forgetting to not forget the platform

I tend to forget that Christianity is built on the platform of a single, historical event: the resurrection of Jesus. And I wonder how many in the world have really, truly explored this mysterious, unprecedented story of the resurrection that has rocked the world for the past 2,000 years. Perhaps, that's why it has lost its kick - it's become a story, somewhat of a fable that gets told from time to time. That's the danger of forgetting its significance. When a man journeys into Christianity, there are so many facets to be explored, so much doctrine to be learned, so much life to be changed, so much growth to be had. Yet, lest it be forgotten, the resurrection is the platform upon which Jesus of Nazareth staked his entire life's claims. This historical event is the reason why Christianity mustn't be left as a religion to be chosen among the menu of so many other religions in the world. No, the resurrection is the reason Jesus of Nazareth can be called Jesus Christ - the Messiah, the Redeemer, the Promised One, the Lord God. It's the silver bullet, if you will.

Coming out of Easter season, this truth has gripped me. Take Buddha, Mohammed, Joseph Smith, whomever, whenever, wherever and measure them to Jesus of Nazareth. Pound for pound, inch for inch, Jesus will be revealed through the historical evidence in the resurrection as the only one worthy of being followed. Why? Because He pinned His entire life's ministry, teachings, validation upon an event that could be and was witnessed. To remember this and to seek out that evidence has been refreshing.

The resurrection is refreshing because it validates Jesus. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, without the resurrection "faith is futile", we have no hope, and those who believe in it ought to be pitied above all men (1 Cor. 15:17,19). However, if it is true as the evidence points such, it is transformational and monumental.

I implore you to look into the resurrection. Research it, seek it out. The evidence demands a verdict. Without it, Christianity is nothing. With it, Christianity stands alone as a light in the darkness - the only platform upon which to stand.

the wonder of motherhood

Being it is Mother's Day and my wife just joined the ranks of Motherhood with the birth of our first son this past week, here are a couple thoughts. It is so easy to not be grateful for your parents and particularly your Mother. However, I have a new found, deep appreciation for my Mom after watching my wife the past week. Her willingness and endurance through the delivery of our baby spoke volumes of her love for someone not yet born who has no idea what is going on. Without knowing the child and who they will become, the Mother takes a great risk to subject herself to all kinds of pain for the greater joy of loving that child. It seems quite simple but it's much deeper than it appears. Thank your Mom, no matter who she is and what she's done throughout your life; good, bad, or indifferent. Her sacrifice and strength brought you into the world by the grace of God.

worth the while

this is worth far more of your time and effort to read this link than anything i'd ever write:

http://www.shaungroves.com/shlog/comments/pass_the_biscuits/

don't waver on your convictions. just respond in faith. by grace, my wife and i have been sponsors for several years and it's been a huge blessing.

the man in the mirror

It amazes me (to a certain degree) that Micheal Jackson nails truth with his song "Man In The Mirror". True change in the world we live in starts with #1. This has to be one of the most frustrating things for all of us finger-pointers. Isn't that our natural inclination - to point elsewhere and not accept the responsibility for what we are able to do? The truth is that we can only change what we control. It all starts with that person you see every morning in the mirror. I need to remember this constantly as I look to point the finger elsewhere.