Have you ever considered how it is that the message of Jesus is alive today? I’ve said before on this blog that my faith is in an event that I believe took place nearly 2000 years ago: the resurrection of Christ. It’s the basis of Christianity. If the event didn’t take place, then everything that Christians believe is worthless. Over the years, we have moved away from the message and turned Christianity into a behavioral contract. But if you examine the words of Peter, Paul, and other disciples, it’s not hard to see that the goal was to help people to understand and believe in the resurrection – not to get them to behave differently. Up to his final days, Paul spent his time not telling people how they needed to behave in a better way but sharing with them about Jesus. God’s ultimate goal isn’t for us to behave right. The earth isn’t a planet full of people who are out of line and who need to start following the rules. God’s goal is for your heart and for my heart to be reconciled to Him; He wants a relationship. And out of the overflow of that relationship, behavior does change. But that was never the goal; it’s simply a consequence. How is your heart? Does it need to be reconciled to God? All that’s required is a simple act of trust.
About Seth
Seth is a pastor, author, and speaker who lives in Batesville, Indiana. He is married to Kari, and they have two daughters, Madelyn and Noelle.
Good Day my fine Pastor. Is this a test? No updates for over a week? If it is a test sorry that I waited so long to respond. I do not check your blog every day but I try to keep up with the readings and see what yu are thinking. Was particularly interested in one of my favorite passages in Philippians 4. We love you man!
Ha ha! No test… just needed a break from writing! I’m still keeping up though – hope you are, too!