I have been working on my ordination reading lately. I just finished The Four Fold Gospel by A.B Simpson. It doesn't sound like the most interesting book in the world, and to be honest, it wasn't the most interesting book in the world. However, I was suprised by it.
Reading the chapter on Christ The Coming King, I was reminded of how great it is going to be to be re-united with Christ. We were created for a relationship with Christ, and finally, on that day, we will be reunited in that relationship. Its something that we don't really think about, either because we don't want to, or because it just seems so far off. But reading this book has reminded me that isn't not just something we can read about in a book. Its something that we will experience one way or another.
It seems like America, and probably the entire world, comes up with more excuses as to why the don't want to believe in God, or the second coming of Christ. Its a fairy-tale, we can take care of ourselves, I haven't seen God work in my life, if God was really loving, there wouldn't be some much crap in the world, ect. Why do we make these excuses? Do we really think that we'll convince God? Are you serious?
I think especially of the celebrities. The got all the money, fame, cars, homes and influence. It seems like the law doesn't apply to them. They can do what they want, when the want, and to whoever they want. If they do get caught, they'll just pay the right amount of money and all of the sudden, they are free. Its amazing.
Its also no wonder why many celebrities feel that they don't need a relationship with God. Sure, they say, "I'd like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" when they accept awards, but lets be honest, most celebrities don't have a relationship with Christ (sorry if I am off on this). Who needs heavenly help when they can just get whatever they want now?
Fame and fortune may get you out of a speeding ticket or murder (what up OJ), but there will come a day when the fame and fortune that we have all gained will mean nothing to us. The ONLY thing that will matter is what we did with Jesus Christ. Did we accept Him into our life, and receive the forgiveness that He gave His life for, or did we rely on our own strengths and abilites to go through life.
Either we will die, or we will experience the second coming of Christ, but either way, we will be accountable. Without Christ, the future is bleak! With Christ, the future is an amazing thing to think about, and some day experience.
So what does this mean? It means we need to examine our lives. Are we relying on our own abilities and stregnths? Are we looking for pleasures here on earth to fill the void and cover the pain in our lives? Are we too busy with our jobs and friends and families and hobbies and laziness to take time to have a relationship with Christ? I sure hope not.
God has offered a way to restoration. He longs for a relationship with you... yes, you! You may not be a celebrtity, you may not even have many friends, but God is crazy in love with you. No matter what your past is, no matter what you have or have not done in your relationship to Him, no matter how many times you have said no to Him. He still loves you. He still wants a relationship with you. He still wants to forgive you. He still wants to bring you home.
Its amazing isn't it? It's all yours if you want it.
Do you?
Reading the chapter on Christ The Coming King, I was reminded of how great it is going to be to be re-united with Christ. We were created for a relationship with Christ, and finally, on that day, we will be reunited in that relationship. Its something that we don't really think about, either because we don't want to, or because it just seems so far off. But reading this book has reminded me that isn't not just something we can read about in a book. Its something that we will experience one way or another.
It seems like America, and probably the entire world, comes up with more excuses as to why the don't want to believe in God, or the second coming of Christ. Its a fairy-tale, we can take care of ourselves, I haven't seen God work in my life, if God was really loving, there wouldn't be some much crap in the world, ect. Why do we make these excuses? Do we really think that we'll convince God? Are you serious?
I think especially of the celebrities. The got all the money, fame, cars, homes and influence. It seems like the law doesn't apply to them. They can do what they want, when the want, and to whoever they want. If they do get caught, they'll just pay the right amount of money and all of the sudden, they are free. Its amazing.
Its also no wonder why many celebrities feel that they don't need a relationship with God. Sure, they say, "I'd like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" when they accept awards, but lets be honest, most celebrities don't have a relationship with Christ (sorry if I am off on this). Who needs heavenly help when they can just get whatever they want now?
Fame and fortune may get you out of a speeding ticket or murder (what up OJ), but there will come a day when the fame and fortune that we have all gained will mean nothing to us. The ONLY thing that will matter is what we did with Jesus Christ. Did we accept Him into our life, and receive the forgiveness that He gave His life for, or did we rely on our own strengths and abilites to go through life.
Either we will die, or we will experience the second coming of Christ, but either way, we will be accountable. Without Christ, the future is bleak! With Christ, the future is an amazing thing to think about, and some day experience.
So what does this mean? It means we need to examine our lives. Are we relying on our own abilities and stregnths? Are we looking for pleasures here on earth to fill the void and cover the pain in our lives? Are we too busy with our jobs and friends and families and hobbies and laziness to take time to have a relationship with Christ? I sure hope not.
God has offered a way to restoration. He longs for a relationship with you... yes, you! You may not be a celebrtity, you may not even have many friends, but God is crazy in love with you. No matter what your past is, no matter what you have or have not done in your relationship to Him, no matter how many times you have said no to Him. He still loves you. He still wants a relationship with you. He still wants to forgive you. He still wants to bring you home.
Its amazing isn't it? It's all yours if you want it.
Do you?
