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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Jul 27, 2009 2:40:02 GMT -5
Our Jesus and our faith position.
Based upon these words in a post on internet did I write this thought. Quote:"You certainly would not want to miss out on God's blessings and rewards by not moving into a better FAITH position which Jesus might now have for you, would you?"
This is the message I feel I have to share with you: Remember that I am gave the altar service, the offering, the festivals of the Hebrew people. Remember that this became a crooked and corrupted human system. However I am said this will endure forever. So I am took the greatest step in human history and did what was not right according to the system. He made a young girl pregnant out of wedlock, the system said you must be stoned. It was not strange that God did this, he broke his own rules over and over again because the heart of the people where far more important for him than doing what is right. The whole family line of this Jesus child was a long line of cheaters, thief's, murderers, whores, lairs, and other wrongdoers. Not something to be proud of. But back to the story, by miracle Joseph accepted Mary as his wife anyway and saved her from being stoned. Jesus grew up and became a man. He climbed upon a hill and declared what was right in God's eyes, the system applauded this was law, this was right. However, Jesus did not stay on the hill, he came down and went to all the people the system rejected and right in their sin, their unrighteousness he came to them and reached out and said come with me. The system could not handle this man who said I am the way the life and the truth. (more about that later). The system said you have to do something to become visible in God eyes, you have to work on moving to a better faith position by doing things, by offering , tithing, celebrating festivals, sabbath, you have to do..... be a human-doing.
Finally Jesus author of that original plan of the old system gave himself over to the system and the system killed him, religion killed Jesus, and God wept. But than the next in a line of many, many miracles appeared, Jesus conquered both the system and death, the old temple and all it stood for was no more ( even though it still stood there) an new of many God made revolutions had begun. All centered around the man of Galilee who said I am the way, the life the truth.
This part is the center of our faith, Jesus ended all the old became the finally of the temple service, the festivals, the old way and started a revolution of faith and love, love and faith.
Jesus declared you have peace with God through what I have done for you. If you believe this with your heart and speak it with your mouth it is alright, more is not needed my friend. Acknowledge that your old ways where not the right ways, your life was no more than living death, your truth was a lie. Come to me and I will become by the active power of grace your way, your life, your truth. I have done all there is to you just come. Give me the room to give, by not trying to give to me. And the active power of grace will transform you from one living under the law of sin and death to one living by and under the law of grace and life.
Are there than offers needed anymore? Yes, one is still left, however under the new way and not under the past of violence and death. We our lives become living sacrifices too God, vehicles of his love, grace, freedom. The first apostles did go out in this world while they where still discovering the extend of this new world view. The had to rely on the Holy Spirit in an extreme way we can hardly understand, still it is for us too. In one situation the had to declare no more man should be circumcised but still there was a account where it was needed to reach out to the people. ( But still no longer needed for God). Just as the old system was for the people far more than for God, he said before he did need the offering etc. the people needed something to remember that peace with God was possible. In one city a lady became the leader of the church in yet another city ladies had to dress in a certain way and do certain thing. We lost view on the cultures God moved in so we can not understand anymore why he choose this in one place an that in an other,
What is left for us than? The bible? Well the bible is a good book that tells us about the story of God and the people he created, it tells us about his patience and love, and it gives us the outline of Jesus life and the consequences of his life, death and resurrection. It give us a glimpse of the days of the early fellowship of the Way tells us about the believers then who they learned, lived and did grow in faith.. But truth stays that all the books on the earth and I believe of all ages can not tell all Jesus did, not even the bible. On one day God said stop writing this what there is, now my story continues with out written record to look back on. I have given enough examples about how I do things for all of time, the story of the conclusion is told; the coming, life, death and resurrection of my son and how this worked out in peoples life.. a guideline of things yet to come has been given.
Sad enough did the people start to use the bible, their culture and some pagan ingredients (this are things in a culture God could not use because of the way they dragged people away for being to doing again an placed them once again in a closed system of fear and quilt.) to build religion all over again. However God never intended the bible to become a law book, a how to do or not to do book, the bible just told us about God and people, people and God and told us about what should be the center of our faith and that was not a do or don't no religious system, no law but.....
A person his beloved son Jesus Christ through whom the people of the world might be saved. Jesus who said it is finished, all that needed to be done is done, just walk in it. Jesus who said I am. Jesus who said I am the way, the life and the truth, no one comes to the Father than through me. Through his teachings? Through act of worship? A certain life style? Some things you have to, or can do move yourself in a better faith position with Jesus to receive God's blessings and rewards? NO, non of that stuff. Jesus said look at ME, a person completely men and completely God became the way the life and truth.
Our faith is based not upon what we can do, or should not do, but on what had be done for us. Jesus, made peace with God possible for us to walk in. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the active working power of grace do we learn what this means for us in our culture, life situation, where we have been through and go through. This all by a personal revelation of Jesus the Christ.
The words: “You certainly would not want to miss out on God's blessings and rewards by not moving into a better FAITH position which Jesus might now have for you, would you?” Are simply not possible! Why? Because all of this has been done already, our faith position can not be better than Jesus being the way the life and the truth.
We HAVE peace with God through Jesus, we can only receive and open us op to let it do its work in us. And from that God can indeed show what actions might be needed in our lives and culture. However never to bring us in a better faith position, never for God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, but for us the people around us, the people we meet and speak. So that we and they might grasp how great God is. But our faith position has been secured in Christ Jesus and nothing not even our deeds, ego's, spiritual powers, our culture, nothing can separate us from that tremendous love that saved us.
Jesus called us to become in line again with the image of God who said: I am the I am. So let us stop by being human doings, God is not the I do. But lets start from that solid unchangeable faith position who is Jesus to be human beings. And being in Jesus, Jesus being in us will point the way to doing the will of the Father in our lives, situations and culture. Moving forward in trust. Let us not make a carved image of God all over again by our religion, by nailing down his movement that is like the unpredictable wind. God is new everyday, in that is the always, everlasting unchangeable One. It has been finished, Jesus is there for you... the way, the life, the truth, that brings you in the best faith position you can even have... in listening distance of Daddy's heart.
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Mar 12, 2009 13:52:33 GMT -5
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Mar 12, 2009 13:48:39 GMT -5
The traveler. Traveling, always traveling on. No time, no need either for a ongoing standstill. Traveler through the landscape with the name Christianity. Traveling past building and Churches, ideas and fast forgotten hypes. Traveling amazed about so many shortsightedness. Watching how people by their theology made a carved image of the unseen God. Just yesterday he walked through the dusty door in the world of history, where documents of past years where praised into magic. Wat men wrote years ago became never to change stones of religion and judgement. Do it our way. He was happy that the financial crisis of his time revealed that the lie of the prosperity gospel was indeed a lie. O' we are so sure about our church our theology. We follow worn out paths of ages old words that are not the bible. Or we follow every miracle every new speaker, teacher, idiot. Traveler could only shake his head, amazed not understanding. Where were the people of the Way? People not to afraid to aks God, not afraid for the doubt. Who were not afraid to searching believe in the never changing foolishness of grace to great, to awesome to imprison in structures and denominations. Traveler was not afraid to sit and eat at the table of many different believers, no matter how strange the menu was some times. But he did not stay seated, did not stuff himself. Walking, moving on, keep on traveling. Shabbat or Sunday, piercing or dark skirt and suit. He did not care. Jesus, and not the the church, not Christianity should, if it was up to him, become more and more in the centre. Not de ways, not the forms but meeting each other became for him the starting point. Traveling, some times past lonely roads, some times meeting a unexpected companion. Some time joining a service, a season of being church in a certain form or way. Staying free to travel, always on the the road. And one day would he sit at the heavenly table, together with al those o so different Christians who had believed Jesus with their heart, made him visible with their mouth, hands and feet. Laughing about the foolishness of how they had though on earth wat the right way was to follow Jesus. Lifting the glass with sparkling new wine to God who is good, lifting the glass on grace that saved them. Till that, till that day he kept on traveling.
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Mar 12, 2009 13:47:29 GMT -5
Why do I believe? I have been in som many churches, stream of Catholic, Messianic Christian, up to super Charismatic, Baptist, I discovered new ideas and moved on. Met people that disappointed me and who I disappointed. Friendship had seasons of growth and seasons of death, because believing in the one Jesus did not happen “their way”. Still, I believe, why?
For me it is because God proved himself to be true, he touched me, and interfered in a active way in my life, and keeps on doing that. He was the ever present One Present, behind every wall I walked in with my stubborn head, he was there waiting, waiting for me. Patience and often, as I experienced it, with a smile on his lips, for his child that choose to learning such a mega hard way.
From the point I was on a certain moment in my faith walk I thought sometimes I found the answer, the right way, and though I had to convince other of the things I was so sure about.... you had to believe that way, wasn't it so?
Faith became a certainty no longer a journey, certainties where found and lost. But was this not more a expression of my own uncertainty than the certainty of faith?
Now in the past two, three years, this soapbubble has been pierced and splattered, I have not much to add anymore, there is no longer the “I must”. By God I know that I can be just me, no more pressure anymore. He is the One Present.
There are still some things I am quit sure about, but I know that this is not a solid truth things can change, an my certainties don't have to be the same for others. What stays for me is Jesus, the Way, the Life, the Truth. In Jesus, through Jesus, with Jesus I hope to keep on searching and discovering with the peace that this is my faith. This way I feel secure enough to keep on traveling as proces, not so sure anymore, but much tighter knighted together with God.
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Jan 5, 2009 4:52:11 GMT -5
2009…
So, a new year has begun.
A new year with new opportunities or for some a new year with new fears.
First I want to sit down, feet on the table, eyes looking up… being with Father for a moment.
The year has begun; this is where I want to start, close to the heartbeat of God.
I decide to lay my list with good intentions a site for a moment.
My worries and fears are set a site for a moment.
First I want to sit down, feet on the table, eyes looking up...
Nothing is a must, nothing to wish, silence, resting in his presence.
Just a coffee moment with God… I read psalm 15: 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart 3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbour no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman.
A silly thought comes to mind could this be Gods good intention list for me?
Could this be his wish for us for 2009?
Would this be one of the characteristics of the people walking the Jesus Way?
Thoughts become a prayer… Sweet Father, God come with your Spirit to support what I can not do and change me, let your holiness in me do its work towards my brothers and sisters in faith no matter where they go or not go, to church, towards family, friends, people around me.
I pray together with David as he wrote in psalm 25: 4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Amen and most of all have a very good 2009 in Gods presence.
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Jan 5, 2009 4:49:17 GMT -5
The army of stumbling pilgrims…
There is an army marching through history.
I walk in this army too together with you and you and you…
This army follows the general and king who started this army according to his fathers plan.
He did not start as king and general; he started by becoming man a baby.
Not in palace but in a smelly stable.
He choose the soldiers not by there qualities but because they where in the eyes of man already disqualified.
He died for this army and his death paid the praise and gave every one who wanted to follow the possibility to join.
This army never walked in good marching order.
It looks like a not well organised bunch of stumbling pilgrims, marching through history and over the world.
There is an army marching through history.
I walk in this army too together with you and you and you…
There weapons should be joy and peace, loving God above all and your neighbour as yourself.
But often divisions in the army, proudly wearing there outfit with there denominational and cultural nametags on them, killed in the name of the one who is love. Killed and destroyed people, tribes, cultures and even their fellow man who marches in the same army but who are wearing other outfits with other denomination nametags. Or who where no outfit at all, just simple people following Jesus with the need for a nametag or colours of a certain group.
There is an army marching through history.
I walk in this army too together with you and you and you…
This is the army of stumbling pilgrims, who though they stumble, will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with his hand. (Psalm 37:24)
None of them is perfect, none of them knows the truth, all are following Jesus who is the truth, way and life.
All are sinners, all fail and stumble, all are holy not because there perfection but because they accepted the precious and costly gift of grace.
There is an army marching through history.
I walk in this army too together with you and you and you…
Even though they walk in divisions God never intended to be, they are moving forward. Even some go from division to division to find a place they could belong; they stay in the army moving on through questions and pain.
Even the wounded move forward, sometimes supported by fellow stumbling pilgrims, often left behind because of the wounds, no longer counted worthy.
Some fall away, because the pain and rejection is too much, they can not see the general and king anymore because of fellow soldiers blocking the way.
Often they still end up in the loving arms of truth.
Some are stolen away by sin and the devils attacks.
There is an army marching through history.
I walk in this army too together with you and you and you…
We often stumble we often question if this army will ever be one in goal, love and purpose, we often criticize our fellow soldiers laugh if they fall and fail.
We often no to well how things should be, and should be done and said.
And by believing this we stumble again and again with out sometimes realizing it.
Still no matter what, through the miracle of Jesus name the army is moving on through ages, countries and time.
Moving on to the day Jesus will return in power and truth fully recognizable as general and king.
Moving on to the day we will dine at the table in Fathers house, without outfits dividing us, without proud denominational nametags showing where we found our tiny little part of truth, all just simple rescued saved stumbling pilgrims united by grace and Jesus name and truth.
There is an army marching through history.
I walk in this army too together with you and you and you…
My prayer is that I will be one of those stumbling pilgrims who wears no outfit no denominational nametag, who is quick with love and slow with judgement.
Who supports the wounded and who preaches by life rather than words.
We reaches out to the world with a name, a gift, the cross where Jesus made a way where there was no way to become Abba’s child again.
Who reaches out with a name, Jesus, and not with they way, a way, to follow him.
Not representing a division, a denomination or church, group, whatever, but stumbling, simply representing Jesus, general, king, brother, lord, friend.
There is an army marching through history.
I walk in this army too together with you and you and you…?
09/12/08
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Jan 5, 2009 4:21:01 GMT -5
Dear Jesse,
Maybe it is about time to thank God for this divine intervention? Preaching against never worked and will never work and is not in line with the craziness of the gospel of love and grace through the blood of Christ Jesus. He who died for us when we where still sinners...w ho talked to a Samaritan lady... no way that is not done.. called a tax collector from a tree not to tell him that he would go to hell.. but to have dinner with him... Jesus always faced opposition from religion because He never played it by the rule... he had days on a mount with sermons about how Gods standards are for mankind... then he walked down the mountainside and guess what... he did go to each and everyone that could never meet these standards and he loved them, forgave them, healed them and brought them home to fathers heart and home. We should be the same, more interested in people than sin, quick to love slow to judge... Loving caring for the wounded teen that aborted her unborn child... abortion never goes without inner wounds, loving the homosexual caught up in the consequences of a fallen world.. tied with 10000 ropes he and you can never untie but Jesus can in process of love... Showing not what the church and christian judge religion does: Belief, Behave, Belong... No, no, no show Jesus who says: Belong, Believe, Behave... Thank God that he allowed you tube to remove your messages and make 2009 a year of grace, love and leave hell up to God... he knows and only he knows who will or will not go there, Because a heart can turn to God while life is still in the mist of sin... he who believes with his heart and testifies with his mouth that Jesus is Lord will be saved... even the failing, the falling, the stumbling the saved sinners wrestling with sin... Because that is what I am, and you are... saved sinners who wrestle with sin, holy people not because of our deeds but because of Jesus and his compassion and love.... God love the world, Jesus prepared that road for you.
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Dec 22, 2008 13:15:38 GMT -5
THE DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESMAN, THE BOX, AND YOU. ACTS 17:11
Jim was a special kind of door-to-door salesperson. He had integrity and he could in all honesty say that he had the best product in the whole world. He sold a vacuum cleaner that could vacuum, clean and much more. Compared to all the other products was this one by far the best. Yet Jim sold hardly any of these wonderful machines. Let us see what happened:
“Good morning, I am Jim and I can offer you the most fantastic vacuum cleaner in the world. It....” “Man stop,” the woman said, “I have a vacuum cleaner and it cleans; I am more than satisfied with it. Moreover, I believe that they all come from one factory and just have another name on them.” “Oh no,” Jim said, “This one is different from all the others. You know...” Jim could just get his nose back before it was caught in the door.
Do you think Jim found this confronting? Let’s see what happened at other doors. “Good morning, I am Jim and I can offer you the most fantastic vacuum cleaner in the world. It....” “Dear sir”, the person said, “you might as well stop; I do not want a product sold in a dark brown box. You see, I have met people with such a box; they are so strict and narrow-minded. No, I do not want a box like that. Just looking at that box bores me.” Nevertheless, Jim tried to say, “I do not sell boxes....” “Goodbye,” the person said, “I’m not interested.”
Jim said to himself, “Well, if the box is such a problem, I’ll just get another box.” So he put the vacuum cleaner in a colourful box adorned with flowers and a rainbow. Let us see what happened: “Good morning, I am Jim and I can offer you the most fantastic vacuum cleaner in the world it....” “Good gracious, what an awful looking box!” the lady shouted. “All those colours. Do you really think that I would consider a product packaged in a box like that? Man, get out of here. A box should be brown and nothing else.” Before Jim could say anything, the door was slammed in his face again.
“Well,” Jim said, “then I’ll try a medium brown box.” Let’s see what happened: “Good morning, I’m Jim and I can offer you the most fantastic vacuum cleaner in the world. It....”. “What an ugly box,” the lady said, “you know, I once had a box like that and it stood in the way all the time. It had sharp corners; you can still see the bruises I have from a box like that.
What do you think; would Jim ever sell “the best vacuum cleaner in the world”?
What does this little story teaches us? Let’s look at evangelism. How many times in sharing with others the answer for the world, Jesus Christ, do we end up talking about the boxes of denominations, religions, and doctrines? How often do people say that all religions lead to God? How many people think that only one kind of box is the right one into which to put the product? How many people are disappointed because of pain caused by bumping into a box? How boxed in are you? If someone asks you, “What is our religion; what is your faith?” What do you answer?
Do you say, “I’m Catholic, Mennonite, Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Christian, etc, etc?” (I often think that the box factory has a better sales record than the vacuum cleaner factory). Or do you say, “I believe in Jesus Christ and I follow Him.” If they ask, “Oh, then you’re a Christian. To what church do you go?” Are you able to respond, “I want you to see that it is not important to which church I go, and I do not really call myself a Christian. The important thing is that I found the Way the Life and the Truth; I’m in love with Jesus, my. Saviour.” COME OUT OF YOUR BOX. DO NOT SELL PEOPLE BOXES THEY DO NOT NEED.WE AND THEY NEED JESUS, NOT CHRISTIANITY.
Marc Pranger
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Dec 22, 2008 13:11:15 GMT -5
Grace like a sword, love like a fire… He, Jesus the Christ died for you when you where still a sinner, His grace as there before you earned grace, before you even recognized grace as being there for you. He, Jesus the Messiah became sin in order to deliver us from sin, and the death that follows sin. He, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings paid the ultimate price in order to deliver us from sin, our selfish live and from the influence of the disobedience of Adam to re-create us in His tribe coming from every tribe, tongue and nation, each and everyone unique and different, still one through the acceptance as Jesus as our only Way, Truth and Life, our pathway to the heart of Father God. We did and do not deserve this, but by living a life of surrendering our self as living sacrifices, our only true act of spiritual worship can we slowly surrender our self to the sometimes painful inscribing of the truth, hope, guidance, law of love and grace by the Holy Spirit in our hearts. This grace can never be a cheap grace, a grace that can be without consequences. A grace that cost God so much can never go side by side with man made religion and the kind of faith that wants God to accept us as we are. God is not depending on us and God can and will not be named in one breath with our sin and disobedience. By accepting the fact that we can never, ever be good enough for God we see the true meaning of grace, a free gift paid for by God for the highest possible price. This grace is a sword that cuts us of from our old self, life and past. This grace will not leave anything in place as soon as we surrender our self to the working of this grace. We can understand this grace when we no longer think about this grace through reason and intellect, if w no longer come to a conclusion of reason and thinking. We come to understand this grace if we surrender our self to the sword grace is. Even though we are still not perfect in our acts and deeds we will be called Holy and pleasing for God because we become united with Christ life and death and God sees us through His beloved Son. God’s love is not like some soft cotton wrapping you where placed in once you accepted grace, God’s love is like a fire burning with passion to change you to become your true self, change you to become a child of God, this is being a living sacrifice, this is being in the fire of love. I many times wonder how people and churches think that they can come to God if they are not willing to call sin, a sin, if they are not looking for a church where truth is spoken but where their sin will be accepted. Love is patient, and God knows that we will fall and stumble, we as believers are more and more called to accept each other as stumbling pilgrims on their way home, people who are far from perfect, who fall and fail, but who are convinced that there is not other way that placing ourselves under the sword of grace, going through the fire of love. We are called no to place people under a yoke of law and judgement that is revealing sin, but to gentle and patiently guide people to the cross where Jesus died, the grace where he was resurrected from death, to the throne on Fathers right hand, there will people meet grace, love, acceptance, there will the be able to willingly accept and experience grace as a sword, love as a fire. There is freedom, future, hope and the doorway to eternal life. Romans 4… Have a wondurfull blessed life in, through and by Christ our Lord, King and friend
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Dec 22, 2008 11:42:59 GMT -5
Christmas.
Slowly and quietly, not to wake mommy and daddy, the two little boys climbed from there bunk bed, opened quietly the door of their bedroom and walked carefully down the stairs.
In the house was it quiet and outside dark, they came to look at the Christmas tree they bought with daddy on the parking lot near the mall. The Christmas tree they decorated with mommy, daddy and their big sister.
The lights in the tree where not on now, it was not so pretty as on other times, on the table was the chandelier for nine candles, they forgot the name, it was such a difficult name. Daddy had told them that the meaning was that light of God had entered the world; Jesus the little Bethlehem child.
All these things, all the decorations in the room where nice, but that was not where they came for, they came to see if the presents where all ready under the tree. Daddy promised… so…. Yes, the presents where there, five shiny wrapped presents!
Wow, don’t’ touch now, not trying to peak to see what is in it, just guessing for who which present would be. Tonight at Christmas eve would it be time to unwrap the presents.
Yesterday, when the lights and candles where burning bright, had daddy told them that he would lie the presents under the tree. The benjamin of the family shouted isn’t it weird that it is Jesus his birthday and that we get the presents. It is so that the one who celebrates his birthday should get the presents.
Later that evening, just for bedtime, took mommy them on the couch and told them why they received presents at Christmas eve, why this birthday was so different from any other birthday. Warm and cosy with mommy on the couch, big sister went to watch a movie at a friends house; daddy had a meeting at the church.
Long ago, more than two thousand years, something amazing happened. God who created heaven and earth and all the plants and also men decided that he was going to do what always intended to do.
He the greatest of all would become the smallest. Not without a reason, listen with me.
God send an angel to a girl called Marry and the angel asked Marry if God could give her a son that would grow in her belly.
Not with a mister as daddy, but God would by a miracle, that is something very special what is not possible but God still does, make a baby grow in Marries belly by his Holy Spirit. Marry would be the mommy and God the daddy.
Marry found a bit scary, but she wanted to listen to God and so she said yes. Marry also had a boyfriend called Joseph, one day she would marry him, they where all ready encaged. At first Joseph did not know what God had told Marry, and just as the neighbours and other people of the village Nazareth where they lived did he became very, very angry.
Because it was not right to get a baby when you where not married. Joseph was also very sad, because he thought the baby is not mine, so there must be another daddy Marry loves. This was a terrible thought for Joseph. But God had not forgotten Joseph so he send an angel to Joseph in a dream that told him everything was all right, told him that the little baby was Gods own son and that his name should be Jesus.
The oldest interrupted the story and said: “Mom and than Joseph and Marry went a journey and Jesus was born in a dirty stable, isn’t it, with shepherds and wise men from a land far away…”
Yes, that is so mommy said and there was much more the happened then.
But now I was going to tell you why you get presents on the birthday of Jesus.
This little baby was no ordinary baby it was a presents from God to mankind, not that the people knew it already, and many never would want to know, but still this how it was.
Jesus, lived as all other people but he never did bad or naughty things, no sin we call that.
In this way he grew up and became wise, when he was a man he walked with a group of friends through the land to tell people about God and the Kingdom of God.
People thought that Jesus would become the new king and would kick the Romans, who where bullying them, out the land.
Jesus, told people that God was a kind and loving God, but also that he can’t stand bad things, people who do or think bad things can not belong to God. That was frightening because everyone does something bad sometimes. However Jesus especially went to the people who did bad things, he healed them when they where sick and forgave them the bad things, that means that he told them that he and God would no longer think about those bad thing but would put them away. The people of the temple and the synagogue, a kind of churches for the Jewish people said that he could not do that and became very angry at him.
As you know was there end to things going well, Jesus entered the city Jerusalem on a donkey and than it was party time, people though now it will happen, now does Jesus will become king.
But that is not how things went, one of Jesus friends betrayed him, other left him, turned their backs on him. The people killed Jesus, after hurting him very bad, and nailed him to a cross.
Mommy the youngest said; such a cross as in grandma’s church? The church with that nice smell?
Yes, mom smiled, such a cross.
But that is wrong mommy, that hurts so much doesn’t it mommy?
Yes, it did cause Jesus a lot of pain and suffering, but again he was a present for the people.
Jesus, said to God his father, I take all the bad things of all the people who live now and who will born later and take them with me on the cross, I will become all these bad things, that is how much Jesus loves us. This was also the plan of God, Jesus who never did something wrong, was the only one who could do this. He received the punishment we deserved, amazing isn't it? Yes, the oldest replied, I would not want to get the spanking on my behind for something he, he looks at his little brother, had done, that is not fair, or is it?
No, mom said that doesn’t seem fair, but that is why it is a present, grace we call that. We should get punished but still we don’t get punished.
If we believe in Jesus and want to follow him than does God no longer look at the bad things we done and the punishment we deserve, as long as we tell him the things we remembered doing wrong honestly. He looks at Jesus who received the punishment in our place. Grace is a present, a gift, we did not deserve, nor have to deserve, but what we receive freely from God through Jesus.
That is why we give presents at Christmas time, where we remember the birthday of Jesus. Because Jesus became Gods present to us. And through his death on the cross can we also receive the present of grace. That is why we give presents at Christmas eve.
The youngest whispers…. Jesus did not stay dead, did He? With a soft sad voice he says this…
No, by a miracle of God did Jesus not stay dead, but became alive again, and went to heaven after that. But one day, a special day, will Jesus return and than as a man, a soldier bringing peace, the great king.
This is something else we think about on Christmas day; not only about how came to us as a little baby, but also about how he will come as king.
But most of all how he loves to give presents became a present, than that he wants to receives presents.
Still there is a present Jesus loves to get; the oldest says… can you guess which present that is?
Let me think mommy says… do you know it she asks the youngest?
The youngest thinks… his whole face looks like a junior professor… than he nods no... I don’t’ know.
Now, tell me mommy says…
Now, now, Jesus wants us to give our selves as present to him, so that we can become his friends!
Yes, mommy laughs that is right…
After this story mom tugged them in, the oldest did read for a little while the youngest slept almost right away.
Now they where awake, and looked at the presents, the lights in the tree where not on now, it was not as pretty as on other times, on the table was the chandelier for nine candles.
They hear the steps of the stair… daddy enters the room with his sleepy head and messy hair. Hi little rascals, I thought already that I heard something. Daddy always looks a bit funny when he is just awake; just if he is w bit wrinkly, his hair messy, in his T – shirt and boxer short.
You guys are awake early, it is just a quarter to six… did you find thing so exiting, daddy laughs…
They nod
Come daddy says, I am going to tug you in again, nice and warm in your bed, just try to sleep a little longer, or read a book or watch the pictures if you can not sleep at all anymore. I call you at eight than will we have a nice family breakfast together… and tonight, tonight we unwrap the presents.
14-12-2008 Copyright Marc Pranger
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Dec 22, 2008 11:41:19 GMT -5
I invite you to visit my site... Touch of Faith.... where you can read items that will lift up your faith.
Instruments to reach out to Jesus with a Touch of Faith!
And to look at the body of believers with love, patience and a focus on genuine unity.
Be Blessed to Be a Blessing, Pilgrim Marc
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Jul 27, 2005 9:42:11 GMT -5
This book by a roman catholic priest is more than awesome if you are looking for a strong relationship with Jesus and a greater undrstanding of what church can be. You can not buy it in a bookshop but can find it by googling online. Title: The Royal Way By: Frans Horsthuis. I hope many will read it! Marc
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Post by Pilgrim Marc on Jul 27, 2005 14:38:48 GMT -5
A DEEP DESIRE FOR UNITY AND SIMPLICITY (Titus 3:2-9) Do you sometimes have this too? You really want to believe; you want to follow Jesus as a disciple, a pilgrim, a student, a beloved child; but you constantly come up against questions and opinions, churches and doctrines; without speaking of all the questioning within yourself, the choices you have to make, your doubts and searching. The questions you have ( ‘where do I belong?’; ‘in which church?’; ‘where do I feel at home?’) aren’t new. In the Bible the church had only just come into existence when people began to look for reassurance in leaders, doctrines and rules, instead of in the foolishness of grace, that made the rough fishermen and unsteady followers; people who sometimes followed and sometimes denied, pillars of the church. Because of the foolishness of grace do we see prostitutes and tax collectors, criminals and failures who received a crown and a king’s cloak and led the way in a procession of redeemed sinners. Do you know, I have discovered that I don’t actually feel at home anywhere. In each church I find some things but miss others. Wherever you go people will disappoint you and you (and I!) will disappoint them. The truth can supposedly be found in a particular group or it comes diluted with the water of compromise. In short the church has something to offer but holds just as much back or rejects it altogether. And I’m not much better. So often it has to do with the right doctrine, the right rules or dogmas; even whether you’re wearing the right clothes or consuming the right food and drink. Do you smoke? Drink? Something else? In that case the gates of heaven are shut in your face. We could go on. There is always something. One movement defends the Christian celebrations and Sunday. Another swears by the original festivals and the Sabbath. And there we go again; divisions and splits. One group stands behind Israel and the other is sober enough to see that the people of God still aren’t perfect ( and just as in the old days push God easily to one side); in the land which God has given them His people still make silly mistakes in faith, life and politics. As far as that is concerned not much has changed. And amongst Christians? One is Reformed, the other is Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, a sort of Messianic or something else; yet another follows Yeshua without calling himself a Christian. And you know we are regularly busy defending our viewpoint instead of finding the similarities, the unity, the simplicity, the foolishness of grace. I believe there is a wonderful measure for unity that we often miss. It requires only a slightly different way of looking at a text written by our brother, Paul in 1 Cor. 3:11-15. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. These verses contain a some important points concerning unity and simplicity. We are saved by grace, as we see in Titus, and not because of anything we have done. It was Jesus who, through his death on a Roman means of execution, opened the door to the Father heart of Creator - Adonai; Jesus who, through His resurrection from death made a fool of satan and promised victory to all who follow Him, even if you don’t always see or experience this victory. This Jesus is the foundation of our faith; through faith in Him, and repentance we are, by grace, fully assured of eternal life by Creator - Adonai – by grace. Jesus is the foundation. All faith movements and doctrines etc. etc. are built on this foundation. So we build on this foundation, and that’s when the criticism begins, because we think we know damned well what is best for others. Yes, damned, because it damns the other and confirms how good we are in following the rules and regulations based on all our doctrines, pre-judgements and religious nonsense. Do you know that if our foundation together is in Christ then we may trust that Creator - Adonai is the one who will judge our building work, not now here on Mother Earth but on The Day, His Day. Then He will say, ‘Your salvation is not based, in the first place, on your building work; at the most this is instrumental in deciding the measure of responsibility I can trust you with in my new Kingdom, the reward that lies waiting for you; but your salvation is only dependant on your foundation and if that foundation is Jesus then I will welcome you to my table with the new wine. Even if other children of mine don’t think much of that. Do you know I really long for unity and simplicity; yes I have a deep desire to simply follow Him in unity with other pilgrims; to learn from His Spirit and from my brothers and sisters in the kingdom and together as stumbling pilgrims to follow the Way. But what do I see? In place of following Him together I see, alas, that we argue and bicker. There must be a way of travelling together, knowing that here on this planet we will never feel truly at home because we are on the way to His House, the House of Abba. Only there shall we never more disappoint each other or cause each other pain. Only there will the unity be complete; there we will sit at the table with those we have rejected here because their teaching wasn’t the same as ours. Is there then a key that opens the door to simply following Jesus? Maybe there is but I haven’t found it yet; however I am searching and will continue to search and keep feeding the hunger of that deep desire for unity and simplicity because I know that the answers are there to the things I’m looking for. And I hope there are people who, like me, will follow on the Way together, as stumbling pilgrims, whether or not they are members of a fellowship or church; whether they come together on the Sabbath or on Sunday, whether in a church or a living room or the pub; whether they paint eggs at Easter or build huts for the feast of Tabernacles, burn candles at Hanukkah or hang balls on the Christmas tree; whatever. Pilgrims who, despite all the differences, have Yeshua, Jesus as THE foundation, and therefore want to meet with each other, honour Him, and together want to pray and learn. Then maybe together we will find the key to simply following. I have the feeling that we are already a bit closer if we add up the verses that are near the end of the four gospels, even if I’m not sure why. Do you know? Do you also long for unity and simplicity? Let us follow the Way together... Marc Pranger www.ruachstream.comJanuary 2004
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