peaked whenever I see a news article or interview in regards to the most famous revolutionary of all. That would be Jesus Christ.
What I notice is that every group jumps on the Jesus bandwagon. Everyone wants to claim Jesus as his or her religious poster child for his or her cause. Even atheist Richard Dawkins has gotten in on the action. In a recent interview he said that if Jesus were around today he would have been an atheist. CNN ran a story where they debated whether or not Jesus would support the Occupy Wall Street protests. Let’s not forget all the Republican candidates that are running for president because Jesus told them to.
So what would it look like if Jesus were practicing his ministry in our times?
I don’t see things being any different. People have been jumping on the Jesus bandwagon since day one. Jesus’ own disciples viewed him as an opportunity to gain power. Two of them argued about which one was going to sit on his right side when he became king. Many of his followers saw him as a political leader that was going to overthrow the evil Roman government and establish the righteous Jewish nation again. Others saw him as an opportunity to get something for nothing.
Would that be any different today? Herman Cain and Michelle Bachman would fight over his endorsement. Jim Wallis would beg for his blessing to redistribute wealth. Rick Warren would want to co-write a book with Jesus. Hollywood celebrities would flock to have a photo op with the miracle worker. Focus on the Family would want Jesus to have a weekly broadcast. Glenn Beck would give him airtime on GBTV. President Obama would invite him to the White House. Bono would ask him to go on tour with him. Richard Dawkins and all the learned men of our time would meet with Jesus and ask questions about the nature of the universe.
All of this is quite similar to what people did in Jesus’ time. People now and then will try to claim him as their own. They find parts of his message they find appealing and then run with it.
If only it were that simple.
Cain and Bachman will receive no endorsement. Jim Wallis will be turned away. Rick Warren will not be writing a book with him. Hollywood will be turned off by his intolerant message. Focus on the Family will be outraged at Jesus’ for hanging out with porn stars and gays instead of being on their show. Jesus will say, “Glenn Beck who?” Jesus doesn’t go to the White House. The White House goes to Jesus. I think Bono would drop everything and follow Jesus. Richard Dawkins will walk away troubled by the nature of his conversation with Jesus. That’s what normally happens when the creator of the universe looks you square in the face.
In the gospels we find that Jesus’ ministry lasted about three years. In the beginning Jesus had a large following and everyone loved his message. He challenged the establishment and spoke of a greater kingdom and society than what they lived in at the time. He spoke of love and peace. He performed miracles and healed the sick. He fed the hungry. He convicted the rich and praised the poor. He rebuked the know-it-alls of this day. That’s a lot of hope and change.
Something happened toward the end though. The deeper you go with Jesus the more uncomfortable you become. The more you get to know Jesus the more you realize that he’s not on your bandwagon. He doesn’t support your cause. Jesus has his own agenda and it doesn’t involve politics or prestige. The more you listen to him the more you find out that he’s not interested in the troubles of the times.
He’s interested in YOU.
Just as in Jesus’ time the story would play out the same today. Once people realize that Jesus is not on their bandwagon they will leave. Those that Jesus had called out or rebuked will use the negative public opinion to attack him. Those who were protesting and campaigning in his name will be the first to slander him on television and in print. One of his closest disciples will become so disappointed in him that he will sell Jesus out for a few bucks.
For those of us who know him, we will never leave.
We are part of the REAL revolution.
We know who He is.
We know why He came.
We answered the call and left the protests and political parties behind.
We believe Him to be who He claimed to be.
He is the Creator of the Universe.
The Great I Am.
The Son of God.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I Peter
Some Life Group Updates...
We are going by-weekly instead of meeting every week. As most of us work and are in classes at college it works better if we meet every other Friday.
We will be meeting this Friday at Jake's place. We will be studying I Peter chapter 1.
So far we have studied James and Philippians. Each letter has it's own unique feel and representation by the author. I am excited about I Peter mainly because of Peter's perspective. He's a man whose failures are publicly known, yet there isn't a writer in the New Testament that talks about the Shepherd more than Peter. He is a great authoritative figure yet he writes to his audience as someone whose been there.
I am looking forward to studying what Peter has to say to us about our Savior.
We are going by-weekly instead of meeting every week. As most of us work and are in classes at college it works better if we meet every other Friday.
We will be meeting this Friday at Jake's place. We will be studying I Peter chapter 1.
So far we have studied James and Philippians. Each letter has it's own unique feel and representation by the author. I am excited about I Peter mainly because of Peter's perspective. He's a man whose failures are publicly known, yet there isn't a writer in the New Testament that talks about the Shepherd more than Peter. He is a great authoritative figure yet he writes to his audience as someone whose been there.
I am looking forward to studying what Peter has to say to us about our Savior.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Growing Pains
Growing doesn't come without some sort of pain. The advantage of being aware that God has a plan of good for you during your pain is the definition of hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Although knowing that through all the hurt and trials there will be some sort of blessing, lesson, or reward in some capacity at the end, it doesn't mean the problem can be just wished away or a time frame for the stuggle to end will happen. This is where our group can and DOES thrive.
Fellowship. There is a sense of honor to the term. This honor arises from what entails in fellowship. Fellowship to me is kind of like the knights of the round. There is comradery, loyalty, encouragement, guidance and just knowing that a fellow brother has got your back. This honorable gathering is just what God gives when we are going through these struggles.
So why the title "Growing Pains"? Well, there are a couple reasons. First is what was just mentioned. When going through our hurts and trials we may understand through the Word that it's meant for our benefit, to grow us... and in the process of the growth God provides us other brothers and sisters to assist and strengthen us. But next, it could actually be understood in the context of the growth and pain associated through the actual fellowship.
Our Life Group has been running for about a year and a half now. Obviously it has had its ups and downs for the group as a whole, but recently, it has been seeing some real growth -connected with pain, especially for myself. For the last 3 weeks I've gone through an array of emotions, and doubts but I was reminded about God's grace and the power of Christ through the Life Group.
It all started last week when I was torn up (lots of tough personal problems), and this caused a bad attitude to stir with in me. At the last moment I decided to cancel the Life Group. I called everyone up and notified them of my decision. Like the good brothers they are, they encouraged me with much sympathy, however I stuck with my decision. One of the guys who attends (Bob) happen to stop by and pick up his note book, and as he was ready to leave I heard an unexpected knock. Much to my surprise, it was a young man I had previously met at the college ministry. A week prior, I had told him about our group and told him it was a great way to get connected to other believers. Forgetting I told him this, I forgot to notify him of the cancellation. And would you know it, he shows up expecting a bible study!
Instantly I felt God tugging my heart to have one with him and Bob so I put my emotions away and pulled out my notes. After about an hour of studying Philippians I was blown away by God's grace. He reminded me that this Life Group was there to uplift us and for us to utilize it in our weakness. Needless to say, the growing pains of my walk with God, through fighting my selfish wants and desires to find that selfless walk with God was graciously granted through this group. Sometimes we strive to be that perfect Christian, when all we need is to live a life in appreciation of God's ever extending love through grace.
Fellowship. There is a sense of honor to the term. This honor arises from what entails in fellowship. Fellowship to me is kind of like the knights of the round. There is comradery, loyalty, encouragement, guidance and just knowing that a fellow brother has got your back. This honorable gathering is just what God gives when we are going through these struggles.
So why the title "Growing Pains"? Well, there are a couple reasons. First is what was just mentioned. When going through our hurts and trials we may understand through the Word that it's meant for our benefit, to grow us... and in the process of the growth God provides us other brothers and sisters to assist and strengthen us. But next, it could actually be understood in the context of the growth and pain associated through the actual fellowship.
Our Life Group has been running for about a year and a half now. Obviously it has had its ups and downs for the group as a whole, but recently, it has been seeing some real growth -connected with pain, especially for myself. For the last 3 weeks I've gone through an array of emotions, and doubts but I was reminded about God's grace and the power of Christ through the Life Group.
It all started last week when I was torn up (lots of tough personal problems), and this caused a bad attitude to stir with in me. At the last moment I decided to cancel the Life Group. I called everyone up and notified them of my decision. Like the good brothers they are, they encouraged me with much sympathy, however I stuck with my decision. One of the guys who attends (Bob) happen to stop by and pick up his note book, and as he was ready to leave I heard an unexpected knock. Much to my surprise, it was a young man I had previously met at the college ministry. A week prior, I had told him about our group and told him it was a great way to get connected to other believers. Forgetting I told him this, I forgot to notify him of the cancellation. And would you know it, he shows up expecting a bible study!
Instantly I felt God tugging my heart to have one with him and Bob so I put my emotions away and pulled out my notes. After about an hour of studying Philippians I was blown away by God's grace. He reminded me that this Life Group was there to uplift us and for us to utilize it in our weakness. Needless to say, the growing pains of my walk with God, through fighting my selfish wants and desires to find that selfless walk with God was graciously granted through this group. Sometimes we strive to be that perfect Christian, when all we need is to live a life in appreciation of God's ever extending love through grace.
Monday, July 18, 2011
God, Pizza, and Double Rainbows
One day I felt that God was speaking to me. He said go and gather a bunch of guys, feed them a lot of pizza and read that little black book with them, and maybe just maybe this thing called fellowship would take place... and it did!
It's been about a year now since I started this journey and since then I've met a few particular characters, a few left and others visited, but through it all we have formed some special relationships. Currently there are 7 members that regularly attend, all bringing their own unique personalities that contribute to some pretty good discussion.
I look forward to going in depth about all the great guys and bible studies we've had, but for now I just want to thank Bob for putting this together and to let anyone know who's following this (are you out there *echo, echo, echo?) that you are welcome to contribute to this blog. Also if you happen to live in our area to contact either Bob or I if you're interested in attending our group.
God bless everyone and have a great week.
It's been about a year now since I started this journey and since then I've met a few particular characters, a few left and others visited, but through it all we have formed some special relationships. Currently there are 7 members that regularly attend, all bringing their own unique personalities that contribute to some pretty good discussion.
I look forward to going in depth about all the great guys and bible studies we've had, but for now I just want to thank Bob for putting this together and to let anyone know who's following this (are you out there *echo, echo, echo?) that you are welcome to contribute to this blog. Also if you happen to live in our area to contact either Bob or I if you're interested in attending our group.
God bless everyone and have a great week.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Friday July 15th
New Book Study
This Friday we will start studying the book of Philippians. We will focus on getting through chapter one.Prayer
Last week we received as a gift from Jake prayer journals. I have been actively writing in mine and I find it very useful and encouraging. Thanks Jake :-)Serving
We will continue with brainstorming ideas as to what serving opportunities we can participate in. There were a lot of good ideas last week. Let's keep them coming.Fellowship
I don't know what we have planned. Maybe a movie or some food. Maybe a movie and some food. I'm sure we'll figure something out.I pray everyone had a good week. Let's start the weekend right!
In Christ,
Bob
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Welcome!!
Welcome to the CrossRoads Life Group Blog!
We are a group of believers in Christ who get together on Friday evenings for fellowship and bible study. We are comprised of Christians from different congregations and of various ages, ranging from early 20's to mid-late 30's. Our purpose is to grow spiritually and to live out our faith by serving and loving others. My prayer is that you find this blog encouraging as we share our experiences and revelations God shows us.
We are a group of believers in Christ who get together on Friday evenings for fellowship and bible study. We are comprised of Christians from different congregations and of various ages, ranging from early 20's to mid-late 30's. Our purpose is to grow spiritually and to live out our faith by serving and loving others. My prayer is that you find this blog encouraging as we share our experiences and revelations God shows us.
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