Lessons

Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.  1 Peter 4:13

The more I learn about Jesus, the more I begin to understand just how radical He was.  In fact, Jesus was and still is so radical that believers must seem insane to the outside world.  I mean, who in their ‘right mind’ says things such as “love your enemies” or “rejoice in your sufferings?”

Human nature has very little interest in a faith that includes joyful self-denial and hardships.  Basic Christian beliefs simply do not seem rational to those who live for today only and misunderstand God’s love to mean comfort.

We know that we can face hardships on this earth with joy because we know the outcome.  We also understand what it means to follow a Lord who suffered.

Even though it may not have always been evident at the time, Jesus won every battle He ever faced.  Appearances truly are deceiving.  Sometimes what seems like defeat is often times the road to victory, especially when God is involved. We may seem crazy for keeping our joy during hard times, but in the end, we know what our suffering was for…

With or Without Reason

“I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"  At this they picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.  John 8: 58-59

The other day, I was attempting to make a point to our children and was at a loss for words, so I uttered something completely ridiculous: "Because I said so."  Whoa, I have never heard that one before.  My children probably think I have lost my mind…which, maybe I have, but that’s neither here nor there.

When Jesus spoke the words above from John 8:58, He spoke one of the most radical and powerful statements of His lifetime.  He boldly proclaimed His divinity when He said that He existed before Abraham was born.  In addition to claiming that He was around before Abraham, He also applied God's holy name-"I am."

Jesus' claim is one that demands a response and cannot be ignored.  The Jewish leaders attempted to stone Jesus for blasphemy, because He claimed equality with God.  Who do you say He is?  Is He truly God or just a great prophet that did nice things for other people?

If I was not a believer, I would certainly question some of Jesus’ outrageous claims, but the truth is that Jesus is God, so how do you respond to His claims?  

Lessons

Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.  1 Peter 4:13

The more I learn about Jesus, the more I begin to understand just how radical He was.  In fact, Jesus was and still is so radical that believers must seem insane to the outside world.  I mean, who in their ‘right mind’ says things such as “love your enemies” or “rejoice in your sufferings?”

Human nature has very little interest in a faith that includes joyful self-denial and hardships.  Basic Christian beliefs simply do not seem rational to those who live for today only and misunderstand God’s love to mean comfort.

We know that we can face hardships on this earth with joy because we know the outcome.  We also understand what it means to follow a Lord who suffered.

Even though it may not have always been evident at the time, Jesus won every battle He ever faced.  Appearances truly are deceiving.  Sometimes what seems like defeat is often times the road to victory, especially when God is involved. We may seem crazy for keeping our joy during hard times, but in the end, we know what our suffering was for…