Why do we celebrate the changing of years? Jesus - whether you acknowledge Him as your Savior or not.

Today is the final day of a calendar year. A calendar that is set by the rotation of the Earth and the earth's revolution around our Sun ... an Earth and Sun and Universe created by God Almighty. And history - the piece of which we are aware - was split in two by the arrival and life of God Incarnate who humbled himself to become one of us, to save us. The Creator saving the creation. The Perfect saving the imperfect. 

Two thousand and seventeen years ago (give or take a few years), Jesus the prophesied Messiah came to Earth. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us - His creation. Among US, a guilty sinful race of people. Amazing.

I hear the terms Common Era (CE) and Before Common Era (BCE) as of late, instead of Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD - year of our Lord), and it saddens me. For thousands of years, God was just common sense. Jesus Christ was a given - an obvious reality. But our arrogance over the past 100-150 years ... based on incomplete and limited information, delusion of grandeur, and a desire that it not be true ... has lead us as a people to deny what is self evident: that we were created by an infinite God who resides outside of time and space, who taught us what agape love is all about, as well as humility, selflessness and all other good things. That God then became one of us so we could know that He knows what it is to be human, to live the perfect life He wants for us, and to pay a debt we could never pay. This ... this is why we can say "Happy New Year!" and "Happy 2017!" We are directly or indirectly saying (whether we mean it or not) "Happy 2,017th year since the virgin birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ!" 

So, as we leave the Year of our Lord 2016, I reflect on how blessed I am to even be alive and breathing in this time in history. I choose to focus on that incredible blessing, and the unbelievable fact that, without Jesus' sacrifice for us all, I would be doomed to an eternity without Him - away from my Creator, in darkness and cold and regret. Instead, I am reconciled with my Creator ... forever.

Thank you, Lord, for this unimaginable gift. Thank you for your infinite grace, offered while I was - and still am - a sinner. You are good, when there's nothing good in me. You are my goodness, Jesus. I love you and I trust you in 2017 and beyond.

It's in Your Name that I pray.

Amen.

Look around. God is obvious and we are without excuse.

I breathe in and there is oxygen in the air that feeds my body what it needs. This, in part, comes from trees which in turn breath my exhaled carbon dioxide. Why?

I look at the reflection of a mountain on a still lake, and I'm overwhelmed with the beauty. I want to capture it forever by taking a picture ... that's how powerfully it strikes me. Why?

Food sometimes taste so wonderful, I find myself eating more than what my body needs. Why?

Clouds, which provide much-needed rain to our land through the process of evaporation, condensation and precipitation, are some of the most beautiful things I see in a given day. Why?

Look around. God is obvious.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20

What if we all just follow the Golden Rule. Would that make Society better?

Quick answer: Absolutely. I wish everyone did that.

Just imagine if we all did for/to others as we would have done for/to us. If that were possible, it would be most definitely wonderful. Unfortunately, though, that would be a world where peace was brought about by humans. And we can all see where that's gotten us so far, after these many thousands of years.

But the bigger issue is not society or even this life ... the issue is eternity. That's what ultimately matters. Not that we should not strive for peace on Earth, but that we should look to the only One who can actually accomplish that desired future state.

Many religions offer up a Golden Rule of sorts. And that is to be commended. But only one faith offers assurance of Eternity. Compare eternity with our time here. 60-90 years vs infinity.

Everyone believes in something, and rests on that belief. The Muslim believes that he must work to please God, never truly knowing if he's done enough. Even those without a belief in God believe subconsciously that they must please others in order to receive something. The belief: "If we all just work toward peace as a community, then peace will arrive." But we all know that someone will ruin that. Putting our faith in society does not breed hope because societies view on things constantly changes, and society is filled with broken, fallen people.

But the Christian already knows that we are incapable of doing enough. She knows that we are broken and need to be saved in order to achieve peace. He knows that we've all fallen short of an ability to spend eternity with God. It's not even within grasp without someone stepping in to save us. She knows we are sinners, and that we must turn away from sin by asking God to take over the life that we could not lead perfectly.

Because that's what it takes.

Everyone who wishes to spend eternity in heaven must lead a perfect (not simply 'good') life: perfectly selfless, perfectly compassionate, perfectly giving, serving others at all times. How far off of that mark would you say that we are? But there is an alternative, graciously offered by our Creator ...

Instead of striving for the impossible, strive for the possible through the gift that has been offered by Jesus.

Instead of resting in your ability, rest in His.

And instead of focusing on this temporal life, focus on what matters most: eternity. The beautiful result of a focus on eternity is that it will have the desired impact on this temporal life as well.

It's a two-fer. So, live with the Golden Rule in mind, certainly, but let's not take our eye off the ball.

Why the Ten Commandments? What's the point?

In Exodus 20, God calls Moses and speaks to Him the Ten Commandments. I still love the Mel Brooks rendition of this scene: "I give you these 15 ... (drops one of three stone tablets). Oy vay ... Ten! Ten commandments!" But in all seriousness, why did God provide these Commands? Was it - as is popularly misunderstood - to hold us down? To take the fun out of everything?

Quick answer: Of course not. Remember, God loves us with a perfect love. He is a good, good Father.

So why? Why the Ten Commandments?

1. To show us / To remind us. To show the Israelites (and to remind us) that we can not measure up on our own. We "miss the mark" every day. No matter how hard we try, we will mess up, we will stumble. Our pride and ego get in the way of a fulfillment of these commands. They show us what "sin" is according to God, and they are a constant reminder that we need a Savior to be holy and perfect FOR us. We can not and should not do it alone.
2. To direct us, to guide us. As a good Father, God is showing us the way. He's build our character and growing our awareness of our need for Him.
3. To protect us from what we don't understand. Again, a good Father creates rules to protect His children. Break any of these commands and bad things will naturally happen. He knows this and wants to keep us safe.
4. To give God the honor He is due. He is worthy. We should acknowledge that He is a loving and caring Father. When we obey the Commandments, He is pleased with his children as any father would be.

Let's take the very 1st Commandment as an example: "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:1) Everything we "worship" is a god. Money, power, popularity, our abilities/talents, a person (our spouse, a sports figure, a celebrity, a politician), our health/fitness, sex, etc. Every god will eventually fail you. They will disappoint you. Why do Wall Street brokers jump out of windows to their deaths after the market crashes? Because money and power has become their god. Why is a young girl crushed when a boy breaks her heart? Because she's made him her god.

Only God is worthy of the weight of being worshiped. Only He can withstand the responsibility that comes with being honored to the utmost. And He knows that. He knows that we will be crushed if we put any god before Him. And He does not want to see us crushed.

Put another way, if we put God above all else ...

• we can have money or not have money - doesn't ultimately matter
• we can have a man/woman in our lives or not - doesn't ultimately matter
• we can have popularity or be shunned - doesn't ultimately matter

With God as our focus, we can rest about all that other stuff. We can even have it still and enjoy it ... but putting God first, above all else, allows us to put all these other gods in their proper place in the pecking order where they can't hurt us when they ultimately disappoint.

The Ten Commandments are not for God. He does not need them. But we do. And he knows that. And He loves us. He wants us to love Him back through our obedience, which is an acknowledgement that we KNOW He loves us and wants the best for us.

All things are for HIS glory. Period. But when we give Him the glory he is due, we are blessed and protected from the unseen evil forces that are hoping to take us down.

Dear Younger Me: A letter to my younger self

Hey Greg.

I know you think that you're a good guy ... and you are. I know that you think you can be good without a God ... and you can be. I know you're a smart guy with good common sense, who has it all under control. I know. I was you (literally), so I remember your perspective on life.

But, as the artist formerly know as the symbol that means the artist formerly known as Prince said, "There's something else ...". You're rolling your eyes inside - I know - but bear with me on this. I have 15 years of experience on you and I've learned a few things that you simply don't know yet.

I know you're a skeptic. And to question things is healthy. But if it stops you from looking further into something because you've decided, "that just can't be ... not worth spending time on", you are only hurting yourself. Again, I know. I'm you. In fact, for the next 8-9 years, you will continue to think guys like me are deluded, misinformed, goofy, and a bit dull to believe what I believe. But that will change, and it will change rapidly.

I'll be direct: God is real. 100%. Jesus is His son and you need Him. You will never become the man you were created to be without putting faith in Jesus. And you won't spend eternity with Him either, if you don't give in and accept the free gift He offers. What scares me is, you could die at any time and you would spend eternity in the other place - away from God. Thankfully, I know that you survive (because I'm writing you now), and now you are fully saved and growing in your understanding of God and a resemblance to Christ.

Again, with the eye rolling. I get it.

Here are a few seed questions I'd like to plant with you, Greg. They are things to start thinking about over the coming years. Things to consider that you've not considered fully before.

• Meaning. What is the meaning of your life? Is it simply random and - as such - without purpose? If so, how do you feel about that? Does that feel right to you?
• We exist. How? How did anything come to be? How did life come from no life? How are you even thinking about this in a philosophical, rational, and lucid way? Could you have come from a random explosion of nothing into this immense universe, with the collection of diverse and complex life we see, with the vast DNA data represented in each of our cells, and with the ability to discuss such things? Is that even possible? Is that even reasonable?
• Jesus proved to be who He said He was. Jesus did die. Jesus did rise from the grave. This isn't faith - this is historically documented and supported by secular and other non-Christian historians. Jesus IS who He said He was - the Son of God AND God Himself in human flesh. This I know from both statistical probability of one man fulfilling even a small subset of the prophesies about Him AND from my personal interactions with Him. "What? Personal interactions?" Yes. I know Him.
• I am not you. I am a new man. I am no longer you. You are dead, Greg. You died when I accepted Christ in 2010. I know that's the future for you, but know that I have a renewed mind. I am in the same physical body, but I (the real me inside of me) is 100% new and improved. Trust me, life is so much better. It took humility (which you are short on now) for this to happen. But once I humbled myself and sincerely thought, God took the reigns and brought me the rest of the way. I know that doesn't make tons of sense now, but you'll see.

Greg, God (the one you're not so sure even exists) IS here and He loves you more than you could even fathom possible. You are smart and strong, but you are not as smart or strong as you think you are. Unfortunately, you'll learn this the hard way. Sometimes it takes a fall to break us of our pride.

• Once you accept Christ into your life, Greg, you will be so hungry for His word and the Truth you've been blind to, you won't believe how many books you read in the first 3-4 years.
• Once you begin your journey as a Christian, Greg, you will be on fire to share with everyone about the good news of Jesus. You'll lose some friends, who will believe that you've lost it. And that's okay.
• Once you seek Him and find Him, it will be like someone turned on bright flood lights, showing you things you won't believe you couldn't see before. It will rattle you and shake you to the core.
• Once you become His, you will gain a desire to live not for you, but for Him and for others. He will start the process of sculpting you, removing the barnacles and mud and stains and warts. It will hurt at times, but it will be for your good.

I so want to shake you out of your sleep, Greg. But I can't. God's timing is not mine. He has plans for you that include this unbelieving season in your life. As a result - I now know - you will be able to speak to others (like you) who don't yet believe and, because you are as you are now, you will have credibility and can empathize with their way of thinking ... and see the flaws. And that was God's plan all along. So clear to see in the rear view mirror.

Sincerely,

The Older Me
Follower of Christ, my Lord and Savior

P.S. Return to your eye rolling ;)  

Dear Younger Me: A letter to my younger self

Hey Greg.

I know you think that you're a good guy ... and you are. I know that you think you can be good without a God ... and you can be. I know you're a smart guy with good common sense, who has it all under control. I know. I was you (literally), so I remember your perspective on life.

But, as the artist formerly know as the symbol that means the artist formerly known as Prince said, "There's something else ...". You're rolling your eyes inside - I know - but bear with me on this. I have 15 years of experience on you and I've learned a few things that you simply don't know yet.

I know you're a skeptic. And to question things is healthy. But if it stops you from looking further into something because you've decided, "that just can't be ... not worth spending time on", you are only hurting yourself. Again, I know. I'm you. In fact, for the next 8-9 years, you will continue to think guys like me are deluded, misinformed, goofy, and a bit dull to believe what I believe. But that will change, and it will change rapidly.

I'll be direct: God is real. 100%. Jesus is His son and you need Him. You will never become the man you were created to be without putting faith in Jesus. And you won't spend eternity with Him either, if you don't give in and accept the free gift He offers. What scares me is, you could die at any time and you would spend eternity in the other place - away from God. Thankfully, I know that you survive (because I'm writing you now), and now you are fully saved and growing in your understanding of God and a resemblance to Christ.

Again, with the eye rolling. I get it.

Here are a few seed questions I'd like to plant with you, Greg. They are things to start thinking about over the coming years. Things to consider that you've not considered fully before.

• Meaning. What is the meaning of your life? Is it simply random and - as such - without purpose? If so, how do you feel about that? Does that feel right to you?
• We exist. How? How did anything come to be? How did life come from no life? How are you even thinking about this in a philosophical, rational, and lucid way? Could you have come from a random explosion of nothing into this immense universe, with the collection of diverse and complex life we see, with the vast DNA data represented in each of our cells, and with the ability to discuss such things? Is that even possible? Is that even reasonable?
• Jesus proved to be who He said He was. Jesus did die. Jesus did rise from the grave. This isn't faith - this is historically documented and supported by secular and other non-Christian historians. Jesus IS who He said He was - the Son of God AND God Himself in human flesh. This I know from both statistical probability of one man fulfilling even a small subset of the prophesies about Him AND from my personal interactions with Him. "What? Personal interactions?" Yes. I know Him.
• I am not you. I am a new man. I am no longer you. You are dead, Greg. You died when I accepted Christ in 2010. I know that's the future for you and that's off-putting to even think about, but know that I have a "renewed mind" now. I am in the same physical body, but I (the real me inside of me) is 100% new and improved. Trust me, life is so much better. It took humility (which you are short on now) for this to happen. But once I humbled myself and sincerely sought, God took the reigns and brought me the rest of the way. I know that doesn't make tons of sense now, but you'll see.

Greg, God (the one you're not so sure even exists) IS here and He loves you more than you could even fathom possible. You are smart and strong, but you are not as smart or strong as you think you are. Unfortunately, you'll learn this the hard way. Sometimes it takes a fall to break us of our pride.

• Once you accept Christ into your life, Greg, you will be so hungry for His word and the Truth you've been blind to, you won't believe how many books you read in the first 3-4 years.
• Once you begin your journey as a Christian, Greg, you will be on fire to share with everyone about the good news of Jesus. You'll lose some friends, who will believe that you've lost it. And that's okay.
• Once you seek Him and find Him, it will be like someone turned on bright flood lights, showing you things you won't believe you couldn't see before. It will rattle you and shake you to the core.
• Once you become His, you will gain a desire to live not for you, but for Him and for others. He will start the process of sculpting you, removing the barnacles and mud and stains and warts. It will hurt at times, but it will be for your good.

I so want to shake you out of your sleep, Greg. But I can't. God's timing is not mine. He has plans for you that include this unbelieving season in your life. As a result - I know know - you will be able to speak to others like you now who don't yet believe and, because you are as you are now, you will have credibility. And that was God's plan all along. So clear to see in the rear view mirror.

Sincerely,

The Older Me, Follower of Christ, my Lord and Savior

P.S. Return to your eye rolling ;)  

Christians say that everyone is a sinner. I don't believe I am, however maybe I just don't understand what "sin" means. Let's discuss...

What exactly is sin? The term "sin" makes most people cringe. They picture a fire and brimstone preacher, dressed in black, holding his Bible above his head, face contorted in an angry scowl, yelling at a crowd "you're all sinners and you must repent!" I've seen these guys outside of rock concerts and music festivals. Not the best of approaches :-)

No one wants to think of themselves as a "sinner". Many joke about it, smiling and saying, "I'm such a sinner!" That's because we are uncomfortable with the reality of sin. We've become accustomed to hiding our faults, our flaws, our scars and our blemishes. We are hard-pressed to admit our sin to anyone in any way. We hope that no one ever blows our cover.

Most use the word "sin" incorrectly because they don't really know what it means to sin.

So, let's discuss...
Sin means to "miss the mark". Every thought or action (or lack of action) that misses a perfect bull's-eye is sin. But here's the key: At whose target are we shooting? THAT'S the right question! God created the target. This is His game. Any other target we're shooting for is false, a made-up target that does not count for anything except maybe to make us feel better about ourselves.

But so what? What if we don't hit the bullseye every time? Why is this such a big deal? Why can't people just be imperfect? Why can't you just let it go? Well, we can let it go. But God can't.

It matters because this life is secondary at best. We look around in this life to see what the difference would be if we were to sin or not sin, and we don't see a huge difference. "Serious sinners" seem to get away with murder, so to speak. So my sins "aren't that big of a deal in comparison", we think. But if that's how we think, we're missing the point.

The goal... the endgame... is eternity.

Where will I spend the time after time ends? We all know fundamentally that we are more than this body we travel around in. We are a soul. And that soul will live on past the breakdown of our earthly body. How we hit the mark on the target provided by God determines if we will spend eternity with Him (heaven) or eternity away from Him (hell).

Here's the rub. No one - I mean no one - hits the mark perfectly every time. That means that every one of us is a sinner. Everyone has missed the mark. That leaves us hopeless without someone to save us. Seems unfair doesn't it? How could we ever even come close to spending eternity with Him? Now you're getting the point. We can't. We need to be saved from are hopeless inevitability.

Enter God's love and grace.

For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in Him would not only not perish but have everlasting life. For Christ did not come to condemn but to save the world.
John 3:16-17

Why do we all need to be saved? Because we all miss the mark. And if we miss the mark, even once, we are not perfectly holy. And if we are not perfectly holy, we cannot be near God.

God knows this, and so He made a way...

This, my friends, is Amazing Grace. This is unfailing Love. That He would take my place. That He would bear my cross. He laid down his life, that I would be set free.

Jesus I thank you for all that you've done for me.