Jesus and Santa: Are they connected?

As Christmas is just around the corner, I thought I might share a couple of musings with you. One could be fooled into thinking that Santa and Jesus share something in common. They do both seem to be celebrated over the Christmas period. But, is there really a substantial connection between the two, or is it all just coincidence?

Growing up, I always thought Jesus and Santa must be connected. I believed that Jesus was born the King of Israel and Santa brought presents to celebrate his birth. If I was good, like Jesus wanted, I would receive a present from Santa. Perhaps, that is the connection between Jesus and Santa? Santa is Jesus' kind of henchman, delivering presents to 'good' god-fearing people, right? 

Obviously, this connection is not the case. Jesus and Santa, as you will clearly see, share nothing in common and I would like to demonstrate how. Let’s do a comparison between the two:

Jesus	Santa
Jesus died on the cross to give eternal life to those who don’t deserve it.	Santa gives gifts to only those who are good, those who deserve it; he gives coal to bad people.
Jesus teaches that all are unworthy (essentially evil).	Santa teaches that some of us are good and some are bad.
Jesus is loving towards those who don’t deserve it.	Santa is judgemental and intolerant.
Jesus is a historical figure. He lived, died and rose again to bring his followers to worship God.	Santa is a myth, perpetrated by and proclaimed to bring glory to the false god of consumerism.

Clearly, Jesus and Santa, theologically and ideologically speaking, are opposed to one another. And, obviously, no one actually follows Santa, religiously speaking, unlike Jesus. But, each year, children are, I'll label, indoctrinated into waiting for this big fat man to arrive. They are taught that if they are good, they will receive a gift. Whereas Jesus calls on us to rely and trust in him. Santa is worshipped as some sort of hero, thus robbing Jesus from his glory and honour. It sounds a little extreme, but just consider these things for awhile. 

So, who will you celebrate, or encourage your kids to celebrate this Christmas? Will it be a historical, generous man, who gave his life for you? Or will it be a big, fat, intolerant, judgemental man, who does not really exist?

In conclusion, Jesus offers to those who don’t deserve it eternal life; that’s you and me!! The error in the thinking or ideology behind “Santa” is the same error the Religious Leaders of Jesus time fell into, that being that God only accepts good people.

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"(John 5:45-47)

In Moses, you have the Ten Commandments. No one can keep these, but in Jesus, the God-Man, we can be rescued by his death on the cross. Why not, this Christmas, celebrate the birth of your saviour, Jesus, the King of the Universe!

Resource Review: The Trouble with Paris

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What if you're living in the wrong reality?

Doesn't everyone want the good life these days? Our shopping mall world offers us a never-ending array of pleasures to explore. Consumerism promises us a vision of heaven on earth - a reality that's "hyper"-real. We've all experienced hyper-reality: a candy so 'grape-ey' it doesn't taste like grapes anymore; a model's photo so manipulated that it doesn't even look like her; a theme park version of life that tells us we can have something better than the real thing. But what if this reality is not all that it's cracked up to be? Admit it, we've been ripped off by our culture and its version of reality that leaves us lonely, bored, and trapped. But what's the alternative?

In The Trouble With Paris, pastor Mark Sayers shows us how the lifestyles of most young adults (19-35) actually work "against" a life of meaning and happiness to sabotage their faith. Sayers shows how a fresh understanding of God's intention for our world is the true path to happiness, fulfillment, and meaning.

Post links:

• Stuff! Are you all about it?
• Life (9): Mountains, mirrors and glory

Paperback Book, 224 pages

Price: Approx. $13.95 (Koorong)

Price: Approx. $11 (Amazon)

Stuff! Are you all about it?

Take a look at your life for a moment and think, if someone was to watch me for a day, what conclusion would they draw from their observations? I am not speaking moralistically as such, but rather, what do you value most in life? What or who are you living for?

Now, watch this compelling video. It was produced by Annie Leonard (The Story of Stuff):

At this point, I am not sure whether I necessarily share the same spiritual views as Annie as I don’t know her personally. However, she raises an interesting point – we live in a society that is enslaved by the machine of consumerism! Our lives are consumed with consuming more stuff, which is an empty and destructive pursuit.

Am I saying that buying stuff is against God? No, but I am trying to push forward a point. Why not let Jesus, God incarnate, creator of the Universe speak for himself. Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, that is where your heart lies also” (Matthew 6:21). Then latter in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus said: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field (Matthew 13:44). The issue isn’t with buying stuff, but rather, what is at the centre of your life? Do you live and work simply to buy things, which brake or rust and are worth nothing in the end anyway? Is consumerism is what life is all about or is there a deeper more fulfilling meaning to life?

The answer is simple, and Jesus stated it in the verse above. The kingdom of heaven basically is God’s people living in perfect relationship with him. Jesus likens it to a treasure, the most valuable thing in the entire world. It is so valuable that life is meaningless without it. God created us to know, love and enjoy him, and vice versa – this is the treasure. A life without God is essentially meaningless.

Life does not need to be this way. Our rejection and denial of God can be done away with through Jesus, God in human form. You don’t have to live enslaved by consumerism anymore and you can now live for the most valuable treasure in the world – God!

So, what will you place as the treasure of your life? Will it be that stuff you bought that will only break within the next few weeks, or would you prefer a fulfilling relationship with God?

Resource Review: Desiring God

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Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering classic, newly revised and expanded, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delight is our duty. Readers will embark on a dramatically different and joyful experience of their faith

The pursuit of pleasure is not optional. It is essential. 

Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering work, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn’t truly exist: Delight is our duty. Join him as he unveils stunning, life-impacting truths you saw in the Bible but never dared to believe.

Paperback, Multnomah Books, 320 pages

Price: Approx. $14.95 (Koorong)

Price: Approx. $10 (Amazon)

Life (5): You Deserve to be Loved!

Can you guess where these love quotes come from:
* "It doesn't matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other".
- Good Will Hunting
* Love actually is all around us.
- Hugh Grant, Love Actually
* "Promise me you'll survive. That you won't give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless". 
- Titanic
* "Death can not stop true love, it can only delay it for a little while."
- The Princess Bride
*"I loved her so much I had to kill her"
- Guns and Roses

Love is all around

Love is one of those things, from a young age we think we have it for someone and the oldies around us tell us that we don’t know what we are talking about. But, what is love? We all agree that it is a feeling, a strong emotion that drives us. Some of us even go as far as to say that love is an action, which speaks louder than any word could describe! We all agree that love is so important. It is an essential ingredient in our society.

I think a good expression of this is found in our families. Parents, on the whole, demonstrate love for their children. Feeding, washing, clothing, making our beds, putting up with our rubbish, reading us stories and the list goes on. The events that stick out in our mind as an act of true selfless love is when a parent puts themselves in harm’s way to rescue their child:

September 2010 – Brian Wood was forced to brake when an out-of-control SUV came hurtling towards him in an inevitable head-on collision in Whidbey Island, Washington State. He swerved his car so that he would take the brunt of the collision, sparing his wife, who was pregnant with their first baby. Brian sadly died, while his wife and unborn child lived.

The father-to-be gave his own life to save his wife and unborn child when he swerved his car to take the impact of a fatal head-on collision.

His shattered wife stated 'I am not going to waste the gift he gave us'.

This, without a shadow of doubt sticks out in my mind as a pure act of love, don’t you think? With selfless acts like this, you have to say that love is all around us, isn’t it?

What is love?

We are a loving society aren’t we? How about these love quotes from the ultimate lovers of this generation who influence the our families:
* He who loves 50 people will have 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes! Budda
* My goal was to show true love between a man and a woman. Hugh Hefner
* I will always love Simone, I will make her my other priority (and I guess Liz Hurley would have to be the other half!). Shane Warne

I picked these blokes because Budda has been considered one of the world’s most influential teachers, Hugh Hefner’s porn industry is statistically the Western world’s favourite past time and Warnie is considered one of Australia’s favourite sons. Add to that statistics which demonstrate an alarming increase in relationship breakdowns, domestic violence and child abuse.

We all hold families and love as an important facet of our society but let’s be honest with each other, do we really understand what love is? Looking at the voices of our culture, my answer is no, because our society today looks for answers in the wrong place.

Jesus, our solution

I know this will hit some people really hard, as the majority of my own extended family has experienced the pain of relationship breakdown. Though, more and more, I am convinced that the answer to this problem is not better counselling or therapy, but we need what the bible calls a new heart.

The bible is essentially about Jesus, and it explains that Jesus is God, who created the universe to be in a loving relationship with him (I’ll point out there is more to this but God didn’t create us because he was lonely but because he is a loving God). But our relationship with God has been broken because of our rebellion. This separation from God is corroding all of our society because we live opposed to God and will one day face judgement.

So what is love? Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends”(John 15:13). Love is an emotion that causes and drives us to act. Love is selfless and Jesus, who is God says that he loves us and he proves this by dying on the cross for our rebellion! Jesus does for us what Brian Wood did for his wife, and what did his wife say in response? We can’t and we won’t experience true love until we meet the inventor of love, Jesus Christ. Our lives, families and society are dying and Jesus, out of love died to rescue us from this corrosion.

You don’t have to do anything but trust Jesus, as it is written in the bible:

For our sake God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become part of God’s family (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Who was Jesus (4): Great business man, brilliant teacher or something more?

A better title for this article would be ‘who is Jesus’, but to maintain continuity in the series, I will retain ‘who was Jesus’. This is now the fourth part in the ‘Jesus’ series. If you have missed the first three articles here are links to these (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3). Initially, I was going to write about the resurrection (see Christians Believe Part 4 if you can’t wait), which I will do in the next article, but I thought it be good to wrestle with the notion of absolute truth.

As I have already stated in previous articles, I studied at University. At uni, I learnt that modern philosophy has experienced a push towards post-modernism, which purports that there is no absolute truth. I, like many of my peers, simply accepted this understanding without surveying the vast amount of literature, which clearly argues against this theory. In time, I learnt through the bible and other great philosophers like C.S. Lewis that there is truth and we can possess this truth. I found that the claims of post-modernismists, i.e. that there is no absolute truth, are in actual fact making absolute truth claims, which they claim doesn’t exist – think about it! Is there absolute truth; absolutely yes!

The Jesus of today

Jesus, who lived about 2 000 years ago, made many massive claims which have changed the world. One of the popular views held today about Jesus is that he is one of the greatest teachers of all time. What do you think about this view? Jesus taught many great things, these would include loving your neighbour, turning the other cheek and so on. But is that it? What does the bible have to say about this?

Can we trust the bible?

Before we examine what the bible has to say about Jesus teachings, I want to address some of your presuppositions towards the bible. Firstly, the bible was written between 10 to 70 years after Jesus lived. That is easily within memory range for the authors to accurately remember the events of Jesus. Secondly, the bible is one of the most, if not the most reliable historical document on earth today. The historical events addressed in the bible align with ancient history. The shear amount of manuscripts, historical data and archaeological evidence available to scholars make it virtually one of a kind. Thirdly, our English transitions of the bible a fantastic. The bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). The English bible has been translated directly from the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek manuscripts. You can even buy copies of the Hebrew and Greek bibles. The bible is sound and very reliable from a historical point of view. Even scientifically, the bible is solid (check out Science and Jesus Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5).

Jesus the great teacher or something more?

So, let’s return to the principle argument, was Jesus simply a good teacher? In my opinion, the major problem with this view is that Jesus makes many massive claims. Firstly, he claims that there is absolute truth and secondly, that he is that very truth. Therefore, if you hold to the philosophy that there is no absolute truth, then Jesus, in your opinion cannot a good teacher. Take for example, the discussion between Jesus and Pontius Pilate in John’s gospel (John 18:33-38):

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"

Crunch time for the truth

At this point in the gospel, Jesus had been arrested and put on trial by Pilate, who was the Roman governor in Jerusalem. Pilate eventually sentences Jesus to be crucified on a Roman cross. The point that I am trying to make by using this passage is that Jesus claims three massive things:

• Firstly he claims to be God -
  Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." (John 18:36)
• Secondly, he claims to have come into the world to be crucified –
  "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born (John 18:37), and
• Thirdly, he claims to bear witness to the truth,
  For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:37)
• Finally, the very same author of this text adds that Jesus is that very truth he came to bear witness to
  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17)

Sadly, in this discourse, Pilate makes a massive error, which is the very same error that modern day philosophy makes, that truth is transient and not fixed. Jesus is clearly in opposition to this notion when he says “I came to bear witness to the truth”, as he firmly teaches the existence of truth, which is found in him only!

Do you still think Jesus was a good teacher because if you do, I want to challenge you with the four points listed above. Jesus clearly taught that he is the truth and that he was crucified for this. So what is this truth? Jesus, who is fully God, came into human history to die for broken sinners like you and I. As a result, his death cleanses us from all our guilt if we trust in him and live for him. Was he a good teacher? My answer is a firm yes, because he is my life! So, I challenge you to put your trust in Jesus, who is the truth!

Life (3): You are worth more than a Trillion Dollars!

The previous articles on ‘Life’ (Part 1 and Part 2), alongside the ‘Owned’ series (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) have been very popular! I want to continue delving into the human psyche by examining - how having a relationship with God can be fulfilling, even in times of challenge and hard ship. However, before we engage with this topic, I would like to talk about the notion of ‘significance’. As an adult living in a major city, it can be hard to see yourself as a significant human, don’t you think? I am one of millions of people roaming around the busy streets of Sydney. It sometimes feels like I am a little insignificant ant serving the queen. Can you identify with me?

There is a growing epidemic of depression, suicide and self medication (alcohol, drugs etc). As I stated in my previous post (Part 2), the emotional wellbeing of Australians and Americans is under the hammer. I stated that we need to make Jesus the ultimate person in our lives and not other things. Today, I would like to explore a second facet to why we are so down in the dumps - why do we feel like little fish in a great big pond full of whales (significant people).

The source of significance

Let me begin by posing you a question – what makes you a significant human being? In the Western world, capitalism reigns (which I am not against). Our worth is measured by our bank accounts, where we live, what kind of job we have, who our friends are and so on. We conform to these measures by setting up frameworks for building significance in our lives. This is then fed by the media, who preaches to us daily on how we can attain significance and be like the stars. It is one gigantic system that either feeds our pride or leads us into depression.

So what if you fail to meet up to the criteria of significance? This may lead to us questioning our identity and our worth. We are led into a spiral of depression and ultimately, if fully generated, a destructive lifestyle. Not everyone meets this down fall but, according to the statistics (see McGraw-Hill, 2004) we all face emotional turmoil at some point in our lives. Please note, there are obviously more causes of depression then the two that I have covered in my last two posts, but these two causes (possessions and significance) are very significant in most people’s lives.

How can anyone love me, including God?

I want to delve a little deeper now into this notion of significance. Life can feel like a roller coaster ride at times as we work to build significance. According the bible, God created the entire human race in his image (Genesis 1:26-27). Additionally, scripture claims that God has carefully and lovingly knitted you together while you were in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-17; Job 10:11). He loves us above all things that he created. We have all been created to reflect God in his world, which he did because he loves us. God looks down from heaven and counts us all as significant and important. In God’s eyes you are worth more than you can imagine!

Alright, then what has gone wrong? Why are we all looking for significance elsewhere? We all, according to the bible, have chosen to worship other things rather worshipping God (Genesis 3:5-7), which was our initial design. As a result, we forget God and live for ourselves, which leads to us to be driven to find significance in things that aren’t designed to give us this need. We build frameworks to give us security, which feeds our significance:

They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass (Psalm 106:20)

I’m not saying that you have built an ox, but instead we build careers or relationships, which drive our life and give us significance rather than God. Our problem is not that we need more acknowledgements, but rather we need God.

The solution

Let me say, no matter how hard you work, you will never be satisfied with the things that you build, which are there to give you significance. Why? We aren’t programmed to find significance in these areas. Do you feel this in your life, like something is missing? We are all missing a full relationship with God, which can be mended. God who loves you demonstrates his love for you by providing a cure to this problem: God, who is perfect and all powerful, stepped off his throne in heaven and came down as the man Jesus and died on a cross to take away all of your brokenness and rebellion. Jesus came to earth to give us back our significance in this life. You and I are made significant in God, which can be found only in his Son Jesus, who is our Lord and Saviour.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16-17)

If this has impacted you, why not turn to Jesus right now. Acknowledge that you have found significance in things other than Jesus. Ask him to teach you how to live for him. Lay down your life in the hands of Jesus. Only there will you find significance. Life will still have troubles and hard times, but you will now the one true living God, who made you in his image.

Resource Review: A Spectators Guide to World Views

Simon Smart has put together a great book that addresses the differing views influencing our culture today. I strongly recommend this book to those who have questions about what influences our views on the way the world works. Great for those who are Christian and those who are not.

Why do I think the way I think? How do I make sense of a world that would have me believe that all truth is relative; or that people are basically good, or that as humans we can work it out on our own? Can I really just look within myself to find the strength to carry on? Where do I find hope, meaning and purpose?

This lively, accessible 'spectator's guide' highlights society's most influential voices - including New Age, Secular Humanism, Relativism and Postmodernism. Readers will be rewarded with a way to process the complex messages of our 21st century world, and how these relate to a Christian worldview.

254 pages
Price: Approx. $24.95

Resource Review: A Spectators Guide to World Religions

The world is a very religious place. Wherever you look, people are worshiping, praying, believing, following, even dying for their faith. But are all faiths the same? Do they all call on the same God using different names? Are their beliefs and practices simply cultural expressions of the same spiritual truth?

In this timely book, John Dickson presents each of the world's major religions in its best light. He carefully outlines the history, belief systems and spiritual practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam so that the interested 'spectator' can explore their similarities and differences.

For believers, sceptics and students of religion alike, the Spectator's Guide provides a fair and friendly introduction to this ultimate subject.

Author Information:
John Dickson is Australia's best selling Christian author, with sales in excess of 150,000 copies. One alone, A Sneaking Suspicion, has sold more than 50,000 copies in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. John's books focus on the relevance of faith in the modern world. Born in Sydney, John Dickson has a PhD in Ancient History from Macquarie University and holds a position of Honorary Associate in Ancient History, Macquarie University. He also has an Honours degree in Theology. John started his career as a singer/songwriter and recorded with rock band In the Silence for 7 years. He also hosted the nationally broadcast Christian music TV program Swordfish on Network 10 for 2 years, interviewing guests and reviewing music.

264 pages
Price: Approx. $24.95

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: 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