What Do You Think of Jesus? by Joe Stowell

“Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15 When Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say I am?”—He wasn’t having an identity crisis nor was He feeling insecure about His reputation. He passed out the quiz to see whether or not the disciples had come to grips with who He really was, or, if they too, like the rest of the crowds, had misperceived His true identity. It’s a good quiz to take, because if you and I don’t perceive Jesus as He really is, we just may get our Christianity twisted and headed in the wrong direction. So ask yourself, “Who do I think Jesus is?” There are lots of ways to look at the question: theologically, historically, culturally, redemptively, spiritually, or experientially. But for starters, let’s ask in terms of how you perceive Him as a person when He comes to mind. This is not a throwaway issue! How you envision Him has a lot to do with whether or not you’ll want to follow Him. And following Him is at the very heart of a fulfilling relationship with Him. If you grew up in Sunday school world, you saw a lot of Sunday school papers with pictures of Jesus in a neatly pressed white robe, nice sandals, and a well-trimmed beard. It was easy to draw the conclusion that Jesus is a kind, softhearted, merciful, and deferring kind of guy. And, thankfully, He is all those things. But if that’s all He is to you, He won’t seem very compelling. You might think, “Nice guy, but I’m not sure I’d want to go on a fishing trip with Him!” Yet a brief look at who found Him to be compelling will correct our often distorted view of Jesus. Rough fishermen like James, John, Peter, and Andrew dropped their nets to follow Him. These were guys who would have had fading tattoos on their bulging biceps, and rugged, sea-worn faces. Simon the Zealot, a member of the underground resistance force, was committed to give his life if necessary to overthrow the oppressive regime of Rome. He traded in his Uzis and fatigues to join the Jesus revolution. And Matthew, the ruthless tax collector, found Jesus a far more compelling option for life than continuing to get rich at other peoples’ expense. Women felt safe with Him and adoringly followed and supported Him. So, take it from those who knew Him best. They gave up everything and followed Him to a whole new way of life. A life where the power of love is courageous enough to forgive; where the joy of generosity trumps the withering grip of greed; where others’ needs and interests capture the attention of our hearts; where cross-bearing is an honor; where the poor, marginalized, and oppressed find refuge and significance. So, what do you think of Jesus? Seeing Him as He really is will make you ready to drop “whatever” in order to follow Him. And, come to think of it, I’d love to go fishing with Him! I might just end up being quite different in a lot of good ways if I spent more time with Him! Your Journey… What has been your impression of Jesus? Have you seen Him as so compelling that you are willing to drop anything that gets in the way of following Him? Would you forgive for Him? Give your money to the poor and needy for Him? Stop gossiping for Him? Live for eternity for Him? Work well at the office for Him even though your boss is weird and unreasonable? Categories: Basics Of Faith, birth, Humanity, Jesus Christ, Life Example, Role Of, Savior Tags: birth, Humanity, Life Example, role of, Savior

Sticking Up for Jesus for Joe Stowell

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Recently, I read a disturbing quote from a pastor of a large church in California. He said, “I used to believe that we should ask Muslims to accept Christ as their Savior. But I don’t believe that any more. I’ve sensed the presence of God with Muslims, and I’ve come to believe that it’s wrong to try to talk them into becoming Christians.” I don’t know why he changed his mind, but caving in on what Jesus has clearly said, is a betrayal of Jesus Himself. Jesus came to make a way to God by removing the one barrier that blocks everyone’s path to God—the barrier of sin. This meant that He had to die in our place to pay the price of sin. Without His sacrifice, there is no other way. Let’s face it; if there were other ways to God, then He didn’t need to die. It’s ludicrous to believe that His Father would send Him through the agony of the cross if it were only another religious option. To deny that He is the way is to deny Jesus. But let’s get personal about this. While it’s easy to “be out” on a West Coast pastor who has bailed on the message of Jesus, we ourselves find it hard to tell people at the water cooler that we believe He is the only way. There are probably a lot of reasons why we tend to fudge on the issue: keeping culturally respectable, not appearing to be to the right of Attila the Hun, or just not wanting to seem intolerant or bigoted all stack up as pretty good reasons to duck when the subject is raised. But at some point, we have to make up our mind about whether any of these pressures are worth betraying Jesus for. Judas did it for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 27:1-5). And, to be candid about it, he had some pretty good reasons to bail. If he had stuck it out with the unpopular Jesus, he would suffer (as Jesus had told His disciples), be thrown out of synagogues, and perhaps even die for the cause. On the other hand, betraying Christ would bring him acceptance from the “powers that be,” safety, and security by aligning himself with the big guys—and some extra cash besides. Being like Judas is always an option. But let’s remember that he was no hero. When was the last time you heard of parents naming their newborn son Judas? All I’m trying to say is that sticking up for Jesus against heavy odds is always tough. But it’s always right. Perhaps we have misunderstood the nature of being a follower of Jesus: We are to take up our cross and follow Him. Paying a price for Him comes into clear perspective when we remember the phenomenal price He paid for us. I’m not asking you to be obnoxious about it, just humbly clear. And by the way, is there anything compelling about your life that would back up the words that Jesus is the way? Are you wonderfully different because Jesus is the way? Do people at the water cooler know that you are trustworthy, forgiving, fair and honest, joyful, and quick to speak a good word about others? It’s always easier to speak up for Jesus when we have already shown up for Jesus. YOUR JOURNEY… What attitudes and actions in your life back up the claims of Jesus? What’s your price? Write down any circumstances that might tempt you to act like Judas. Pray and ask God for the courage to stand up for Jesus when it would be easier to betray Him. How could you humbly yet clearly articulate Jesus Christ’s claim to be the only way to God? Write out a statement of about 25 words that clearly explains why He needed to die for all. Be sure to tell those who question you that He has already made a way for them to have a relationship with God. Categories: Basics Of Faith, Cross, Death, defending your faith, Jesus Christ, Ministry And Outreach, New Birth, Role Of, Salvation, Savior, Sharing The Gospel Tags: cross, death, defending your faith, New Birth, role of, Savior

Can Strangers See Jesus in You Kenneth Copeland-July 23 Faith to Faith

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13) How would you like to be so full of the glory of God that it's unmistakeable to those around you? How would you like for people to be able to know just by looking at you that you'd been with Jesus? It's entirely possible if you are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The same mighty power that changed you inwardly when you were saved can so revolutionize you outwardly that even strangers on the street will be able to see Jesus in you. One of my favorite testimonies is the one Jerry Savelle tells of the time he was in a shopping mall with his wife Carolyn. He was sauntering from one store to another, casually passing time until Carolyn finished her shopping. A woman walked up to Jerry and said, "Will you pray for me?" Since he didn't know the woman, he was puzzled. "Out of all the people in that mall, how was it that she'd picked him out?" he asked. She said, "The Lord told me to come to this mall and someone would be here who could pray for me. I came here looking for that person. I noticed a beam of light. It would go into one store, wander around, then go to another store and wander around some more. I followed the light until I found where it was coming from-and it was coming from you!" What was that light?The glory of God! It was shining from Jerry much like it shone from the face of Moses when he came down from Mount Sinai. And that radiant presence of God brought healing to that woman when Jerry prayed. Just as that fact that Peter and John had been with Jesus was unmistakable, so was the fact that Jerry Savelle had been with Jesus when that lady walked up to him in the mall. When you spend time with Jesus, it will be undeniable. His power and His glory will be reflected in you to the world. And His presence upon you will meet needs everywhere you go. take time to be with Jesus today!. Acts 4:1-20

Try Jesus ~Me

God is a provider God is a healer God is a friend-to be a friend one must show himself friendly God is a protector Husbands should love your wife as Christ loves the church. I am not going to be attacked-physically, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically. I am not going to allow someone to twist the Bible's truth in order to get what (a reward) they want out of this life and then feel they are justified. I believe that's the wrong justification. I am running God's race for my life because I know how wonderful He has been in my life and how He will be in the future. He is unchangeable and unshakable. When I become weary, I know to try Jesus. When I become discouraged I know to try Jesus. When my finances is dwindling down I know Jesus will replenished them. I am not worried about God's timing of when He is going to do something because I am a child of God but I know I am no longer being touch to and fro by doctrines that are not biblical. I am a grown up and He/God has provided with everything-advice, tools, etc I need to survive in this world. So I know that I am not going to question the creator about His timing, His resources, His plan for my life because if I am doing His will, He will shed light to guide me only when I start to question myself and start asking God How can I be a servant for You? The things the devil is stealing from me, God will replenish above and beyond what he/the devil stole and if He doesn't then maybe I should question the creation/myself. Did I give the devil my food, clothes, money, time, tools? His word/the Bible is the true forever and ever. God told me the first thing satan wants to do is unarm in this battle either take away my shield to protect myself untighten/unlace my helmet steal my tool to sharpen my sword Am I being watchful? Save this on Delicious