Jesus is gaining ground.

There was a time when everyone was happy to believe in Jesus, when most kids went to Sunday School, and when Christmas & Easter had something to do with God.

Things have changed a lot in the last 40 years. Most people don’t go to church unless they have to, fewer read the Bible, and some kids get Christmas and Easter mixed up.

Things have changed but they are also changing again. The rise of the ‘New Atheism’ tried to sideline Christianity as a crackpot religion with no historical basis. The problem is that the historical Jesus is very real for anyone who wants to find out.

There is more myth about the ‘non-existent Jesus’ than the Jesus followed by millions of Christians around the world.

This is all leading to the fact that Jesus is again gaining ground. Those who continue to follow Jesus are able to find out more about who he is than any generation before.

There is more historical support for the life of Jesus, for the veracity of the Bible than ever before. It’s an exciting time to be following Jesus and it is a worthwhile adventure to ask the question ‘Jesus Is…?’

Dave Lanham is minister at Frenchs Forest Anglican Church.

Jesus is OMG.

“OMG” is what Thomas (one of the original Christians) said when he first saw Jesus risen from the dead. Well sort of. Thomas’ actual words were ‘My Lord and my God!’ (John’s biography of Jesus chapter 20 verse 28)

A week earlier Thomas had expressed his skepticism about Jesus. Thomas’ skepticism was based on his accurate observation of the world – dead men don’t come back to life. He replied to his excited friends, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” (v25)

Well, Thomas had to put his life where his mouth was when Jesus actually stood in front of him – clearly flesh and body. Jesus said, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (v27)

Given the irrefutable evidence of his eyes and touch, Thomas had to swallow his pride and acknowledge that Jesus had risen, and therefore that he was Lord and God.

I was a skeptic about Jesus once. I wasn’t going to acknowledge a dead man as Lord. What confronted me then was Thomas and his fellow disciples brave announcement to anyone who would listen within 6 weeks of Thomas’ OMG experience. These people, and others, suffered imprisonment for saying that they had seen Jesus alive again.

Now they could have been pedalling a lie – but for what profit? A cold, hard cell in a 1^st century Palestinian jail was the best piece of real estate their testimony gained them.

Jesus’ response to Thomas says a lot to all of us who can’t see the risen Jesus for ourselves: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (v29)

But, how can I believe when I haven’t seen him? Well, the editor of John’s gospel anticipated my problem and immediately added: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (v30-31)

And when I started reading these writings, I found Jesus a very fascinating and compelling person as well.  Belief and acceptance sort of gradually crept up on me.

OMG! Jesus says I am blessed!

Terry Bowers is minister at St Marks’ Freshwater.

Jesus is Convincing.

I don’t believe in Jesus simply because I was born into Christianity. I’ve read the Bible, heard what Jesus claimed about himself and considered history.

I find Jesus 100% convincing. Don’t put off thinking about Jesus. He’s worth looking into.

Anonymous.

Jesus is my hope!

I think all of us on a daily basis have trouble focussing on what really matters. Whether it be the challenge of family stresses (heightened when teenagers arrive!!), the morning commute, an over-bearing boss or screaming customers each day appears more a daily wrestle than a joy to live!  I have to be honest that there are days when I wake and feel so overwhelmed about what awaits me that I am gripped not only with fear but a searing sense that I am not up to the job. It is often at this point I am reminded of Jesus. Not just Him but a reminder that he died on a cross for me. As this reality floods my being I can see the way through the day and the morning haze is replaced with a steadfast purpose. Indeed the scope of hope is much deeper as not only is there an assurance of support despite my frailties there is also a reminder that I have eternal life!

Mike Baird, former Premier of NSW, member of St Matt’s on The Corso, Manly.

Jesus is compassionate.

Compassion. It literally means ‘to suffer together’. Compassionate people work to end suffering and bring hope to the world.

In 2010, I met many people who had experienced suffering beyond my comprehension. People who had fled civil war, ethnic and religious persecution, pain, hardship, even torture and the death of their loved ones. They were from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Burma and Iraq; they were Muslims, Christians, Atheists and Buddhists. They had arrived in Australia on crowded boats without visas. They came asking for help.

And I was forced to ask myself: how should I respond? I knew what I felt, seeing those people face to face, was compassion. But as a Christian, I wondered how God would feel about this.

It might seem strange that God might feel anything. Isn’t He distant and cold, only worried about whether people obey his rules?

Well in the rule-book of Deuteronomy, it says that God

“defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you giving them food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:18)

To the prophet Malachi, God warns that he will judge

“those who defraud labourers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me.” (Malachi 3:5)

Jesus tells a story about how his people should have compassion for those who suffer – read it here: Matthew 25:31-46

As you can see, love is Jesus’ number one priority. And he wants his people to have compassion on the hungry, the thirsty, strangers, and those in prison. We so quickly forget these people, or think of them as a ‘problem’ in need of a ‘solution’ – but Jesus doesn’t.

Australians are trying to figure out how to treat asylum seekers – especially those who arrive by boat. Should we let them in, or lock them up? Should we try to deter them from getting on dangerous boats? I don’t have a simple answer to Australia’s border protection policy. But I do know that Jesus wants us to have an attitude of compassion to people in need – to treat them with kindness and dignity – no matter who they are or where they are from. Because Jesus is compassionate.

Johnny Sharpe is Youth & Young Adults Minister at St Stephens Anglican Church, Belrose

Jesus is worth it?

Everything has a price. Nothing is free these days, everything has a price and the prices keep rising.

Education, child care, petrol, holidays, bread, electricity, houses, health insurance… Everything keeps getting more expensive. And at some point you need to ask: Is it worth it? Can you find a cheaper option or should you just go without? That’s normal.

That’s how it is with most things, but what about Jesus?

What is knowing Jesus worth? What will it cost?

These are questions some people ask. They’re questions Jesus actually asked his first followers. He encouraged them to think first before saying they would follow him.

And why? Because following Jesus is no small thing. Being a disciple of Jesus was a very big deal back then. It was a very costly thing.

Jesus said that following him meant giving up your very life. Not so encouraging maybe! So the question needs to be asked – was it worth it?  Is it worth is today?

My answer: there is only one way to find out! And the path to finding out starts with completing the sentence for yourself: ‘Jesus is _____.’ Who is Jesus? It’s only as you answer that question for yourself, that you’ll know if it’s worth it.

Of course, as you answer the questions, you may just find yourself joining with millions of others who have already come to a fantastic conclusion already – that Jesus is… worth it!

Dave Lanham is minister at Frenchs Forest Anglican Church

Jesus is simple.

Jesus is simple to read and understand.

But this may not have been your experience. You may have heard sermons at school or church that left you confused. You may have tried to read the Bible but found yourself puzzled or bogged down.

Plenty of people have given up reading the Bible because it’s just too hard. But I reckon Jesus really is simple to read and understand once you know what questions to ask.

Take the New Testament book of Mark for example.

Mark wrote the first 8 chapters of his book to get us thinking about who Jesus is. He wrote the last 8 chapters to get us thinking about why Jesus came. So if you start reading Mark with the question, ‘who is Jesus?’ in mind, then you’ll be off to a good start.

I’ll walk you through: Grab a Bible and open it to Mark (use the contents page to find it), alternatively go here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+1&version=NIV Most Bibles have the text broken up into paragraphs to help with reading. So, read the first paragraph. In Mark it’s chapter 1 verses 1-8. Read it twice as you’ll understand more the second time. Now. Who is Jesus? Mark tells us he’s the  Son of God. Simple.

Next Mark tells us that a bloke called Isaiah said a long time earlier that a messenger would come and prepare the way for the Lord. What’s going on here? Well, Mark introduces us to John the Baptist – a man with a message. He must be the messenger Isaiah spoke about. John’s message is that after him comes someone more powerful than him; someone who will baptise with the Holy Spirit. Who could this be? Now read verse 9 where Jesus appears on the scene. Jesus arrives after the messenger.

So. Who is Jesus? Mark is telling us that Jesus is the Son of God (we got that from verse 1). That Jesus is the Lord (since the Lord comes after the messenger in verse 3).That  Jesus is the powerful one (from verse 7), and  that Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit (from verse 8). All that from just the first paragraph. Imagine what you might learn about Jesus from the rest of Mark’s letter.

Why not read on in Mark? You’ll meet lots of characters who are all trying to work out who Jesus is. His actions and teaching will give the clues to his identity. Even if you don’t understand something at first, read on, it will become clearer.

If you’d like to read Mark with someone, please get in touch with one of the churches here.

Richard Mason was the minister at Holy Trinity Beacon Hill

Jesus is my refuge.

He’s my encourager. The one person who I know will never let me down. Even when things don’t work out the way I want them to, I know he’s got my back and my best interests at heart. As someone who can suffer from depression, he came to me at a time when I was at my worst and showed me real love, he showed me healing, he showed me trust. He showed me life. Everlasting life!

Even though I was undeserving (and still am) and I’d turned my back on him, he found me and rescued me. And continues to show me his mercy by strengthening me and blessing me every day. After all Jesus doesn’t promise flower-strewn pathways or peace without pain, but strength for the day, grace for the trials, and a safe journey home. Jesus is my refuge!

Stephanie Porteous attends St Matt’s on The Corso in Manly. 

Jesus is a denial of reason.

At first glance, such a statement seems out of place. How can a person be a denial of reason? It confuses two categories. We analyse ideas with our rationality. Ideas are reasonable, but to call a person a denial of reason seems to suggest the person is an affront to our rationality.

If this is the case, they are exactly right! Jesus is even more catastrophic for our reason than we realise.

The coming of Jesus shows us that we humans are completely unable to help ourselves. Humans have done so well on earth because we possess a great capacity to solve problems. We apply our reason to seemingly intractable issues and we are able to chart a way forward – the very technology on which you are reading this is testimony to the human capacity for reason and problem-solving.

But there is one problem which we cannot solve. We have not lived with God as God. We have made ourselves gods instead. We therefore face the judgment of God. The variety of religious experience around the world testifies to human attempts to solve the problem of our relationship with God. But we cannot do it! Instead Jesus comes and solves the problem for us. He represents a denial that our reason or our effort or our devotion can fix our status before God.

Jesus is a denial of reason. He is a denial that our reason can fix our deepest need. To make that realization and to meet Jesus in the Bible is to meet someone who is very reasonable and to trust him is in fact the most rational act a person can commit, for by it we admit the failings of our reason. Why not make that step today?

Jason Ramsay was minister at Newport Anglican.

Jesus is Everything.

Balanced lifestyle.
Balanced diet.
Work-life balance.
Balanced budget.

We live in a society that promotes balance – a thoughtful mix of positive elements – as the ideal life.

My life is joyfully unbalanced. Jesus is everything.

I hold a Masters degree from one of the best universities in Sydney but I left behind a career to tell people about Jesus. I grew up in a place I love, but chose to leave this year so that I could be in a place where Jesus is less known. I earn enough money to experience the world through travel, but chose to give it away to Jesus’ church. I have a fiancé I can’t wait to marry, but we love Jesus far more than we love each other.

Paul was a founder of the early church, who persecuted Christians until he encountered Jesus on the road and became a Christian himself. In the face of prison and hardship and possible death, he said

‘I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace’ (Acts 20:24).

If Paul’s life couldn’t be used for the task that Jesus gave him, it was worth nothing to him. The good news of God’s grace, that Jesus came to earth as a man to die in our place as our substitute, is worth everything because it brings life eternal to everyone who hears and believes.

Jesus was Paul’s everything.

Are you striving for balance?
Have you ever wondered if there might be something that’s worth everything?

Brie Fist attends the Barrenjoey Anglican Churches

Jesus is My Favourite.

Who is your favourite person?

Your brother?
Sister?
Mum?
Dad?
Girlfriend?
Boyfriend?
Wife?
Husband?
Best friend?

I’m getting married in April.
So I’m probably supposed to say that my favourite is my fiancé.
But she’s not.

As great as my fiancé is – I asked her to marry me, so I like her quite a lot – she’s not my favourite.

As great as my best man is – he’s flying back from Scotland for the wedding – he’s not my favourite.

I like people who are good to me.
And I especially like people who are good to me even when I’m not good to them.

It’s easy to be good to people who are good to you.
But people who are good even when I am bad, that’s taking it to the next level.

My fiancé doesn’t see as much bad stuff in me as Jesus does.
You and I both have tendencies that we know all too well that we know are brutally offensive to the God who made us.

My best man doesn’t see as much bad stuff in me as Jesus does.
You and I both have tendencies that we realise aren’t what our creator wants.

And my fiancé didn’t choose to die for me in the face of all those things.
My best man didn’t choose to leave heaven to come to earth to die in my place for my sins as my substitute.

But Jesus did.

He’s my favourite.

Tom Pattison attends the Barrenjoey Anglican Churches

Jesus is Hard to Believe.

Christians say a lot of ridiculous things. And surely the most ridiculous is this; that Jesus died and rose again. Surely that’s the point where it becomes a bit too difficult to believe. “Sure, Jesus probably had some seriously legit things to say, and people seemed to think he was pretty special. But rising from the dead? That’s ridiculous.” And I reckon you’re right.

That IS ridiculous. Absurd.

But what if?

What if he did?

If Jesus did somehow managed to stop being dead; surely that’s a big deal. Surely that changes the way we look at his life. Surely that changes the way we hear the things he said about life and death. If someone rose from the dead right now claiming to know how to defeat death, I’d want to hear them out. If he claimed to be the Saviour of the world, the only person who could possibly save us from the consequences of our rebellion towards God, and also claimed he would rise from the dead in order to prove he had authority over life and death. Surely you’d want to investigate that claim.

What if he didn’t?

Then he’s just another dude in history who died. Said some cool things, but died. Just like everyone else.

This isn’t something you can possibly respond to with ‘meh.’ It either changes everything or nothing. It either means that Jesus is the Saviour who can save us, has authority over life and death, or he’s just a liar, and is worth nothing. This isn’t something you can respond to with ‘meh.’

But how can we know?

There are a whole bunch of reasons why I’m convinced that Jesus did rise. One of them is that almost all of the disciples who claimed he was alive again were executed for what they believed. Surely at the point where someone threatens to boil you alive in hot oil you concede. You admit to everyone it was just a lie. And YET, most of the disciples were executed. They were killed for what they claimed. This isn’t the kind of thing you do just for a laugh, to try and pull one over your mates. This isn’t the kind of thing you proclaim based on a hunch. They really believed it. So much so that they would die defending it.

Would you die for a lie?

I would love for you to investigate this for yourself. Keep digging. Keep searching. This isn’t something you can respond to with ‘meh.’ If this is true, it might just be the only thing that’s important.

Luke Graham attends the Barrenjoey Anglican Churches

Jesus is The Man of Steel.

Since childhood I have always been a fan of comics and superheroes in particular. In 1978 when they were filming the Superman movie at North Narrabeen Beach, I remember hoping to catch a glimpse of Christopher Reeve in the spandex suit. Sadly, I think only Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) was in that part.

With the newest adaptation comes a darker plot emphasising the ‘difference’ between Henry Cavill’s character and the people among whom he now lives. Superman is bullied as a kid because he is different, and for the same reason he is shunned by others who catch a glimpse of his abilities. But in the end he does ‘save’ the world, while convincing the authorities that he is on their side, and we can’t wait to see what he’s going to do to Batman next time.

As we know, comics and superheroes are not real. At best they’re an escape from the reality which we sometimes find threatening. But Jesus is real, he really lived, he is not just a myth or an invention of clever human beings.

Unlike Superman, who lives to fight another day (and another fictitious villain), Jesus died. But it is his death that saves us. God raised him from death to demonstrate that Jesus has defeated the enemy we could never defeat. It’s not General Zod who is our enemy, it is death itself. And since Jesus is alive, we too can live, for ever.

The Bible tells us, “Jesus himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed”. (1 Peter 2:24, Good News Version)

I am looking forward to the further adventures of Superman, and I am sure I will enjoy them. But far more than that, I know that Jesus has defeated death for me, and it is his loving sacrifice that conquers all fear.
John Reid is minister at St John’s Mona Vale

Jesus is My Anchor.

Life is full of distractions and temptations. The urgent overwhelms the important. Material things overwhelm spiritual things, at least in our culture. We can be distracted from reflecting on the richer things concerning eternity. Then the drift away from eternity begins, our culture teaches us to live for the now and not for the then.

God busts into this thinking to remind us where true hope lies. Hebrews 6 says “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” That is our hope for eternity is secured by Jesus. Jesus is an anchor. Through his death and resurrection he has become an anchor for our souls. Raised from the dead for our forgiveness, seated at the right hand of God, he secures our place in eternity. He lives to serve us in this way.

The picture of the anchor works for us. It reminds us of the boat secured in a storm, or the dinghy strengthened against the drift of the tide. Jesus is that for us in eternity. Jesus is an anchor. Jesus alone stops the drift and secures our soul. Jesus alone is seated in heaven securing our place.

Jesus alone is worthy to have our souls entrusted to him. I encourage you to reflect on Jesus. In this way the urgent things that hustle us around in everyday life seem less pressing and less important. Fix your thoughts on him for the sake of your soul. In him alone our hope for eternity lies.

Jesus is the anchor for your soul, trust him!

Gavin Parsons is Senior Minister at St. David’s Forestville Anglican

Jesus is my favourite revolutionary.

Reading about people who have stood up against the establishment is something that I have always enjoyed. Whether it’s Che Geuvara, George Washington or Ghandi! They were men who showed courage and were prepared to die for what they believed in. They have inspired millions throughout history to join revolutionary causes. I have appreciated reading about these political revolutionaries and have learned much from them. However, Jesus is my favourite revolutionary by a country mile. Why?

Jesus example warrants marvel: Even in the agonies of crucifixion, Jesus’ prayer for his enemies is astonishing, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 24:34)

Jesus’ words are truly revolutionary, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill- treat you.” (Luke 6:27-28) Imagine a world where these commands were obeyed!

Jesus’ power and compassion point to his true identity; A grieving widow loses her only son to the clutches of death only to find that Jesus has the compassion and authority to bring this dead man back to life. ‘When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said “Young man, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother’. (Luke 7:14-15)

Ultimately, Jesus is my favourite revolutionary because he lifts my vision beyond the selfish narcissism of my generation through his selfless love. He confronts my petty addiction to consumption through his call to justice and righteousness. He encourages the best in humanity through his command to love your enemies and he proves to be the only revolutionary leader who conquered the grave. Jesus is my favourite revolutionary because he revolutionised my life and he can do the same for you. Why not take a look yourself?

Daniel Ryan is minister at Northern Beaches Church in Curl Curl
daniel_ryanau@yahoo.com.au