A friend of Jesus

Trying to understand and follow Jesus, so I can help others follow Him too. http://www.hibm.uk

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[afriendofjesus]

Today

Today I am disillusioned. I have always believed in Jesus, and would call myself a Christian. But I no longer like what I call Christianity in the West. It is hard, condemning and judgmental. It is self righteous and not afraid to hurt those who do not believe the same. I am unsure whether God is in it anymore. We hear that God is love, but it seems conditional, and there are those who will never get into the Kingdom. And even if they could others shut them out.

Jesus lived with outcasts and those who never made it to the religious elite. He cared for those around him and made time for them. He didn’t condemn those who were just looking. He had eyes that saw the pain and the suffering and reached out to them.

Despite being disillusioned I will just sit with those who are suffering, those who are lost, the outcast. I will listen and maybe encourage. I want people to feel valued and loved for that is what it is about. And maybe I will learn something new, and have people that genuinely care about me too, well I hope.

Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash

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Caring for our neighbour

The question at the moment for Christians – should we meet during this time of lockdown? Should Christians defy the government and meet?

The problem is that there is this virus and it is easily transmitted between people. So if we meet in our churches and just one person is infected then the people who are too close to this individual might get it too. And there is a possibility that some of those who get it will die, while the others will pass it on. Surely knowing this we should take all precautions not to spread it and listen to the advice that the government gives us.

Yes there is frustration and we could look and say we are being treated badly while others are not. But that is not an excuse to risk to infect others.

With my own faith in God, I believe that we should care about our family and neighbours, with not getting too close, but also be a friend and care. Maybe that is shopping for them, or chatting over the phone or possibly over a safe distance.

Do not tire of doing good, and lets all look after each other

Photo by Nina Strehl on Unsplash

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Anger

Anger controls us. We want certain things from life that give us value and meaning.

When those things are not achieved we get angry and blame others for our situation. We feel that we are not being satisfied by those who we think should supply our needs, dreams and desires. We should put our anger down and strive to serve other, supplying their needs. Sometimes a choice that is painful. In extreme cases we might have to drop a relationship that is winding us up and making us feel unhappy. Sometimes we are too committed to those around us and we just need to find a way of controlling our anger.

Photo by Christian Erfurt on Unsplash

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Listening

Psalms 1:1 (NLT)  Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

Have I allowed myself to be influenced by the words of the world. Has it corrupted me and now I freely accept any voice that speaks to me. Or do I question and seek what God would say.

Photo by davide ragusa on Unsplash

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Serving

1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)  

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

May I be motivated by genuine love. Where I care and give myself to others in service. That I would be honest and do all I can to help people see a better life following Jesus. That I would strive to be like Jesus.

Photo by Anna Earl on Unsplash

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Talking with men who are stuck in porn say how difficult it is to talk to their own church. They are either condemned or given a fix that doesn't work. Maybe we should create a community where we journey with our brothers. Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash

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If someone shares their heart with you. Listen, understand and care for them. Follow them up and be their friend. Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

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Who is Jesus?

Galatians 1v7

Who is Jesus? Do we really know him? Have we lost who he is by what we observe and think? Find the real Jesus by examining his life in the Gospels and New Testament, and through what others say of him. If what others say of him is not reflected in the Gospels and New Testament then reject it.

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Salvation

Galatians 1v6

Am I turning away from God? Am I placing conditions on my salvation? God offers salvation as a gift with no conditions.

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Glory

Galatians 1v5

Where is the glory in your life going? Is it going to God or to ourselves?

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Wrong

Galatians 1v4

Jesus died for the wrong we have done. This means we are rescued from the evil world in which we live in. When we recognise our sin, we choose not to do evil, in doing so we stop sinning. We will want to flee from evil.

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Called

Galations 1v1:

When we are called, we are called by Jesus and God alone. No one else does this calling. People can advise but they have no right to stop God’s call in your life. The call will probably not be easy but a life of service which will have a cost. The cost may be small or large. Our responsibility is to follow the call wherever it leads us.

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Jesus carries his cross

John 19v17 (NIV) - Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull.

The weight of life. We carry it. But we do not need to do that alone. Jesus has been there before us, he knows what it is like and he felt the full pressure that led to his death. If you are weighed down. Trust Jesus, ask him for his help and follow him.

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Jesus is condemned to death

John 19v16: Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified.

How do you feel if you knew in the next few days you were going to die, and it was going to be a horrible death, which would last many hours of agonising pain.

Jesus did this, he suffered it and he did it so you can know God. He got rid of the thing that separated us, causing our self reliance and our desire to do as we please no matter who it hurts. The thing we call sin. The breaking of peace with God, others and with ourselves. Jesus is calling you back.

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Luke 9:23 (ESV): If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

So many promise us an easy life and things will change for the better, even in Christian circles. But that is not what Jesus is saying, he is inviting us to a hard life where Jesus is the focus.

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Luke 8:49–50 (ESV): “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

When things seem hopeless and they have reached a natural end, keep believing and relying on Jesus. Miracles will happen.