Radical implications

There are so many radical implications of Jesus' resurrection, for his disciples, but these are the vital paradigm shifts that take place following Jesus' appearances. 

He changes their fear to courage.

He challenges their doubts in order to move them deeper into faith.

He reveals the truth of his bodily appearance in order to remind them that He has not abandoned them.

He reminds them of their call to mission.

He empowers them with the gifts of 'peace' and the 'Spirit.'

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. (Luke 24)

As we reflect on these implications how many of these are still vital for us in our own personal faith?

I would guess that they are ALL necessary for us.

What do you think?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Make the right change

                                                

I was reflecting this week on how sometimes we procrastinate in make a change in some areas of our lives - either through laziness, ignorance or just simply disobedience. If you want to watch me confess one of my embarassing moments along these lines, then please click this link (or check it out on Youtube). 

This is the reading I mentioned in the video. It is from Jeremiah 8:4-6:

 “‘Do people fall down and not get up?
    Or take the wrong road and then just keep going?
So why does this people go backward,
    and just keep on going—backward!
They stubbornly hold on to their illusions,
    refuse to change direction.
I listened carefully
    but heard not so much as a whisper.
No one expressed one word of regret.
    Not a single “I’m sorry” did I hear.
They just kept at it, blindly and stupidly
    banging their heads against a brick wall. (The Message)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. - The video is just over 2 minutes long :)

The World Changed today

The 24th June 1916 will always be remembered as the day that changed the world. It was on this day, exactly 100 years ago, that the Allied artillery began their week-long bombardment of the German lines, in what is known as the battle of the Somme.

Clearly, it was a day that changed the world in so many ways. We can't look back at the history of Europe and the world without reflecting on how this day change millions of lives. Of course, the 24th June 2016, may also be remembered as a day that shaped Europe (and the world), with Britain choosing to Exit the European Union. Time will tell what impact this has on our future.

More importantly, we need to ask how today has changed your life? Is today a gift to you from God, or is it just another day on your calendar? It is worth thinking about.

1 Corinthians 10:11-12 - These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes.

Matthew 27: 9-10 - "Then Jeremiah’s words became history: They took the thirty silver pieces, The price of the one priced by some sons of Israel, And they purchased the potter’s field. And so they unwittingly followed the divine instructions to the letter."

Living in grace
D3LM3