Friday, January 13, 2012

Does Jesus Hate Religion?

Felt this was worth posting here as it has gotten a lot of attention on YouTube and I have used the phrase "Jesus came to abolish religion" in my conversations with Christians and non-Christians alike.



Now please read this theological response from Kevin DeYoung at The Gospel Coalition.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/01/13/does-jesus-hate-religion-kinda-sorta-not-really/

Here is another helpful resource from Pastor Tullian:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tullian/2012/01/14/religion-and-the-gospel/

We must always strive to be more Biblically centered when it comes to our faith and our witness.

Addendum: What I love most about this is Jefferson's humble spirit. Here is his tweet after reading the aforementioned articles:

Thankful for these men! Humbled by @PastorTullian (http://shar.es/WO2ur) and Deyoung's (http://ow.ly/8txbY) words to me. Heb 13:17-18!

FYI...Hebrews 13:17-18 says, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. 18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things."

You can follow Jefferson on Twitter: @JeffuhsonBethke

An interview with Jefferson:



http://jeffbethke.com/my-thoughts-after-writing-why-i-hate-religion-but-love-jesus/

His website is www.jeffbethke.com

http://jeffbethke.com/do-you-really-love-jesus-or-do-you-just-play-the-game/

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Truth

My behavior does not influence or change God's love, grace and mercy for me but His love, grace and mercy for me should change my behavior and affections.

I still struggle with this. A part of me still thinks that if I do better today than I did yesterday that God is more pleased with me now...that I now merit more of His favor...that I am somehow more justified before Him.

What a load of crap. What a lie from Satan. What a fabrication that devalues Christ's work on the cross and somehow makes God's unconditional grace in my life about me.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, I will continue to recognize and fight against this lie in my life and in the lives of others.

Jesus saves me. I don't save myself. End of story.

"God's opinion of me doesn't change because his opinion of Christ doesn't change, and I am in Christ." - Stephen Altrogge

"Christianity is not a religion about a moral code to keep. It's about a God who saves people that can't keep the moral code." - Pastor Tullian