Evidence Against a Distorted View of Jesus...

What do the “all love and no judgement” people say about their distorted View of Jesus here? These words seem very harsh, don’t they? How else do you warn people with the truth when even performing miracles doesn’t effectively change their stance on sin and repentance?

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where He had done so many of His miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. 21 “What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse.22 I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.23 “And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today.24 I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.” Matthew 11:20-24

Truth Is Undeniable...

Truth is undeniable. Yes, people deny it, fight against it, and refuse to accept it, even when they know it’s real and right. But truth always proves itself, showing itself to be right by its results. It has a perfect track record; a 100% return on investment. Regardless of how people interpret truth and wisdom today, it will continue to reign and set people free from the deception of the world until it serves its full complete purpose. Always side with truth, you may get dirty, but in the end you will be shown to be right. That is where peace, justice, mercy, and love are all found, and there is no law that governs them.

“But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Matthew 11:19c

The Truth About Selling Out to Jesus...

Here’s the uncomfortable truth about following Christ Jesus: expect conflict, persecution, and even martyrdom. You won’t hear many sermons being preached in churches today about this, but that doesn’t take away the reality of this truth. The world hates Jesus. Think about what the common reactions are when people mention God in their speech. No big deal, right? God is in all religions, so it’s accepted. Now mention Jesus in your speech and the world jumps all over you. Why? Because Jesus is exclusive. He’s the only way to God, because He is God. People don’t like this exclusivity, and don’t like the fact that they can’t earn their way to God. It’s too easy, so their pride keeps them away. Jesus offends people because it’s only through Him that salvation is possible. It’s His way or no way. And people aren’t willing to go His way, because it’s hard and the road is narrow. How many people, when they become Christ followers, lose out on many relationships because of this newly found faith in God? How many people are abandoned by their family and friends because of this belief system that saves them? Why should becoming a Christian turn the world against you? Because the world hates God, and is His enemy. If they call Jesus names, expect his followers to be called much worse. Being a follower of Jesus and expecting a smooth road throughout life, is an “Americanized”, industrialized nation’s distorted view of reality. Taking up your cross means your willingness to suffer for following the One Who suffered for us all. When you sell out to Jesus, expect to be “sold out “ by the world. It’s just the cold hard truth. But life with Jesus is far better than a life without purpose. You’ll reap eternal rewards, and experience many blessings here on earth, even if you are persecuted for your beliefs. Are you willing to suffer for serving Jesus? Or does that scare you into silence?

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.22 And all nations will hate you because you are My followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of My household will be called by even worse names!26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29 What is the price of two sparrows–one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.32 “Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.33 But everyone who denies Me here on earth, I will also deny before My Father in heaven.34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,a daughter against her mother,and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ 37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love Me, you are not worthy of being Mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it.40 “Anyone who receives you receives Me, and anyone who receives Me receives the Father who sent Me.41 If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs.42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:21-42

Profess What We Possess...

Christians often forget among the worldly accepted notion of “Christians are to turn the other cheek” mentality, that we are to stand for truth. Fight with the sword of the spirit. Be bold, but do it respectfully. The world needs the TRUTH, it exposes evil, and sets free what is held captive. We are possessors of TRUTH, so we should profess what we possess.

16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

Truth, Love, and Misunderstanding...

I wish more people today would read this passage from Proverbs. If only people could see the truth in these verses. If only they put them into practice. Tolerance, bigotry, hatred, being politically correct, and the distorted definition of love wouldn’t be in the news everyday. They wouldn’t be issues at all. As I always say, “if you truly love someone, you love them enough to tell them the truth”. Part of this is leading someone back who has wandered off the path. What you see as “correcting” or “discipline”, true followers see as real “LOVE”.

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you.12 For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12

Be Honest with Yourself...

Be honest with yourself. God knows the real you.

9 End the evil of those who are wicked,and defend the righteous.For You look deep within the mind and heart,O righteous God. 10 God is my shield,saving those whose hearts are true and right.11 God is an honest judge.He is angry with the wicked every day. Psalms 7:9-11

Lying Has to Be Fed....

The one thing most often overlooked or forgotten about lying is in order to keep it going you have to feed it. When you tell a lie you have to continue to add to it in order for it to stay alive. One lie turns into another lie, turns into another lie. Sooner than later your lie has now become a 300 page novels of lies. Your fabricated story is now a false lively hood you must continue to pretend to live out. Your pride will not allow you to come clean. Oh, by the way, all of these lies affect other people. Deception is a hurtful weapon we (un)intentionally use to preserve our pride and reputation while abusing the trust others may have in us. In the end all of the destruction this deceitful web we’ve constructed has caused could’ve been avoided if we would’ve just come clean at its inception. Another selfish act that creates havoc in our lives all because our pride dictates “me first”.

11 “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. 12 What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.”13 But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get the goats for me!” Genesis 27:11-13

20 Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?”“The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied. Genesis 27:20

24 “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked.“Yes, I am,” Jacob replied. Genesis 27:24

35 But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.”36 Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?” Genesis 27:35-36

41 From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.” Genesis 27:41