REMEMBER ME (38 OF 52)
Scripture: Luke 23:33-43
This content is part of a series.
Remember Me (38 of 52)
Series: Discipleship Part Three
Christopher B. Harbin
Luke 23:33-43
We talk about following Jesus. We talk about Jesus as Lord, Savior, and Master. We talk about observing Jesus' commands and being true to what God wants of us. We talk about salvation, discipleship, and becoming new creatures in Christ Jesus. We talk about Jesus as the supreme revelation of God. We talk about Jesus presenting us with the only means to find God. We talk about seeing God's character reflected in Jesus' life, teachings, ministry, death, and resurrection. We talk a good game about following Jesus, but do we truly embrace the character of God in Christ as the goal of our own lives?
Often as not, there is a great disconnect between what we claim about Jesus and how the gospels present his life, attitudes, character, and actions. We are not the only ones with this problem. The church has faced a similar disconnect throughout the centuries. We are quick to make claims regarding Jesus but much slower to live after Jesus' example and teaching. As in Wesley's day, the church is not so concerned with following Jesus' parameters of holiness. We cling to elements of the gospel we like and rush past other issues we deem less important or less culturally and personally acceptable.
Jesus talked about loving one another, and we are good with that. Well, we are good with that as long as ''another'' means people we actually like. Jesus talked of forgiveness, and we are good with that, as long as we see ourselves reflected in the ones being forgiven. Jesus talked about helping others, and we are good with that, as long as we can identify with those in need. As long as... as long as... as long as we can place limits around how we apply Jesus' teachings, as long as we can create a safe distance between ourselves and the more uncomfortable aspects of Jesus' example and demands for us.
We want salvation's benefits. We are less sure about the attached responsibilities ...
Series: Discipleship Part Three
Christopher B. Harbin
Luke 23:33-43
We talk about following Jesus. We talk about Jesus as Lord, Savior, and Master. We talk about observing Jesus' commands and being true to what God wants of us. We talk about salvation, discipleship, and becoming new creatures in Christ Jesus. We talk about Jesus as the supreme revelation of God. We talk about Jesus presenting us with the only means to find God. We talk about seeing God's character reflected in Jesus' life, teachings, ministry, death, and resurrection. We talk a good game about following Jesus, but do we truly embrace the character of God in Christ as the goal of our own lives?
Often as not, there is a great disconnect between what we claim about Jesus and how the gospels present his life, attitudes, character, and actions. We are not the only ones with this problem. The church has faced a similar disconnect throughout the centuries. We are quick to make claims regarding Jesus but much slower to live after Jesus' example and teaching. As in Wesley's day, the church is not so concerned with following Jesus' parameters of holiness. We cling to elements of the gospel we like and rush past other issues we deem less important or less culturally and personally acceptable.
Jesus talked about loving one another, and we are good with that. Well, we are good with that as long as ''another'' means people we actually like. Jesus talked of forgiveness, and we are good with that, as long as we see ourselves reflected in the ones being forgiven. Jesus talked about helping others, and we are good with that, as long as we can identify with those in need. As long as... as long as... as long as we can place limits around how we apply Jesus' teachings, as long as we can create a safe distance between ourselves and the more uncomfortable aspects of Jesus' example and demands for us.
We want salvation's benefits. We are less sure about the attached responsibilities ...
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