From March 23, 2008
The image of Jesus on the cross sends chills down my spine.
It's one of those things that tears apart my mind in conflict. To be able to witness the sacrifice that saved my soul seems like it would be amazing. But to see the One who loves me the most - a love that no one can even begin to fathom - writhing in agony over someone as insignificant as me...
I know I don't deserve it. That sort of love. The grace that says that despite of all my imperfections and my inherent sinfulness that I can enjoy eternal life and salvation. Not a single thing that God has given me do I deserve.
Yet here I am, blessed beyond all belief - allowed so many things because of a sacrifice that I will never be able to fully grasp. I don't understand - all of that for an opportunity that so many people won't even take advantage of?
I believe Easter's true meaning is even more forgotten than Christmas'. With how commercialized that holiday has sadly become, at least we are constantly presented with spiritual carols and images of the nativity scene. But come Easter time, all I see are stupid multi-colored eggs and ridiculously terrifying personified bunnies, when rabbits can't even lay eggs.
What I don't see enough is the image of an empty tomb - the image that truly separates Jesus from just some prophet who was martyred. Because even though others have been resurrected from the dead (a prime example would be Lazarus), this was only a brief occurrence, for they eventually died permanently. Jesus, however, died, rose again, and then still living, ascended into the heavens.
It's a symbolism of sorts. Just like Jesus was risen from the dead, we are risen from this dead life of sin once we accept Him as our Savior. Jesus mastering death by rising from it shows the true defeat of sin. The Bible often ties the concept of death to that of sin. Thus, Jesus rising from death mirrors that of us rising from sin, and the ability to do that, because of His sacrifice.
I could not possibly imagine having to go through the suffering and pain that Jesus Christ had to, just for a group of violently imperfect creatures who aren't even grateful half of the time for all the amazingness that surrounds them. We don't deserve it. Not in the least bit.
But I am eternally grateful for that blood shed. For the resurrection that occurred afterwards. For the fact that my sins are paid in full and the only thing I had to do was accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and try my very hardest to live a life which glorifies Him (which also benefits me in the long run more than a sinful lifestyle would, anyway).
It's the thing that makes me rest easy at night. Not the pretty basket full of jelly bean that my mother prepared for me. Not the overflow of pinks and yellows and other bright hues plastered everywhere. Not some huge, scary bunny seated in the middle of the mall, allowing children to sit on its lap (how the heck was a rabbit derived as the "mascot" for the secular definition of Easter, anyway)?
But the blood of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.
It's inspirational, you know? If He could go through such suffering for my salvation, than it should be no problem for me to give myself up as a living sacrifice for Him, despite whatever suffering and hardship that may result from it. I owe Him my soul, so I give Him my life.
Romans 3:22-24
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
Romans 7:24
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Romans 5:6-11
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
Romans 6:6-7
"For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. The death He died, He died to since once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God."
Romans 6:18
"You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
1 Corinthians 15:12
"But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrections of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead. But He did not raise Him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ had not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."
Ephesians 2:1-5
"As for you, you were dead in your transgression and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved."
There are so many more verses I can reference, man. The Bible is full of all this amazing stuff.
God is truly amazing and loving. So today I implore you to forget about that creepy Easter Bunny, but rather dwell deeply on and celebrate the ultimate sacrifice - that of Jesus Christ for our souls to be saved from sin so that we can have eternal life.
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Saturday, January 14, 2012
"I Will Praise You, O Lord, With My Whole Heart"
From April 5, 2010
Way to perform at a Church on Easter Sunday and not mention God at all, Jonas Brothers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMg79szKzLQ&feature=player_embedded
It’s one of those statements that borderline judgmental, I feel like. Maybe it completely dips in judgmental - I don’t know, but I can’t help but think these things sometimes. And I made an interesting discovery about myself -if I ever do find myself passing judgment, it’s not the non-Christians that I judge; it’s the Christians.
Either way, it’s wrong - I have no right to, and I like to think that I don’t do much judging, anyway. But being imperfect, a human sinner, I succumb to these thoughts every so often, and I hate that. I don’t want to judge anyone at all, ever. But these occasional thoughts stem from the fact that I just don’t understand. Christ is my LIFE, and I know I’m not always as open about Him as I should be, but what I aim to do with my life, I aim to do it for Him. So it’s hard to me to fathom how someone can be sitting at such a position of influence in an industry that everyone pays attention to, and not be so blatantly obvious about their faith. I’m not talking about just admitting to being a Christian - there’s so much more to our part in the world than that.
Some celebrities do a mighty fine job of it. I love following Tiffany Thornton on twitter - she’s explicit about her faith and mentions it often. But when it comes to the Jonas Brothers - yes, they stay out of trouble (at least as far as the public eye can tell) and flaunt their purity rings quite well, but four albums later, and you’ve got barely a handful of songs that maybe could be contributed to God? In interviews, on their twitters, wherever - they hardly talk about their faith anymore. They didn’t even mention God or Jesus in the “thank you” section of their latest album. At least Selena Gomez did that (don’t be surprised if you see a whole tumblr post about how I do like what she’s doing with her fame, for the most part). And Demi Lovato’s first paragraph in her thank you section is excellent.
I do commend them for whatever philanthropy work they do. For not being douchebags and having clean mouths and not (openly, at least, and I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt) participating in lewd acts of debauchery. And that does put them quite a few steps ahead than most celebrities. But as Christians in such an influential spot, I can barely fathom the impact they could have if they openly engaged with their faith just a little more for the world to see. Can you imagine how many people would but a Christian album of theirs, just because they’re the Jonas Brothers? Goodness, if I was them, I would be trying to slip in Jesus’ name in every single interview I ever did. I’d be so outspoken, because man, these are people’s lives at stake.
At least, I hope I would. I do have the perspective and maturity to understand that I am observing all of this from a fifth-hand point of view, and to quote the catchy theme song of a popular children’s television show, everything is not what it seems. Maybe it’s not so easy, but I suppose part of me can’t help but think that maybe they’re just not trying hard enough.
And to watch the Jonas Brothers’ appearance at Saddleback Church and to hear no explicit mention of Jesus Christ - I don’t understand that. Nick implored people to “make the commitment [he] made and not let [miscellaneous problems] slow [them] down.” Um, how about in times of trouble (or should I say “trying times”), seek God and keep your faith in Him? You’re at a Church service on Easter - it’s okay to say God’s name, Nick.
I guess I’m just a firm believer - no matter who you are - that it’s just not enough to say you’re a Christian. Even in Hollywood, I think claiming Christianity is hardly detrimental to your reputation (especially when you’re a Disney star). It’s when you’re really open with it, bold about it, letting it be so obvious in every faucet of your life that perhaps the persecution comes, but isn’t glorifying our Lord and sharing the Word so much more important than worldy success? If their fanbase or their Disney contract is what’s stopping the Jonas Brothers from releasing a Christian album or doing whatever, then I say “Screw it.” They have money, they have influence, they have power - they should at least give a try. But (in the words of Joe’s fake girlfriend) baby, that’s just me.
I just know that I dream of Hollywood so I can be a influential Christian in Hollywood. I don’t dream of fame. I dream of glorifying my Lord by using the talents He’s given me. And I will do my best to share the love of Christ in all I do - implicitly and explicitly. Definitely not saying that I’m better than anyone - I’m definitely not at all. I just wish I’d hear more about the Jonas Brothers and their faith. And I’m still praying for a Christian album out of them. And actually really praying for a Christian album out of Demi Lovato - that would have me musically set for life.
On a completely separate note, why does Nick talk like a 60 year old black man that grew up playing the blues in bars down South? Nick Jonas and Justin Bieber - the Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake of the tween generation.
And okay, I’m about to slip into super Christian mode right now, and I don’t care, but it honestly disgusts me to see a huge “I <3 Nick” banner at a Easter Church service. What?! That day is about JESUS, that service is about Jesus, and Nick Jonas is getting all of the glory? That just pisses me off. And not sure how I feel about a church service being turned into a Jonas Brothers concert, but at least people who may not have gone to church at all that day got a sermon, even if that was their original intent.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts.
Way to perform at a Church on Easter Sunday and not mention God at all, Jonas Brothers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMg79szKzLQ&feature=player_embedded
It’s one of those statements that borderline judgmental, I feel like. Maybe it completely dips in judgmental - I don’t know, but I can’t help but think these things sometimes. And I made an interesting discovery about myself -if I ever do find myself passing judgment, it’s not the non-Christians that I judge; it’s the Christians.
Either way, it’s wrong - I have no right to, and I like to think that I don’t do much judging, anyway. But being imperfect, a human sinner, I succumb to these thoughts every so often, and I hate that. I don’t want to judge anyone at all, ever. But these occasional thoughts stem from the fact that I just don’t understand. Christ is my LIFE, and I know I’m not always as open about Him as I should be, but what I aim to do with my life, I aim to do it for Him. So it’s hard to me to fathom how someone can be sitting at such a position of influence in an industry that everyone pays attention to, and not be so blatantly obvious about their faith. I’m not talking about just admitting to being a Christian - there’s so much more to our part in the world than that.
Some celebrities do a mighty fine job of it. I love following Tiffany Thornton on twitter - she’s explicit about her faith and mentions it often. But when it comes to the Jonas Brothers - yes, they stay out of trouble (at least as far as the public eye can tell) and flaunt their purity rings quite well, but four albums later, and you’ve got barely a handful of songs that maybe could be contributed to God? In interviews, on their twitters, wherever - they hardly talk about their faith anymore. They didn’t even mention God or Jesus in the “thank you” section of their latest album. At least Selena Gomez did that (don’t be surprised if you see a whole tumblr post about how I do like what she’s doing with her fame, for the most part). And Demi Lovato’s first paragraph in her thank you section is excellent.
I do commend them for whatever philanthropy work they do. For not being douchebags and having clean mouths and not (openly, at least, and I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt) participating in lewd acts of debauchery. And that does put them quite a few steps ahead than most celebrities. But as Christians in such an influential spot, I can barely fathom the impact they could have if they openly engaged with their faith just a little more for the world to see. Can you imagine how many people would but a Christian album of theirs, just because they’re the Jonas Brothers? Goodness, if I was them, I would be trying to slip in Jesus’ name in every single interview I ever did. I’d be so outspoken, because man, these are people’s lives at stake.
At least, I hope I would. I do have the perspective and maturity to understand that I am observing all of this from a fifth-hand point of view, and to quote the catchy theme song of a popular children’s television show, everything is not what it seems. Maybe it’s not so easy, but I suppose part of me can’t help but think that maybe they’re just not trying hard enough.
And to watch the Jonas Brothers’ appearance at Saddleback Church and to hear no explicit mention of Jesus Christ - I don’t understand that. Nick implored people to “make the commitment [he] made and not let [miscellaneous problems] slow [them] down.” Um, how about in times of trouble (or should I say “trying times”), seek God and keep your faith in Him? You’re at a Church service on Easter - it’s okay to say God’s name, Nick.
I guess I’m just a firm believer - no matter who you are - that it’s just not enough to say you’re a Christian. Even in Hollywood, I think claiming Christianity is hardly detrimental to your reputation (especially when you’re a Disney star). It’s when you’re really open with it, bold about it, letting it be so obvious in every faucet of your life that perhaps the persecution comes, but isn’t glorifying our Lord and sharing the Word so much more important than worldy success? If their fanbase or their Disney contract is what’s stopping the Jonas Brothers from releasing a Christian album or doing whatever, then I say “Screw it.” They have money, they have influence, they have power - they should at least give a try. But (in the words of Joe’s fake girlfriend) baby, that’s just me.
I just know that I dream of Hollywood so I can be a influential Christian in Hollywood. I don’t dream of fame. I dream of glorifying my Lord by using the talents He’s given me. And I will do my best to share the love of Christ in all I do - implicitly and explicitly. Definitely not saying that I’m better than anyone - I’m definitely not at all. I just wish I’d hear more about the Jonas Brothers and their faith. And I’m still praying for a Christian album out of them. And actually really praying for a Christian album out of Demi Lovato - that would have me musically set for life.
On a completely separate note, why does Nick talk like a 60 year old black man that grew up playing the blues in bars down South? Nick Jonas and Justin Bieber - the Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake of the tween generation.
And okay, I’m about to slip into super Christian mode right now, and I don’t care, but it honestly disgusts me to see a huge “I <3 Nick” banner at a Easter Church service. What?! That day is about JESUS, that service is about Jesus, and Nick Jonas is getting all of the glory? That just pisses me off. And not sure how I feel about a church service being turned into a Jonas Brothers concert, but at least people who may not have gone to church at all that day got a sermon, even if that was their original intent.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts.
You Know, Just an Easter Post.
From April 24, 2011
So this morning, this rabbit comes up to me with a basket full of eggs. Where he got these eggs, I don’t know (raiding innocent birds’ nests, no doubt). How this small creature is carrying a basket of eggs…not sure. There were a lot of questions here that didn’t get answered.
So this rabbit offers me an egg. Which is kind of just as sketchy as a random man in a back alley trying to offer me a pouch of unidentifiable substance. So I look at the bunny and go, “No thank you. I’ve already been given the most amazing gift ever - I don’t need your eggs.”
I mean, I like eggs as much as anyone, but this day is not about eggs. It’s about the ultimate sacrifice bred out of the most powerful love for the salvation of every single one of our souls. Jesus Christ didn’t come forth bearing eggs. No, He came forth with Himself - died for me so I wouldn’t have to, then defeated death and sin forever by rising to life again. No one else has ever died, rose again and then stayed alive. By rising again, Jesus dealt the final blow against sin. He made it so that we no longer have to be held bondage by its grasps. And now we get to live forever with Him, simply if we believe.
I don’t deserve it. None of us do. But He did it for us anyway. And I can literally say I’m eternally grateful. So you know, I think when we say “Happy Easter”, we gotta really dwell on what makes Easter so happy. It’s not hard-boiled eggs that will go rotten and useless in a week if we don’t eat them. It’s not about a creepy, personified rabbit - and really, rabbits are mammals: what are they doing with all those eggs?! Easter is about the most wonderful, incomparable act of love that was committed around 2000 years ago.
Completely innocent, Jesus died our sins when we should’ve had to die for our own sins. He died for us when most of the time, we don’t give Him nearly the love, attention, and devotion He deserves. He died for people who completely disregard Him, who blatantly blasphemy His name. Because whether we’re devoted to sainthood or ignore Him, He still loves us more than anyone could ever imagining loving another.
Now what rabbit with strange eggs do you know is gonna do that for you?
So this morning, this rabbit comes up to me with a basket full of eggs. Where he got these eggs, I don’t know (raiding innocent birds’ nests, no doubt). How this small creature is carrying a basket of eggs…not sure. There were a lot of questions here that didn’t get answered.
So this rabbit offers me an egg. Which is kind of just as sketchy as a random man in a back alley trying to offer me a pouch of unidentifiable substance. So I look at the bunny and go, “No thank you. I’ve already been given the most amazing gift ever - I don’t need your eggs.”
I mean, I like eggs as much as anyone, but this day is not about eggs. It’s about the ultimate sacrifice bred out of the most powerful love for the salvation of every single one of our souls. Jesus Christ didn’t come forth bearing eggs. No, He came forth with Himself - died for me so I wouldn’t have to, then defeated death and sin forever by rising to life again. No one else has ever died, rose again and then stayed alive. By rising again, Jesus dealt the final blow against sin. He made it so that we no longer have to be held bondage by its grasps. And now we get to live forever with Him, simply if we believe.
I don’t deserve it. None of us do. But He did it for us anyway. And I can literally say I’m eternally grateful. So you know, I think when we say “Happy Easter”, we gotta really dwell on what makes Easter so happy. It’s not hard-boiled eggs that will go rotten and useless in a week if we don’t eat them. It’s not about a creepy, personified rabbit - and really, rabbits are mammals: what are they doing with all those eggs?! Easter is about the most wonderful, incomparable act of love that was committed around 2000 years ago.
Completely innocent, Jesus died our sins when we should’ve had to die for our own sins. He died for us when most of the time, we don’t give Him nearly the love, attention, and devotion He deserves. He died for people who completely disregard Him, who blatantly blasphemy His name. Because whether we’re devoted to sainthood or ignore Him, He still loves us more than anyone could ever imagining loving another.
Now what rabbit with strange eggs do you know is gonna do that for you?
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