Confronted by Rudy

I watched Rev. Rudy Rasmus’ sermon on Church of the Resurrection’s website today. He confronted my faith prior to beginning his talk when he pointed out that I was being judgemental. I let myself judge Rudy by his goatee. Fortunately for myself, I realized that I was wrong and willingly listened to his message.

During his message, Rudy claimed that millions are reporting that Jesus (and Paul and Peter) are walking amongst us. These reporters are claiming that by “worshiping” media stars, they have become our gods. I’m not sure that I “worship” a person, but I may be worshiping the Internet.

Speaking about Jesus’ miraculous healing of the man near the Bethzatha pool (John 5:1-15), Rudy associated the pool of water with truth — the Living Word. Rudy said that by letting the “crutches” of our lives keep us from getting into the Word, we couldn’t be healed. His message hit a nerve with me since I haven’t been very diligent in my Bible study lately.

Rudy pointed out that I can experience well-being right where I am, IF i recognize the power of God in Jesus. His challenge was to let go of our crutches and get up and move and to help others do the same. So, what is my crutch? Am Iwilling to let it go?

Published in: on July 29, 2007 at 1:50 pm Leave a Comment

Lessons from Child Kings

Adam Hamilton’s sermon on “The Three Child-Kings” really touched me today. Having read about Joash, Manasseh and Josiah in the Old Testament, I wasn’t prepared for the spiritual applications contained in their story.

Like Joash, I fell away from God as a young adult. Even though I’ve returned, I will have to be careful to apply the lessons from his story to prevent falling away again by

  • Keeping my faith in God and not in a particular person or church
  • Go to church to love the Lord — no matter who is preaching
  • Listen no matter what and try to learn one spiritual truth from sermon
  • Enjoy having been in God’s presence just by being there
  • Tune out negative comments / people so that they don’t detract from God and his message

Like Manesseh, I’m seeking God’s forgiveness for my sins. Hopefully, I can be like Manesseh and humble myself before God and receive his forgiveness (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). This story teaches that

  • God is rich in mercy
  • God welcomed me back
  • God forgives no matter what I’ve done
  • God is a God of Second Chances

As I walk in Faith, I hope that I can become like Josiah who worshipped the Lord all of his life. To remain in God’s light I will need to

  • Boldly and couragesly live for God
  • Listen for God’s Word
  • Read and study God’s Word and apply it to  my life
  • Recomit my life to Jesus Christ and God
Published in: on July 22, 2007 at 2:58 pm Leave a Comment