Which is better? A present or a lottery ticket? A gift or a gamble?
When it comes to religion, most people seem to prefer a gamble instead of a gift.
“Now hold on just a minute—why gamble your soul for eternity?” Good question.
But millions of people do it every day. Why? Because their religion teaches them to gamble.
Many religions emphasize salvation by works. In other words, when you die, your good works are weighed against your bad. And if more than 51% are good, you get to go to heaven.
But how do you know if you have enough good works? What if you die before that point?
Most people want assurance about eternity, but a false religion gives none. It’s a gamble.
One religion promotes a martyr’s death as the path to paradise. Another religion offers an endless cycle of rebirths. The hope is of one day being able to escape the cycle. Good luck.
False religions offer no forgiveness, only fate and fear of an unknown eternity.
Some religions teach that all paths lead to the same God and the same truth. But that can’t be true when you compare faiths and discover opposite beliefs.
If you’re born into one of these traditions, there is pressure to keep the family faith. To remain true to your religion. So you must decide if you will pursue tradition or truth.
In his book “Jesus Among Other Gods,” Ravi Zacharias compares the claims of Christ with the founders of other major religions. (It is a book well worth your time.)
The book observes that only Jesus claimed to be from Heaven. To be the Son of God. Buddha did not claim that. Neither did Krishna or Mohammed.
Instead of pointing to a “path” of rules to follow, Jesus claimed to be the path. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Zacharias writes, “The message of Christ was not the introduction of a religion, but an introduction to truth about reality as God alone knows it.”
What God wants is a personal relationship with us through Christ, not just rule-keepers.
Some religions teach you must pay for your sins. But the Bible says that, because Jesus was sinless, God accepted his death on the cross to pay for all our sin. What amazing grace!
Jesus paid the price to reconcile man to God and change the human heart by the power of God. He did not come to offer us a new religion. He offers a relationship with a personal God.
The Bible reveals the truth about good works. It says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Did you catch that? Salvation is a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not by works.
During this week before Easter, consider this: Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection are not just a myth; they are real facts of history. The evidence is there for all who will seek it. And if you will seek the truth about Christ, it will change your life forever.
It did mine. The day I put my faith in Christ is the day I found true peace and joy. I found forgiveness in Jesus. And that’s why one purpose of my life is to point people to the Savior.
The good news about faith in Jesus Christ is for people of all nations. It is for everyone who is tired of gambling on religious traditions. It is for people who want truth.
Only faith in Christ is a sure thing. For everyone. Because it’s a gift and not a gamble.
What will you trust for your eternity—God’s gift or man’s religion?
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, March 24, 2008
Holiday Jesus
Well it’s that time of year to put away the winter stuff. Even Jesus.
Along with packing up Easter decorations and winter clothes in the spring, many people store Jesus until the fall. They’re fine without him. Just save Jesus for the holidays.
It’s easy to do. Once spring hits the yard, there’s a lot to be done—mowing, gardening, spring-cleaning, and weekends at the lake. Who’s got time for God?
There’s just one problem with that. Jesus asks, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”
What’s the benefit of having the best yard and garden, the cleanest house or the nicest place on the lake? Is it worth it if you end up losing your life in the process?
Well, hold on for just a minute. How can all that cost you your life?
Good question. Do you really want to know?
Life is about focus. What you focus on consumes your life. You spend your life to get what you want. And you can’t serve two masters at the same time. Jesus said that.
A relationship with God is about more than celebrating Christmas and Easter. It’s about more than worship on weekends. It’s about loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said that, too.
God becomes your priority. Not just a pastime for your free time. You can’t fool him. He says, “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Hey, if you want to spend your life pursuing power, wealth and pleasure, go for it. Just don’t expect much in the way of inner peace, eternal rewards or a lasting legacy.
Jesus, however, calls us to a different focus in life. He says, “Follow me. Take my yoke upon you. Learn from me.” And the life to which he calls us is a life of service.
Describing himself Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.” And he calls us to follow him boldly.
When you follow Jesus, the rewards are much greater than the sacrifices. You will know the joy that your life is making an eternal difference. You will have peace that transcends all understanding. And you will feel so blessed you won’t know what to do!
True, the way of Jesus is not the way of wealth, pleasure or power. It’s the path of denying self. It may be the path of suffering and hardship. And it doesn’t appeal to everyone.
To follow Jesus, you must give up your rights in order to serve God and others.
Think Mother Theresa and not Martha Stewart. Billy Graham and not Donald Trump.
If your Jesus is a Holiday Jesus (or even a Weekend Jesus), don’t kid yourself that you’re a true Christ follower. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross DAILY and follow me.”
We can’t have it both ways. Jesus didn’t promise reward for a part-time commitment.
Take a good honest look at your life. What’s your focus? Is it all about you?
Ask God to show you a better way. Ask him to make your life count. If you’re serious, pick up a Bible and read the New Testament. Begin with the Gospel of John and keep going.
The purpose of the Bible is summed up in these words from its pages: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Along with packing up Easter decorations and winter clothes in the spring, many people store Jesus until the fall. They’re fine without him. Just save Jesus for the holidays.
It’s easy to do. Once spring hits the yard, there’s a lot to be done—mowing, gardening, spring-cleaning, and weekends at the lake. Who’s got time for God?
There’s just one problem with that. Jesus asks, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”
What’s the benefit of having the best yard and garden, the cleanest house or the nicest place on the lake? Is it worth it if you end up losing your life in the process?
Well, hold on for just a minute. How can all that cost you your life?
Good question. Do you really want to know?
Life is about focus. What you focus on consumes your life. You spend your life to get what you want. And you can’t serve two masters at the same time. Jesus said that.
A relationship with God is about more than celebrating Christmas and Easter. It’s about more than worship on weekends. It’s about loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said that, too.
God becomes your priority. Not just a pastime for your free time. You can’t fool him. He says, “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Hey, if you want to spend your life pursuing power, wealth and pleasure, go for it. Just don’t expect much in the way of inner peace, eternal rewards or a lasting legacy.
Jesus, however, calls us to a different focus in life. He says, “Follow me. Take my yoke upon you. Learn from me.” And the life to which he calls us is a life of service.
Describing himself Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.” And he calls us to follow him boldly.
When you follow Jesus, the rewards are much greater than the sacrifices. You will know the joy that your life is making an eternal difference. You will have peace that transcends all understanding. And you will feel so blessed you won’t know what to do!
True, the way of Jesus is not the way of wealth, pleasure or power. It’s the path of denying self. It may be the path of suffering and hardship. And it doesn’t appeal to everyone.
To follow Jesus, you must give up your rights in order to serve God and others.
Think Mother Theresa and not Martha Stewart. Billy Graham and not Donald Trump.
If your Jesus is a Holiday Jesus (or even a Weekend Jesus), don’t kid yourself that you’re a true Christ follower. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross DAILY and follow me.”
We can’t have it both ways. Jesus didn’t promise reward for a part-time commitment.
Take a good honest look at your life. What’s your focus? Is it all about you?
Ask God to show you a better way. Ask him to make your life count. If you’re serious, pick up a Bible and read the New Testament. Begin with the Gospel of John and keep going.
The purpose of the Bible is summed up in these words from its pages: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Truthiness or Truth?
Do you believe in truth or truthiness?
“Truthiness” is a word that television comedian Stephen Colbert popularized in 2005. He came up with the word “truthiness” minutes before taping the first episode of “The Colbert Report.” He decided the word “truth” in his script wasn’t ridiculous enough.
“We're not talking about truth, we're talking about something that seems like truth—the truth we want to exist,” he explained. “Facts matter not at all. Perception is everything.”
Colbert added, “Truthiness is ‘What I say is right.’ It's not only that I FEEL it to be true, but that ‘I’ feel it to be true. There's not only an emotional quality, but there’s a selfish quality.”
Many people call themselves “Christians” and believe truthiness instead of truth. In fact it’s common for them to describe their faith as “choosing what I want to believe.” --As if the Bible was a cafeteria line, picking what you like and leaving what you don’t!
Well hold on just a minute. Isn’t that how most Americans view their faith?
Probably. But while some religions may include that approach, the Bible does not.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Notice that Jesus said he is “THE way” and not “A way.”
Another time he added, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Think about that. For the truth to set you free you must believe it’s true and act on it. It’s not an option for you to adjust the truth to your preferences or make it fit your view of reality.
We can’t adjust truth in a math class. What makes us think we can do it with faith?
Many people say they believe the Bible and believe in God. They’ve heard the gospel story and agree that Jesus lived, died on a cross for the sins of mankind and rose again on the third day. But hearing it and agreeing with it is not the same as believing in it.
If you truly believe something it changes your behavior. In this case you decide to put your trust in Jesus Christ to forgive you and save you from sin’s penalty—eternal separation from God. And then you choose to obey him.
The Bible says that Christians are people who “no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” If you’re a Christian you live for Jesus.
Some don’t see the need to obey Jesus. They don’t believe his teaching is the only truth.
Instead they believe the truthiness about Jesus. They think what THEY want to believe is true.
They might say, “I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I pray and attend church. I do the best I can.” And if asked what they’ll find on the other side they might say, “Heaven--I hope.”
Contrary to popular opinion, God doesn’t grade us on our efforts. The Bible says salvation is a gift of God received through faith and not by works.
According to the Bible, when you decide to follow Jesus Christ and “believe” in him, you receive eternal life. It says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
God sent Jesus so we could KNOW our sins and mistakes are forgiven and so we could KNOW we have eternal life. And when you know that, you can finally forgive yourself.
Jesus Christ lived, died and rose from the dead to give sinners a full and blessed life now and eternal life in Heaven later. That’s the truth. And that truth is worth celebrating this Easter!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
“Truthiness” is a word that television comedian Stephen Colbert popularized in 2005. He came up with the word “truthiness” minutes before taping the first episode of “The Colbert Report.” He decided the word “truth” in his script wasn’t ridiculous enough.
“We're not talking about truth, we're talking about something that seems like truth—the truth we want to exist,” he explained. “Facts matter not at all. Perception is everything.”
Colbert added, “Truthiness is ‘What I say is right.’ It's not only that I FEEL it to be true, but that ‘I’ feel it to be true. There's not only an emotional quality, but there’s a selfish quality.”
Many people call themselves “Christians” and believe truthiness instead of truth. In fact it’s common for them to describe their faith as “choosing what I want to believe.” --As if the Bible was a cafeteria line, picking what you like and leaving what you don’t!
Well hold on just a minute. Isn’t that how most Americans view their faith?
Probably. But while some religions may include that approach, the Bible does not.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Notice that Jesus said he is “THE way” and not “A way.”
Another time he added, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Think about that. For the truth to set you free you must believe it’s true and act on it. It’s not an option for you to adjust the truth to your preferences or make it fit your view of reality.
We can’t adjust truth in a math class. What makes us think we can do it with faith?
Many people say they believe the Bible and believe in God. They’ve heard the gospel story and agree that Jesus lived, died on a cross for the sins of mankind and rose again on the third day. But hearing it and agreeing with it is not the same as believing in it.
If you truly believe something it changes your behavior. In this case you decide to put your trust in Jesus Christ to forgive you and save you from sin’s penalty—eternal separation from God. And then you choose to obey him.
The Bible says that Christians are people who “no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” If you’re a Christian you live for Jesus.
Some don’t see the need to obey Jesus. They don’t believe his teaching is the only truth.
Instead they believe the truthiness about Jesus. They think what THEY want to believe is true.
They might say, “I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I pray and attend church. I do the best I can.” And if asked what they’ll find on the other side they might say, “Heaven--I hope.”
Contrary to popular opinion, God doesn’t grade us on our efforts. The Bible says salvation is a gift of God received through faith and not by works.
According to the Bible, when you decide to follow Jesus Christ and “believe” in him, you receive eternal life. It says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
God sent Jesus so we could KNOW our sins and mistakes are forgiven and so we could KNOW we have eternal life. And when you know that, you can finally forgive yourself.
Jesus Christ lived, died and rose from the dead to give sinners a full and blessed life now and eternal life in Heaven later. That’s the truth. And that truth is worth celebrating this Easter!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
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