Comments on: Back to Basics Church… http://hopeforlife.org/2008/12/back_to_basics_church/ Thu, 17 May 2012 15:02:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Tony http://hopeforlife.org/2008/12/back_to_basics_church/comment-page-1/#comment-397 Tony Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://hopeforlife.dreamhosters.com/?p=66#comment-397 Perhaps it's difficult to find Jesus today because there are so many impersonators that his true identity has been lost in the shuffle. It seems that everyday someone is selling a new Jesus in a new wrapper, as if he was a commodity that could be improved upon or sold at a lower price. And, while I agree that finding joy is "not complicated...not elaborate", it's also disappointing. Too often putting my hope in Jesus has felt like a tricky shell game. Just when I think I have chosen the right Jesus I lift the shell to see that I've been deceived by another fast slight of the hand. How do we extricate ourselves from what seems to be a rickety path to joy? Perhaps just as important, who do we trust along this path to give genuine advice instead of the usual litany of proverbial joyful comments? Perhaps it’s difficult to find Jesus today because there are so many impersonators that his true identity has been lost in the shuffle. It seems that everyday someone is selling a new Jesus in a new wrapper, as if he was a commodity that could be improved upon or sold at a lower price. And, while I agree that finding joy is “not complicated…not elaborate”, it’s also disappointing. Too often putting my hope in Jesus has felt like a tricky shell game. Just when I think I have chosen the right Jesus I lift the shell to see that I’ve been deceived by another fast slight of the hand. How do we extricate ourselves from what seems to be a rickety path to joy? Perhaps just as important, who do we trust along this path to give genuine advice instead of the usual litany of proverbial joyful comments?

]]> By: Steve http://hopeforlife.org/2008/12/back_to_basics_church/comment-page-1/#comment-398 Steve Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000 http://hopeforlife.dreamhosters.com/?p=66#comment-398 Tony, It is true that sometimes it seems people, even Christians, are more concerned with marketing Jesus in a package that often seems too complex, too complicated. Two things have been very helpful to me as I seek to follow the real Jesus. I try to read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) often to see the real Jesus: how he treated people, how he lived, how he related to God. Secondly, I seek to find genuine followers of Jesus to give me advice. Does their life seem to reflect the Jesus I read about? Do they have joy, peace, purpose, and hope? Do they treat me, and others, like I think Jesus would? Not looking for perfect people, just those committed to following him in real and radical ways. There are people living authentic lives for Jesus all over this world. It is easy to put hope in things that look like Jesus but are not... especially at this time of year. He is more than a cute baby. He is the one who died so could have a relationship with God. And he calls us to die. I would love to continue this discussion or help you find people who will not just point the way to Jesus, but will walk with you on that journey. Let me know. steve Tony,

It is true that sometimes it seems people, even Christians, are more concerned with marketing Jesus in a package that often seems too complex, too complicated. Two things have been very helpful to me as I seek to follow the real Jesus. I try to read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) often to see the real Jesus: how he treated people, how he lived, how he related to God. Secondly, I seek to find genuine followers of Jesus to give me advice. Does their life seem to reflect the Jesus I read about? Do they have joy, peace, purpose, and hope? Do they treat me, and others, like I think Jesus would? Not looking for perfect people, just those committed to following him in real and radical ways. There are people living authentic lives for Jesus all over this world. It is easy to put hope in things that look like Jesus but are not… especially at this time of year. He is more than a cute baby. He is the one who died so could have a relationship with God. And he calls us to die.

I would love to continue this discussion or help you find people who will not just point the way to Jesus, but will walk with you on that journey. Let me know.

steve

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