For Clarity's sake

  “Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:22-23

  Every so often, something is heard or read that sends shivers down my spine. Last Sunday’s teaching contained such a moment. We were learning about the Jesus Collective, (www.jesuscollective.com) an organization that is forming around a global network of believers of all faiths and languages who want to be Jesus followers.

  Historically, Post WWII, soldiers and families who were impacted by the deaths of comrades and family members were left looking for answers about what was beyond death.

  Jesus teaches us that being right with God by making Him Lord of our life is the only sure way to get to heaven. Believing in heaven in and of itself is insufficient.

  For the last half century or so, this has been the focus of many churches: the life beyond death that is attained through Jesus. This is what “hell fire and damnation” preaching focuses on to this day but society has changed greatly. 

  Today’s questions aren’t as concerned about what happens beyond death because, praise God, our North American children haven’t been exposed to the mass death a world war leaves in its wake. Today’s seekers want to understand the difference following Jesus makes in the present.

  As depression, anxiety, and loneliness are on the rise in a world of instant connection, those of us who believe in Jesus need to be able to share that Jesus is for the now. We need to be aware that the Gospel contains so much more than the pivotal, love filled moment Jesus died for our sins so we can go to heaven.

  The Gospel consists of the first four books in the New Testament containing the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus taught the gospel.

  Gospel means “good news”. Bruxy Cavey has written a wonderful outline called the Gospel in thirty words that puts it simply but like a great many simple things, it is profound.

  “Jesus is God with us, come to show us God’s love, save us from sin, set up God’s kingdom, and shut down religion, so we can share in God’s life.” (Taken from Bruxy’s online post “And now for something completely different”.)

  I admit to being stretched by the Anabaptist third way, an irreligious religion that fully embraces Kingdom living. This means holding Biblically based views while understanding that acceptance and agreement are two different things. Basically, this is a conservative set of beliefs combined with a liberal heart. I do need to work on the liberal bit because I find myself struggling to love as Jesus loved. Frequently.

  But He is with me. Right now. I am His and He is mine. Always.

 

  And what a difference this has made!

  If you are struggling and don't know Jesus as Lord, I encourage you to think about accepting Jesus into your life. Just think about it, that's all.