Why don't more people come to Jesus? Are people who follow Jesus more privileged? Did we get lucky when we choose to follow Him? Why is the cross so intellectually offensive? A Christian can see how wonderful Jesus is, why can't people who are very clearly lost? Are Christians actually smarter than non-Christians?
First Corinthians 2:1-5 shows us that the Apostle Paul understood his preaching would not win anyone because of his brilliant rhetoric. He knew only one thing: the gospel as unfolded in Jesus. He knew that worldly wisdom was unsuccessful at converting anyone. He still used all persuasive methods available in that culture to move people to Jesus, but in the end Paul knew that the cross was foolishness to those outside of Jesus.
So what made the difference? What was it that converted the lost? It is the unfolding revelation of salvation provided by God through the work of Jesus.
But what makes the gospel message uniquely different? It is a work of God, not of any man, lest we boast of our salvation. God chooses the foolish things of the world to transform people so that we can see it truly is unique and only a work that God can do.
The best arguments in the world can be powerful, but it is the Spirit of God working through the preaching messenger that changes a persons soul, that removes the blinding veil from their eyes, that quickens their spirit to desire a relationship with Jesus.
People come to Jesus because God has ordained that the message spoken be the means of awakening.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
"Theres A Lion Outside?" Proverbs 22:13
"The sluggard says,'There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!'" Proverbs 22:13
We laugh when our small children are to tired to clean their room, but mention ice cream and they coming running!
We humans can make up some pretty good excuses to get out of doing something we do not want to do. This verse in proverbs was always a mystery to me until faithful teachers of Gods word taught me its meaning.
Lazy people will make up amazing excuses to get out of work, even saying there is a lion outside. That's like saying, "a jet plane could fall on me today so I better not go out."
One of the great lessons from Proverbs is: work hard and don't be a sluggard! Sluggards make ridiculous excuses.
We laugh when our small children are to tired to clean their room, but mention ice cream and they coming running!
We humans can make up some pretty good excuses to get out of doing something we do not want to do. This verse in proverbs was always a mystery to me until faithful teachers of Gods word taught me its meaning.
Lazy people will make up amazing excuses to get out of work, even saying there is a lion outside. That's like saying, "a jet plane could fall on me today so I better not go out."
One of the great lessons from Proverbs is: work hard and don't be a sluggard! Sluggards make ridiculous excuses.
"How close is the Lord?" Ps 73:21-28
Do you have confidence in Jesus?
How do you view your position with Jesus? Is He close or stand-offish?
Read Psalm 73:21-28. Make a list about God: how is God described? What does he do for the writer?
Now look at the psalmist: where is he positionally with God - near or far? What was his life like before God took his hand? How is God in relationship with the psalmist?
Now, make this passage a prayer. Speak it to God as worship and thanksgiving.
How do you view your position with Jesus? Is He close or stand-offish?
Read Psalm 73:21-28. Make a list about God: how is God described? What does he do for the writer?
Now look at the psalmist: where is he positionally with God - near or far? What was his life like before God took his hand? How is God in relationship with the psalmist?
Now, make this passage a prayer. Speak it to God as worship and thanksgiving.
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