Follower of Christ, Author, Musician
Though I have been a "Christian" for so many years, in many ways I feel life with Christ is a quest in with many troubles and dangers. It is frightfully more dangerous than anyone ever told me at the outset. Any "true" adventure would be, wouldn't it?
This blog is about the adventure of discovery in this quest to follow the one who forged the path to life and true love so many years ago. I have found that the epic rescuing story of Jesus is far more relevant to you and I than we give it credit.
I am not ashamed to admit it. I have a new hero. His name is Bear Grylls.
I bought my wife a kindle fire for Christmas and we have been enjoying watching previously inaccessible cable shows for a month with the free trial of Amazon Prime. We don’t have or want cable or Netflix, so this was a real treat and when I found Man vs. Wild I was so excited! I’d seen the show a few times before when on the off-chance I caught an episode on Discovery channel.
I envy most everything about him. His freedom, his love and passion for adventure and the outdoors. He is truly an inspiration.
After getting a Bear Grylls survival knife for Christmas from my wife (awesome gift from my sweetie), I checked out his facebook page and watched a video he posted that moved me:
I was so thrilled to find that he was a Christian! I thought he might have some sort of faith because he, without fail, did a symbol of the cross before jumping out of an airplane or a helicopter. Ant then in one episode he talked about his faith, family, and friends and was shown praying before climbing into his bamboo hammock.
Then I discovered that his autobiography was at the library entitled, “Mud, Sweat, and Tears”. I finished it in a single day and loved chapter 25 where Bear talks about how he found his Christian faith. Simple. Real. Profound. He writes about how at the heart of the Christian faith it is simple. Here are a few quotes:
“To me , my Christian faith is all about being held, comforted, forgiven, strengthened and loved-yet somehow that message gets lost on most of us…” “It seems more like this Jesus came to destroy religion and bring life… Christ comes to make us free , to bring us life in all it’s fullness. He is there to forgive us where we have messed up (and who hasn’t?), and to be the backbone in our being.” – Bear Grylls (pg 91 Mud Sweat and Tears)
He shares how during difficult times and the greatest tests in his life (such as his SAS Selection and Mount Everest Climb) that he would quote Scriptures to himself like this one from Isaiah 41:13:
“For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”
He continues:
“We all have our limits. To push beyond those limits sometimes requires something just beyond ourselves. That is what my faith has given me – a secret strength and help when I have needed it most.” (pg 204)
After breaking his back in three places after a parachuting accident, he writes:
“But out of that despair, fear, and struggle came a silver lining… What I did know was that I needed something to give me back my hope. My sparkle. My life. I found that something in my Christian faith, in my family, and also in my dreams of adventure.
My Christian faith says that I have nothing to ever to fear or worry about. All is well.
At that time, in and out of hospital, it reminded me that, despite the pain and despair, I was held and loved and blessed – my life was secure though Jesus Christ.
That gift of grace has been so powerful to me ever since.” (pg.245)
He often shares one of his favorite verses that fits his life and love for adventure around the globe so well:
“Be sure of this, that I am with you always, even unto the ends of the earth.” Matthew 28:20
In this book Bear talks about his growing up years, his fun and crazy antics throughout school, his SAS selection, his climb of Everest and a little about his filming for Man vs. Wild. I would definitely recommend this book. It’s worth owning, would make a great gift and is a truly inspiring read.
Has Bear Grylls influenced you and who is your hero and why? Leave a comment.
I came across this image on facebook, posted it, and enjoyed a lively discussion. Jesus claims to be the only way of salvation. That is an incredible and very exclusive claim, which contradicts every other proposition for salvation or enlightenment, doesn’t it? I want to share with you why I know this is true.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT)
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, repeats this idea as he addresses the Jews in Jerusalem:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Could this be true? Where does the evidence point? Or do we still care about such things as evidence and truth?
The Evidence:
Jesus fulfilled hundreds of specific prophecies, he performed miracles (even raising the rotting corpse of his friend Lazarus!), his Father testified about him from heaven in front of witnesses on three separate occasions, and he rose from the dead and appeared to more than 500 witnesses at once. I think it’s quite amazing that you can take the evidence that is presented regarding the resurrection and actually prove in a court of law that it did indeed happen. Everything hinges on his resurrection and God did everything to secure this ultimate witness and testimony to who his Son really is. I wrote and talked about this here: Resurrection
The Bible teaches us that God has revealed himself in Jesus. God has made a profound statement in Jesus! God is telling us, “If you want to know what I Am like, what I think, what moves me, what angers me, and how desperately I love you, then look no further than my Son Jesus.”
Why is Jesus the ONLY way?
Jesus came on a rescue mission to save the world. The cross was an essential part of this rescue but He didn’t want to go. Jesus was practically begging his Father, “If there is any other way, please, please, don’t make me endure this!”
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV)
“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:44 (NIV)
His Father listened with a profound ache in his heart as His Son pleaded with him for another way. Don’t you think that God would have provided another way to save mankind if there were one? If anything other than Jesus resulted in salvation for mankind, wouldn’t he have not sent his Son to suffer and die on a cross?
But this was the only way.
God knew it was the only perfect way to rescue us.
Only through the cross could God be both just and loving. A price had to be paid, sin must be judged and none of us could survive the weight of sins judgement. So God himself stepped in and became the One to save us. Jesus bore all punishment for sin… every last drop of punishment for every last sin.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
Yes, God has made a profound statement to the world.
Here is your salvation, I give you my Son!
Jesus very name (in his own language is Yehoshua) literally means, “I AM Salvation” or “I AM your Savior”.
Those who receive him are made holy and new and free and have a glorious future in paradise with him. They are reconciled to God and have begun a relationship with him that will last forever. It’s this relationship – this connection – that is our salvation.
But Scripture is clear that those who reject him or ignore him are doomed. (Ignoring Him is rejection).
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18
The wrath of God remains on them, and they will suffer the torments of hell. Forever alone. Forever suffering the same torments, agony, and rejection that Jesus has already suffered for them. Yet they chose to reject his sacrifice for them and chose sin and hell instead.
So you see, Jesus really is the only way of salvation and we must choose.
We are not free not to choose. We must surrender our lives to Jesus and ask him to save us. He will! Ask him to save you right now! Read the Gospel of John to get to know Jesus better and then read the New Testament and then the whole Bible. Get to know God!
Do you remember last year when Harold Camping sponsored a million dollar billboard campaign to spread his message across America? He thought that the apocalypse would begin on May 21st, 2011 and tried to warn the world. We all had a good laugh about that one didn’t we? I remember people staging pranks with “raptured” peoples clothes laying haphazardly in malls and such. I laughed too because I knew it was sure not to happen on that day because he predicted it, for Jesus has said that no one knows the day or the hour.
An Apology:
As I thought more about this, I also imagine that this episode disillusioned some who bought into his prediction. I want to apologize to you on his behalf for his foolish actions that may have caused a strain on your faith.
I also feel sorry for all the rest of you who mocked him and his prediction. His actions gave you cause to be inoculated to the very vibrant hope of Christ’s coming.
DECEMBER 21st, 2012
Disclaimer: I in no way think that the turn of the Mayan cyclical calendar in any way indicates the end of the world. That is ridiculous and superstitious. I do however think that God has given us plenty of signs that indicate “the end is near” which we all ought to pay attention to.
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
I just finished a sermon series by Adrian Rogers on the book of Revelation. I have a new healthy respect regarding what is coming soon upon the whole world. I am concerned for people who haven’t read the word of God or do not have a respect for God’s word. People are either skeptical or they just don’t believe he is coming anytime soon, yet Jesus says emphatically:
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (Rev 22:12 NIV)
Do we believe him? Even when it isn’t popular or “cool” to do so?
Skepticism, disbelief, and mockery are the attitudes that the Bible predicts people will have regarding the second coming of Christ and the “end of this world as we know it”.
But, I ask you, isn’t the second coming of Jesus closer now than it ever has been? Shouldn’t we be more expectant and more ready for his return as we see the day approaching?
Yet expectancy seems to be the last thing that I observe among many “believers” I know. Some don’t seem to think he is coming. Many “believers” just don’t believe anymore. Even Jesus is old news. We’ve moved on. Jesus return has become irrelevant and sadly, the person of Jesus himself is no longer relevant in the lives of many who call themselves Christians. (At least this is the impression I get.)
The apostle Peter:
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…” 2 Peter 3:3-15 NIV
ARE YOU RAPTURE READY?
Yes, I am serious. I can just imagine some reading this who mock the idea of a rapture. It’s all a big joke to those who don’t believe. But Jesus is indeed coming soon! A rapture for faithful believers is also part of the story and it could happen at any moment! The thought crossed my mind that I could be raptured before I was able to finish writing this blog and so I even scheduled this to be published automatically if I wasn’t here to press the publish button.
Remember this song by DC Talk?
Who is the rapture for?
“Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
I seriously had questioned whether I would have been raptured considering the careless way I had lived and failed to love and submit my heart to Jesus. Every time I lose my wife in a grocery store I think the rapture has happened and I am left. I don’t fear this so much anymore because I’ve come to trust Jesus and he is faithful to his promises.
Is it silly of me to actually believe in the rapture and biblical prophecies? Wouldn’t it rather be silly to not believe? Wouldn’t it be silly and foolish to be among the mockers and scoffers? I tremble at God’s word. I respect it and hold it in high esteem because Jesus did and I trust him.
The Bible has a hundred percent accuracy rating for all the prophecies that have been fulfilled thus far and there is absolutely no reason to doubt that the future prophecies will happen as well. We would be fools to mock and disregard for one more day the certainty of that which will come soon to test the whole world. Instead the only right response is to fall to our knees, humble our hearts, and beg God for mercy. He will give us mercy as we truly repent. You can be sure of that.
We don’t often think what a gift it is to be able to repent. Repentance puts our hearts right with God and we get to part ways with our sin and most of it’s consequences. We won’t always have this opportunity. I wrote more on this here: Repentance.
Jesus tells a story about 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Five were wise and had oil in their lamps. Five were foolish and had none. The bridegroom came and the five wise were welcomed into the wedding feast while the five foolish lost their opportunity and found themselves shut out from the wedding feast.
No doubt these foolish ones (unprepared believers), that Jesus is referring to, went on to be refined by the tribulation and overcame the enemy “by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11) and were among the saved to come out of the tribulation. Will most in the church end up in this predicament? Jesus seems to indicate it will at least be half of us. If we don’t get our act together and start taking Jesus seriously, we too will be found shut out of the wedding feast and have to endure the tribulation and will likely have to die a martyrs death.
Matthew 24:36-44 (NIV)
The Day and Hour Unknown
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Well, I’d love to hear your opinion on this topic. What do you think? Let’s dialogue. Leave a comment!
I wish I knew you a great deal better than I do and wish that we could meet for coffee and talk about life. (Seriously, if anybody does want to meet for coffee – let me know!) I recognize that you are a beautiful, intriguing, and infinitely valuable person and I want to do a better job at recognizing and valuing that.
This letter is both an apology and an invitation.
THE APOLOGY:
First things first. I am sorry if I have offended you.
Someone has said, “If you have to ask, “Should I post this?” The answer is most definitely, “No!”” It has taken me a long time learn this. Sometimes I react to someone’s post when I should take some time and thoughtfully respond remembering there is a person on the other end of this. Forgive me for forgetting that you are a precious human being that God loves and for valuing “being right” more than loving you. I want to change. I want to grow. I want to learn to love well.
I’m ashamed to admit that I am a recovering self-righteous judgmental prick (I could think of worse adjectives, but, considering that children may be reading…). I recognize that some of you have had to endure many posts and updates as I work out my issues and grow as a person. Thank you for your patience, forgiveness, and grace!
I have scared myself sometimes about how thoughtless I can be and I sometimes think that people are better off without me. When I think this way I will often crawl into a cave and avoid the world for a while until some well meaning person comes along and encourages me to crawl out of my cave telling me I have something to contribute… and I am naive enough to believe them. So here I am again… on my best behavior.
THE INVITATION:
I enjoy dialogue! Especially about issues regarding faith in Jesus. I would enjoy it if you would interact with me on my posts and blogs.
I want to thank everyone who has engaged me in conversation and responded to my posts. I honestly do want to hear from you. ESPECIALLY if you disagree with me! Let’s pull up a chair, pour the proverbial cup of coffee, and dialogue about life’s most important issues. I want to hear where you’re coming from, and I want the opportunity to change if I am mistaken about an issue. Give me a chance! Don’t just judge me and walk away. I will do the same for you.
I will always consider opposing views… but, ultimately it comes down to what the Bible has to say on any issue.
I wish I could take you along the same journey I have been on that has led me to view God’s word as the ultimate authority on absolute truth. In short, it has everything to do with Jesus, his resurrection validating him as God and Savior, and his view and respect for the word of God. I love God’s word and of course I see it as the basis to determine what is true.
I want to make your life better, not any more difficult then it already is. I want to encourage you and bless you and be a good friend to you. Ultimately I want you to be grateful that you know me for a friend.
A message of hope for all who may despair and are in need of some encouragement today:
LYRICS:
If you can’t see past your pain and confusion
If you feel alone and overwhelmed by what you faced
If the circumstances of your heart feel too hard to navigate
& you feel so very far, far away
You’ve got to know there is joy beyond this heartache
You’ve got to see there is peace behind this storm
It all can change in a moment with Jesus
As his light drives the darkness away
He is love, He’s all around you
He is love, He’s come and found you
Feel His loving arms surround you
He is love, He is love, He is love
And if you’re broken and bewildered
And if you’re drowning in your pain
And if the sadness of depression
weighs you down every day… just know that…
He is love, He’s all around you
He is love, He’s come and found you
Feel His loving arms surround you
He is love, He is love, He is love
He knows your name, He feels your pain
He cares more deeply than you’ll ever know
He knows your name, He feels your pain
He cares more deeply than you’ll ever know
He is love, He’s all around you
He is love, He’s come and found you
Feel His loving arms surround you
He is love, He is love, He is love
If you can’t see past your pain and confusion
If you feel alone and overwhelmed by what you face
and the circumstances of your heart feel too hard to navigate
Jesus is here to heal you now, for He is love
So many of us are living lives of quiet (or not so quiet) desperation. We are desperate for a more meaningful life, more meaningful relationships, for a love that we hardly even know exists or have only caught fleeting glimpses of. We forget these glimpses as we pursue distractions and vain things to numb the pain, quench the longing, and occupy our restless minds.
But, you and I were created by a loving God for the love of Jesus. Nothing else will satisfy our hearts. No one else will satisfy… except Jesus alone. Do you believe this?
When I was in depression I came across a song about the comforting presence of Jesus that spoke to me. It lifted me out of my depression by reminding me that Jesus was with me and that made all the difference.
My hope for this song is that it will bring people comfort and encouragement to come to believe that Jesus love really does make all the difference. He gives us a reason to live.
