The Comfortable Christianity Conundrum and Why You Should be Concerned

The Christian Martyrs' Last Prayer | Public Domain

We like our comfort. We like are personal peace. We like our prosperity. However, if your Christianity is comfortable, you are not a Christian after the breed of the Apostles and ancients. In fact, not even like Jesus! Now I'm not trying to tell you that you should seek out an "uncomfortable life". No. I am saying if you are doing as the Bible teaches, you will not be comfortable!

Nor does Christianity mean going to "church". We don't go to “church”. We are the Church. If you just "go to church", you are not a Christian. Sitting on a bench or chair at "church" does not make you any more Christian than sitting in a garage makes you a car. Nor is sitting through a sermon, homily or lecture fulfill your Christian duty, your Christian duty is much bigger, changing lives; yours and others. Christians who are part of the Church are followers of Christ. A servant of God. A citizen of God's kingdom. A mimicker of the Master.

Six Concerning "Christian" Ideas, And What The Bible Says About Them

A recent conversation got me concerned. The ideas were not new to me, but what was interesting was the volley of ideas that kept coming, kept coming without biblical justification. A Christian of a number of years, explained it is not good when Christians have “head knowledge”. In other-words, we should not study the Bible and he was also negative about memorizing Scripture. Preparation before hand for our interactions with those who would oppose the Gospel was also criticized. Rather silence in the face of opposition was promoted by him. In addition, he was very negative concerning being evangelical, meaning we should not share the Gospel verbally. Our lives only should shine our Christianity (This should be a given for all, but it's not to be our only witness, it does not negate our verbal evangelism. Our words are part of our life.).

However, none of these thoughts were backed up with Scripture. One can't be too surprised because these ideas are not scriptural and second, since it was expressed that one should not study Scripture, how could one know?

The IBITE Vision, And What It Means for You

A number of years ago, A biography of Patrick of Ireland was given to me [1]. He was connected with a fifth century group of Christians from ancient Britain (not Roman Catholic), he seemed to have had two main goals. One was for Christians to follow Christ closer, and the second, his heart was for the Irish people to come to Christ. Possibly he became the greatest missionary since Paul. His story, among other reasons [2], made me think bigger – giving a bigger vision for my life – this site is one aspect of that vision. Since inception, this site has reached literally thousands of people from around the world. From Christians to atheists, I have had diversity of visitors. This is not said in pride, rather I'm humbled for the impact that this little site may have and I present it for a following explanation.

The Vision, The First Main Goal

I would like you know that vision, it may be bigger than some think. It is not just focused on my own life, my family, or the group of Christians I meet with. The first focus is that I can be a positive challenge the unbeliever - to leave a stone in his or her shoe. I want to tear away the clutter of secular philosophies and their false views of Christianity. I want them to see their sin, turn from it and follow Christ. I want them to know “The Way”. I'm no Patrick, but my desire is to have a positive effect on all who want to hear. Maybe I can put a stone in another's shoe - I don't know, but I do what I can and leave the rest up to God. I hope you do the same.

The Second Main Goal

On the flip side, I have a second goal. My desire is that all Christians may come closer to Christ, follow and obey him more - whoever they are. My hope is that all would understand original mere Christianity. I want to encourage all to focus on Christ and his Kingdom - serving him in truth and in spirit. This is done by taking the focus off our desires, the perceived “essentials” and from the sin of this world, and fix their eyes on Christ and his Kingdom.

Reasons and evidences are presented so Christians can be more confident in this harsh world. I want them to know what Jesus taught so they can have knowledge what they believe and live that knowledge. I want them to understand why they believe it so they can have an answer for those around them, whether one asks or they initiate conversation.

This site is not for any specific group of Christians. Rather I try to post items that relate to many people - all my readers. For example, this was the case in a previous post on teachings, that many groups hold, that the Bible does not teach [here]. All the items presented are common among many Christian groups. One item I got push back on was “Altar Calls” - a novel practice that many groups practice. Another was the “Spirit Led” philosophy that some think started around the holiness or pietistic movements and spread rapidly to present evangelical Christianity and elsewhere. This one seems to always get push back from Christians of all strips - it is so desirable by so many, including myself. However, history is fairly clear on both items - but people can become emotional when we assess them.

Feel Free to Push Back

However, push back is okay, feel free to challenge my posts. That’s why I allow comments below, if one wants to respond. This is how we learn, by asking questions and assessing the reasons. However, I would ask everyone to be respectful, no character assassination and emotional responses - I don’t allow those to be posted. Always use love and respect, with reason and wisdom.

On the other hand, if the vision of this site is not yours, if what I say offends, if you have no desire to think deeper about what you believe and no desire to help others come to Christ – then feel free to stop reading. This site may not be for you. Of course, I desire all to read and grow, but if not, that’s fine. However, please, before passing judgment upon this site or me, check out the evidence I present and my motives. If you are a follower of Christ, please don't gossip and spread discord about this site or the writer.

For More Information

For more on the intent and goals of IBITE blog, visit these pages:

The Goal Of IBITE

The Kingdom of God

Ten People

What are your thoughts on Patrick of Ireland, what have you heard about him? What is your motive for life, if you are a Christian, what are you doing for the furtherance of the Gospel of the Kingdom? If you are an atheists, agnostic or from some other religion, what is preventing you to come to Christ?


[1] Let Me Die in Ireland, the True Story of Patrick
[2] Such as Paul calls us all to be ambassadors [2 Corinthians 5:20], which he was as well, he behaved godly and spoke about the gospel of the Kingdom to all.

Should Christians Bury Their Head in the Sand?

The Index Librorum Prohibitorum was a list of banned books by the Roman Catholic church from centuries ago. It included two notable books: Johannes Kepler's Epitome astronomiae Copernicanae, which was on the index from 1621 to 1835. The second notable book was, in various editions of the index, some translations and editions of the Bible. Now I’m not going to judge them for what they did at that time, however, looking back, it must be an embarrassment. For us, we too have some who want to "ban books." However, instead of "banning books", maybe a stronger approach would be to educate people on truth, wisdom and common deviations from the truth. This will help arm the common follower of Christ prevent deception.

To build a foundation, I want to note that in a previous post I gave some steps to deflect brainwashing - including knowing truth and intentionally building a broad background in different works (click here). When one puts undue faith on one or even a small group of men or women for opinions, there is impending disaster. In another post on technology, I noted how to bolster oneself against online deception - knowing truth and understanding good sources (click here). Lastly, I noted in a training post that one needs to disciple oneself, or others with, what I called, inoculation (click here).

Just as some parents have concerns about diverse perspectives attacking their children, some leaders of Christian fellowships have the same concern -- for real reasons. However, just as in my previous post on inoculation, isolation is not the key to growth. It makes one much more vulnerable to deception. Isolation is not the key to purity in teaching, but rather it’s the road to a weak or an absent spiritual immune system. Knowing truth and having wisdom is like having a healthy body and nutritious food. When a healthy body is inoculated the body prepares for the defenses. When arguments do present themselves against truth, one will already have heard and been prepared to succinctly and efficiently counter the arguments -- in both one's mind and verbally if needed.

When I hear about Christian leaders insisting that only limited texts and literature is advised, or that one should not read things outside of a certain gathering, red flags raise and concerns accumulate in my mind. This is for two reasons. Just like in III John, we read of one Diotrephes who loved dominance and control or as it is put “preeminence”, it seems that some in our time may desire the same.

Another is that one will not be prepared for the attacks that are increasing every day, they are coming closer to even the sheltered believer. Many types of literature help give rejoinders against the bad arguments that attack the follower of Christ. After one knows the truth and has a strong mind, one needs to sit down and compare what is being said in society to the truth. This can’t be done if one positions one’s self in a vacuum. In addition, not knowing also hampers ones ability to answer the skeptic.

Why would we allow ourselves to be sidelined by weak arguments when we have good sources and arguments to demonstrate they these fail? Maybe we ourselves will not succumb, but what about our children and grandchildren?

The Bereans, in Acts 17, were praised when they listened and then searched out whether or not the Apostles were speaking truth. It's not if one will be presented with dubious arguments against their faith, it's when. The best time to form rejoinders is when one has time to read and think. In this case, the best defense is a good offense, not hunkering down with the "head in the sand".

You will not want to miss the next posts. If you found this one helpful, you will want to keep an eye open for others. The best way is to click here, because you can get them straight to your inbox so you don’t miss out! (Click here.)

What do you think? Can you give any examples when you were prepared the give a defense in your own mind or to another? How did you prepare?


Image source: Flicker/Peter

The Call To Action

As a troop with no training, as a military with no will, as a soldier who has dropped his weapons for naught, many Christians have grown strong in apathy. Many shun dialogue, promote the degenerate view of ignorance as a higher plane of spirituality and simple faith is touted as turning a blind eye to knowledge and clarity. Spiritual weapons are dropped and shunned. Backs are turned, society is not engage and Christ's teachings are not defended.

Christian intrawars on silly topics of culture and topics Christ must have overlooked have taken precedence. Just mentioning some of these topics, even here, would cause a stir. Extra biblical rules are demanded and biblical commands are left ignored. Gossip is king, gain is godliness and the focus on self is the preoccupation.

A call to to clarity goes out! Ignorance is not a virtue. Truth has not been debunked. Let's change our concentration! Let's get active.

Grow in knowledge. Know the truth. Be bold and intentional. Grow in obedience and righteousness. Increase in love.

Read. Write. Speak. Interact. Dialogue.

Go out there and give them heaven!

The Bible's View on Who is Our Brother and Sister

If you read no farther, I want you to read this: A brother or sister of Christ is a brother or sister to me. I hope it is this way for you as well. I do understand that there are specifications for being a brother or sister in Christ, however, my assertion does not negate that. Our foundation is Christ and those he trained to follow after him. It is my desire that their words that were written will take precedence over my culture, denomination or even my own desires.

It seems that many Christians hold to views that aren't even Christian, the views I am going to talk about seem to be on the opposing ends of the spectrum.

Who Is My Brother?, Words, Actions and Enjoyments of Some Professing Christians, Christian Unity, Who is a Christian?

Exclusivism

One view is exclusivism, those who hold to this view feel their denomination, congregation or group is the only group following the Bible, they are the only Christians – they only call each other brother and sister. In fact, if one leaves their gatherings, they are excommunicated and are no longer called a brother or sister. Unfortunately, the Bible does not teach this, but teaches against it (1, 2). Does this make you feel uncomfortable? Who do you want to follow – Christ or a group?

Inclusivism

Just as detrimental is another type, they tip the scale to the other side – they are inclusivists. Anyone who practices any religion, and are faithful to that faith, will have hope of salvation through Christ, even if they do not follow him. If one is a good Muslim, Jew or you name it, also has salvation. No matter how good ones feels about this view, this is not what Jesus and those he trained taught for salvation (1).

Christian Narcissism, That Lonely Silly Man, Please, Don't Act Like a Christian, Casual or Carnal?

Pluralism

Others are pluralists, they believe all religions are truth and all lead to God and heaven. Strangely, not all can be true, because each say contrary things. One may say that Jesus is God and another that Jesus is not God. Both can't be true. This view is illogical and not biblical (1). This is perfect post-modern ideology – it makes people feel good.

Did I Offend You?

I understand that I may be offending many. In fact, denying any of these views leads to questions and concerns. I understand, however, if you are a follower of Christ, you must follow what he and those he trained said on this issue. The particulars can be worked out later. Many of those questions have been answered in previous posts. Specifications for being a follower of Christ have been given.

Who is a Christian?, Emulating The Carpenter, Big Thoughts on Christianity

Positive Going Forward

Fortunately there are those who do not believe in hard exclusivism, illogical pluralism, nor in un-biblical incluvisivm. But they are following Christ, they feel he is the only way to heaven. In addition they recognize other followers of Christ and treat them as brothers and sisters – even if they are not of the same group.

Sources
(1) John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

(2) Titus 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Romans 15:7: Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Philippians 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. III John 1:9-11, one named Diotrephes forbid others, and would not himself, receive the brothers. And then in Galatians 2:11-13, Paul withstood Peter to the face because he separated himself from the gentiles, because they were not circumcised.

Image source: Patrick McDonald

Christian Narcissism

....and how to fix it

"No," I said after being asked if I had any plans for summer vacation. "Why not?" was his response. "To be clear, I'm not against vacations, I go on vacation every once in a while. However, it seems to me many are always planning and executing their world travels. There's more to life than just vacations. In addition, the intent is usually self-centered." Then I got the comment "The daily grind of going to work and back seems so mundane, vacations gives us something to anticipate. And what's more to life any way?"

He should have known better, he was a bright, well educated who person who possessed charisma and leader like traits. Beyond that, he was no novice Christian. I was saddened, but not surprised. When Christians have this central self-focus, I call it Christian Narcissism.

Narcissism Spectrum

On one end, we have many Christians pursuing luxurious vacations, sprawling estates, feasts, fashion and entertainments such as sports, music and movies. Some feel gain is godliness.

Sliding to the other end, we have self-focused spirituality, a focus on one's spiritual satisfaction. After salvation, the only thing left is eternity. These people's core focus is Christian friends, music, “Christian” culture, personal knowledge and/or study. Some think that Christianity is made up in a special formula of clothing and spiritual sounding words and phrases.

My Cross-Hairs

A measure of necessity can be seen on both ends of the spectrum. Many things are needed to live such as food, clothing and shelter. We also need time to rejuvenate and enjoy God's creation and gifts he has supplied. Yes, on the other end we do need godliness, fellowship, praising God and knowledge. These too are essentials.

However, my cross-hairs are set on the focus of excess personal affluence and selfish spirituality. In other words, many Christians are focused on their personal peace and affluence. This is not the mark of a mature follower of Christ - but a babe.

The Big Three - How Not To Be That Christian Narcissist

Now probably the Scriptures could speak to many more items, but the following three attributes are essentials for a mature follower of Christ.

• modeling virtue
• philanthropist
• messenger

Like usual, words were chosen here to make one think. Also, I want to note that a proper modeled virtuous life should, as a matter of course, lead to the other two. If Spiritual fruit is produced and if there is obedience to Christ and Apostles it is just one package.

However, many slide to “first base” and stay there focused on personal peace and spirituality - ignoring the other two. Some may try to jump to the second or third and ignore the others. All are essential in some measure but not sufficient in themselves for a mature believer.

In Pursuit of Righteousness

Foundational to virtue and righteousness is love, not the emotional nor tolerance type that contemporaries teach - but the real biblical love. We must be followers of Christ, growing in godliness, sanctification virtue. This is where we model or live our faith as Christ taught. To be ambassadors for Christ we need to be knowledgeable, wise and virtuous. These are life long pursuits for a Christ follower.

Altruistic Inclined

One does not have to interact long with others to know that many have true needs. In Matthew 15 Jesus says that he will separate the “sheep from the goats” by the following standards. His sheep are those who feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, house strangers, clothed the naked, and visit the sick and those in prison. Those who aren't altruistic will be told “depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” James says that true religion is to care for the suffering widows and orphans.

Articulate The Message

A prayer for many to come to salvation is essential, because without the work of Christ and the Spirit our talk has no efficacy. But we are tasked to teach, persuade, make a case for and tell others about Christ. While doing good and being righteous are essentials for bring others to Christ, there also has to be verbal communication. Jesus did more than just live right and help others, he spoke it as well. A teacher who never speaks or writes, but only demonstrates the lesson, would teach some, but would soon be jobless. A salesperson would also not last long if he knew and used the product line but never communicated to people about the line. Jesus commanded the apostles to teach what he taught them. One command was to tell others the Gospel - this is a perpetual command. He taught them to teach their disciples and those disciples were to teach others.

Narcissism And The Fix

While self preservation and spirituality are essential for us, these must not sum up the life of a believer. There is more, living in obedience to Christ, doing good works (as the Bible calls it), and verbally communicating the Gospel. The focus is not us, but rather Christ.

That Lonely Silly Man

The peace in that beautiful clean church was broken by a visitor one bright Sunday morning. A coarse, wheat brown colored "bath robe" like garment, wrap his body. Unlike the sparkling clean church and other's stiff clean ties, the robe sported dinginess here and there, and its owners feet were bear and dusty. Unshaven for days, stubble marked his face, and finger length curly hair topped his crown.


How disrespectful. How inappropriate. Disrespect for order, that's what. What gall. And then he starts talking....that's when it gets really strange.

We are to give food to the poor - invite them to our meals? Never, such dirty and uncouthed people in my house! Our lives must be moral, repent from sin? He has it messed up, God is the God of love - he forgives - we can continue to sin that's works salvation - does he not understand? Obey God, who can do that? We should be out telling others the Gospel? That would make us look foolish and would offend others. Visit those in jail - naw, they're evil people, they deserve loneliness - plus they could hurt me. Love all - including those who hate me....OK, that's over the top - that's just stupid.

Good for them, articulately but forcefully, church leaders tell him to shut-up - he's disturbing the peace and order - as we know God loves order. But no, that man seems to know how to talk, he asks questions he makes statements, he seems to know how to cut right into our heart.

Now he says his is from God, sent from God, he is God, he is his son! Blasphemy!

All the most notable men and women of the church agree, this man must leave.

He calls them hypocrites and snakes. What gall! Those men of God should'nt be disrespected like that! Shame on him! The uproar he has caused, disturbing the peace tracking in dust on the sacred floor from his bear-feet, order must be restored. Defenestrated onto the concrete walk, he picks himself up and hobbles away.

Going home I pass him walking down the road, alone. What if? . . . was he right? . . .Oh well. . . I got my life to live.

My Path Towards Liberalism . . . or something like that

A Christian - Conservative or Liberal? Some call me a too conservative Christian- others look at me as being a liberal Christian and "out in the deep end." Confusing, ain't it?

Equivocation

In Christianity, for too long, we have accepted equivocation as being the norm within our culture. While these two words, conservative and liberal (in reference to a Christian, not politics), do have a place and significance, there must be good context and clarification to elucidate meaning. However, for me, these words have become almost meaningless in everyday life. In fact the use and the spirit of these words have almost made me despise them when one is talking about another Christian's Christianity. Let me tell you why.

My Reasoning

One day, in some circles, I'm uber conservative, the next day, in another context I'm the most liberal person. One group I'm considered a "stiff", and maybe a little bit of a "party pooper", to another group I'm "pushing the line" and doing things that are not "appropriate."  To one I'm almost an Amish, to the other I'm almost not even a Christian. To one, I'm a radical, to the other I'm almost not even "Spirit led."Do you see my frustration? Do you see my concern?

In other words, arbitrary distinctions are set up in a subjective sense. Do you see the lack of definition? Meaning, it seems, is lacking except to criticize others without justified grounding.

The Fix

So, what's the fix? It is quite simple, we need an absolute standard. This standard needs to tell us what God expects of us - and what he does not expect of us. It needs to explain rules and principles of God's instruction on how we're to act, think, dress and talk. Here's a quiz, can you think of something that is not subjective, that's absolute and that we can refer back to when making decision on how to conduct oneself?

A Little Bit of Wisdom

There is an old 19th century maxim that goes like this: "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we're silent." Understandably, some may take issue with this. However, I think it may have a lot of merit and wisdom. It builds a framework for our lives. Think of it, the Bible is very well written - it can work in any culture context.

However, some may say, "but what about this" or "what about that" topic? My thought is simple, did God forget to place that subject in the Scriptures if it was so important?

However, God is not myopic - he set a different standard. If I were to write the Bible, the culture I exist in would probably seem to be the best one for proper living. However, rather our job is not our own will, but striving to be Christlike by being obedient and full of godliness.

God's Big Picture

What did Jesus and the Apostles do and what did they teach? Can we learn what to think, what to say, where to go and how to behave from them? Conservative and liberal become void terms if we follow Christ's teachings. Think how many problems would be solved if we all would just focus on his teachings and less of the other "important issues".


Image source: Wikipedia 

Christlike 2.0

That great Teacher, who claimed divinity, has set a standard for all to follow. As many consider Jesus of Nazareth, they say that he was just a good teacher with many good thoughts, nothing more. However, his radical statements and his claims postulated can only give him only one of the following three titles. Either he was a liar, a lunatic or Lord. He was either a master at deception, he was crazy because of his statements or else he was who he said he was.

This should give us pause, if he really is who he said he is, God, we must make him our Lord and Master. In other words, his is not just the great teacher, but God, deity incarnate. We need to obey his teachings and follow him.

In a previous post (here) I gave thirteen attributes of Christ that we need to follow. Here are nine more that come to mind when one reads Jesus.

1. Clarity - He had clarity, telling use how the world really is.
2. Gave a defense with evidence - Being God incarnate, even he did not just expect people to believe with out evidence. He gave it through miracles, Scripture and testimony.
3. Interacted with sinners - Not only did he preach the gospel of the kingdom, but he personally interacted with sinners one-on-one. This is a messy job, he preformed masterfully.
4. Disciple maker - He was not self-centered focusing on himself only. Nor did he attempt to interact with others for only their salvation, but rather made them disciples. 
5. His fathers business - His focus was not on an occupation, vacations, clothing, houses or you fill in the blank, but rather his father's business.
6. Children - While some look down on children as being almost of lesser value than adults and in the way, Christ did not agree. He placed high importance on carrying for children. He even used them in his examples and took time to care for and listen to them.
7. Wise - His questions and statements were well placed, making people think and helping refocus their concerns. He was always gracious. He was compassionate to the humble but critic to the proud and self-righteous. In other words he showed mercy to the humble but presented the law to the proud.
8. Knowledgeable - Christ was full of knowledge. In fact, even at age twelve he amazed the teachers at the temple with his understanding, questions and answers. This attribute did not relinquish with age.
9. Bold and confident - Being about his fathers business, he was bold and confident with his message with wisdom and knowledge. Of course he was sagacious, evading those who wanted to persecute or even kill him - that is until his final act. However, through it all, he was confident of the truth and was bold in his presentation.

Please, Don't Act Like a Christian

Here is a challenge, don't act like a Christian. Rather be a Christian. OK, I know this word act is a trick word. But really, if we are true Christians, we would not have to try to act the part, it will be us.

Think about it, if one is acting, it is implying they really are not that way. If I am trying to act like a Christian, isn't it saying that I'm really not one? I am just feigning it.

If we are Spirit led, we'll not fulfill fleshly lusts. If we are Spirit led we will be keeping inline with the Spirit. That means our life will be full of the fruit of the Spirit, not an act.

Vacation On The Islands

This is vacation time. Many are planning, thinking and just can't wait for that lustful destination. But let me "put a stone in your shoe" as you are on that extended vacation, or planning your third blissful retreat this year.

Purpose

Why are you going? No really, what is the purpose? How much money are you planning on spending? Why so much?

It is interesting that some make to the case an extravagant vacation because Jesus went on a short sabbatical to get away to rest and pray (1). Check out the following: how long did he go for? What did he do while away? How much did it cost? How far did he go? Did he go for his pleasure or for rejuvenation?

Wisdom

Now, what I am not saying here is that vacations are wrong, even on the islands. But how much are you spending, how often do you go? Now I don't have a set limit of times you should go or the dollar limit you should spend. Rather I hope you are using wisdom from above to make those decisions. In the book of James, in chapter one, James tells us to ask God for wisdom, he will give it to us generously. Wisdom is the ability for one to both think and act using their knowledge, understanding, experiences, common sense and insight. For this case, as most cases, a strong foundation in the Scriptures helps inform this wisdom that God gives us. Have you desired and requested wisdom already? Have you done your research.

More offence coming 

Offended yet? Read on for more. Sadly some feel themselves very spiritual if they go on that grandiose vacation, but maybe a little worldly when sharing God's gifts with others around the world. It seems that some are always talking about their last get away, but does this not sound selfish, In fact is it not selfish? Why would a self-centered activity be more Godly than one where we share God's gifts with others?

What about you?

Will you be willing to give up some, if not all, of your vacation to go help the poor, feed the hungry, visit the widows and tell others about the Kingdom of God? Do you want to travel to a far away destination for a get away? Well here's your chance. I am sure you could help in some way to make a difference.

Don't know where to start? How much time did you spend finding that perfect vacation spot last year? Do your research, how much should you help, when, where and how. Instead of planning that utopic holiday, plan that trip to help another's physical and spiritual needs. I hope that "stone in your shoe" keeps bugging you all summer.

What are you doing for Christ's sake? We all have a job, find an opportunity and do it well. Give them heaven folks!

(1) Example: Mark 6:31-32 & 46

Image source: Wikipedia

Emulating The Carpenter

We are called to follow Christ (1 Peter 2:21), so what was Christ like so we can follow him? One recently challenged me to find out. Here is a start, I have thirteen attributes that came to mind of what Christ did and and taught.

1. Loving. Mark 12:28-34. We are to love God and others. First Corinthians 13 says love is patient, kind, content, humble, unselfish, temperate and not an evil thinker. Love delights in truth and not sin. It hopes, protects, trusts and never fails.
2. Sacrificial. John 15:13. We are to give out lives for others. Jesus was tortured and murdered for us.
3. Evangelism. Matthew 28:16-20. We are to share the gospel with others. This is a perpetual teaching for all generations of Christ's followers.
4. Heal the sick. Matthew 8:1-4. Are we willing to pray for others and then help them when they are sick? Do we help those who struggle with anxiety and depression?
5. Division. Luke 12:51. Jesus came to dived people, those who believe on him and those who don't. 
6. Truthful. John 8:31-47. Christ brings truth, even to point out those who are of the Devil.
7. Merciful. Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus was full of mercy and compassion. Are we quick to judge or are we first willing to learn and listen?
8. Identifying hypocrisy. Matthew 23. Jesus called out the religious leaders for hypocrisy and he called them for what they were, hypocrites. Feigning something and being two faced, saying one thing when and then doing another, is hypocrisy.
9. Dialoged with others. Luke 2:46-47. Jesus was very active in dialectics, asking questions and giving answers that persuaded people to truth. Many times he understood before trying to be understood. Many say we as Christians need to be silent, however Jesus spoke much.
10. Servant. Mark 10:45. Jesus came to serve. He calls us to do the same in Matthew 25:31-46.
11. Teaching. Matt. 28:19–20. Christ was didactically inclined and a great teacher, he communicated well. Do we teach others or are we focused on self? Hebrews 5:12 says a mature follower of Christ needs to teach. Are we actively learning to be a better teacher and learning more about Christ? Are we intentionally teaching others the way of Christ?
12. Forgiving. Luke 23:34. Christ was very forgiving. Do we forgive others? I must say it is much easier said than done, but we are to forgive. Matthew 6:15 says that we need to forgive others, otherwise God will not forgive our sins.
13. Unity. John 17:11.Unity is when one becomes a follower of Christ, and learns and follows his teachings. We become united both with Christ and other believers when we fulfill these two core precepts.