About 15 years ago when I was about 14 or 15 years old I began to really read the Bible for the first time. I had been in church for my whole life up to that point and did my best to serve the Lord, yet had not really read the word of God. When I did read the word, the book of Luke in paticular, I began to see a different Jesus and a different gospel from any I had ever heard preached. I saw a Jesus who was radical and a Jesus who demanded that his followers surrender their lives and wants if they really wanted to follow him. I saw a Jesus who said, "If you want to save your life, you must lose it." To me this was so clear. It wasn't harsh it was just the facts. Jesus was eternal minded and his followers who accepted his gospel had to be the same. He wanted them to be ready and willing to suffer because sharing this gospel with the world will often lead to suffering and persecution. I saw a Jesus who wanted his followers to really believe that earth was temporary and that heaven was forever and that hell was real. He expected them to believe it so much that it would radically change every thought and action every single day of their life. I saw a Jesus who tried to distance himself from money and the love of it. This is the Jesus I saw. I wasn't taught this view from anyone, to me it was just plain. I was willing to follow this Jesus. However, following Jesus at such a level brought constant frustration. I was constantly frustrated at a modern day Christianity that didn't seem to take his demands so literal. Most believed that we were saved by grace (which we most certainly are) and that working for Jesus was optional. No one seemed to take his views on money and eternal things to serious. Eventually I tried to come to a more balanced view and rid myself of my extreme views. I must admit that during this time I lived with a lot less frustration, however, I am sure that I must have been missing the mark for my Lord.Here recentally the Lord has revived my passion for Him. I want to live my life to the full for him no matter what the cost. I am ready to take up my cross and deny myself. But once again I am frustrated. How can I know such a different Jesus then the men who claim to be performing great miracles in his name? How can I know such a differnet Jesus than those who preach that Jesus wants us to be rich and have the good life now. I just can't see it. How can two people witht he same Bible have two totally different perceptions of scripture? I don't know. What I do know is that I will continue to serve the Jesus I know. Let God be the judge.No response is necessary to this post. It just feels good to have a place to express myself. Thank for listening.His Willing Slave,PJ
