Am I a Christian if I have doubts whether the resurrection, the virgin birth and miracles really took place? Is it possible to be a follower of Jesus and believe that these outlandish miracles are just legend and myth?
How would you respond to questions like these?
What would your attitude be like towards them? What would your tone and how much time would you give them to discuss these questions? How would you treat this person?
As I read the four biographies of Jesus, I am always amazed at the time Jesus gave to people with questions even if the questions were traps to trick Him and make Him look bad. I am also amazed at how Jesus really listened to the questioner and what really was behind their questions. Was is genuine or a trap? Was it fear or anger? Was the real issue clearly expressed or did Jesus have to draw out the real issue in their mind and soul?
One of the younger brothers of Jesus whose life was radically transformed by the risen Jesus wrote, "Be merciful to those who doubt." Jude 1:22
Do we have the love of Jesus to be merciful to our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who have doubts about Jesus? Do we seek to build relationships with those who doubt or reject Jesus by serving them and giving to them? Are we willing to risk and start a spiritual conversation to see how the Holy Spirit might unleash a spiritual adventure?
Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.... Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:30
Is our first response to peoples' questions a mission to win the spiritual argument? Or is our first response one of value, dignity, kindness and love? Jesus explained that others will know that we are Christians by how we love them.
As we respond with love, how do we intellectually respond to these very important, life changing questions?
Do we have patience and time to explain so much evidence like the first eyewitnesses who were women in a culture that did not even allow women to testify in court? Or the life-depending job description of the Roman Soldiers to do their jobs? Or the medical evidence that reveals Jesus' death? Or the countless eyewitnesses of the resurrected Jesus? Or the hundreds and thousands of Jews converting almost overnight to Jesus whom they so wanted to get rid of and did? Or how no one can prove or disprove God's existence? So how much of a stretch is it to believe that a God who created the universe cannot do miracles? And so much more evidence....
Seeking to be more and more like Jesus. Knowing that I wrestle with my old nature every day.
Grateful for the evidence Jesus clearly left for all to examine, discuss and enough to make logical conclusions,
Pastor Chris
How would you respond to questions like these?
What would your attitude be like towards them? What would your tone and how much time would you give them to discuss these questions? How would you treat this person?
As I read the four biographies of Jesus, I am always amazed at the time Jesus gave to people with questions even if the questions were traps to trick Him and make Him look bad. I am also amazed at how Jesus really listened to the questioner and what really was behind their questions. Was is genuine or a trap? Was it fear or anger? Was the real issue clearly expressed or did Jesus have to draw out the real issue in their mind and soul?
One of the younger brothers of Jesus whose life was radically transformed by the risen Jesus wrote, "Be merciful to those who doubt." Jude 1:22
Do we have the love of Jesus to be merciful to our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who have doubts about Jesus? Do we seek to build relationships with those who doubt or reject Jesus by serving them and giving to them? Are we willing to risk and start a spiritual conversation to see how the Holy Spirit might unleash a spiritual adventure?
Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.... Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:30
Is our first response to peoples' questions a mission to win the spiritual argument? Or is our first response one of value, dignity, kindness and love? Jesus explained that others will know that we are Christians by how we love them.
As we respond with love, how do we intellectually respond to these very important, life changing questions?
Do we have patience and time to explain so much evidence like the first eyewitnesses who were women in a culture that did not even allow women to testify in court? Or the life-depending job description of the Roman Soldiers to do their jobs? Or the medical evidence that reveals Jesus' death? Or the countless eyewitnesses of the resurrected Jesus? Or the hundreds and thousands of Jews converting almost overnight to Jesus whom they so wanted to get rid of and did? Or how no one can prove or disprove God's existence? So how much of a stretch is it to believe that a God who created the universe cannot do miracles? And so much more evidence....
Seeking to be more and more like Jesus. Knowing that I wrestle with my old nature every day.
Grateful for the evidence Jesus clearly left for all to examine, discuss and enough to make logical conclusions,
Pastor Chris
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