IS THERE SOMETHING MISSING IN YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE?
Many Christians feel that something is missing in their Christian life. They are tired of trying to live the Christian life. They are tired of religion with all its traditions and rituals and rules and obligations. Christianity has lost its joy and purpose for them. Some try their whole life to revive that lost feeling and joy they once had. Unfortunately, some cling harder to traditions and rituals while others go on a search for some missing link or secret that would take them to a higher plane. Sadly, there are yet others who just give up on Christianity altogether and go their own way. Christian life is no secret! Jesus gave the open secret in John 15 – It’s HIM! Christianity is Christ. As long as we stay focused upon Him and connected to Him, life flows through us and everything is provided at the right time and in the right way.
Where are the Vikings? (Men in Church)
Ever wonder why all the disciples that Jesus called were men? Why was that? Was it because Jesus was just a product of His time? Was He just a patriarchal rabbi who looked down upon women? Contrary all such notions, Jesus actually treated women with a lot more respect than any of the religious leaders of His time. In fact, He elevated the status of women. Many women followed Him and were the first ones to receive news of the resurrection. So what’s the reason? This weekend we will answer this very relevant question. It will help us understand why men are missing in most of our churches in America. It will also help us understand why Christianity is shriveling in America.
HARD HEADED PEOPLE
In our series on the life of Christ we come to the passage where Jesus called Peter. We typically think of the passage where Peter and his brother Andrew were by the Sea of Galilee mending their nets and Jesus called them to follow Him. We picture them dropping their nets and following Him immediately. Many of us have heard wonderful messages on the need to follow Jesus immediately. Only problem – did you know that there are 4 different accounts of Jesus’ interaction with Peter?!!
The point is – it took 4 different callings (at least that many are actually recorded in the gospels) before Peter left all and followed Jesus. The message is that God is more gracious than we realize. He works with us and draws us to Himself, even when we keep turning back. We don’t deserve anything but His wrath. God is so compassionate and patient towards us. It’s time to turn to Him and follow Him.