Religion vs Gospel (1): It Stinks

I’ll be honest with you, growing up I wouldn’t have considered myself a religious person. My lifestyle and beliefs have changed greatly, but to be honest, still to this day, I consider myself a non religious type. I believe in one God – Jesus Christ, I visit my extended family a couple of times a week (church), I love talking to God (prayer) and I love to read about the history of my God, his world and my extended family (the bible). I call myself a little Jesus; this is what Christian means (Christianos in Greek means little Jesus) because if someone saved you from death, won’t he be your hero?

This is what a Christian is! We Christians should not religious people; those who are miss the point. Watch this video and then you will understand why I say RELIGION STINKS.



If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations-- "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used)--according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:20-23).

What is your view of Jesus? Is he your hero?

The Book of Hebrews

This week’s post was inspired through the reading of Hebrews. The scriptures state: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). With this in mind, below are two links to bible gateways reading of Hebrews (ESV).

The letter of Hebrews was written by an unknown author (my guess is probably Luke) around the year 65 to 70 AD. The author is pressing on the receiving Christians that God has spoken his final words through his Son, and therefore, to abandon Jesus is to abandon God. In addition, Jesus is superior to everything, this includes angels, Moses, the Old Testament Prophets and Priestly system. We can have full assurance in Jesus, as the author continually states and urges all to fix our eyes on Jesus, for our only hope is in him (adapted from Fee & Stuart, 2002).

Please follow the links below to read Hebrews:
Hebrews 1-6
Hebrews 7-13

If you would like to download a complete bible, please check out E-Sword. Over 80% of the material is free, very useful and small in size. In addition, I can send you a hardcopy of the bible (simply email vintagejc@hotmail.com).

I pray the Lord blesses your time and that your study may be fruitful in Jesus name.

Resource Review: Vintage Jesus

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This is a brilliant book for those investigating Jesus and Christianity. Easy to read and funny throughout, Vintage Jesus tackles the myths and false views created through two thousand years of religion. I strongly recommend this book as we head into the ‘Who was Jesus’ series.

Some two thousand years after he walked the earth, Jesus Christ is still a hot topic. And for all the ridiculous, twisted, Da Vinci Code-esque- conspiracy theories and lies about Jesus that have permeated popular culture and even the academy over the years, the truth about his character, nature, and work has not changed. So what exactly is the truth about Jesus Christ?

That's the question the authors of Vintage Jesus seek to answer by breaking it down into a number of sub-questions about Jesus, including
• Is Jesus the only God?
• Why did Jesus come to earth?
• Did Jesus rise from death?
• Why should we worship Jesus?

Nonbelievers and new Christians looking to sit down and delve into the topic of Jesus, asking the toughest, most confounding questions they can think of, will find solid, biblical answers presented in a relevant, accessible way.

176 pages from Re: Lit
Price: Approx. $21.95

Fellowship: Why is it so Important?

For the past two weeks, I have been reading through the book of Hebrews, which is an absolute gem of a book! Accompanying my study, I have been listening to John Piper’s sermon series on the book, which has been an extremely fruitful experience.

One of the major teachings in this book is the importance of paying very close attention to Jesus: Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1). Over and over again the author of Hebrews urges his readers to consider Jesus. The author lays down for us many clear reasons as to why we should consider Jesus. Firstly, Jesus is God, the creator of the universe. Secondly, as God, he is in control of the universe. Thirdly, he has made it possible for God’s people to be reunited with God the Father through his death on the cross and resurrection (Hebrews 1).

These amazing qualities of Jesus warrant our full attention of him. However, the author of Hebrews continues and presses even more compelling reasons for our undivided attention of Jesus by explaining that Jesus fulfils all that was promised through the Old Testament i.e. the law, the prophets, the sacrificial system (this will be explained in the upcoming “Who was Jesus” series).

The thing that has struck me is the importance of constantly considering Jesus: And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope (Hebrews 3:6). I believe in the doctrine that God chooses his people (Calvinism). But on this side of heaven, can we be assured of our salvation i.e. that God has actually chosen me? My answer is yes we can have confidence. See, this verse is highlighting for us evidence in life to see whether we are saved. The author writes: we are saved, which is stating a fact and then he throws in the conditional statement: if we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. The evidence is in our hope in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do you see this evidence in your life? Is your life fixed on Jesus? Note that he does not say we will be saved but rather we are saved. We contribute nothing to our salvation- it is purely the work of God in our hearts! Praise Jesus!

So, as the title says, why is fellowship so important? But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13). The one thing in our lives that is trying to destroy us is sin! If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit is at work in your heart showing you areas in your life that are opposed to God. The biggest danger in our life is if we take our eyes of Jesus. This may occur due to complacency and laziness or maybe a lack of rich fellowship. Fellowship (see Love: The Essential Ingredient for more on fellowship) is so important as the author of Hebrews points out. He encourages us daily to engage in rich Christian fellowship. Why? Rich Christian fellowship, according to the author, is to point us to Jesus. Life can get hard and in these times we may feel like throwing the Jesus towel in. Our only hope is in Jesus!

I will conclude with several questions:

Is your life fixed on Jesus?

Do you value rich fellowship?

Are you in a church or community group?

Do you know any Christians who need your love and encouragement to keep on considering Jesus?

Therefore, how important is church and community groups. We must value these times! I urge you to consider Jesus and encourage your brothers and sisters to likewise, consider Jesus!

Resource Review: God’s Big Picture

If you have been stirred by Christians Believe (6), why not have a read of God’s Big Picture. Very easy to read outlining the basic points of Christianity.

Sixty-six books written by forty people over nearly 2,000 years, in two languages and several different genres. A worldwide bestseller published in countless sizes and bindings, translations and languages. It has been sworn by in court, fought over by religious people, quoted in arguments. The Bible is clearly no ordinary book. How can we begin to read and understand it as a whole?

In his excellent overview, Vaughan Roberts gives the big picture - showing how the different parts of the Bible fit together under the theme of the kingdom of God. He gives us both the encouragement and the tools to read it with confidence and understanding. He points us to the Bible's supreme subject, Jesus Christ, and the salvation God offers through him.

160 pages
Price: Approx. $16.95

Christians Believe (6): The Lamb vs The Dragon

Everyone loves a classical movie of good versus evil. The general plot of where the evil character gets the upper hand until it seems like the good character has completely lost. Then, from nowhere, the good character musters up enough strength to conquer their enemy. This is the final chapter in the Christians Believe series and what a fitting way to conclude with the good guys convincingly winning. However, before we dive into this final chapter, let’s recap on where we have travelled in this series.

Firstly, we found that God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), who has existed eternally, created the universe (see Christians Believe (1). Our mandate as humans created in God’s image was to rule the world under God but we rebelled against him and sadly, death entered the world (see Christians Believe (2). So God, rich in love and mercy became a man to rescue us from our sins by living a perfect life and dying on a cross so that we might be forgiven (see Christians Believe (3) and live in eternal life with God (see Christians Believe (4). The followers of Jesus now live in this world waiting for the glory that awaits us (which we will talk about in this article) and meet as a family under Jesus in gatherings called ‘churches’ (see Christians Believe (5). With all this in mind, let us conclude this amazing true story!

If you haven’t noticed, there has been a battle raging for thousands of years, a battle that you will only see and understand if you look through the lenses of the bible. This battle is a spiritual battle between God and Satan, one which we became involved in when Adam and Eve sinned. You need to understand that God and Satan are not equal opponents. God is all knowing and all present, eternal and creator. Satan, however, is like us in that he is a created being, limited in knowledge and in presence and is not eternal. I do not want to dwell on Satan’s characteristics too much in this article but I want to make it clear that he is the enemy of God and those who are for Satan are also enemies of God. The bible tells us “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience“ (Ephesians 2:1-2). We by our disobedience are following the prince of this world- Satan and therefore we are enemies of God and in big trouble.

The great news is that the battle is all but won and we have a chance to be saved. When God the Son stepped off his throne in heaven and entered into human history as the man Jesus, his death on the cross crushed Satan’s power over us as sinners and brought those who trust in Jesus onto God’s side. So, what is left? The battle was won at the cross but we still wait for the final end when Jesus returns from heaven- But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). When Jesus returns, He has guaranteed that there will be ‘fireworks (see Marks 13; 1 Thessalonians 4-5; 2 Peter 3- there are over 250 references on Jesus return). Have you ever wondered what will happen when Jesus returns?

The Resurrection of All

As we discussed in Christians Believe 4, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and ascended to rule from heaven. The bible states that when Jesus returns, everyone that has died will be resurrected from the grave and the living and the dead will face Jesus- for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice (John 5:28).

Judgement Day

Please do not let the great Governator film (Terminator 2) fool you- God will control this day and not machines. We will all be resurrected to face judgement. The bible makes it clear that Jesus will judge us by our actions according to his law. Jesus is an impartial judge who expects perfection. As stated in all the other Christians Believe posts, according to our actions, we are all doomed, but God has revealed to us a righteousness that will save us from our sins- the God man Jesus. Those who face Jesus according to their own actions will be sentenced to hell and those whom face Jesus according to Jesus’ actions for them (namely the cross), will be forgiven and sentenced to heaven.

Let me make one disclaimer! There must be a judgement. I’ll put this to you: Would it be just if a man murdered and raped a young girl, arrested by the Police to face court for the judge to say “Well I am a nice judge so I will let him free”. Is this justice? NO! God must judge us. We live in a world where justice is far and few between. The world is faced by crooked leaders and judgers. One half of the world dies from obesity while the other half dies from starvation. Jesus must put things completely right and this is only possible through his righteous judgement.

Heaven and Hell

Jesus spoke about hell more than any other person in the bible. In a nut shell, Jesus states that hell is hot and eternality is a long time. The bible is clear that after Judgement, we all will be sentenced to either heaven or hell. Those who have washed their sins away in the blood of Jesus will be let into heaven, and those who sit in arrogance against Jesus and in no need for his salvation will be sentenced to hell.

Heaven in a few words is perfection. All who live in heaven will live in perfect relationship with God and each other, worshipping God wholly, no pain or suffering or sin. The bible calls heaven a city- New Jerusalem. We will live, work, play and there will be no toil and death. We will know God perfectly; we will even speak with him face to face. Heaven will be like this life with only the positives! I can’t wait- praise Jesus!

Hell is the polar opposite. There will be only suffering and pain. Those in hell will live separated from God. Satan and all of God’s enemies will be sent to hell. It will be a terrible place where only the negatives in life flourish!

I plead with you now- if you are Christian or not- consider Jesus with his great salvation. We all deserve hell but in his great mercy, Jesus tasted death so we could have heaven. Jesus is calling you today to come to his cross- give him your sins and follow him. If you neglect Jesus, you will be treated as his enemy. Jesus is our only hope! I will leave you with a passage from Revelation (21:1-8). It paints the beauty of heaven, which is on offer to you through Jesus.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death."

Who was Jesus: Preview

Jesus of Nazareth was and is one of the most influential people in all of human history. He has captured the hearts and minds of billions of billions of followers. But why is Jesus so influential? Was it his teachings, or was it his miracles, or was it his sacrifice or was it something even more profound?

We are drawing to a close in the Christians Believe series and will be starting a new series next month, which will examine what history and scripture has to say about Jesus. We will investigate into what makes Jesus so unique and powerful.

If you can’t wait for this series to commence, please check out the Vintage Jesus series from Mars Hill Church.

Resource Review: Vintage Church

Highly respected theologians Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears have produced a great book for those who are interested in finding out what scripture has to say about church. I have found this book quite funny as is Driscoll’s style, very informative and easy to read. Great follow on read from Christians Beleve (5).

This book from the popular Re: Lit series picks up where Vintage Jesus leaves off, beginning with a focus on the person and work of Jesus and then exploring the confessional, experiential, and missional aspects of his church. It defines a biblical church as one that properly balances the eternal truths of Scripture - church leadership, preaching, baptism, communion, and more - with timely, relevant methods designed to engage the culture, such as multi-campus churches and the latest forms of technology, to reach people with the gospel. While Vintage Church is helpful for pastors and church leaders, it is the kind of book you could hand to someone who has questions about ecclesiology but finds the very term ecclesiology intimidating. The authors put forth twelve practical questions about church doctrine and answer them in clear, biblical terms.

256 pages, from Re: Lit
Price: Approx. $24.95

Christians Believe (5): Welcome to the Family

My childhood was one of fun and games. My brothers and I used to have the most intense backyard cricket games. We played with gusto and spirit, as if it were a real Test Match. I remember breaking my dad’s aeroplane models and sticking screwdrivers into power sockets. The most amazing thing about my family was that I knew that my mum and dad loved me no matter how must destruction I wreaked on the house. There were good times and there were bad times, but this love never really wavered.

Today, we stop to look at ‘church’. According to popular polls, church is often viewed in our culture as an irrelevant activity. The general consensus is that church is about religion that consumes your money, hearing sermons and making God happy through attendance, this which can be done in the comfort of the living room and in your own individual way. Is this your view of church? Let’s see what the bible have to say about worship and church?

I guess first of all, we need to define, what is church? A better way of stating this question would be, what is ‘the’ church? Due to misinterpretations, the church has become labelled as a building or a governing body that determines Christianity’s beliefs. However, the actual word ‘church’ means: “an assembly or gathering of believers who come together to worship God” i.e. a family! During these gatherings there will be readings from the bible, the bible is taught and believers engage in fellowship. This is a basic definition and will suffice for this article.

In my introduction, I reminisced about my childhood and family. Church is a family, where those who believe that Jesus is God and died for sins, gather to celebrate Jesus and relate with one another. The most important fact here is that church belongs to God- the creator and saviour, in which we are participants in this family with him. If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God (1 Timothy 3:15). More explicitly put: And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church (Colossians 1:18) and we (the church are) his body (Ephesians 1:23). Church is a spiritual act where believers of Jesus come together to grow in our Lord. Church, simply, is a family.

Is church important? Absolutely! The Christian life is not about ritual and religion (in the ritualistic sense) but rather, church is about relationship and loving community. The word the bible uses for this community is “fellowship”, which means ‘to participate and share in your life with others of like mind’. This is a preview of what heaven will be like. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God (Romans 15:7). When Christians gather in loving fellowship, God’s name is held high. We were made for fellowship with God but have fallen out of relationship with God through our sin (Christians Believe 1 & 2), but can be brought back into relationship through Jesus (see 1 John 1).

Like a family, we have our good times and our bad. We will love each other with brotherly and sisterly love. Church is not some individualistic ritual but it is a family. In the great times we praise Jesus and in the tough times we turn to Jesus. Do you love Jesus? Has he taken all your sins? Why not turn to him now?

Great Links and Resources: Websites (2)

Below are some more useful web links you might want to check out if you have questions or would like to grow in your faith with the Lord Jesus.

The Daily Audio Bible - This is a free audio bible, which is great for your IPod. Brian (narrator of the DAB) has a podcast on ITunes. Simply type in DAB into ITunes store to find and subscription to the podcast is free. The site also has a chat forum and many other goodies.

Passion Website - Pastor Louie Giglio heads up this Ministry. Fantastic gospel resources- check it out.

E-Sword - Free Computer Bible software, resources and database - An absolute MUST - Free bible software with free bible commentaries, bible dictionaries, maps, timelines and much more.

The Bible Gateway - The Bible Gateway is a free resource that allows you to look up any passage in the bible. Brilliant resource- I have used this site when hyper linking passages within the posted articles.

Two Ways to Live - Very basic message of Christianity.

Mars Hill Church sermons and music (Accessible from ITunes)

The Resurgence literature

The Village Church sermons (Accessible from ITunes), music, studies, recommended books and articles.

The Gospel Coalition - Interesting articles and resources

Desiring God sermons and other media.

9 Marks

Matthias Media is a Christian media store in Sydney.

Resource Review: The Case for Christ

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This is a brilliant book for those who are both investigating Christianity or just looking for further growth in their faith. The Case for Christ is easy to read mixed in with some humour and interesting anecdotes. Join award-winning reporter Lee Strobel as he explores the life of Jesus. Interviewing thirteen top Christian scholars, he establishes solid historical, scientific, and psychiatric evidence to support the claims of Christ. He offers a unique approach to apologetics.

336 pages, from Zondervan.
Price: Approx. $8


A DVD of The Case for Christ is also available. Based upon the Gold Medallion award-winning best-seller, The Case For Christ documents Lee Strobel's journey from atheism to faith through his two-year investigation of the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ.

Strobel, the former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, draws upon his investigative skills to examine the historical accuracy of the Gospels, the personal claims of Jesus and His resurrection from the dead. Is there evidence to confirm that Jesus of Nazareth was, indeed, the son of God and the saviour of the world?

This remarkable film features interviews with 10 leading Bible scholars from North America and England, cutting-edge apologetics, and a compelling original music score.

Price: Approx. $15
To order this product:
Click Here

Bonus Features:
- The Uniqueness of Jesus featurette
- Faith stories of scholars interviewed in the film
- Prophecies of the Passion featurette
- Additional study resources from Lee Strobel
- Letterbox presentation
- 2.0 stereo audio
- English subtitles

Christians Believe (4): He’s Back

One of the most ominous scenes in Hollywood would have to be in Terminator 2. Arnold, the Govenator in his role as the Terminator, has just rescued John Connor from the T-1000 after a daring run away on a Harley Davidson, only to discover that his enemy has survived an enormous explosion. This pattern of the T-1000 having been defeated only to discover that he has returned continues throughout the movie. The T-1000, in almost every sense, is an unstoppable force as he cannot be easily destroyed or killed; the only possible reaction for the audience is to stand in awe. This notion of escaping death makes the T-1000 virtually invincible.

Christianity, the scriptures and Christian history makes this awesome claim that Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, was crucified on a cross and was resurrected three days later. If someone can defeat death, how much an awesome and powerful person must he or she be?

Christianity makes this awesome claim about Jesus; that he rose from the dead three days after his death. In every sense of the word, he is unstoppable. As we explored in the last ‘Christians Believe’ article, Jesus is God who created the world. Jesus virtually stood up off his throne in heaven to come to earth and rescue us from sin and death. He lived a perfect life (which will be covered in the upcoming series titled - Jesus) and died on a Roman cross for us, sinners.

So, what does the bible have to say about Jesus and the resurrection?

The Promise

Jesus is the Messiah or Christ, who was prophesied about in the Old Testament. It was prophesied that the Messiah would come and rescue Israel from their enemies. It was also claimed that this Messiah would not taste death - For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption (Psalm 16:10; this is confirmed in Acts 13:35). The sign of the Messiah was that he would rise from the grave. Jesus confirmed this in his teaching:

(Jesus words) and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day” (Matthew 20:19).

And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land (Jonah 2:10).
For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish (see above Jonah 2:10), so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:40).

Jesus and many Old Testament quotations point out that he would be resurrected. As with God, what he promises will always be delivered. So how does this impact us?

Our Hope

So, thus far we have seen that Jesus’ resurrection was promised and delivered, but how does this affect us living in the 20th Century. The resurrection means everything to the Christian- And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). Jesus’ death offers us forgiveness of sin but his resurrection establishes him as our champion over death and sin. Why (see Revelation 5)? For he now rules once again over this world - Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us (Romans 8:34).

The Proof

Jesus’ resurrection stands as proof that all his words and works were and are absolutely true. It is evidence that demonstrates to the world that he is the Christ, God and the saviour of the world:
This he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you’ (Acts 13:33).

Further evidence of the claims of the resurrection can be found in the testimonies of the thousands of Christians living in the 1st Century that were so willing to give their life for this claim. The Apostle Peter, who cowered away from a little girl at Jesus trial (see Luke 22:53-62), was transformed by the resurrection. He proclaimed Jesus so boldly that he lost his life for the claim. If the resurrection was a lie or fabrication, what gain did the Apostles benefit from their claims? They and the thousands of early Christians received no profit for standing by the resurrection- just death and suffering!

Jesus, who died and once again lives, is seated in heaven ruling the world. We must turn and pay attention to Jesus. He conquered death, something which no man or woman has ever done. If the resurrection validates his words, then Jesus claim that we are sinners and are in desperate need of a saviour must be heeded with urgency. I ask you now, where do you stand with the ruler of the universe? In love he died for you, and in love, God the Father by the Holy Spirit rose Jesus from the dead. No sin is too much for him- give your life today to Jesus!

Great Links and Resources: Websites

Below are some very useful web links you might want to check out if you have questions about Christianity or would like to grow in your faith with the Lord Jesus.

Desiring God - Pastor Dr John Piper - Excellent site with free online resources.

Mars Hill Church - Pastor Mark Driscoll - Excellent site with free online resources, audio and video to download.

Acts 29 Network - Excellent site with free online resources, audio and video to download

R.C. Sproul - Excellent theologian.

The Village Church- Pastor Matt Chandler - Excellent site with free online resources and audio to download

Rev. Phillip Jensen - Excellent site with free online resources, audio and video to download.

I am Second Testimony’s - Famous people giving their personal testimony’s about their relationship and transformation with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Koorong Book Store - Great resources- books, DVD, study guides etc - (select books with discernment)

Word Book Store - Great resources - books, DVD, study guides etc

The Bible Society - Great resources - books, DVD, study guides etc

Keep an eye on the Gospel Blog for more links and resources.