Just ran into a guy outside our church facility with a backpack shouting out something as he walked by - something like - "down with the new world order." I was inquisitive, so I walked over to him and asked - "what are you saying?" He said it again and then proceeded to talk about "the new world order," another group called "the illuminati," and a couple other groups I can't recall. He talked about how they are trying to take over the world, etc. I asked him - "Brother, what do you believe?" He told me he believed "in Jesus, the Christ." I said - "well so do I." I asked him why he didn't just talk about Jesus and His love if he's going to walk around shouting stuff, and he told me that Jesus is going to come back to this earth "angry" and full of "judgment" for these groups. I challenged him, asking if that is really what he believes the central message of Jesus was - judgment for a few select groups of people. He said "yes." I told Him I believe Jesus' central message was of the Kingdom and of love. I challenged him again saying that his speaking just didn't seem to be relevant, and because of that, people wouldn't listen. He then murmured a few things and turned and walked away. Interesting conversation.
It makes me realize that each of us is a "picture" of Jesus Christ to the world. What we say and how we say it reflects Jesus Christ, if we are claiming to follow Him. Man, we need to be responsible with this message and really be sure we are reflecting Him. Running into that guy today was a good thing for me. I'm challenged to look at my own life and ask myself - "What am I saying about Jesus with my life?"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Jesus got in a lot of trouble for calling Pharisees hypocrites and white washed tombs. Telling the people they were only following Him because He gave them bread to eat. He kept insulting them--even at dinner! And the masses quit following Him. He preached the Word of God without fear, because it was the truth. He often said things that our culture would consider "unloving", confrontational, and downright rude! Teach the Word, not the culture because culture changes, the Word doesn't. As a Pastor your job is to feed the sheep, guide the sheep, teach them, equip the saints for the work of the gospel. God has already written down what a Pastor is to do, and not do. May I suggest John MacArthur's book, "The Master's Plan for the Church"? Forget the word relevant--try NOT using it. The Word itself is considered irrelevant in most circles today. But it is what changes people,(Ps 19)not the culture. The culture just ebbs and flows with mans depravity.
Thanks for your comment. Appreciate the conversation. You mentioned in your comment that I should "preach the Word, not the culture because culture changes." While it is true that culture changes, we must speak in ways that are relevant to culture. The late Rob Webber said it this way: "Keep an ear to the Word, and an ear to the World." This is exactly what Jesus did. God came in the flesh because that is what we would understand. He came as Jewish man. He came into a certain culture. He spoke in parables that connected with the people of His day. When I speak of relevance, this is what I mean. Thoughts?
John, Thank you for the reply. I truly understand what you are talking about when you say "relevance". I used to think that was the approach we needed to take. I was involved with different missions, with youth groups, and with Campus Crusade for Christ and Billy Graham etc. The church I attended in the 90's and early 2000's was formed during the Jesus People era. My era. I can, with all sincerity say, if you want to reap tares, be relevant to the culture. I'm sorry, but I must respectfully say you are misunderstanding why Jesus spoke in parables. In Matthew 13:10-16 we read (NASB): And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. But to ever has, to him more shall be given,and he shall have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says (you can read this Is.6:9-10)(And to the disciples he said)...But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear." In fact, as early as Mk 4 Jesus didn't speak anything BUT parables to the masses. And He didn't explain them to anyone except His disciples. I remember my Pastor in Santa Fe saying Jesus spoke to them in agricultural parables because they could understand them since they were an agrarian society. BUT the Word of God says otherwise, doesn't it? He says that to the DISCIPLES it was GRANTED to them to understand. It is God who opens the heart to receive the Word implanted. It is through the Word that the soul is converted. )Ps 19:7) Your friend on the street wasn't all wrong. The first thing Jesus preached, Peter preached, Paul preached, was repentance from sin. (Will continue in new comment)
Go and read Peters first sermon in Acts. Not once does he mention the love of God. But they are pierced to the heart because of what their sin has done! When asked what should they do, he tells them Repent! And be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins....(now go to verse 40b)Be saved from this perverse generation!" Unless people know they are sinners, they will never believe they need a Savior, but will only think they need a friend. Jesus didn't whitewash sin. Remember the woman caught in adultery? Yes, He showed mercy because He knew she was sorry, but He told her "Go, and SIN NO MORE." I am 55 and I can tell you that the trials and tribulations of life become harder as you grow older. Jesus prayed for His disciples saying, "Sanctify them in the truth, Thy Word is truth."John 17:17 Without bathing in, and eating from the Word of God, obeying it, and digging through it like treasure will one ever be prepared to face the next trial. And each one requires more study, more prayer, more faith. More trust in the One found in the Scriptures. Teach them the Scriptures. Nothing else is important. It all goes away, "But the Word of our God stands forever." One last word on your friend: The first time Jesus came He came to die and rise from the dead-to be a Savior. The next time He comes, He comes in judgment. Yes, I believe that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, but that people are dead in their sins and trespasses, and that the Spirit of God convicts of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come, and that it is God who wakes us from the dead to receive newness of life. And it is all done for His glory. Blessed be His Name!"To God be the glory great things He has done. So loved He the world that He gave us His Son. Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the floodgates that all may go in. Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice. Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory great things He has done!" May the Lord Jesus Christ grant you peace.
Duane ... again ... thanks for the continuing conversation. I don't disagree with the comments you have made. Those things are true about Jesus and His mission. However, should we really discount the relevance of parables (ie Jesus spoke in terms that connected people with truths of the Kingdom, etc). Or what about John 1:14 - that Jesus "logos" (The Word) came and "pitched His tent among us." Jesus came in the flesh - so that the world would SEE God. Certainly to rescue us from sin, etc ... but in a way that we would understand.
Post a Comment