Tomorrow is Christmas, the day we celebrate as the birthday of Jesus. And while this day is crucial to Christendom, it is only the second most important day in history. In the words of Dr. Sanders, "No Easter, no Christmas."
Jesus came to die on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, but more than that, so much more than that, He came to rise in power as the Lord, conquring Sin, Death, and Hell forever. If Jesus had never risen from the dead, no one would ever celebrate His birth because without the resurrection the brith of Jesus is meaningless, He would be just another baby born.
I love the movie Brave Heart, I'm a guy, and the warrior spirit of William Wallace is one that captivates my heart and soul. Towards the end of the movie as Wallace is in prison awaiting execution he gives the most powerful quote of the movie, "Every man dies, not every man really lives." Every one has been born, everyone will die, but becasue of Easter, everyone has the opportunity to really live.
Because of Jesus and the sacrifice He made to defeat Sin, Death, and Hell, true life is available. He came to die as the Savior and Rise as the Lord. This Christmas as you celebrate with friends and family, or remember loved ones who are no longer with you, remember the real meaning of the day. God became man, not to rule the world as the King He is, but to show us the way we are to live life. He came to buy back what was already His by giving His blood, and He came to fight the decisive battle of all eternity.
Tomorrow, remember the reason that He came, becasue without that reason tomorrow would be just another day.
Merry Christmas, Happy Easter
Peace be with you
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Not a Denomination
A few weeks ago I preached at my dad's church, I reused a sermon, honestly one of the best ones I've written to date, and afterwards one of the ladies came up to me and was telling me what a great job I did. Then she made a statement that really bothered me, "That's Nazarene" refering to the sermon. She's one of those people who you just let talk in order to avoid a discussion you can't win, so I didn't say what I was thinking, but that thought that entered my mind was, "No, that's the Bible."
I know I've shared this with a few people before, but I hate denominations, and honestly I'm not living for a denomination. Yes, I was raised in the Church of the Nazarene, my education is Nazarene, my credentials are in the Church of the Nazarene, and they are the denomination I agree most with when you look at the foundaion of it, what it has become is a seperate issue. But I don't live for the Church of the Nazarene.
Denominations aren't going to go away, they can't becasue people are different. One person will say that a certain passage of Scripture means this, while someone else will say it means something completely different, and both of them could be completely wrong, the point is we are creative people with the ability to think, and because of that we will disagree. Maybe when we all take our thoughts, that line up with the character of God and the rest of Scripture, and put them together, that's when we arrive at something close to the truth.
I don't live for a denomination, but for the God that the denomination is supposed to be about. One of my professors once said, "All churches, all denominations, tend to fall in love with themselves, and that is the greatest form of idolotry." The denomination losses site of what they were founded for, what they were made to do. That is what my sermon series on Philippians is trying to show.
To illustrate, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is perhaps the holiest site in Christendom. It is built over the traditional site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The church is literally falling apart, and the keys to the church are held by a Muslim family. Within the church are six different denominations, and this is what is destroying the church.
Nothing can be done in the church because of the power struggle between denominations. There is a ladder on the front of the church that has been there since at least 1852.
http://atlasobscura.com/place/immovable-ladder-church-holy-sepulchre
Denominations are ruining this Holy place. When I was there I had the opportunity to knee under an altar where they say the cross stood, the only words I could get out where "Thank you" yet in this same building denominations struggle for control.
When will we set aside our pride and arrogance and simply humbly fall into service building the Kingdom?
Peace be with you
I know I've shared this with a few people before, but I hate denominations, and honestly I'm not living for a denomination. Yes, I was raised in the Church of the Nazarene, my education is Nazarene, my credentials are in the Church of the Nazarene, and they are the denomination I agree most with when you look at the foundaion of it, what it has become is a seperate issue. But I don't live for the Church of the Nazarene.
Denominations aren't going to go away, they can't becasue people are different. One person will say that a certain passage of Scripture means this, while someone else will say it means something completely different, and both of them could be completely wrong, the point is we are creative people with the ability to think, and because of that we will disagree. Maybe when we all take our thoughts, that line up with the character of God and the rest of Scripture, and put them together, that's when we arrive at something close to the truth.
I don't live for a denomination, but for the God that the denomination is supposed to be about. One of my professors once said, "All churches, all denominations, tend to fall in love with themselves, and that is the greatest form of idolotry." The denomination losses site of what they were founded for, what they were made to do. That is what my sermon series on Philippians is trying to show.
To illustrate, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is perhaps the holiest site in Christendom. It is built over the traditional site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The church is literally falling apart, and the keys to the church are held by a Muslim family. Within the church are six different denominations, and this is what is destroying the church.
Nothing can be done in the church because of the power struggle between denominations. There is a ladder on the front of the church that has been there since at least 1852.
http://atlasobscura.com/place/immovable-ladder-church-holy-sepulchre
Denominations are ruining this Holy place. When I was there I had the opportunity to knee under an altar where they say the cross stood, the only words I could get out where "Thank you" yet in this same building denominations struggle for control.
When will we set aside our pride and arrogance and simply humbly fall into service building the Kingdom?
Peace be with you
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Journey with the Trinity
I wrote this several years ago at a time when I was going through major depression. It was through this that God showed me He was always with me as warrior, protector, deliverer and friend. Whoever this is for, just know that you are never alone, and that God is always there.
Journey with the Trinity
Inspired by God October 29, 2003
Written by William Gunsalus
October 29, 2003-July 11, 2004
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
-Matthew 11: 28-30
Journey with the Trinity
In my dream one night I saw a traveler, weak, hurt, hungry, and lost. He struggled beneath the many burdens he carried, some for most of his life. What was he seeking, what did he long for? He wanted rest, he wanted relief, he wanted to find an eternal place where he would feel no pain, and bear no burdens.
Then in my dream a man came to the traveler. He offered him bread and wine to restore his strength. The traveler gladly accepted this free gift, and when he had finished the man healed the traveler’s pains. Then the man asked, “What are you seeking and why are you so weary?” The traveler answered him, “I seek a place of rest and comfort, and I seek relief from my burdens.” The man responded, “Come, I will take you to my father; He will lead you to the place you desire. I will take your burdens from you and carry them for you.” The traveler jumped up and immediately gave the man the largest burdens he carried; however, he kept three small ones with him, not willing to give them up yet.
The man led the traveler along a straight and easy path. Even carrying the traveler’s heaviest burdens didn’t tire him. The traveler followed willingly behind curious to see the one who would finally lead him to eternal rest. The man stopped at the base of a mountain, which had a path leading up winding around it. At the start of the path stood two other men, one was powerful with a mighty sword in his right hand, and armor on his body. The other man was dressed in white robes, and wore a friendly smile on his face. The traveler turned to the man who had come to him and asked, “Who are these men, and who are you?” The man answered him, “I am the Son. I bring freedom, deliverance, and help to those who need it; and to those who accept it I give unconditionally and abundantly. The man with the armor is my Father. He will lead you to your desired destination, and clear many dangers form your way. The other man is the comforter and councilor. He will walk beside you on this journey and will help and encourage you along the way. I the son will come behind you. I will protect you from the things you have left in your past, and deliver you from any struggles you encounter on the way.”
I saw the four of them begin the journey. The father, going first, cleared the path of all dangers that the young traveler couldn’t have overcome. He led by example and clearly marked dangerous areas that the traveler should avoid. The traveler and the counselor went next. The traveler was strong and excited at first, but as the journey continued he began to tire. The counselor encouraged him, and he received strength from his words. The counselor also helped the man with the journey itself. If the traveler stumbled over a rock or log on the path he caught him. And if the traveler didn’t know whether to avoid an area or not the counselor advised him. The son came last and carried the traveler’s burdens easily. He protected him from the things he had left behind. Nothing could get by him to attack the traveler.
The traveler still carried his three small burdens, and as they went he dropped one in an area the father had marked to avoid. He ignored the warning and the advice of the counselor and went in after it. Suddenly he found himself in total darkness and began to sink in a patch of quicksand. He called out for help and the son came immediately and pulled him out. The traveler apologized for his disobedience and failure, and gave the son two of the three burdens he still carried.
The traveler grew stronger as his journey continued. He was now able to easily see the marks the father had made warning of danger, and avoided them. Once as he passed one of these areas he dropped his one remaining burden. He thought for a moment, and then walked on leaving it there. As the son walked by he smiled, proud that the traveler had left his final burden for him to take, picked it up, and walked on.
Finally the group came to the top of the mountain, and before them stood a magnificent city. The traveler could tell that there was no pain or suffering here. This was the place he sought. As he approached the city gates the father told the gatekeeper, “He has accepted my son’s offer, and he has followed my ways. Let him enter.” Then he turned to the traveler and said, “You have persevered through the struggles of the journey. Well done good and faithful servant, come join in the reward that has been prepared for you.” The gatekeeper opened the gate and let him enter. Finally after all his struggles he was home. The traveler then turned to the son and asked, “What about all the others left down there, will they reach this glorious paradise?” At this question the son looked sad; a painful realization flooded his mind. “No,” he responded, “some will reject the gift I offer, others won’t learn that it is available for them, and others will wait to long. One day it will be too late for them, one day the gates will close and no one else will enter the city.” The traveler began to weep. Some of his tears were joyous for himself; he had found the way and entered the city. Other tears were wept in sadness for those who would never enter. They were doomed to eternal suffering.
Then I awoke with two questions racing through my mind. The first was am I ready to enter the city if my journey ends right now? Yes, I have made my peace with God, and I am following after him. The second is how will I help others begin the journey? I leave you with these two thoughts: If your journey ended today, would you be ready? And, what are you going to do to help others begin the journey?
.
Journey with the Trinity
Inspired by God October 29, 2003
Written by William Gunsalus
October 29, 2003-July 11, 2004
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
-Matthew 11: 28-30
Journey with the Trinity
In my dream one night I saw a traveler, weak, hurt, hungry, and lost. He struggled beneath the many burdens he carried, some for most of his life. What was he seeking, what did he long for? He wanted rest, he wanted relief, he wanted to find an eternal place where he would feel no pain, and bear no burdens.
Then in my dream a man came to the traveler. He offered him bread and wine to restore his strength. The traveler gladly accepted this free gift, and when he had finished the man healed the traveler’s pains. Then the man asked, “What are you seeking and why are you so weary?” The traveler answered him, “I seek a place of rest and comfort, and I seek relief from my burdens.” The man responded, “Come, I will take you to my father; He will lead you to the place you desire. I will take your burdens from you and carry them for you.” The traveler jumped up and immediately gave the man the largest burdens he carried; however, he kept three small ones with him, not willing to give them up yet.
The man led the traveler along a straight and easy path. Even carrying the traveler’s heaviest burdens didn’t tire him. The traveler followed willingly behind curious to see the one who would finally lead him to eternal rest. The man stopped at the base of a mountain, which had a path leading up winding around it. At the start of the path stood two other men, one was powerful with a mighty sword in his right hand, and armor on his body. The other man was dressed in white robes, and wore a friendly smile on his face. The traveler turned to the man who had come to him and asked, “Who are these men, and who are you?” The man answered him, “I am the Son. I bring freedom, deliverance, and help to those who need it; and to those who accept it I give unconditionally and abundantly. The man with the armor is my Father. He will lead you to your desired destination, and clear many dangers form your way. The other man is the comforter and councilor. He will walk beside you on this journey and will help and encourage you along the way. I the son will come behind you. I will protect you from the things you have left in your past, and deliver you from any struggles you encounter on the way.”
I saw the four of them begin the journey. The father, going first, cleared the path of all dangers that the young traveler couldn’t have overcome. He led by example and clearly marked dangerous areas that the traveler should avoid. The traveler and the counselor went next. The traveler was strong and excited at first, but as the journey continued he began to tire. The counselor encouraged him, and he received strength from his words. The counselor also helped the man with the journey itself. If the traveler stumbled over a rock or log on the path he caught him. And if the traveler didn’t know whether to avoid an area or not the counselor advised him. The son came last and carried the traveler’s burdens easily. He protected him from the things he had left behind. Nothing could get by him to attack the traveler.
The traveler still carried his three small burdens, and as they went he dropped one in an area the father had marked to avoid. He ignored the warning and the advice of the counselor and went in after it. Suddenly he found himself in total darkness and began to sink in a patch of quicksand. He called out for help and the son came immediately and pulled him out. The traveler apologized for his disobedience and failure, and gave the son two of the three burdens he still carried.
The traveler grew stronger as his journey continued. He was now able to easily see the marks the father had made warning of danger, and avoided them. Once as he passed one of these areas he dropped his one remaining burden. He thought for a moment, and then walked on leaving it there. As the son walked by he smiled, proud that the traveler had left his final burden for him to take, picked it up, and walked on.
Finally the group came to the top of the mountain, and before them stood a magnificent city. The traveler could tell that there was no pain or suffering here. This was the place he sought. As he approached the city gates the father told the gatekeeper, “He has accepted my son’s offer, and he has followed my ways. Let him enter.” Then he turned to the traveler and said, “You have persevered through the struggles of the journey. Well done good and faithful servant, come join in the reward that has been prepared for you.” The gatekeeper opened the gate and let him enter. Finally after all his struggles he was home. The traveler then turned to the son and asked, “What about all the others left down there, will they reach this glorious paradise?” At this question the son looked sad; a painful realization flooded his mind. “No,” he responded, “some will reject the gift I offer, others won’t learn that it is available for them, and others will wait to long. One day it will be too late for them, one day the gates will close and no one else will enter the city.” The traveler began to weep. Some of his tears were joyous for himself; he had found the way and entered the city. Other tears were wept in sadness for those who would never enter. They were doomed to eternal suffering.
Then I awoke with two questions racing through my mind. The first was am I ready to enter the city if my journey ends right now? Yes, I have made my peace with God, and I am following after him. The second is how will I help others begin the journey? I leave you with these two thoughts: If your journey ended today, would you be ready? And, what are you going to do to help others begin the journey?
.
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