Which side are you on?
Are you for it or against it?
Which way will you cast your vote?
All through life we are called to be for one thing or the other. We are aligning ourselves with certain things and thereby opposing other things. We vote this way and that means we don’t vote that way. I cheer for the Vikings against all other teams but sometimes I cheer for one of the opposing teams because they are the “enemy of my enemy.”
We need to stand up against injustice and oppression. We need to overcome evil with good. When we encounter pain and brokenness we must enter in to bring comfort and wholeness. This is not up for discussion if we are followers of Jesus but that doesn’t mean it will always be easy, wanted or appreciated. After all Jesus was crucified!
Our theme for this Sunday’s message [Luke 5.1-6.16] has to do with “Disciples and Opponents” of Jesus. He comes to humanity with an invitation for all, but many people reject Jesus to their own peril. When people reject Jesus they are choosing to turn against the love and provision of God. To oppose the Savior and grace is to not only rely upon ourselves as we face a Holy God on Judgment Day; it is also to go without the peace that comes from day to day living in God’s Kingdom. To reject Jesus is to turn away from the eternal truth that comes through being connected to God’s ways by the Spirit living in us.
But on the other hand…
For 2000 years Jesus comes to humanity either to be embraced or to be rejected. He is turned away from for a number or reasons ranging from being offensive to just not wanting to take the time to consider His claims. Jesus has been unchanging through all the generations since He walked the streets of Israel. He is nothing less than the King of Kings and the Savior of your soul. He has never been a nice guy to quote or just a really sweet guy. He has no intention of just “going along on the ride of your life.” He is either Lord of your life or you are attempting to relegate Him where He doesn’t belong.
The really good news is that He keeps coming day by day with new grace to move back to the center of our life to take His rightful reign. So, today worship Jesus with a thankful heart. Enjoy being His disciple no matter what opposition you and Jesus face. He is always right, powerful, loving and all you need for whatever life brings your way.
In Grace and Truth,
Pastor Nick
Are you for it or against it?
Which way will you cast your vote?
All through life we are called to be for one thing or the other. We are aligning ourselves with certain things and thereby opposing other things. We vote this way and that means we don’t vote that way. I cheer for the Vikings against all other teams but sometimes I cheer for one of the opposing teams because they are the “enemy of my enemy.”
We need to stand up against injustice and oppression. We need to overcome evil with good. When we encounter pain and brokenness we must enter in to bring comfort and wholeness. This is not up for discussion if we are followers of Jesus but that doesn’t mean it will always be easy, wanted or appreciated. After all Jesus was crucified!
Our theme for this Sunday’s message [Luke 5.1-6.16] has to do with “Disciples and Opponents” of Jesus. He comes to humanity with an invitation for all, but many people reject Jesus to their own peril. When people reject Jesus they are choosing to turn against the love and provision of God. To oppose the Savior and grace is to not only rely upon ourselves as we face a Holy God on Judgment Day; it is also to go without the peace that comes from day to day living in God’s Kingdom. To reject Jesus is to turn away from the eternal truth that comes through being connected to God’s ways by the Spirit living in us.
But on the other hand…
- To be a disciple of Jesus is to trust God’s ways of doing things.
- To follow Jesus is to acknowledge I need far more than I can provide on my own.
- To believe in Jesus is to rest in the grace that has come to me.
- To walk with Jesus is to know that I am never alone.
For 2000 years Jesus comes to humanity either to be embraced or to be rejected. He is turned away from for a number or reasons ranging from being offensive to just not wanting to take the time to consider His claims. Jesus has been unchanging through all the generations since He walked the streets of Israel. He is nothing less than the King of Kings and the Savior of your soul. He has never been a nice guy to quote or just a really sweet guy. He has no intention of just “going along on the ride of your life.” He is either Lord of your life or you are attempting to relegate Him where He doesn’t belong.
The really good news is that He keeps coming day by day with new grace to move back to the center of our life to take His rightful reign. So, today worship Jesus with a thankful heart. Enjoy being His disciple no matter what opposition you and Jesus face. He is always right, powerful, loving and all you need for whatever life brings your way.
In Grace and Truth,
Pastor Nick
