raising the question of...

I would love to hear everyone who reads this response.

Here is the question:

Do you think that all sin is equal in the eyes of God?

whether you are a Christian or not, I am interested to hear everyone's opinion. I recently had this discussion with a great friend of mine. And it left me thinking. I will reserve my answer and opinion on this topic for my next post, so that it does not change anyone's mind on how to answer. Thanks!

-Brenda

what is your race?

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." [Hebrews 12:1-3]

This was the scripture Bryan spoke on tonight at our young adult's service, The Continuum, and it was very refreshing. I enjoy hearing sermons, and flipping to the passage the speaker is speaking on, and finding that I have already underlined it, yet hearing a new perspective each time.

Bmax/Bryan always does an amazing job when he speaks, however tonight was one that did it for me. He touched on a lot of key points in this specific passage, a few stood out to me though. We've all heard it been said many of times, "the Christian life is like running a race to reach the Prize". When this imagery was brought up tonight it got me thinking. As Christians, essentially, we are running this race in our life. A race that will lead us to a prize of eternity with our Creator. A race, where along the way, we have our fellow brothers & sisters in the stands, cheering us on; encouraging us if we fall, to get right back up. A race, where Jesus is like our coach, running alongside us the entire time, with a water cup in hand if we become thirsty. A race, where at the finish line, we see our Father with His arms stretched wide open saying, "Well done, good & faithful servant!".

Now of course running is not the easiest. It takes training, and pain. Often it takes you to fall a few times; get some bruises & scrapes on your knees to become stronger and faster. But aren't those some of the better times? The times that you can look back and see that if it weren't for those times, you wouldn't have grown? That's how I like to look at my race.

In Hebrews, the author [whom we do not know for certain], makes a very important point about this race. In reference to our sin as weight. We need to rid ourselves of it, though it clings so tightly to us. It is pure weight, slowing us down. Obviously it sounds a lot easier than it really is. But let that not be our excuse, friends! That's why the author says to run this race "looking to JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith". He is there to guide and lead us to victory! Plus, He is awesome enough to provide us brothers & sisters along the way to build us up and push us when needed. Man, God is amazing :]

Lastly, in verse 3 it reads, "Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." I really like those two words. Such encouragement. Through the toughest of our battles, that is what we ought to do. "Consider Him." Just consider what the cost of the Cross was. Consider the price He paid SO THAT we would not grow weary. WOW. 9 years later, and I am still in awe of the God I serve.

So, whether you are a Christian or not, or maybe in a confused state of mind, you should still be asking yourself, what is your race? We all have one. And if you know your race, then what is your end-prize? What is awaiting you at the finish line? Because once you know that answer, is that worth living for? Worth fighting everyday of your existence for? If not, you may want to start considering running a different race.

I know the race I am running is life fulfilling and so encouraging, and I am so grateful for those of you running with me and cheering me on, every step of the way.

Be blessed.

being challenged

i listened to a man speak about absolute truth last night. Raising the question of "is there a general standard of right & wrong"? He also played a video of normal people out on the streets, and their answers to this question. I was surprised by all variety of answers people were giving. Some would say yes, some would say it depends, and some would say no. Then he gave his perspective on the question. From a Christian perspective, he went on to say that there is absolute truths. Up until very recently in my 9 years of being a Christian, I have become more open minded to the possibility that there is not absolutes when you are a Christ follower. Now, hold on, before you get all crazy on me- :] - I am not saying that I agree with the fact that there are not absolutes, I am just stating the fact that I am listening more to what other Christ followers believe, and challenging myself in what I believe, especially when our two answers don't match up. I think that is how we should be as Christians. I think that is how Jesus wants us to be.
On Thanksgiving, I was so grateful to take part in a wonderful, loving, conversation on the topic of prop 8 & homosexuality; and where we as individual Christians stood on these issues. I say it was wonderful and loving because we all had so much respect for one another, and it really challenged me to be more open minded to hearing what others have to say. Again, this is not me saying that I have changed any of my views, however just that I am being more of an understanding, loving Christ follower. Well, at least I am trying to.
Even though our views and perspectives on the Bible and God's commandments are very crucial to being a Christian, it is not the most important part. I love this scripture, because it is so comforting to me in times of confusion & debate.
Matthew 22:36-40 [the Pharisees went to Jesus, and a lawyer asked Him this to test Him]
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."

I just think it is rad that Jesus says this. Overall, THIS is what matters the MOST. Christianity in its simplicity: LOVE GOD. LOVE OTHERS.