Timing Is Everything

One is tempted to comment concerning the Boston bombings.  I realize that this is the result of the new nature within me that I am struggling to understand.  But, I also understand that internally, the question is really one of what is to be learned and how does this affect our faith.

I am reminded that there are several principals I hammer into my students that I may have never of mentioned across the various blogs which preceded this one:

• You are likely to be the only view of Jesus someone may ever see
• Your goal as a believer, is not "the life", it is to reach others for salvation
• Your ability to do this, is the only manner in which this world will ever be changed

The big idea is that you need to be Jesus' exclamation mark in a culture of question marks.....

John 7:10-13, 25-36, 40-52

The world is full of question marks.
The audience's opinion was conflicted in these passages.
Some thought Jesus was the Messiah, others thought it could not be possible.
There is little change in that, across the 20 centuries since his death.

The world desires to hyphenate everything!
Take on the spiritual color of where we are.
When the values of those around us becomes greater than our love of Jesus, you will become a hyphenated believer.
Fear God, not man, nor the world system ...
Be bold to stand up for Jesus, not man's values.

The world needs to see exclamation marks.
 No, you do not have to be perfect.
God uses broken pots to show His blessings.
We are broken, weak, unworthy.
It does mean you are to be transparent enough to show your brokenness.

To live with integrity in all aspects of our lives.  Learn to "walk your faith".

Now is a good time to start.