THE PATTERN OF THE CROSS – Part 1 of 2

Jesus said, “The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down My life -- only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.”  (John 10:17-18 NIV)

The pattern of the Cross means that the world’s glorification of power, might, and status is exposed and defeated. On the cross Christ wins through losing, triumphs through defeat, achieves power through weakness and service, comes to wealth via giving it all away. Jesus Christ turns the values of the world upside down. As N. T. Wright, in his book “Simply Christian,” says: “The real enemy after all, was not Rome but the powers of evil that stood behind human arrogance and violence… [On the cross] the kingdom of God triumphed over the kingdoms of the world by refusing to join in their spirit of violence. [On the cross, Jesus] would love His enemies, turn the other cheek, go the second mile.”  

-- Timothy Keller (1950-2023) in “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” 

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YOUR WITNESS IN WORDS AND DEEDS

“Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’”  (James 2:18 NLT)

The single most important factor in your ability to witness for Christ is your own personal faith.  A genuine faith is often shared successfully even when the sharing seems awkward.  Transparent Christian faith is so powerful in its appeal that it is self-commending.

A second vital factor in faith sharing is a passionate and deep caring for others.  Unless you genuinely care about whether or not your friend is brought closer to Christ, you probably will not be motivated to give your witness.  That passion emerges out of your relationship with God and with your friend…

Sometimes we are tempted to believe that deeds, not words, are the most important part of our witness for Christ.  But upon deeper reflection we realize how very important words are.  A record of only the deeds of Jesus would be a treasure, of course.  However, to add His words to the record of His deeds adds infinite richness to our understanding of Jesus.  The words of Jesus help interpret for us His deeds, and His deeds help give credibility to His words.  The same is true of the person who witnesses for Christ.

-- Harold K. Bates in “Witness for Christ”

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I WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE

“Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the [blind] man’s eyes. ‘Go,’ He told him, ‘wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (this word means ‘Sent’). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.”  (John 9:6-7 NIV)

After Jesus healed the blind man, others in his town who didn’t understand wanted to debate all sorts of meaningless issues. When several Pharisees accused Jesus of being a sinner, the blind guy told his story. “Whether [Jesus] is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)

Even though this newly healed man didn’t know enough to debate theology, he was an expert on one topic -- his own experience. He was blind and now he could see. Everywhere he went, this healed man could tell his story to anyone who would listen, and his changed life was proof of what had happened.

We can do the same. Start with these words: “Let me tell you my story.” Then just fill in the blanks. You might have been forgiven for many sins or saved from a life of addiction. Perhaps you were sick and God healed you, or you were searching for something meaningful in life and your search ended when you found Christ. You may have grown up in church and known about God since Elmo was your favorite furry friend, but you only personally experienced God’s goodness later in life. Even if you don’t feel like your story is powerful or dramatic, God can use it. 

-- Craig Groeschel in “The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn’t Exist”

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IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  (John 10:10)

A man in our church [in London] told me recently about how he had come to Christ. He was going through difficulties in his business and had to go to the United States on a business trip. He was not feeling very happy as he rode in a taxi to the airport. On the dashboard of the taxi he noticed pictures of the taxi driver’s children. He could not see the face of the driver, but he asked him about his family. He felt great love coming from the man. As the conversation went on, the taxi driver said to him, “I sense that you are not happy. If you believe in Christ it makes all the difference.”

The businessman said to me, “Here was a man speaking with authority. I thought I was the one in authority. After all, I was paying.” The taxi driver said to him eventually, “Don't you think it's time you settled all this by accepting Christ?” They arrived at the airport. For the first time the taxi driver turned around and the businessman saw his face; it was full of kindness. The driver said to him, “Why don't we pray? If you want Christ in your life, ask Him.” They prayed together and the driver gave him a booklet about the Christian faith. The taxi driver was a modest, unassuming person who was there one moment and gone the next, but he had taken the opportunity to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. This changed the whole course of a man's life.

-- Nicky Gumbel in Alpha’s “Questions of Life: A Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith” 

#6418

CREATION SPEAKS OF THE CREATOR – Part 2 of 2

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”  (Genesis 1:1,31a NIV)

Creation Reveals God’s Beauty. From the delicate symmetry of a snowflake to the vibrant colors of a sunset, to the soft petals of a rose, beauty is woven into the world. “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”  (Genesis 1:31)  Beauty is not accidental, it is intentional. It reflects a God who delights in goodness, creativity, and joy.

Creation Reveals God’s Faithfulness. The rhythm of seasons, the rising and setting of the sun, the cycle of seedtime and harvest -- all whisper the same truth: God is steady and dependable. “As long as the earth endures… day and night will never cease.” (Genesis 8:22)  Even when life feels unpredictable, creation reminds us that God is not. He is faithful in every season.

Creation Reveals God’s Care. Jesus pointed to the birds and flowers as living illustrations of God’s tender provision. “Look at the birds of the air… your heavenly Father feeds them.” (Matthew 6:26)  “See how the flowers of the field grow… not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28–29)  If God cares for sparrows and lilies, how much more does He care for you.

Creation is not God. But it is God’s artwork -- His signature on the canvas of the world. When we pay attention, creation becomes a daily invitation to worship. May your eyes be open today to the God who speaks through everything He has made. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™ 

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