The Foolishness of Christ

 The way of Christ is so contrary to the violence and greed of our world that it seems like foolishness to those who don't practice it. Even more disturbing to those around us might be the willingness of Christ to include anyone from any background, even the disagreeable. (1 Co 1:18-26). Is this the 'foolishness of Christ' you see in the Church, or do you see the Church excluding, bickering, and conquering?

Lose Your Life by...What Now?

Peter argued with Jesus over His upcoming death. This lead to the well known verse that states anyone who wants to save their life must give it up (Mark 8:35). Oddly, modern Christians seem to have taken this to mean that they should give their lives to gaining and exercising power instead of sacrificing for the good the others. In what ways do you sacrifice in order to give to others?

The Magic Formula

 

Like the religious leaders of Jesus' time, we might scour the Bible in search of performative actions that will please God and convince Him to give our prayers special consideration (Matt 6). Do you search for special passages that you can use to manipulate God, or do you let the Bible lead you to a greater understanding of the person and work of our great God and savior, Jesus Christ?

Meanwhile, life without Jesus got harder...

The wonder of Christ's transfiguration is quickly confronted by the hard reality of those disciples left behind (Mark 9). To make matters worse, the disciples who had witnessed transfiguration were forbidden to talk about it. Do you join those living the hard reality of life while doing the work of Christ or do you find yourselves trying to relive an exciting mountain top experience?

Big Umbrella

 Often Christians seek to limit access to Christ by rejecting others. Paul seemed to do just the opposite, in1 Co 9:16-23 Paul declares that he is 'all things to all people'. Paul's willingness to open the door of the church to all who would come caused discomfort and clashes between devout followers of both the Hebrew God and the pagan deities. Who would you exclude in order to be more comfortable?

Who are you calling weak?

 The term 'weaker brother' is describes a Christian who is offended by certain behaviors (1 Co 8). While the passage is often used to bolster our opinions of our own spirituality or worse, to condemn others who exhibit behaviors we dislike, the point of the passage seems to be the need to demonstrate love. Paul is willing to limit his freedoms in order to show love to his brothers. How do you show love to the Church? 

Fishers of Men

 Jesus promises to make His disciples 'Fishers of Men (Mark 1).'  We might be tempted to use this phrase as an excuse to treat our relationships as a sport or as a means to an end. Christ's relationships encourage a change of perspective. Asking Christ to save us should change our orientation from selfishness to honest concern and care for others. How have you changed your perspective to others.