Breaking Selfishness: How Radical Generosity Transforms the Church
Breaking selfishness is hard. Selfishness is a vortex, constantly pulling us inward, making life about what we can gain. But the gospel calls us to something different. As the church, we look up in worship to a selfless God—the Father who gives His Son, the Son who gives His life, and the Spirit who magnifies the grace of them both. And we look out to love and serve others.
Learning from the Good Samaritan
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to illustrate what true love looks like. The Samaritan didn’t just help; he sacrificed:
He gave his time—he stopped to help.
He gave his heart—he felt compassion.
He gave up his safety—the road was dangerous.
He used his resources—bandages, oil, and wine.
He gave financially—covering the cost of the man’s care.
This wasn’t a random act of kindness; it was a costly act of love. Radical generosity means giving even when there’s no return on investment.
Breaking Selfishness Through Giving
The family of God operates at its best when people give themselves away. But consumerism threatens this by making us focus on what we get rather than what we give. True discipleship asks, “Who can I serve?” instead of “What’s in it for me?”
Here’s how we can break selfishness through giving:
Give Financially – Tithing (1 Cor. 9:6-8) and generosity provide for ministry and meet real needs.
Give by Serving – Church isn’t a spectator event. Get involved in greeting, nursery, kids’ ministry, or prayer teams.
Give by Being a Friend – We’re living in an epidemic of isolation. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us that friendship requires us to be intentional. Church isn’t just about Sundays—it’s about showing up for each other throughout the week.
The Upside-Down Kingdom
In God’s Kingdom, when we give, we receive even more in return. Many times, when we feel drained, serving someone else is what fills us back up.
As we prepare for another round of House to House, an opportunity to connect with other families over a meal, let’s step into radical generosity. Breaking selfishness isn’t just about giving—it’s about transforming our hearts and our church family.
The church is family. However, for much of my life, I would have defined church as a building or an event that happens on Sundays and Wednesdays. But if we are being precise, you don’t go to church—you go to be with your church. Just like you wouldn’t say, “I’m going to family,” but rather, “I’m going to be with my family.” This misunderstanding of church as a place instead of a people is one reason many have pulled away, seeing church attendance as optional rather than essential to their discipleship to Jesus.
The Church Is a Family
Discipleship means listening to and obeying Jesus—to be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did. But we can’t do what Jesus did without belonging to a believing community. One of the most powerful metaphors Scripture gives us for the church is family:
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” – Ephesians 2:19
The church is not just a gathering of individuals; it is a family of disciples who listen to and obey Jesus, making more disciples. This family is on a mission—to advance the Kingdom of God by proclaiming the good news and doing good works in His name.
Understanding Church: The Greek Word Ekklesia
The New Testament uses the word ekklesia to describe the church. It means “a called-out assembly or congregation.” Unlike the individualized faith that Western culture often promotes, biblical faith is both personal and shared.
Consider what happens in a family when one member decides to live independently of the rest—ignoring responsibilities, making decisions that negatively impact others. The same principle applies to the church. We are meant to live in community, shaping and being shaped by one another as we follow Jesus together.
Embracing the Strength of Submission
One of the hardest, yet most life-giving aspects of being part of God’s family is submission. Unfortunately, submission is often misunderstood. It is not about control or oppression; it is about choosing to align ourselves under God’s authority and the structure He has put in place for our good.
What Is Biblical Submission?
The Greek word for submission, hypotassō (ὑποτάσσω), means “to place under, to arrange under, to yield, or to submit.” It conveys voluntary alignment under authority, not forced subjugation.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
Jesus Himself submitted to the Father’s will. Likewise, believers are called to submit:
To God (James 4:7)
To one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Within various relational structures—marriage, family, government, and the church (Ephesians 5:22-24, Hebrews 13:17, Romans 13:1)
In first-century Greco-Roman culture, submission often implied a rigid hierarchy. But in Christianity, Jesus redefined submission as mutual love and service:
“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:42-45
Why Submission Matters in the Church
Submission to God’s order brings life, not oppression. But due to past abuses of authority in some churches, many are hesitant about submission. However, just as we wouldn’t dismiss all teachers because of a few bad ones, we shouldn’t dismiss the structure God has designed for the church because of a few who have misused their authority.
There are approximately 380,000 Christian churches in America. For every pastor who has misused their authority, there are countless others faithfully serving, loving, and leading well. Authority in the church—when exercised biblically—serves people, builds them up, and improves their condition.
Submission in Action
In families – Parents guide their children not to control them, but to protect and help them flourish.
In marriages – Husbands, submission isn’t a Bible verse to manipulate your wife. If that’s your approach, repent! You are called to use your authority to serve your wife and children.
In church families – We submit to one another, not out of obligation, but out of love and a desire to build each other up.
The Greatest Act of Submission
The ultimate example of submission happened 2,000 years ago on Golgotha, when Jesus laid down His rights as God, left His throne, and submitted to death on a cross for our sake.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus submitted not to us, but for us, so that we could be redeemed and made part of God’s family. That’s why biblical submission is not about control—it is love in action.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
We Submit Because Jesus Submitted
At its core, submission is not about power—it is about giving life. Jesus used His authority not to dominate, but to serve. When submission is practiced as Jesus intended, it strengthens families, marriages, and churches.
We don’t submit because we are forced to—we submit because Jesus has set us free from the oppression of always needing our own way. In the family of God, submission is a gift that fosters unity, growth, and love.
So, let’s embrace the church not as a place we go, but as a family we belong to—a family built on the life-giving submission of Jesus Himself.
Discipleship is the lifelong journey of following Jesus—being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. It’s more than just attending church or learning theology; it’s about allowing Jesus to transform every part of our lives. Recently, we had a conversation at Open Door Church reflecting on what it means to truly follow Christ in these three key areas.
Being with Jesus
Discipleship begins with simply being with Jesus. Before we can become like Him or do His works, we must cultivate a relationship with Him. Prioritizing time in His presence through prayer, scripture, and worship is foundational.
Many believers struggle to make space for God amid the busyness of life. The key is intentionality—whether it’s setting aside quiet moments in the morning, meditating on scripture throughout the day, or inviting Jesus into everyday activities. Even in life’s most routine moments, God desires to meet with us.
If you find it difficult to remain consistent in His presence, start small. A few minutes of focused prayer or a single verse to meditate on can create space for God to work in your heart. Over time, these small moments build into a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.
Becoming Like Jesus
Following Jesus isn’t just about spending time with Him—it’s about being transformed into His likeness. Discipleship is a process of spiritual growth, where God shapes our character to reflect His own.
Growth often comes through challenges. There are moments when God calls us to surrender old habits, attitudes, or perspectives so we can walk in greater obedience. These refining seasons can be uncomfortable, but they are essential to becoming more like Christ.
Community also plays a crucial role in our transformation. Walking with fellow believers provides accountability, encouragement, and support. Whether through small groups, mentorship, or friendships, surrounding ourselves with people who push us toward Christlikeness is vital.
Keeping our hearts open to the Holy Spirit’s work requires humility. It’s easy to resist change, but true discipleship means inviting God to refine us. Daily surrender through prayer and reflection allows us to grow into the people He’s calling us to be.
Doing What Jesus Did
Jesus didn’t just teach—He lived out His message through service, compassion, and miraculous works. As His disciples, we are called to do the same.
Serving others isn’t reserved for pastors or ministry leaders; it’s for every believer. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, evangelism, or meeting practical needs, we all have opportunities to live out the gospel daily. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us to make disciples, not just attend church.
Many feel unqualified to step into ministry, but God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for willingness. Throughout scripture, we see God using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. When we step out in faith, He equips us for the work ahead.
A Call to Deeper Discipleship
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about discipleship, what would it be? Many of us would say to trust God more, surrender sooner, or invest more in spiritual growth. The good news is that today is an opportunity to lean deeper into following Jesus.
As a church, we are on this journey together. What would it look like for us to grow in discipleship as a community? Perhaps it means deeper relationships, more intentional discipleship efforts, or a renewed focus on living out our faith daily.
Discipleship is not just a personal journey—it’s a call to impact the world for Christ. As we continue to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did, we will see transformation in our lives and in those around us.
What is one step you can take this week to grow in your discipleship journey?
How can we do what Jesus did? Francis Chan has a great illustration that explains how Christians justify disobedience. Imagine telling your kids to clean their room. They don’t get credit for thinking about it, talking about it, or even singing about it—they only get credit if they actually clean their room. In the same way, Jesus doesn’t need more people just talking about Him; He needs people who will obey Him. That’s how the world is changed!
Following Jesus in Action
Our mission is simple: Love God, love people, and make disciples. How do we make disciples? By teaching them to listen to Jesus and obey Him. A true disciple listens, obeys, and follows Jesus by being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did.
Called to Do What Jesus Did
Here’s what Jesus said:
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” — John 14:12 (NIV)
James 2 shows us why Jesus said it… He wants us to have a living faith:
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” — James 2:26 (NIV)
The work our faith will express is love:
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself (working) through love.” — Galatians 5:6 (NIV)
Love is sacrifice:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13 (NIV)
Why This Matters
God didn’t just save you from something—He saved you for something. You were saved from sin, destruction, death, and hell. But why? Because He loves you. He saved you for fellowship and for partnership in His Kingdom. It brings God joy when we step into what He created us for.
Your Life as a Reflection of God’s Power
Your life—your obedience—is how God displays His creative genius to the world.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Throughout history, God has used unlikely people to fulfill His purposes. The apostle Paul went from persecuting Christians to writing much of the New Testament. Today, in places like Iran, the underground church is growing rapidly, often led by those the world would least expect. God’s power is displayed through those who surrender to Him.
How You Can Live Like Jesus
Three things we need to embrace to do what Jesus did:
Communion – Spending time with Jesus.
Community – Living in fellowship with others.
Commission – Walking in obedience to God’s calling.
Jesus loved people in action—by preaching and teaching, healing, casting out demons, confronting sin, feeding the hungry, and ultimately laying down His life.
Steps to Start Living This Out
Learn your spiritual gifts and take risks. John Wimber said, ‘Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.’
Prepare your personal gospel message—your testimony. A great testimony only needs three parts:
Who you were before Jesus.
What happened when you surrendered to Jesus.
How He is changing your life now.
Learn how to explain your encounter with God and start sharing it!
Why This Is So Important
The world is desperate for an encounter with God. Our good works are one way the world will encounter Him. When we do what Jesus did, people’s eyes will be opened to who He is.
Just as a well-cared-for tree produces good fruit, a life surrendered to Christ will reflect His goodness. When we walk in obedience, our actions point others to Jesus and bring glory to God.
A Challenge for You
Don’t let the enemy lie to you and make this about you—it’s not about how good you are, but how surrendered you are to the One who is perfectly good. God specializes in taking broken people and using them for His glory. Jesus is glorified when we do what He did.
A Prayer for Obedience
Jesus, help us to do what You did. Help us to listen, obey, and step out in faith. May our lives reflect Your love and power to the world around us. Amen.
The most important thing God gets out of your life is the person you become. — Dallas Willard
Following the Right Example
If you paid any attention to college football this year, you may have heard about the quarterback from Nebraska, Dylan Raiola. He gained notoriety because he mimicked another quarterback—even down to the opening hype ceremony. Anybody know which QB Raiola sought to replicate? The one and only, Patrick Maholmes.
His dedication to following Maholmes’ every move demonstrates something profound: When we admire someone deeply, we naturally begin to reflect their habits, mannerisms, and mindset.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to the same kind of devotion—but instead of imitating an athlete, our model is Jesus Himself.
The Big Idea: Knowing Jesus Leads to Becoming Like Him
When you know Jesus deeply, you will want to become like Him.
Scripture Focus:
Romans 8:29 – “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
1 Corinthians 15:49 – “And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear (earlier translations say, ‘so let us bear’) the image of the heavenly man.”
What Should We Understand?
God’s plan and purpose for you is to become like Jesus. This transformation isn’t meant to be a struggle—it becomes natural when we spend time with Him. The more you experience His presence, the more captivated you will be by His character. Becoming like Jesus isn’t about striving; it’s about abiding.
Illustration:
Think about a role model you admire. The more you watch them, listen to them, and learn from them, the more you begin to adopt their habits and ways of thinking. The same is true with Jesus—the more time you spend with Him, the more you will reflect His image.
Why Does This Matter?
Many of us struggle with a gap between who we say we are and how we actually live.
1 John 2:6 reminds us: “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
That gap begins to close as we conform to Jesus’ likeness—not just in theory, but in daily life.
Illustration:
A mirror only reflects what stands in front of it. If Jesus is in front of you, you will reflect Him. If other things take priority, you will reflect those instead.
How Do We Become Like Jesus?
1. Be with Jesus and die to self
Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
2. Believe that you can become more like Christ
2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
3. Train yourself in godliness
1 Timothy 4:7 – “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
Practical Steps to Grow in Christlikeness:
Fasting – Helps crucify the flesh and depend on God.
Serving – Teaches humility and sacrificial love.
Challenge: What’s one habit you need to start (or stop) to become more like Jesus?
Why Should We Commit to This?
To bring glory to God – Your life bears fruit when you become more like Jesus.
To experience fulfillment – Seeing spiritual growth is a joyful and humbling experience.
To draw others to Jesus – Your transformation will inspire others to seek Him.
1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Illustration:
People are always watching you. Is the way you’re living making others want to know Jesus?
Closing Challenge
Be honest: Are you truly becoming more like Jesus?
Take a moment to reflect: Where is God calling you to grow?
Commit this week: Spend intentional time with Jesus—when you’re with Him, you’ll want to be like Him.
Final Prayer: “Jesus, make me more like You. Help me to desire Your presence, to reflect Your character, and to walk as You walked. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.”
In today’s fast-paced world, our culture often defines success by what we accomplish. Even in our spiritual lives, we can fall into the trap of measuring our faith by what we do for God rather than simply being with Him. But what if the most important part of following Jesus isn’t about our works but about our presence with Him?
Jesus made this clear when He first called His disciples. Before they preached, healed, or performed miracles, Jesus called them to simply be with Him. Mark 3:13-14 tells us:
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”
This verse reveals an important truth: Discipleship begins with presence before action. Jesus invites us into relationship first, and everything else flows from that intimacy.
The Danger of Distraction
Many of us struggle to simply be with Jesus because of one major obstacle: distraction.
Consider the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was busy preparing and serving, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His presence. When Martha complained that Mary wasn’t helping, Jesus gently corrected her:
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42, NIV)
Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong, but she was missing out on the one thing that mattered most—being with Jesus. How often do we allow the busyness of life, ministry, or work to keep us from simply resting in His presence?
The enemy doesn’t just want to steal your time; he wants to steal your intimacy with Jesus. If he can keep you distracted, he can keep you from hearing God’s voice and obeying His direction.
The Invitation to Rest
Jesus offers a better way. He calls us to trade our striving for His presence:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29, NIV)
Unlike the world, which demands constant productivity, Jesus invites us into rest. This doesn’t mean inactivity, but rather learning to operate from a place of connection with Him. Before Jesus ever did ministry, He spent time in the Father’s presence. If He needed that, how much more do we?
Two Practical Ways to Be With Jesus
If we want to grow in our discipleship, we must intentionally create space to be with Jesus. Here are two foundational spiritual practices to help:
1. Sabbath – Prioritizing Rest
The Sabbath isn’t just an Old Testament law; it’s a rhythm God designed for our benefit. Taking one day each week to rest, worship, and enjoy God’s presence realigns our hearts and reminds us that our worth isn’t based on what we do, but on who we are in Christ.
2. Prayer – Daily Connection with Jesus
Prayer is more than presenting requests—it’s an invitation to intimacy. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). If He needed time alone with the Father, so do we. Set aside intentional, distraction-free moments each day to talk with Jesus and listen for His voice.
The Danger of Ignoring Rest
Ignoring this invitation to be with Jesus can lead to burnout and spiritual exhaustion. In Japan, there’s a phenomenon called Karoshi, which means “death by overwork.” People push themselves beyond human limits, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and extreme stress. Many believe, “I can do more than what’s humanly possible,” but it comes at a dangerous cost.
Spiritually, we do the same thing when we rely on our strength instead of resting in Christ. If Jesus—the Son of God—rested and prioritized being with the Father, shouldn’t we?
How Does God Speak?
One of the greatest benefits of spending time with Jesus is learning to recognize His voice. Mark Batterson, in his book Whisper, outlines seven ways God speaks to us:
Scripture – The primary way God communicates.
Desires – When we delight in Him, He shapes our hearts.
Doors – God opens and closes opportunities.
Dreams – He speaks through visions and revelations.
People – Wise counsel from mentors and friends.
Promptings – The Holy Spirit gives nudges and convictions.
Pain – God can use suffering to shape us.
We must make space to listen if we want to hear His voice clearly.
Reflection: Are You Making Space for Jesus?
Take a moment to ask yourself:
When was the last time I truly rested in God’s presence?
Am I prioritizing time with Jesus, or am I too distracted?
What’s one thing I need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to being with Jesus?
Final Challenge: Be With Jesus This Week
Jesus calls us first and foremost to be with Him. Will you accept His invitation? This week, make an appointment with Jesus and keep it like your life depends on it—because it does. Take 30 seconds right now to simply be in His presence.
Unlocking the Power of Resurrection Love: A Guide to Living Sacrificially
Introduction
In the fast-paced chaos of modern life, love often gets reduced to mere sentimentality—a word thrown around casually, devoid of its true meaning. Yet, nestled within the ancient text of 1 John 3:16-24, lies a profound truth: Love, in its purest form, is sacrificial. It’s not just a concept; it’s a way of life—a resurrection life.
Understanding Resurrection Love: An Overview
The foundation of resurrection love lies in understanding its essence. In this passage, the Greek term “agape” emerges repeatedly, denoting an active, selfless, sacrificial love. It’s the love that propelled Jesus to lay down His life for us, setting the ultimate example of love in action.
Resurrection Empowers Us to Love: Unveiling the Command
Resurrection isn’t merely an event; it’s a transformative power that enables us to love as Christ loved. At the core of this transformation lies the command to love, reiterated by Jesus Himself in John 13:35. This command isn’t just a suggestion; it carries authority and demands our obedience.
Beholding Jesus: The Key to Becoming Like Him
To understand how to love sacrificially, we must fix our gaze upon Jesus. His life serves as a blueprint for our own, showing us how to love even the unlovable. From His treatment of enemies to His compassion for sinners, every aspect of Jesus’ life reflects the depth of His love.
Practical Application: Loving Others in Action
Resurrection love isn’t theoretical; it’s practical. It calls us to action on behalf of others, especially our fellow believers. This love isn’t selective—it extends to ourselves, our neighbors, and even our enemies. It’s a love that serves, forgives, and endures.
The Object of Love: Who and How?
Who do we love, and how do we do it? The answer lies in Romans 12:10: We love each other with genuine affection, treating one another like family. We serve one another, bear with each other patiently, and forgive as the Lord forgave us. This is the essence of resurrection love in action.
Conclusion: Embodying Resurrection Love
In conclusion, resurrection love isn’t a lofty ideal; it’s a tangible reality. It’s the power that transforms lives and communities, drawing people closer to God. As we embrace this love and live it out daily, we become beacons of hope in a world desperate for genuine, sacrificial love.
Key Takeaway: Resurrection Love
In a world filled with shallow affections and superficial gestures, resurrection love stands out as a beacon of hope. It’s a love that transcends boundaries and transforms lives—a love that mirrors the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Himself. As we embrace this love and allow it to permeate every aspect of our lives, we unlock its transformative power, becoming agents of change in a world hungering for true love.
Embracing Resurrection Righteousness: Living Out Our Purpose in Christ
Introduction:
Welcome to the Open Door Blog, where we delve into the transformative power of faith and the profound truths that shape our lives. In this enlightening post, we explore the concept of “Resurrection Righteousness” and its significance in our journey of faith.
Resurrection Righteousness:
Living Out Our Purpose At the heart of the Christian faith lies the concept of righteousness—a state of being in alignment with God’s will and purpose for our lives. However, “Resurrection Righteousness” takes this idea to a whole new level. It reveals that righteousness is not merely about adhering to a set of rules or moral standards; rather, it is about living out our purpose and fulfilling our design in Christ.
The Power of Jesus’ Resurrection Central to the concept of Resurrection Righteousness is the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection. It is through His triumph over death that righteousness becomes possible for us. The resurrection of Jesus serves as the ultimate validation of His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. As we embrace this reality, we are empowered to live out our purpose as righteous ambassadors of Christ.
Behold to Become:
Fixing Our Gaze on Jesus In our journey towards Resurrection Righteousness, discipleship plays a crucial role. The key is to fix our gaze on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Just as Peter walked on water until he looked away from Jesus, we become like Him by beholding His love. In a world characterized by distractions and competing influences, it is essential to anchor our identity and purpose in Christ. By consistently fixing our gaze on Jesus, we are transformed from within, becoming living testimonies of His grace and righteousness.
Eager Expectations:
Anticipating Christ’s Return Another aspect of Resurrection Righteousness is the eager expectation of Christ’s return. His resurrection power not only secures our present hope but also fuels our anticipation of His second coming. As believers, we are called to live with a sense of urgency, knowing that Christ could return at any moment. This eager expectation of His return shapes our priorities and actions, motivating us to live holy and upright lives out of reverence for God. As we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, we are reminded of the ultimate victory that awaits us in Christ.
Cultivating Resurrection Righteousness in Daily Life
So, how do we cultivate Resurrection Righteousness in our daily lives? It begins with a deliberate focus on Jesus and His teachings. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming our hearts and minds to align with God’s will. Additionally, we can cultivate eager expectations for Christ’s return by living with a sense of purpose and urgency, prioritizing the things of God above all else.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Resurrection Righteousness is not just a theological concept—it is a lived reality for every believer in Christ. By embracing the power of Jesus’ resurrection, fixing our gaze on Him, and eagerly anticipating His return, we can experience the fullness of righteousness in our lives. As we strive to live out our purpose in Christ, may we be empowered to shine brightly as beacons of hope and truth in a world in need of God’s love.
What does Jesus flipping tables have to do with freedom?
The Scene at the Temple
As the Jewish Passover approached, Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, witnessing a bustling marketplace within the Temple precincts. Tables were laden with goods for sale, and money changers conducted their business amidst the sacred space.
Walking with Jesus
Imagine traversing the miles from Capernaum to Jerusalem alongside Jesus and his followers. Three days of shared stories, parables, healings, and profound encounters that touched the lives of many, infusing hope and comfort where it was needed most.
The Significance of Table-Flipping
Jesus’ act of overturning tables was not a random display of anger but a profound statement. It symbolized a reorientation back to the true essence of worship and reverence for God. The Temple had deviated from its sacred purpose, turning into a marketplace rather than a sanctuary for spiritual connection.
Embracing Fiery Love
In his fiery love, Jesus purged the Temple of distractions and distortions that hindered true worship. Just as fire refines and purifies, his actions aimed to cleanse hearts and minds from all that deviates from God’s holiness and love.
Reorienting Towards God
The message behind Jesus’ table-flipping extends beyond that historical moment. It serves as a reminder to prioritize God above all else, avoiding the trap of self-centeredness that distorts true worship and ministry.
The Father’s House: A Sanctuary of Grace
Jesus’ poignant words, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace,” echo a call to honor the sacredness of God’s dwelling place. It is not a space for transactions but a haven for receiving divine gifts of freedom, grace, mercy, and love.
Embracing Amazing Grace
Jesus’ actions were not for the self-righteous but for those humble enough to accept the transformative power of grace. His fiery love seeks to refine us, molding us into vessels of his redemptive love and grace.
“Jesus comes not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and the weak-kneed who know they don’t have it all together, and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace.” – Brennan Manning
In essence, Jesus’ table-flipping signifies a call to realign our hearts with God’s intentions, embracing His fiery love that purifies and leads us towards becoming more like Him. Let us heed this call to reorient our lives towards true worship and embrace the freedom found in His unending grace.
