To Know God Is to Die

Phillipians 3:10-11: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead"

What a verse! What does it mean to "know" Christ? Especially in "his sufferings" and sufferings"? Why would we want to "become like him in his death"? Didn't Jesus die so that I do not have to?

So many questions. What do you think?

Last time was about peace in suffering and about having Peace with God. But Christ's sufferings took away my sin why should I suffer? If this is our thinking (as it is mine) then our focus is WRONG!

The Christian walk is about knowing Christ in every way. Its about relating to God in however we must to know Him best. Christ resurrected from the dead, so I desire this too! Christ suffered, so to know Christ in this, we must suffer. Christ died so we must die (in a high voice)?

If we really desire to know God then we venture into this odd realm of rejecting our life to follow Christ. Check out Luke 9:22-24

Peace In This World?

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into his grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Rom 5:1-5).

In pondering this scripture I cannot help but look at the world today and ask, "How can I rejoice in my suffering?" We see the phrase "FML" every time we turn around. REALLY? FML REALLY?

Innocent Smith was talking with his professor who declared that life would be better dead. Smith pointed a revolver at his head and said, "I wouldn't do this for just anybody but if you think so." The professor scrambled to his feet and attempted to back track on his words. Smith shot twice around his head. The professor was grateful that Smith spared his life. Apparently life WAS worth living.

FML? NO! Then how can we find peace in the junk that forces us to say FML? Look carefully at the first verse above. It begins by stating we have peace with God. It is because of this we can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. When we have peace with God every other chaos lines up under that.

The question is this: Do you have peace with God? Pray to God. Talk with me. Let's find peace with God in this chaotic world.

Leeland A GO!

YC was an intense event. My ears were hurting and ringing and my feet were soaked. This is one of the bands that was featured, Leeland. As happy as the front guy looks, that is not a fake smile. After meeting them in a Q & A I witnessed the heart of these guys. The lead singer, whom the band is named after, is a soft red head from Texas. His love for scripture is evident in how he quotes it every prayer he makes. The guys know how to have a lot of fun and have songs full of rich theology and motivation for living the gospel with as the Hands and Feet of Jesus. The guys who came with me to YC know that these guys are one of my favourite and this event put them up in my books even higher. Definitely check them out.

A Beginning

Welcome to my Blog. My goal is to provide frequent thoughts about life and God. I strive to wonder about both and see what you have to say and ask as well. I can't promise that I will answer all your Questions but I can promise to wonder with you as life progresses. Peace and Love for now!