Jesus: Religion or Reality?
In this week's episode I talk about the difference between "Jesus: the religion" and "Jesus: the reality". After two thousand years of church history, I ask if we have fallen into the trap that the apostle Paul warned us against by being embroiled in "vain discussions" that lead us away from our faith?
Jesus called his followers to simply believe in him. He said that his sheep hear his voice, but if we are distracted by too many other voices we may not be able to hear him call. I talk about some of the visceral experiences I have had with Christ over the past few years that lead me know the reality of his existence. These experiences led me to have more faith in him as a person, who is available to all who would call on him, even today.
Bible references:
Warnings Against Vain Discussions, Quarrels Over Words & Irreverent Babble (1 Timothy 1:6, 6:4, 6:20); Jesus Confronts the Pharisees (Matthew 15:1-20, 22:23-33, 23:1-36); False Apostles ( 2 Corinthians 11 & Galatians 1:6-10, 2 Peter 2:1-22) World in Power of Evil One (1 John 5:19); Known By Fruits (Matthew 7:15-20); Foolish Shame Wise ( 1 Corinthians 1:27); Listen & Obey (1 Samuel 15:22); Keep Mouth Shut (Proverbs 21:23, 10:19) Bridle Your Tongue (James 1:26); Tongue Stuck to Roof of Mouth (Ezekiel 3:26) I Will Give You Rest (Matthew 11:28) Sleep & Dwell in Safety (Psalm 4:8); He Gives to His Beloved Sleep (Psalm 127:2); Returning & Rest You Shall Be Saved (Isaiah 30:15); Hear Word of God & Do it (Luke 11:28); Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 33:8, Job 4:6); I Know Only Christ (1 Corinthians 2:1-2); Cross Folly to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23); Boast in Knowing Lord (Jeremiah 9:23); They Refused to Know Me (Jeremiah 9:6); Here I Am (Isaiah 65:1) They Know Me Not (Jeremiah 4:22); Faces Like Rock (Jeremiah 5:3) Acknowledge Your Guilt (Jeremiah 3:13)Judgement on Unrepentant (Jeremiah 2:35); Stiff-Necked People (Exodus 33:3 & 32:9, Proverbs 29:1, 2 Chronicles 30:8) Face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6); Steadfast Love & Faithfulness (Lamentation 3:22-23, Psalms 26:3, 117:1-2, 86:15); Jesus Only Way to God (John 14:6); Simply Believe in Jesus (John 6:28-29, 6:35, 6:40; 6:47); New Heart & New Spirit (Ezekiel 11:19 & 36:26, Jeremiah 31:33); Clean Heart & Right Spirit (Psalm 51:10); Renewal of Mind (Romans 12:2); Sin, Iniquity, Transgression (Psalm 51:1-4); All Sinned & Fallen Short (Romans 3:23); Sacrifice of Gd a Broken Spirit (Psalm 51:16-17); Satan Exalts Himself (Isaiah 14:12-14); The Fall of Adam & Eve (Genesis 3).
Other Books:
The Pursuit of God - A.W Tozer
The Sign of Jonas - Thomas Merton
