Tag: church

I’m not bold. I do not like to share every detail of my life on social media.

If you know me, you probably know that I am a Christian. That I was raised in a Christian church by a Christian family. Those wise by this world’s standards might deem it a mental crutch or unpopular today.

Which is fine. I never cared about popularity anyway.

I was speaking with a friend who’s from another country because they had asked me about church (I had tried a new church that morning). He asked if it was a different religion or connected to other churches I had been to.

I answered and asked him how it was where he’s from. In Europe, the churches are historic and beautiful and practically museums. But he simply shrugged and said that people don’t really go to church. He said that people might believe, but they aren’t “outspoken” about it. He referred to religion – Christianity – as being a passing fancy. A phase the world went through, and he spoke as if it was losing its popularity.

As if The Bible hasn’t been the best-selling book throughout history.

As if wars haven’t happened because of it.

As if people aren’t being persecuted – to this day – because of it.

As if a small country still isn’t the most controversial country in history.

As if the Name of Jesus isn’t the most controversial, popular and beloved figure throughout history.

As if Christianity is just a pleasant label for a simple-minded belief and being a follower of Jesus is just a term and a crutch, and not an all-consuming fire of the most important relationship anyone could ever be blessed to be chosen to have.

As if this world simply exists for us and our own pleasure, and there isn’t hope.

Seeing a person I’ve known since I was little speak in such a dismissive matter literally made my heart ache. For him and his dismissive view. And for Europe and the fading church. For the people in countries where the Bible is banned, and who do anything to simply read a page of it – and are overjoyed when they do. And for this country I’ve been born in, which was founded so we could have the freedom to boldly worship – but we’re more into what influencers are telling us to believe than in picking up the Word of God and letting that influence us. We’re more into our right to choose than what the Creator of the World says for us to obey.

I love Jesus with all my heart, soul and strength. Not because of a beautiful church building. Not because of eloquent words that a church elder might string together. Not because of a community of lukewarm Christian-labeled Sunday-goers.

I love Jesus because He is Lord. I love Jesus because, though I’ve lost those I love the most in this world, He has never left me or forsaken me. I love Jesus because though I am a wretched anxious  sinner, He came here and took my place, He bore all of my sins and sickness on the cross, and conquered death. He took my punishment. And on top of everything, He gives me eternity and I get to see my loved ones again. I love Him because He created dogs and gave them their quirky personalities. I love Him because of my Jesus-following friends who are not afraid to pray bold prayers that shake the heavens and be raw with life. I love Him because He makes the sun rise and the sun set and the stars dance along the sky; all the while creating the most beautiful sky-paintings no earthly artist could ever begin to compete with.

I love Him because He gives us His Word.

I love Him because no matter how many times I read it, there is always something new to be discovered. It is the living Word of God.

I love Him because His Word says He adopts us. Those who accept Jesus into their hearts are adopted – are born again!

I love Him because, right before I was at my darkest point of loss, I heard His still, small, ocean-wave-overwhelming voice say, “Do not be afraid.” I had no idea why. Then I did.

I love Him because He is a God who sees and a King who cares.

I love Jesus because in spite of the how horrible, messy, sad, angry and destructive this world gets, he bore the hate of it first. He bore our death. And He has overcome the world.

I love Him because the King of Kings – the only leader who has ever truly been just – is so completely merciful and loving that He has done everything He could to give us the hope of eternity. If only we pick up our crosses and follow Him.

I love Him because though I have lost everyone and everything; He is my everything and He is enough.

I love Him because I know my love is insufficient. But it was never about my love for Him. It Is about is love for me. For all of us.

King Jesus is not a passing fancy. He is the Almighty Great I Am and He is coming soon.

I dare you to step out of your formal motions and eloquent speech (though I know God is worthy of all formality). I dare you to come to Jesus broken, with all of your pain, all of your sin and grief. I dare you to be raw with God who also says you are His beloved child. Who also promises to be your Friend who sticks closer than a brother and to be a Father to the fatherless. Pick up the book that He provided for you – and maybe read the rawness of the Psalms and ponder why King David who penned them – noting his sin, failures, and asking God to ‘slap his enemies in the face’ – was the apple of His eye. Then go to John and see the Word. The Word who was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone…”

“The Light shines in the darkness. And the darkness can never extinguish it.” – John 1

If you do anything, don’t fall for the formality of formal fancy churches that are fading. Do not fall for religion and labels. Fall in love with the one who Created you, for He will never fail you.

Strive to know the Author and Perfector. Find a church passionately on fire for Him. And be the church on fire for Him.

Know Jesus. Seek Him. If you sincerely do, His Word promises that He will be found by you.