Visible Jesus
praise_yeshua > 11-05-2018, 04:16 PM
There is a new book out that is gaining some attention among fundamentalists and former fundamentalists called "Visible Jesus".
It basically makes the argument that "believers" are the "Visible Jesus" in society today. That we should do more to make Jesus "visible" to those around us.
I don't have a problem whatsoever with making Jesus better known to those around us. However, I have a very real problem with the idea that "believers" are the "Visible Jesus" in society.
1. The message of the Gospel has never and will never be.... "Look at me". It has always been "look TO Jesus"
There has far too many people trying to replace Jesus. The message of the Gospel has never been "Look at Jesus in me". The Scripture do a rather good job at declaring Jesus. They do a rather good job of "SHOWING" Jesus to society. Our job isn't to make people look at us for anything. It is our job to POINT to what declares Jesus.
2. There is a very real problem with hypocrisy in ALL religious circles in society.... I mean in ALL religious circles.
I don't believe anyone can disagree with the fact there are a ton of hypocrites around. However, if we really want to be honest, no one could ever really look like Jesus. Which is the real problem. No one can take His place. Yet, that is exactly what a message of this type presents.
It is HYPOCRITICAL to say that you're not worthy to call on Jesus or you're never be as good as Jesus and then................. turn right around and challenge others to show what Jesus really looks like through your life. We just don't measure up. We don't. We can't. We are broken and hurting people who must look external to ourselves for help. Which is the central problem with Pride in Christianity.
People want to talk MORE about what Jesus has done for them.... than ABOUT JESUS!!!! Himself!
3. Imitation and Emulation CAN'T replace DECLARATION.
Seems I keep learning this lesson over and over again. I realized many years ago that I wasn't worth being like. In fact, I've often told my children that I'm not their example. There are some good things about me. My children and wife try to remind me at times that they love me and how important I am to them. They're important to me... but they also know me better than anyone.
There times I've had to tell them, do as I say, not as I do. Yes. I know that society doesn't want to hear that message. I can tell you that religious people especially don't want to hear that message.
No matter if they want to hear it or not, it is so overwhelmingly true. We can't be a standard for much of anything. We just can't. We talk BIG and produce so little. I've given up trying to be something I'm not. I try not to be pretentious and pious. At my best, the only example I can give is "getting up again" and "loving people". When it comes to the righteous......Its not about always being successful. Its about NEVER giving up.
Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
I've found that the best message is recognizing our own self guilt and pointing to the one that has NEVER failed. When someone wants to point to my sin, the best answer is yes. I'm guilty....... and God forgives me over and over again.
I believe this world, whether it knows it or not, is so very tired of the religious nonsense of self righteousness!