I have a friend who doesn’t really like her body, and when she gets upset, tries to hurt herself. She just says it makes her feel better. I really don’t understand it. I just would like to know if you have any thing I can tell her to help her get through this.
I think that not only does your friend have a problem with her body image, but most times people harm themselves because of deeper hurts. Real beauty comes from within, but so does real hurt and pain. Some people turn to self-harm, or cutting, for many reasons.
Many people say that the pain they experience when cutting is so much easier to deal with than the internal pain of feeling worthless or hopeless. They find it hard to believe that anyone could help or understand. When someone cuts or harms themselves it distracts from the real emotional pain and replaces it with physical pain instead, which is easier for them to deal with. Some cutters have “learned” to avoid showing emotion and use self-abuse to express their hurt or anger. These are the ones who often can’t explain why they cut, and they simply lack the word to express that kind of feeling. It’s the language their words can’t speak.
Others say they feel “dead” inside and turn to self-injury in order to be reminded that they’re still alive. The pain they cause themselves may seem like the only time they can feel anything at all. One young person I spoke with expressed that she couldn’t cry. She referred to the blood as “red tears.” Sometimes cutting seems to make a person feel better because it distracts them from what’s really going on and gives them a sense of control. Their feelings and emotions seem out of control, so they reach for something they can control – injuring themselves.
There are also self-abusers who feel they can’t rely upon anyone, so they turn to self-injury as an emotional release. Inside your friend may feel there’s a part of her that wants to talk about the emptiness she feels, but she probably fears the rejection of people who may look down on her because of her behavior. Don’t misunderstand, self-harm is wrong. But in response to finding out someone is engaged in cutting, many will express how they can’t believe they’re doing that, rather than looking at them and realizing how desperate they must be to do something this severe.
While most of us haven't physically cut ourselves, many of us live much of our lives cutting ourselves down, saying things that we would never say to another person. Often, our thoughts include things like, “You're so stupid. When will you ever get it right? You’re just a failure." Even though we may share some of the same tendencies to cut ourselves down, we should never tell someone that we can understand how they feel. Try to let that person know that you want to understand and that you’re there to listen. My dad always said there’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth – we should listen more than we speak.
Here are some tips you can pass along to your friend:*
�� Tell someone. Talk about your emotions even if it feels like you’re being emotionally selfish.
�� Find a counselor who has worked with other cutters.
�� Try to locate what makes you want to hurt yourself and work with someone to create a plan for how to handle those
situations.
�� Be accountable to someone. Ask an adult or mature friend to ask you the tough questions, and be honest in return.
�� Pray. Ask God to help you and send people into your life who can help you.
�� Find alternative emotional outlets. Color, draw, write in a journal, play music, etc…
�� Do not let it continue. The progressive addictive nature of this disorder can be life threatening. Address it now before it
becomes more serious.
*Tips taken from “Hurting Beyond Words – The Silent Agony of Self-Injury” by Rachel a.v. Nelson
For you, just be there for your friend. Make sure you’re not afraid to ask the tough questions, especially if it’s to the point of being serious. If you have any thought that it’s serious, you must talk with someone. Try to hook them up with a youth pastor, school counselor or other trusted adult. Someone who is experienced with this type of situation will try to help her find a constructive way to deal with pain rather than letting pain control her. We can’t make all the pain go away, but we don’t have to let pain rule our choices.
Articles are written by Bob Lenz, Tiffany Thompson and other national youth communicators with Life Promotions Inc., a non-profit youth organization committed to instilling hope, worth and value in youth.
Life Promotions • Appleton, WI • www.lifepromotions.com • 800-955-5433
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Would Jesus Play The Beatles: Rock Band?
www.dare2share.org
No seriously, would Jesus play The Beatles: Rock Band?
Tell me this question gets you thinking, or at least pondering this concept. As you know, this video game has taken the world by storm, outsold Guitar Hero 5, and thousands, if not millions, of teens are being introduced to the Beatles magic that stormed the world the first time nearly 50 years ago!
To recap, 4 mop-topped lads from Liverpool, England, put a little garage band together and within a few years, were the first group in history to play in sold-out stadiums around the world. John, Paul, George and Ringo became household names and to this day, we can see the continued ripple effects from the incredible splash The Beatles made when your parents were infants.
Yes, I think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band and here’s why:
There was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold 20-30 gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11, NLT).
This was the first miracle Jesus performed and it revolved around keeping the party going. How? Well, wine in that day was symbolic of joy and celebration and if the groom’s after-wedding party ran dry, it was a serious offense - in fact the people could have had him arrested! Notice that Jesus not only attended the party, but He made sure the joy and celebration continued - which tells us several critical things about God’s one and only Son.
First, it is obvious that Jesus loves to connect with people. When He wasn’t preaching or teaching, He was hanging out at social events that seriously offended the stuffy stuck up religious folks. They weren’t mad because He went to parties; they were ticked because He had such a great time at them! Can’t you see Jesus and the disciples laughing it up over a video game if they had a 1st Century PS3? I sure can…only the lyrics then would have been “God loves you, yeah yeah yeah.”
You know what else? This account shows us that the reason Jesus went to parties and hung out with “sinners” was not to judge or condemn them - in fact, it was just the opposite. Jesus got involved in people’s lives so He could let them know there is a way to find true and lasting joy and celebration that isn’t found in a bed or a bottle. This kind is guilt- and consequence-free, and the freedom it brings turns the bitter waters of life into a spiritual wine that never runs out.
And guess what? Jesus offers the same miracle to us!
He can he turn depression into joy…
He can turn fear into hope…
He can turn emptiness into contentment…
He can turn sin into grace…
Most importantly, He can turn death into life.
The Beatles brought a feeling of happiness and enjoyment to a world in need of an escape from the turbulent 1960s, but I’ve got a feeling you too would like to say hello goodbye to yesterday and get back to feeling fine. The same Jesus who turned water to wine can quench your spiritual thirst and bring joy and freedom that no rock band has ever known. Trust Him for salvation and don’t keep the good news to yourself. You have friends that need more than just a little help - they need the true message of salvation.
Here comes the Son!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
Ask your friends if they think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band, then talk about Jesus’ habit of attending social gatherings and connecting with people so He could share His message of salvation and freedom. Share Jesus’ message with your friends.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:17-19).
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
No seriously, would Jesus play The Beatles: Rock Band?
Tell me this question gets you thinking, or at least pondering this concept. As you know, this video game has taken the world by storm, outsold Guitar Hero 5, and thousands, if not millions, of teens are being introduced to the Beatles magic that stormed the world the first time nearly 50 years ago!
To recap, 4 mop-topped lads from Liverpool, England, put a little garage band together and within a few years, were the first group in history to play in sold-out stadiums around the world. John, Paul, George and Ringo became household names and to this day, we can see the continued ripple effects from the incredible splash The Beatles made when your parents were infants.
Yes, I think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band and here’s why:
There was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold 20-30 gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11, NLT).
This was the first miracle Jesus performed and it revolved around keeping the party going. How? Well, wine in that day was symbolic of joy and celebration and if the groom’s after-wedding party ran dry, it was a serious offense - in fact the people could have had him arrested! Notice that Jesus not only attended the party, but He made sure the joy and celebration continued - which tells us several critical things about God’s one and only Son.
First, it is obvious that Jesus loves to connect with people. When He wasn’t preaching or teaching, He was hanging out at social events that seriously offended the stuffy stuck up religious folks. They weren’t mad because He went to parties; they were ticked because He had such a great time at them! Can’t you see Jesus and the disciples laughing it up over a video game if they had a 1st Century PS3? I sure can…only the lyrics then would have been “God loves you, yeah yeah yeah.”
You know what else? This account shows us that the reason Jesus went to parties and hung out with “sinners” was not to judge or condemn them - in fact, it was just the opposite. Jesus got involved in people’s lives so He could let them know there is a way to find true and lasting joy and celebration that isn’t found in a bed or a bottle. This kind is guilt- and consequence-free, and the freedom it brings turns the bitter waters of life into a spiritual wine that never runs out.
And guess what? Jesus offers the same miracle to us!
He can he turn depression into joy…
He can turn fear into hope…
He can turn emptiness into contentment…
He can turn sin into grace…
Most importantly, He can turn death into life.
The Beatles brought a feeling of happiness and enjoyment to a world in need of an escape from the turbulent 1960s, but I’ve got a feeling you too would like to say hello goodbye to yesterday and get back to feeling fine. The same Jesus who turned water to wine can quench your spiritual thirst and bring joy and freedom that no rock band has ever known. Trust Him for salvation and don’t keep the good news to yourself. You have friends that need more than just a little help - they need the true message of salvation.
Here comes the Son!
Flash Point Ignite into Action
Ask your friends if they think Jesus would play The Beatles: Rock Band, then talk about Jesus’ habit of attending social gatherings and connecting with people so He could share His message of salvation and freedom. Share Jesus’ message with your friends.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:17-19).
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
How to Share Your Faith With Nicole the New Ager
http://www.dare2share.org/
Basic Description
The New Age is not new. Tenants of New Age doctrine have been a part of human history since Satan in the form of a snake deceived Adam and Eve in the garden with the promises of godhood. Although those in the New Age movement vary in their particular doctrines and practices (because it is not one centrally organized religion) they do have some common core beliefs.
What Nicole Believes
About New Age Views:
According to experts on the new age, there are nine New Age core beliefs* that Nicole holds to. Her beliefs include:
Evolutionary optimism:
New Agers believe that the world is poised to explode into a New Age of enlightenment. They are convinced that this 'new world order' will be united under a one world government and initiated by a quantum leap in humanity's spiritual evolution. They see the next step of evolution as people becoming 'gods'.
Monism:
Monism means 'oneness'. New agers believe that we are all one with each other and the universe. We are all connected by the common cord of the cosmos.
Pantheism:
New Agers do not believe in a personal God. They believe that the totality of all the 'oneness' in the cosmos can collectively be called 'god'. Some call it 'the force'. Others call it 'consciousness'. But by any label it is the deification of the universe and everything in it. That's why the famous New Ager Shirley MacLaine boldly proclaimed, "I am God." She believes that as part of this cosmic consciousness, she is god and so are you and me.
Transformation of Consciousness:
New Agers believe that the New Age must be experienced to be transformational. Through meditation, drugs, yoga, martial arts, or cosmic experiences, the goal of the New Ager is to become one with the universe. The goal is a state of mind that is at peace with oneself and at one with one's universe.
Create your own reality:
In the New Age movement morals are subjective. Since there is not an external objective standard of authority when it comes to behavior then you are free to create your own moral reality. The New Age encourages its participants to experiment and experience their own morals on their journey toward oneness.
Unlimited human potential:
New Agers are convinced that all the power of the universe is available to every person. The more that we can know the god within us the more we can unleash the cosmic force to achieve the unachievable (ESP, telepathy, out of body experiences, and psychokinesis [moving or manipulating objects with our minds] are all evidence of their belief in unlimited human potential).
Spirit Contact:
New Agers believe that there is an army of spirit guides, extraterrestrials, and entities who are seeking to communicate to humans through mediums or channelers. These channelers are humans who are in touch with the cosmic consciousness and are used by these spirit guides to communicate universal truth to others. Of course, this opens the spiritual door to extreme demonic influence.
Masters from Above:
New Agers believe that UFO's and those who have had extraterrestrial encounters prove that there is not only life on other planets, but that these more evolved species have much to teach us. Think Sci-Fi channel on steroids!
Religious Syncretism:
This is a fancy term meaning that New Age spirituality is a rather eclectic grab bag of Eastern mysticism, Western occultism, neopaganism, and human psychology. Many New Agers claim to be Christian-although they define it completely different from Christianity. Most Americans today are New Age in at least some areas of their belief system. The whole concept of "it doesn't matter what you believe, it only matters that you believe," flows from the New Age belief system.
Now let's look at how Nicole's New Age beliefs line up against Biblical doctrines:
About God:
Nicole has no belief in God as the Bible reveals Him in the New Age belief system.
About the Trinity:
Nicole does not believe in the Trinity. She rejects the concept of a personal, powerful God. She believes that all is 'god' and 'god' is all.
About Jesus:
Nicole believes Jesus was an enlightened man. He was in touch with his cosmic consciousness and was able to tap into this universal power to heal others. She believes that he is only god in the same sense that we are gods.
About the Bible:
Nicole may say that the Bible is God's Word in the same sense that the Book of Koran and the Book of Mormon is God's Word. She warns strongly against taking the Bible literally. She is convinced that it should be gleaned for cosmic truth mystically, not literally.
About the Afterlife:
Nicole and other New Agers may have varying beliefs about the afterlife, but the majority of them believe in some form of reincarnation.
About Salvation:
Nicole believes that salvation is found in becoming one with the universe. It is not a personal, permanent relationship with the God of the universe through faith in Christ, but rather a melting of ourselves in the cosmic pot of mystic oneness.
What the Bible Teaches
About God:
God identified Himself as "I Am" (Exodus 20:2) - meaning He is the self-existent (has no beginning or end) eternal Creator of the universe.
About the Trinity:
There is one God and yet three Persons (Isaiah 45:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; James 2:19).
About Jesus:
Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is not a god. He is the God of the universe (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:58; 10:30. Compare Titus 2:13 and Isaiah 45:21), and He is equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
About the Bible:
The Bible alone is the word of God. It is without error. It cannot and should not be added to or subtracted from (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4; Revelation 22:18-20).
About the Afterlife:
Those who trust in Christ alone as their only hope of salvation spend eternity in heaven; those who reject Christ spend an eternity in hell (John 5:24-30; Revelation 20:11-15).
About Salvation:
Salvation is by faith in Christ on the basis of His death on the cross. Good works have nothing to do with being saved (John 3:16-17, 36; 6:29,47; Romans 4:1-5; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).
Things to Remember
•When talking to Nicole, remember that you are entering a huge spiritual battle, so put on the full armor of God, and remember that the enemy is Satan, not Nicole (Ephesians 6). Also, don't stereotype Nicole and assume every New Ager is the same...they aren't. Every New Ager is different, so take some time and find out what she thinks.
•After finding out what she thinks, be sure and clearly define your terms. For example, when Nicole speak of 'Christ consciousness' she refers to a mystical state of 'enlightenment'. In other words, she doesn't mean we should trust Christ for salvation, she means we can become like Christ and make our own 'salvation'.
•Finally, point out common ground with Nicole (common belief in the spiritual world, etc.) and focus on the claims of Christ as the "way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
For Further Research
•Pick up a copy of Greg Stier's book Dare 2 Share (copyright 2006, Tyndale)
•Check out http://www.carm.org/nam/nawitness.htm
* From Douglas Groothius
Basic Description
The New Age is not new. Tenants of New Age doctrine have been a part of human history since Satan in the form of a snake deceived Adam and Eve in the garden with the promises of godhood. Although those in the New Age movement vary in their particular doctrines and practices (because it is not one centrally organized religion) they do have some common core beliefs.
What Nicole Believes
About New Age Views:
According to experts on the new age, there are nine New Age core beliefs* that Nicole holds to. Her beliefs include:
Evolutionary optimism:
New Agers believe that the world is poised to explode into a New Age of enlightenment. They are convinced that this 'new world order' will be united under a one world government and initiated by a quantum leap in humanity's spiritual evolution. They see the next step of evolution as people becoming 'gods'.
Monism:
Monism means 'oneness'. New agers believe that we are all one with each other and the universe. We are all connected by the common cord of the cosmos.
Pantheism:
New Agers do not believe in a personal God. They believe that the totality of all the 'oneness' in the cosmos can collectively be called 'god'. Some call it 'the force'. Others call it 'consciousness'. But by any label it is the deification of the universe and everything in it. That's why the famous New Ager Shirley MacLaine boldly proclaimed, "I am God." She believes that as part of this cosmic consciousness, she is god and so are you and me.
Transformation of Consciousness:
New Agers believe that the New Age must be experienced to be transformational. Through meditation, drugs, yoga, martial arts, or cosmic experiences, the goal of the New Ager is to become one with the universe. The goal is a state of mind that is at peace with oneself and at one with one's universe.
Create your own reality:
In the New Age movement morals are subjective. Since there is not an external objective standard of authority when it comes to behavior then you are free to create your own moral reality. The New Age encourages its participants to experiment and experience their own morals on their journey toward oneness.
Unlimited human potential:
New Agers are convinced that all the power of the universe is available to every person. The more that we can know the god within us the more we can unleash the cosmic force to achieve the unachievable (ESP, telepathy, out of body experiences, and psychokinesis [moving or manipulating objects with our minds] are all evidence of their belief in unlimited human potential).
Spirit Contact:
New Agers believe that there is an army of spirit guides, extraterrestrials, and entities who are seeking to communicate to humans through mediums or channelers. These channelers are humans who are in touch with the cosmic consciousness and are used by these spirit guides to communicate universal truth to others. Of course, this opens the spiritual door to extreme demonic influence.
Masters from Above:
New Agers believe that UFO's and those who have had extraterrestrial encounters prove that there is not only life on other planets, but that these more evolved species have much to teach us. Think Sci-Fi channel on steroids!
Religious Syncretism:
This is a fancy term meaning that New Age spirituality is a rather eclectic grab bag of Eastern mysticism, Western occultism, neopaganism, and human psychology. Many New Agers claim to be Christian-although they define it completely different from Christianity. Most Americans today are New Age in at least some areas of their belief system. The whole concept of "it doesn't matter what you believe, it only matters that you believe," flows from the New Age belief system.
Now let's look at how Nicole's New Age beliefs line up against Biblical doctrines:
About God:
Nicole has no belief in God as the Bible reveals Him in the New Age belief system.
About the Trinity:
Nicole does not believe in the Trinity. She rejects the concept of a personal, powerful God. She believes that all is 'god' and 'god' is all.
About Jesus:
Nicole believes Jesus was an enlightened man. He was in touch with his cosmic consciousness and was able to tap into this universal power to heal others. She believes that he is only god in the same sense that we are gods.
About the Bible:
Nicole may say that the Bible is God's Word in the same sense that the Book of Koran and the Book of Mormon is God's Word. She warns strongly against taking the Bible literally. She is convinced that it should be gleaned for cosmic truth mystically, not literally.
About the Afterlife:
Nicole and other New Agers may have varying beliefs about the afterlife, but the majority of them believe in some form of reincarnation.
About Salvation:
Nicole believes that salvation is found in becoming one with the universe. It is not a personal, permanent relationship with the God of the universe through faith in Christ, but rather a melting of ourselves in the cosmic pot of mystic oneness.
What the Bible Teaches
About God:
God identified Himself as "I Am" (Exodus 20:2) - meaning He is the self-existent (has no beginning or end) eternal Creator of the universe.
About the Trinity:
There is one God and yet three Persons (Isaiah 45:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; James 2:19).
About Jesus:
Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is not a god. He is the God of the universe (John 1:1, 14, 18; 8:58; 10:30. Compare Titus 2:13 and Isaiah 45:21), and He is equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
About the Bible:
The Bible alone is the word of God. It is without error. It cannot and should not be added to or subtracted from (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4; Revelation 22:18-20).
About the Afterlife:
Those who trust in Christ alone as their only hope of salvation spend eternity in heaven; those who reject Christ spend an eternity in hell (John 5:24-30; Revelation 20:11-15).
About Salvation:
Salvation is by faith in Christ on the basis of His death on the cross. Good works have nothing to do with being saved (John 3:16-17, 36; 6:29,47; Romans 4:1-5; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).
Things to Remember
•When talking to Nicole, remember that you are entering a huge spiritual battle, so put on the full armor of God, and remember that the enemy is Satan, not Nicole (Ephesians 6). Also, don't stereotype Nicole and assume every New Ager is the same...they aren't. Every New Ager is different, so take some time and find out what she thinks.
•After finding out what she thinks, be sure and clearly define your terms. For example, when Nicole speak of 'Christ consciousness' she refers to a mystical state of 'enlightenment'. In other words, she doesn't mean we should trust Christ for salvation, she means we can become like Christ and make our own 'salvation'.
•Finally, point out common ground with Nicole (common belief in the spiritual world, etc.) and focus on the claims of Christ as the "way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
For Further Research
•Pick up a copy of Greg Stier's book Dare 2 Share (copyright 2006, Tyndale)
•Check out http://www.carm.org/nam/nawitness.htm
* From Douglas Groothius
The Ultimate FlashForward
http://www.dare2share.org/
Imagine 6 billion people blacking out simultaneously for 137 seconds and catching a glimpse of their lives 6 months into the future. That’s an awesome concept for a television series. ABC thought so too, as evidenced by their show FlashForward.
I’m not sure I’d really appreciate a glimpse into my future. How about you? Given all the incredible changes that even a day can bring, a six-month life direction snapshot might push me into the land of obsessive/compulsive control freaks.
Then again, a “flash forward” may also be a reminder of the predictable and mundane aspects of life. How the same old, same old might just be the same old stuff on a different day. In my case, I’d probably catch a riveting scene of a hopeful and heavier me reading an article on NFL.com about how the luckless Oakland Raiders might win three or four games next year.
What do you think you’d witness? And even more importantly, what would you want to see? You’re finally dating that hottie or hunk that has given you butterflies since grade school? Or maybe you’re getting a report card that shows an effort and success you never expected or thought possible?
Not to alarm you - or maybe alarm you just a little - but there were real “flash forward” scenes revealed nearly 2,000 years ago. They were not fantasy drama scenarios dreamed up by a human mind. These, rather, were veritable pictures of the final destinations and destinies of all of humankind painted by the very hand of God.
Flash Forward #1 - God’s Throne (Revelation 20:11-15)
And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
This is the “flash forward” for all people who reject God’s free offer of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. Their ultimate end is one of eternal punishment. You can reject this “flash forward” simply because you don’t like it, but that will not change the reality of that heartbreaking day.
Flash Forward #2 - The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15)
For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
On the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
This is the destination for all people who accept God’s free offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. After we trust in Jesus for salvation, we are given an opportunity each day to grow closer in our relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study, and most importantly, through sharing the good news of salvation with those God puts in our path. If we ignore those opportunities, we’ll still get into heaven, but ‘like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames’… In other words, the smell of smoke may be on our eternal clothes! ???
Scary? Yes… Real? Most certainly. But the good news is that you can start living in light of these “flash forwards” today. If you have not trusted in Jesus Christ as your only hope of salvation, do so right now! You do NOT want to be separated from God’s presence for all eternity. If you have trusted Christ, but are living a “On Sunday, I love Jesus, but Monday through Saturday, I party like a rock star” kind of life, you should know that your eternal destiny will be characterized by remembering missed opportunities and regretting your lost rewards.
Here’s a great six-month “flash forward” for you. Picture yourself starting the day with praise to God, asking for the power of the Spirit, and finally taking the step to share the gospel with your friends.
Or maybe you have an even better one?
Bottom line: God’s “flash forwards” are set…what are you going to do about them?
Flash Point Ignite into Action
Ask your friends what they think would be their six-month “flash forward” and why. Use that as an opportunity to bring up the Bible’s “flash forward” accounts for humankind and look for an opportunity to share the gospel.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? (Romans 2:3).
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair… (2 Corinthians 4:6-8).
Imagine 6 billion people blacking out simultaneously for 137 seconds and catching a glimpse of their lives 6 months into the future. That’s an awesome concept for a television series. ABC thought so too, as evidenced by their show FlashForward.
I’m not sure I’d really appreciate a glimpse into my future. How about you? Given all the incredible changes that even a day can bring, a six-month life direction snapshot might push me into the land of obsessive/compulsive control freaks.
Then again, a “flash forward” may also be a reminder of the predictable and mundane aspects of life. How the same old, same old might just be the same old stuff on a different day. In my case, I’d probably catch a riveting scene of a hopeful and heavier me reading an article on NFL.com about how the luckless Oakland Raiders might win three or four games next year.
What do you think you’d witness? And even more importantly, what would you want to see? You’re finally dating that hottie or hunk that has given you butterflies since grade school? Or maybe you’re getting a report card that shows an effort and success you never expected or thought possible?
Not to alarm you - or maybe alarm you just a little - but there were real “flash forward” scenes revealed nearly 2,000 years ago. They were not fantasy drama scenarios dreamed up by a human mind. These, rather, were veritable pictures of the final destinations and destinies of all of humankind painted by the very hand of God.
Flash Forward #1 - God’s Throne (Revelation 20:11-15)
And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
This is the “flash forward” for all people who reject God’s free offer of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. Their ultimate end is one of eternal punishment. You can reject this “flash forward” simply because you don’t like it, but that will not change the reality of that heartbreaking day.
Flash Forward #2 - The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15)
For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
On the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
This is the destination for all people who accept God’s free offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. After we trust in Jesus for salvation, we are given an opportunity each day to grow closer in our relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study, and most importantly, through sharing the good news of salvation with those God puts in our path. If we ignore those opportunities, we’ll still get into heaven, but ‘like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames’… In other words, the smell of smoke may be on our eternal clothes! ???
Scary? Yes… Real? Most certainly. But the good news is that you can start living in light of these “flash forwards” today. If you have not trusted in Jesus Christ as your only hope of salvation, do so right now! You do NOT want to be separated from God’s presence for all eternity. If you have trusted Christ, but are living a “On Sunday, I love Jesus, but Monday through Saturday, I party like a rock star” kind of life, you should know that your eternal destiny will be characterized by remembering missed opportunities and regretting your lost rewards.
Here’s a great six-month “flash forward” for you. Picture yourself starting the day with praise to God, asking for the power of the Spirit, and finally taking the step to share the gospel with your friends.
Or maybe you have an even better one?
Bottom line: God’s “flash forwards” are set…what are you going to do about them?
Flash Point Ignite into Action
Ask your friends what they think would be their six-month “flash forward” and why. Use that as an opportunity to bring up the Bible’s “flash forward” accounts for humankind and look for an opportunity to share the gospel.
Accelerant Feed the Fire
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? (Romans 2:3).
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair… (2 Corinthians 4:6-8).
Why God?
Even in the Why
By: Bob Lenz
“If there is a God then why…” You can fill in the blank. Why did my dad die when I was in the 8th grade? Why did my brother get cancer? Why is there someone handicapped in my family? Why are there starving children? I wish I had an answer to all the “why’s” in life. But know this. To question itself is good. Many people have felt bad when they’ve questioned God for fear they’re doubting Him. Questions allow you to search and dig for answers which I believe will lead you to God. There are no answers to dispel all our questions. What needs to be dispelled are the many wrong answers that have been given in the name of our God and in the name of the church.
“Why is my brother, Tim, handicapped with cerebral palsy? Why does he have mental retardation and many other things? Why am I normal and he’s not?” These are the questions I asked my 5th grade religion class teacher after raising my hand. I remember her answer still today. “I guess God loved you more than He loved your brother,” she said. I knew she was wrong, but the anger welled up inside me. In that moment I wanted to kill her! Though I wasn’t sure how -- perhaps with lead poisoning from my number 2 pencil! As I lunged toward her, my friends stopped me. They ran to get the teacher next door who also happened to be my football coach. He came and picked me up, which was quite a feat, dragged me into the hall and held me up against the wall with my legs swinging beneath me as I yelled and cursed. He continued to hold me, repeating over and over, “She was wrong. She was wrong. She was wrong.” Slowly, the words penetrated and I started to cry. See, I thought down deep inside that maybe it was true. Maybe God didn’t love Tim as much as me. If that was true, maybe he didn’t love my family as much as someone else’s family without a handicapped child. But it wasn’t true.
We can’t get the answers from other people’s thinking. We have to look to the Word of God. The Bible tells us that it rains on the just and the unjust. The sun comes up on the righteous and the unrighteous. In John 16 it tells us that in this world you will have tribulations. Things will go wrong. People will get sick. People will die. But know one thing for sure. It is not because God doesn’t love us.
Someone once asked my mom, “Do you think you have handicapped children because of some sin in your life?” They implied that she was the cause of the handicap. Again, we need to turn to scripture. In John chapter 9 Jesus saw a man who was blind. “Rabbi, who sinned? Was it this man or his parents that caused him to be born blind?” the disciples asked. Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the glory of God would be revealed in him.” We live in a fallen world. But God himself in the flesh said that it’s not because of sin. It’s amazing how God can use something that happened in this broken world to turn it around to show his power and love. So why did someone’s dad die? Why did someone’s brother get cancer? It’s not because God didn’t love them. That is simply not true. The proof is in the cross. That gives a pretty big indication of how God feels about you and me.
I can’t imagine the situation that you are going through right now. But I want you to know this. God is big enough to handle your anger, your questions and your doubts. That’s part of the grieving. That’s part of the search. That is a part of faith. It is in those very times when we think that God is furthest away that I believe he is closest. But if you’re anything like me, that’s the time you want to isolate and push people away. Even more so, it’s the time when you want to push God away. Yet those are the two that we need in our life at that moment. They have carried me through my own hard times. The word of God says, “Blessed are you who mourn for you shall be comforted.” God is with us even in the “why’s”. When you go through those hard times, allow yourself to be comforted by Him and by His people. Then in turn, when you hear someone else asking the question “why”, you won’t give simple cliches. You’ll walk with them through the pain and show them that God is Emmanuel – “God with us”. He is with us even in the dark times. Even in the “why”.
By: Bob Lenz
“If there is a God then why…” You can fill in the blank. Why did my dad die when I was in the 8th grade? Why did my brother get cancer? Why is there someone handicapped in my family? Why are there starving children? I wish I had an answer to all the “why’s” in life. But know this. To question itself is good. Many people have felt bad when they’ve questioned God for fear they’re doubting Him. Questions allow you to search and dig for answers which I believe will lead you to God. There are no answers to dispel all our questions. What needs to be dispelled are the many wrong answers that have been given in the name of our God and in the name of the church.
“Why is my brother, Tim, handicapped with cerebral palsy? Why does he have mental retardation and many other things? Why am I normal and he’s not?” These are the questions I asked my 5th grade religion class teacher after raising my hand. I remember her answer still today. “I guess God loved you more than He loved your brother,” she said. I knew she was wrong, but the anger welled up inside me. In that moment I wanted to kill her! Though I wasn’t sure how -- perhaps with lead poisoning from my number 2 pencil! As I lunged toward her, my friends stopped me. They ran to get the teacher next door who also happened to be my football coach. He came and picked me up, which was quite a feat, dragged me into the hall and held me up against the wall with my legs swinging beneath me as I yelled and cursed. He continued to hold me, repeating over and over, “She was wrong. She was wrong. She was wrong.” Slowly, the words penetrated and I started to cry. See, I thought down deep inside that maybe it was true. Maybe God didn’t love Tim as much as me. If that was true, maybe he didn’t love my family as much as someone else’s family without a handicapped child. But it wasn’t true.
We can’t get the answers from other people’s thinking. We have to look to the Word of God. The Bible tells us that it rains on the just and the unjust. The sun comes up on the righteous and the unrighteous. In John 16 it tells us that in this world you will have tribulations. Things will go wrong. People will get sick. People will die. But know one thing for sure. It is not because God doesn’t love us.
Someone once asked my mom, “Do you think you have handicapped children because of some sin in your life?” They implied that she was the cause of the handicap. Again, we need to turn to scripture. In John chapter 9 Jesus saw a man who was blind. “Rabbi, who sinned? Was it this man or his parents that caused him to be born blind?” the disciples asked. Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the glory of God would be revealed in him.” We live in a fallen world. But God himself in the flesh said that it’s not because of sin. It’s amazing how God can use something that happened in this broken world to turn it around to show his power and love. So why did someone’s dad die? Why did someone’s brother get cancer? It’s not because God didn’t love them. That is simply not true. The proof is in the cross. That gives a pretty big indication of how God feels about you and me.
I can’t imagine the situation that you are going through right now. But I want you to know this. God is big enough to handle your anger, your questions and your doubts. That’s part of the grieving. That’s part of the search. That is a part of faith. It is in those very times when we think that God is furthest away that I believe he is closest. But if you’re anything like me, that’s the time you want to isolate and push people away. Even more so, it’s the time when you want to push God away. Yet those are the two that we need in our life at that moment. They have carried me through my own hard times. The word of God says, “Blessed are you who mourn for you shall be comforted.” God is with us even in the “why’s”. When you go through those hard times, allow yourself to be comforted by Him and by His people. Then in turn, when you hear someone else asking the question “why”, you won’t give simple cliches. You’ll walk with them through the pain and show them that God is Emmanuel – “God with us”. He is with us even in the dark times. Even in the “why”.
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