Musical Moments with Mike

Some people make Christianity soooo complicated. They even come up with big words that confuse Christians – words like soteriology, eschatology, propitiation, Neopythagorean – what’s a mother to do?!

How about we keep Christianity simple and stick close to the cross and resurrection of Jesus? Jesus is not trying to confuse people – He is seeking to convert them. The bible is not written so that only the scholars can understand it. It is written so that anyone searching for God with an open heart can find Him. Paul says, “…that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. (Matthew 11:25). Yes, there are some things hard to understand (II Peter 3:16); however, the nature of God, who is Jesus, how we are to live by faith, etc. is easy to understand IF we have a humble, searching heart (impossible for the arrogant, hard-hearted people).

I like what Leon Morris writes about the gospel of John, “The gospel of John is a place where a child can wade and an elephant can swim”. I believe it true of the entire bible. There are deep and difficult teachings that confound even the brightest bible students. On the other hand, anyone with an open heart who seeks God can comprehend Christ’s teachings with confidence and competency.

Here are a few simple truths that will keep us busy for a lifetime as we follow Jesus:

* Love God and love others (Mark 12:29-31)
* Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)
* Be holy, for God is holy (I Peter 1:16)
* Be humble (James 4:10)
* Be grateful (I Thessalonians 5:18)
* Pray a lot (I Thessalonians 5:17)
* Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)

How about we just keep it really simple today. Spend the day thanking Jesus every hour for who He is and what He is doing in your life physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. Read Matthew 5:1-16 and then listen to a simple yet powerful song called Thank You Jesus by Sidewalk Prophets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAkFnhPNNsY

Matthew 5:1-16

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

He said:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.