Crowns of Blessing

Following Jesus is easy and clear—until it isn't! What I mean by that is when someone first receives Jesus as Savior, the issue is usually very simple: "Do you want to be forgiven of your sins and commit to following Jesus?" The answer is usually, "Yes, I do." However, at some point, when the new convert begins to struggle against the sin that is their life, or they struggle with biblical teachings that challenge them, they begin to realize just how 'extreme' this Christian faith can become!

 

The 'extreme' nature of the faith occurs in at least two areas of life. First, the beliefs that lead to salvation are quite extreme. We believe that our salvation is based on the truths of the Gospel: God came in the flesh as the infant Jesus and lived a sinless life. When he was about 33 years old, though, he was crucified by the Roman government, buried, and then came back to life after three days in the grave. This was God's way of offering us cleansing from our sins and a chance at a better life now, as well as an eternal life with Him after our life on this earth is over. This is an extreme set of beliefs!

 

The other area where the faith becomes extreme is how we live our daily lives. God calls us to not only learn some of the spiritual beliefs of the faith but also expects us to live our lives based upon those beliefs! The self-control of our emotions and passions and offering love and forgiveness to others are to be valued by those who follow Jesus. He also calls us to give up part of our lives to serve others in the name of Jesus, help those in need, and proclaim the message of Jesus to anyone who will listen.

 

This is an extreme faith! It is much more than just "listen and learn." It is also "practice and do!" When we live as God calls us to live, our lives are better. God blesses us, and we can even become a blessing to those around us.

 

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Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.