Jesus is the difference

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CURRENT RADIO SERIES Songs of Encouragement   CURRENT TV SERIES Songs of Encouragement

… But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. --Romans 5:8 I want to share with you an illustration that reveals how Christianity is different from the other religions of the world. It’s an easy way to share this truth with others. Imagine a man who’s stuck in a pit and who can’t get out. Buddha comes along and says, “Meditate, discipline yourself, seek wisdom, purify yourself, and you’ll get out.”  So the man tries all of that but he can’t get out. Mohammed comes by and says, “Worship Allah and him only. Practice the Five Pillars and you’ll get out of the pit.” And so the man did as he was told, but he remained stuck. When Christ comes along and sees the dilemma of the man and he gets down in the pit with him. Then, with nail-scarred hands, he lifts the man out of the pit. Do you see the difference? The religions of the world have a “do” mentality. “Do this” and “do that” and you’ll get out of the pit. But in Christ Jesus, the work is already “done.” When Christ died on the cross and cried out, “It is finished,” the salvation of mankind was completed. Jesus paid it all. He made it possible for everyone to know him as Savior now and forever. True Christianity is not like the other religions of the world! But you must decide for yourself. Jesus: Yes or No. JESUS PAID IT ALL.

Christ-Like Service

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:42–45

On their last trip to Jerusalem, where Jesus would be crucified, the disciples had a falling out. The conflict was not the result of a doctrinal disagreement or a difference over strategy to effectively reach the world. Instead, it was a fight over who would have the position of greatest prominence and power among them. Sadly, things have not changed much over two thousand years—there is still great desire among the people of God to be exalted and praised and to have authority over others. Yet the call of Christ remains clear: if we are to truly follow Him, we must serve others instead of trying to be seen as the greatest.
A major cause of conflict in the church today is that not enough Christians are willing to be humble servants. Those who gladly devote themselves to ministering to others do not create strife. “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10). In the Upper Room the night before He died, Jesus took a towel and washed the feet of His disciples. This dirty and demeaning task was considered beneath the dignity of any self-respecting Jewish man, but the Lord of all creation willingly humbled Himself to perform it. Whether or not we are willing to make the sacrifices required to serve others speaks directly to our depth of commitment to live as Jesus commands.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

There is little competition for the role of servant, but there is great praise from God for those who take it.