Three questions to measure your spiritual trust factor. In the midst of our country’s current unrest, an important fabric has been torn. Have you noticed?
It’s trust.
It’s trust that lets me drive on the right side of the road and expect oncoming drivers to do the same. And we smile and wave passing safely on our side of the road. At least I smile and wave. You might be texting.
Trust promotes order in a free, civilized society. And to remain, well, civilized. Otherwise, social order is at risk.
But perhaps, what’s really troubling us is a spiritual trust issue. One that penetrates deep within the human heart. And concerns spiritual questions of purpose, meaning and existence.
So, here are three questions to measure your spiritual trust factor.
Three questions to measure your spiritual trust factor. In What Are You Placing Your Spiritual Trust?
Beyond trusting me to stay on my side of the road. And perhaps refrain from texting while driving, what are you trusting? Money? A job? A political party? A skill-set? The government? A religion or philosophy?
As a Christ-follower, I trust an almighty God who has my best interest in mind. Because He is the only one who is completely, spiritually trustworthy.
Sure, there are things in this world that provide a level of security. But never completely. Since there are no guarantees. There is always some doubt. Did I do enough? Have enough? Check all the boxes?
Furthermore, scripture says God has a sovereign plan. And He’s moving us towards it. You might even sense the pace is quickening. The signs of something looming more visible. Maybe you’re even feeling a bit nervous and uncertain.
Scripture says no amount of good works will qualify me FOR God’s love and no amount of bad behavior will disqualify me FROM God’s love. That’s comforting because I’m pretty sure my bad outweighs the good. How about you? The good news is that God’s grace covers all who respond and accept it.
That’s a spiritual trust that leads to spiritual peace.
Three questions to measure your spiritual trust factor. How Proven Is The Source Of Your Spiritual Trust?
The Bible is absolute truth for Christ-followers. And you can’t get any more spiritually trustworthy than absolute.
It’s been scrutinized, analyzed and dissected more than any other document in the world. It’s historical accuracy is supported by archeology. It bats a thousand on hundreds of fulfilled prophecies. And withstood all claims of error for over 2,000 years.
From a human perspective, no other document is anywhere close in credibility, accuracy and reliability. Not one offers a higher level of spiritual trust.
How Reliable Is The Object Of Your Spiritual Trust?
My grandparents owned a farm with a pond. And we skated on it in the winter when cold temperatures froze it over. But you couldn’t tell how thick the ice was by looking at it. You had to test it.
And the level of trust you demonstrated didn’t matter.
You could march out confidently and fall through thin ice. Or inch out cautiously on thick ice that easily supported your weight. But what mattered was the trustworthiness of the ice. The object of your trust.
For Christ followers, that object is Jesus Christ. He claims to be the way, the truth and the life. The key to eternal life. The Son of God. But you can’t just believe in him. You have to spiritually trust him.
And when you do, it’s a game changer. One with an eternal impact.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The Biblical story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis is more than a children’s Bible lesson.
It’s also mentioned in eight other books of the Bible, which includes Jesus describing it as a real event.
Here are four lessons the story of Noah’s Ark has for all of us.
THE BIBLICAL STORY OF NOAH’S ARK REVEALS THE CHARACTER OF GOD
It’s affirmed throughout the Bible. God is love.
But if you stop there…focus only on God’s love…the story of Noah’s Ark is puzzling. Because the next obvious question is…
How can a loving God
simply wipe people off the face of the earth? How can a loving God send people
to hell?
To make sense of it you have to understand that God is also…
HOLY, RIGHTEOUS & JUST
Since God grants us free will, we get to make our own decisions. And bad decisions lead to bad behavior. Even to a level of evil. Scripture calls this sin and says we’re all perpetrators at some level.
God lets us carry on with sinful behavior for a season—which we’re in right now—but not forever.
Because God is holy and just, He eventually deals with sin and judges with perfect fairness. But because of His love, He wants to spare us. Therefore He…
Makes a provision
Noah’s ark was God’s provisional flood escape plan. While building it, Noah warned everyone about the coming disaster so they had the same opportunity for escape. But they refused to listen and respond.
And Jesus Christ represents God’s eternal provision today—for those who listen and respond.
THE BIBLICAL STORY OF NOAH’S ARK PUSHES AGAINST SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
God tells Noah to build an ark and provides instructions.
And Noah builds it all the while proclaiming the coming flood. The first religious nutcase! Especially considering the word “flood” wasn’t even in the ancient parchment dictionary.
You can imagine the laughter. The ridicule. The late night monologue jokes.
Had it been today, Noah wouldn’t make it past the city
building permit.
But Noah persevered. Ignoring popular opinion. Pushing
against the culture. Perhaps feeling alone and isolated.
And thousands of years later, Jesus did likewise. Hanging out with social outcasts and infuriating the religious elite by healing people on the Sabbath. Not breaking the command itself, but the extra rules the religious leaders unfairly piled on top of it.
The point is, when you strive to honor God and pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ, you’ll stand out in the crowd. Push against the culture. And the drivers of the popular culture may snub you in return. Ridicule you. Maybe worse.
And rather than assuring complete protection, Jesus simply says to deny yourself and follow him. No wonder the number of Jesus followers keeps dwindling.
THE BIBLICAL STORY OF NOAH’S ARK TELLS US GOD PRESENTS GOD SIZE PROJECTS
Did God really have to make Noah take all the animals with
him? What about herding them up the side of a mountain and stopping the water
below them rather than cover the entire earth?
Then Noah could build a much smaller boat. One just big enough for his family, pack a little food and call it a two-week vacation cruise.
Instead God tells Noah to build a massive ark that takes 120 years to complete. Then he’s cramped up with a load of smelly animals he has to care for and surrounded by water for a year…without a hot shower.
Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor?
The point being, God gives Noah a job so big he has to rely on God to accomplish it.
Why?
Because had Noah succeeded on his own he would have taken the credit for it. The same is true for us. God gives us arks to complete that require His help so we give Him the appropriate recognition and glory.
THE BIBLICAL STORY OF NOAH’S ARK TELLS US WHEN GOD GIVES A BIG ASSIGNMENT HE PROVIDES THE RESOURCES AND WE PROVIDE FAITHFULNESS
God could have delivered the ark to Noah assembled and ready to go. But He didn’t. Or make it more bite size, more manageable for Noah to accomplish. Not that either.
In fact, God didn’t need Noah at all. He could have created someone new and improved with the snap of His fingers.
What Noah DID provide was faithfulness in pursuing a life God approved of and in following God’s command.
And it teaches us something else about God.
Not only does God love and provide for us, He invites us into
His work. We don’t have to. We’re not doing Him a favor by participating. But
when we do, we’re the ones that are blessed. Go figure, right?
You see faith is never merely passive belief. As James says, it’s lived out through our actions.
So what’s your ark? What massive spiritual assignment is God handing you? Think it’s too big for God and you to complete? Or is perhaps, your faithfulness to and view of God too small?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
Looking for a quick, humorous book to read? I think you’ll find that my Christian detective novel, Soul Pursuitis fast-paced, entertaining and inspirational. Here’s a funny scene from one of the chapters to grab your interest. Check out the five-star reviews on amazon then buy a copy of Soul Pursuit and enjoy reading it yourself.
An Excerpt From Chapter 22 in the Detective Novel Soul Pursuit
Warren looked at Terrence and Jeff with an admonishing frown.
“If you two are finished with your teasing and home spun philosophizing, can we get back to our discussion on the deity of Christ? How can Jesus be fully God and fully man at the same time?”
“Don’t think we’re supposed to understand
it,” said Terrance. “It’s what you call a…uh…a…”
“Paradox,” finished Jeff.
“Yeah. I mean, Jesus was a real person. He
experienced everything we do. What do you think, Jack?” asked Terrence.
I knew he was trying to pull me in, to engage me in a spiritual discussion. But I wasn’t going there. I gave a non-committal shrug.
“But you have an opinion. A worldview. We all do.”
“This is a safe place to explore scripture and ask questions,” said Warren. “We’re all on a spiritual journey and none of us have it all figured out.”
“Okay, since you’re talking about real
people, I do have one question weighing on my mind,” I said.
Warren smiled encouragingly, the paternal,
spiritual father encouraging a toddler to take his first spiritual, baby step.
“Ask away.”
“Did Jesus fart?”
Warren’s smile crumpled into a look of
shock at such sacrilege. Terrance was in mid-drink of coffee and blew it
through his nose as he laughed. Jeff smiled, uncertain where the conversation
was headed, but ready to go with the flow.
“What?”
It caught Warren completely off guard and
the spiritual confidence that had marked his face dissolved into one of holy terror.
It was nice watching someone else squirm for a change so I pressed forward.
“Did Jesus fart?
You know, pass gas, cut the cheese, play the posterior trumpet.”
Warren’s face grew a deep red.
“I…I…don’t see the relevance in that
question.”
“Terrence just said Jesus was fully God
and man. And he shared all our experiences. If so, shouldn’t he break wind like
everyone else? And by the way, if Jesus was perfect, what would a perfect fart
sound like? Or smell like? Don’t give me a churchy, idealized version of God. You
say he’s real. I want to know how real.”
“Jesus was real in every sense of the
word. But this level of vulgarity is not germane to our spiritual discussion.”
Warren was visibly struggling and
reverting to obfuscation to cover his discomfort.
I smiled innocently and shrugged.
“Why not?”
“Wait a minute,” said Terrance.
He was trying to control his laughter and
wiping snot globs of coffee from the table.
“I think Jack has a legitimate point. I
mean, we do talk about the humanity of Jesus, don’t we?”
Warren’s look of discomfort turned to
horror. His friend was turning against him.
“Yes, but—“
“Well, if he’s the God who created smell
in the first place, I’d think he could go either way,” said Jeff.
“Meaning?” asked Terrence.
“Raunchy or sweet.”
“A loud blast or silent but deadly?” I
added.
Crass conversation was in my wheelhouse. Maybe I could get into this accountability thing after all. Terrance had another thought and almost spit out a mouthful of donuts in his haste to share it.
I was warming up to the exchange.
“Hey, maybe that’s part of the story we
missed in the Bible. You know, when Jesus cleared the temple?”
“A holy of holy farts,” said Jeff. “Awesome
in power and mighty to scatter away.”
Jeff and Terrence were both now laughing
so hard they were slapping the table and wiping tears from their eyes. I joined
them along with people in nearby booths who had no idea what was funny, but laughed
because the laughter was infectious.
Warren, however was appalled at such blasphemous
talk.
“This conversation shows an incredible lack of reverence for God. It’s…it’s undignified.”
“Maybe,” said Terrance. “But if Jesus could
control the smell, what does that say about election and free will?”
“And the trinity?” added Jeff. “An
Omnipotent fart to the power of three might evaporate the universe.”
Warren was self-righteously indignant. He closed
his Bible and gathered his notes.
“This Bible Study has downgraded to obnoxious
and is effectively concluded.”
“Okay,” said Terrance. “Then I have a parting
thought.”
We waited expectantly as he stood and
smiled.
“Oh, man. SBD bomb!”
With no further discussion we all left.
Click here to purchase a copy of Soul Pursuit or check out other books by Chip Tudor.
Some people claim Jesus was a great salesman. But I think he was the worst marketer ever.
I’ve been a professional copywriter for 25 years. I’ve written the words…
Simple… Easy… and convenient…
Probably, like a bazillion times in every form of media invented. Except maybe stone tablets.
I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ even longer. Not just a once a week church goer. But one who studies and applies his teachings to everyday life and leads my family on the same path.
Okay, I regularly fail in my efforts. Still, I press on with an intentional, Spirit-led focus.
So when I read material that extols Jesus as a great marketer or salesman, I don’t get it. I think he was terrible at marketing.
The worst marketer ever
Why?
Because nothing about my life as a Christ-follower has been simple, easy or convenient. Nor did Jesus use those words in his marketing efforts. Or try to persuade people to follow him.
He proposed the opposite.
Sure. Christianity offers one really attractive benefit statement—the hope of eternal life. But it’s an open ended invitation. You can always play the odds, risk it and put that decision off to the last minute.
Beat the buzzer, as they say in sports. And enjoy the best of both worlds. But that’s a separate discussion.
Bad Recruiting Statements By The Worst Marketer Ever
Here are some of Jesus’ marketing statements recorded in scripture:
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. –Matthew 10:37
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. –Matthew 24:9
Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. –Luke 9:23
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. –Luke 14:33
The point being…
Following Jesus involves costs.
Wow. Really? Well, sign me right up.
But wait, there’s more!
Sorry, couldn’t help myself.
There’s also, no simple, provable and easy answer on why you should sign up for it. I think God planned it that way.
For me, it has been a challenging journey with some costs. Fortunately, not the ultimate cost some have paid.
Why Follow The Worst Marketer Ever?
On the positive side, I’ve enjoyed some of God’s pretty cool promises.
So why spend a professional career as a marketer myself? Why persuade people to buy products and services that are simple, easy, and convenient and live a life following someone whose marketing message offers the opposite?
Because there’s something undeniably compelling about Jesus. Something authentic, real and genuine. Something that tells me following him is worth it. That he’s worth it.
And it demands a response. First, a decision of belief. Followed by acts of faith.
Most people will probably agree it includes one or all of them.
But where do they come from? Blessings randomly sprinkled from heaven? A successful enterprise? An enlighten state of being?
Or maybe something you do? Like giving back to the community or pampering yourself with a soothing hot tub after the kids are in bed?
Because if these words spoken by Jesus Christ are true, then why are so many people miserable? Why is Christmas saturated with sentimental feelings, and yet, the highest point of suicides during the year?
It’s often a time we turn to faith for answers. So as you reflect on life’s deeper meanings during this Christmas season and perhaps your own quest for the abundant life, here are some thoughts to consider.
To Find An Abundant Life Seek a Reliable Source of Faith
I believe happiness and joy are universal gifts from God that are available to everyone regardless of your belief system. Purpose you discover. Contentment you learn.
And we’re all turning to something in our search for them.
What is it for you? Is it proven? Reliable? Authentic? This is where you start.
And as you search, keep this principle in mind: Intangible rewards come from an intangible source. I think this is where many people go wrong.
They pursue the tangible—like money—to gain the intangible—like happiness. But it only leads to what king Solomon calls chasing after the wind. You can’t get there because the two run on parallel tracks.
Of course, there are many intangible paths to choose from. Which is the right one? And how can you know?
I’ve chosen Christianity as the most unique among all religions, paths to enlightenment and sources of happiness, peace, contentment and purpose. I talk more specifically about what makes it unique in my e-book, Christianity for the Average Joe. Check it out for a conversational explanation of what the Christian faith is all about.
Jesus Christ, its founder, claims to be God and the source of abundant life. Something only he offers. An exclusive claim and a big one at that.
Was he egotistical or self-delusional? And does he deliver?
Well, his path is not all that attractive to a contemporary mindset. It features denying yourself, following him and obeying his commands. So not only is he crazy, you’re a little crazy to follow him.
Which maybe explains why there’s not a bigger crowd following him today.
Even though I don’t think happiness, peace, joy, contentment and purpose are exclusive to following Jesus, he enhances them. Drives them deeper into my life. And builds in a resiliency that flourishes even through life’s ups and downs.
To Find An Abundant Life Embrace a Life Long Faith Journey
If you prefer something rational, materially rewarding or more inward and mystical, forget Jesus. Following him is the opposite of all that.
It’s a faith journey that’s outward focused—an approach radically different than every other religion and spiritual teaching. A formula that lives out his practical instructions in a community of believers.
Rather than a short-term fix, it’s a long term solution. And that’s what you should look for. Something that endures for a lifetime in the realities of a confusing world.
Contrary to some opinions, Christianity doesn’t have all the answers. There’s a daily struggle with doubts and your own, imperfect humanity. But there’s also an unexplainable, redemptive and personal presence that empowers and transforms you from the inside out.
And along with the other intangibles of happiness, joy, contentment and purpose, you find the most elusive, yet powerful expression on earth…hope. In this, Christianity stands alone.
To Find An Abundant Life Pursue a Faith that Keeps Pleasure in Proper Perspective
Ever watched a TV or movie scene where someone stumbles across the desert, dying of thirst and sees an oasis in the distance, but when they get there it’s a mirage?
That’s how pleasure is.
Like happiness and joy, I believe it’s a universal gift from God for our enjoyment. And when exercised and moderated within its design enhances joy, happiness, peace and contentment.
But ignore the instructions on proper use and what is intended as wholesome and sweet quickly turns unwholesome and sour. Followed by emptiness…longing…even bondage.
Pleasure seduces and allures with its charm. But when experienced only for its own sake, is a mirage. Another dead-end path to happiness and joy that leaves you feeling cheated and empty.
It contributes to and is part of an abundant life. But is unsatisfying by itself.
I guess, when you get down to it, the abundant life is so much of what so few of us want to pursue. And therefore, find it elusive. Always beckoning…and just out of reach. When it’s right in front of us all the time.
I wish you the best in your search. And hope you enjoy an abundant life and meaningful experience this Christmas season.
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